Twin Lives

The following day, Adeline found herself once again standing before the weathered door of the Silver Stag Inn. This time, she was alone, having decided against involving Cordelia in her reckless pursuit. Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door and stepped inside.

As Adeline and Cordelia approached the Silver Stag Inn, the stark contrast between this part of the city and their usual haunts became increasingly apparent. The cobblestone streets gave way to muddy paths, and the air was thick with the pungent odors of unwashed bodies and stale ale.

The morning after the ball, Adeline woke early, her mind still buzzing with thoughts of the previous night's events. She dressed quickly, forgoing her usual elaborate hairstyle for a simple braid, and made her way downstairs.

As the grand doors closed behind the elf, a palpable tension lingered in the air. The usual chatter of the ball slowly resumed, but it was clear that the unexpected interruption had left its mark on the evening's proceedings.

As Thomas approached, bowing deeply before Adeline and her friends, the grand doors at the far end of the ballroom suddenly swung open with a resounding creak. A hush fell over the crowd, conversations dying mid-sentence as all eyes turned towards the unexpected interruption.

As they stepped into the ballroom, Adeline couldn't help but be momentarily awestruck by the sheer grandeur of the scene before her. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, their light reflecting off the polished marble floors and creating a dazzling display.

As they boarded the carriage, Adeline settled into her seat across from her mother, smoothing her gown carefully. The coachman cracked his whip, and they set off through the cobblestone streets of the city.

"We haven't seen their kind here in years," Maribeth said.