Interlude
Not too far above the chaos, Eigengrau and Vordea sat on the highest tower, and watched the fighting unfold below them. Eigengrau was chewing on a fish, while Vordea had opted to just drink spirits.
"Quite lively, aren't they?" Vordea said, observing Marvin stepping up to lead the reinforcements as if he had done it for his whole life.
"They are finally fulfilling roles they had been destined for. Watch Captain Marvin will become a formidable guard commander, keeping the Imperial Castle safe from all threats. Head Butler Jacob O'Malley is a force to be reckoned with, his mastery at reading the mood a great boon for the Empress." Eigengrau stated, pausing to speak.
"And the three inside?" Vordea asked with a smile.
"Empress Rebecca Ashe. The first of a very long line of rulers. The first Ashen Empress." Eigengrau continued, chuckling. She opened her mouth wide and swallowed the rest of the fish in one bite. "Victoria Valorian I am sorry to say does not have long to go."
"Oh?"
"Less than a year. It will be interesting to see how she dies." Eigengrau said, kicking her feet against the ledge. "Dear Catherine is... a special soul. She will be collected personally, when the time comes."
"Intriguing. The King's actually here, right? You better not be blue-balling me with this." Vordea said, finishing the bottle and tossing it down below.
"Of course he is. Want to go watch?" Eigengrau asked. Vordea nodded, and Eigengrau pushed off the ledge, landing in the courtyard below.
Vordea followed, and the two of them walked into the palace, ignored by everyone around them. As they made their way around the trees and vines in the hallways, and over more than a few dead bodies, Vordea stopped and gestured toward a door.
"Eigengrau, when was the last time you danced?" Vordea asked, smiling.
"It's been an age, at least." Eigengrau admitted. "What are you suggesting?"
"Come on." Vordea said, grabbing Eigengrau's hand as her armour gave way to a black ball gown. Her gauntlets softened until they became elbow length black gloves, and she twirled, her gown flowing. When she pushed the door open, a sight of rubble and vines greeted her, causing Vordea to shake her head. With a snap of her fingers, the ball room floor was cleared. As she led Eigengrau into the room, a flash of light filled the room and Agbus arrived, holding a violin. Saying nothing and simply nodding, Agbus began to play the violin. "Lady Death, may I have this dance?" Vordea asked, bowing.
"Oh very well." Eigengrau answered, clapping her hands. Her functional grey robes expanded and transformed, until Eigengrau was wearing a glittering grey ball gown with a plunging neckline and a shiny grey collar. Her hair lengthened slightly, growing enough to reach her shoulders, and she smiled as she took Vordea's hand and kissed it. "I would love to, Lady Chaos."
Eigengrau and Vordea said nothing as they waltzed in the empty ballroom. As Eigengrau was taller, she took the lead, and the two kept their eyes locked the entire time. Sheets of completely transparent ice covered the ball room doors and walls, prohibiting entry into their respite. Under different circumstances, Vordea thought as they danced, they might have been lovers. But they had known each other for far too long. They knew everything about each other, they were far more than lovers or friends by this point.
"Eigengrau." Vordea whispered.
"Yes, Vordea?" Eigengrau asked, holding her as they danced.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"Everything." Vordea said, closing her eyes.
Eigengrau smiled. So old, so sentimental. That was just like her best friend, though. So gentle, despite herself.
They danced for nearly half an hour, paying no mind to the outside world for the moment. At one point, Victoria and Kate stopped to observe them through the ice wall for a bit, before moving on. Eventually, Agbus stopped playing. Vordea looked over at him, and waved.
"Thank you, Agbus." She said, still holding on to Eigengrau in the middle of the ballroom.
"You're welcome." Agbus answered, disappearing in another flash of light.
"Shall we move on?" Eigengrau asked, looking down at Vordea.
"Yes." Vordea answered, as she became covered in her black armour again in an instant.
Eigengrau nodded, her ball gown shrinking until she was once again wearing her plain grey robes. The icy barriers around them melted, as they walked out of the now silent ballroom, and back into the chaos of the rest of the palace.