Lynnette+Aether: Tangled Tail and Monstrous Mask

Lynette

(My tail—! If anyone sees, the masquerade is ruined...)

Traveler

Allow me, mademoiselle. A loose ribbon can topple an empire.

Lynette

Hurry—Countess Arlecchino is circling. One glance and she’ll know.

Lynette

(His fingers are warm through the gloves... focus, Lynette!)

Traveler

Such a delicate knot for such a dangerous secret. Do you purr when properly tied?

Lynette

(The ribbon snapped—my mask! It’s slipping—)

Traveler

Keep your face against my shoulder. Let them wonder whose heart beats this fast.

Lynette

Aether’s still staring. Two can play this game.

Traveler

(She asked him to twirl her again. Keep your voice low; they’re watching.)

Traveler

Ladies and lords, prepare yourselves—Mlle Lynette will gift us a magician’s spectacle.

Lynette

(He wouldn’t—he did. Every gaze is on me now.)

Traveler

Cards, ribbons, perhaps vanishing tails? Show them all.

Lynette

Very well—if the outlander wishes a trick, let’s begin with making hearts disappear.

Traveler

(Was that aimed at me… or the entire room?)

Lynette

You just had to turn me into the evening's entertainment.

Lynette

(My heart's still racing from that near-disaster.)

Traveler

And you performed magnificently. Though I prefer you without the mask.

Lynette

You compromised my cover. The Fatui have eyes everywhere.

Lynette

One whisper about my tail and this entire operation collapses.

Traveler

Then let's give them something else to watch.

Traveler

(She's trembling. Not from fear—she's planning something.)

Lynette

(He's up to something. That look means trouble.)

Traveler

Ladies and gentlemen! The magician requires her assistant for the grand finale!

Lynette

(He's not—he can't—oh gods, he just did.)

Traveler

Shall we show them real magic, Lynette? Or should I call you by your true name?

Lynette

(He brushed my ear—no, no, no...)

Traveler

Lyney’s little sister… the Court Magician’s true shadow.

Lynette

Say that name again and I’ll vanish you in front of every witness.

Traveler

(Her tail’s pinned by only a thread—one tug and the beast is free.)

Lynette

(That sound—I mewled—!)

Traveler

Behold—the final reveal!

Lynette

Catch me if you can, outlander!

Traveler

(She vanished into the masquerade—leaving only her scent and a single black glove.)