1. 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌𝐔𝐒𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 ? did they elect to hide their face ––– to wear a mask, as is the custom of above ?
Azrael truly had no choice in deciding whether or not to hide his face with a mask. As the scholar for his patrons, he is, in many ways, their property. It is expected that he will attend balls such as these, and he would never be permitted to complete official business without a mask. The mask itself is owl-like, extremely detailed with feather-like carvings and etched lines, but it is light weight and covers mostly the area around his eyes. His smile is visible in this mask, though his cheeks are slightly covered, and he feels it distorts his true outward expressions of feelings.
As for wearing the mask, Azra hates it. He loathes how it makes him feel owned, and brands him as a member of a family he does not share blood with. He has a strained relationship with his patrons, and though perhaps well-intentioned, he feels the owl marks him for the only thing he’s ‘good’ for according to his benefactors ––– his intelligence.
His clothing is self-purchased, but suitable for someone of his position and wealth. The clothes are well made, tailored to fit him perfectly. He’s chosen a light color with intricate detailing, and is wearing the medals and honors presented to him for his work as a scholar. That portion, was not his choice, but rather his patrons, as they wished to demonstrate the superiority of their official scholar to the public.
2. HOW DO THEY FEEL ABOUT THE SITUATION ? do they intend to drink wine and be merry, or would they rather be anywhere else but here, at the winter palace? / 3. WHAT ARE THEY HIDING?
Azra would much rather be curled up with his cat ( though she’d never permit that ) in his study, than at this ball. That being said, he’s very much used to attending such events. He’s planning to do his part to represent his patrons with dignity, but he cannot help but be drawn in by the rumors and whispers of this new company. He wants to know who they are, and what their intentions in the Capitol are.
As for secrets, Azra has very few. He loathes how pretend and fake everything Above is, and tries his best to not play in to such games. Still, he is missing a certain Langley brother, and cannot help but wonder if the rumors and whispers are in fact speaking of him. Their relationship isn’t something he shared very much about with his patrons. He also would not like his true feelings toward his patrons to get out. While he does not trust them, and while he feels they have done many wrongs, they also shelter and provide for him. He cannot risk that.
The last thing Azra expects is for this night to be any different than the multitude of other balls he’s attended. He hopes to make talk with others of like mind, hear stories of places far away, and try his best to avoid thinking too deeply about what he’s lost.
photo credit: @archerlangley
