Masquerade

Chausiku hated formal events. Always feeling both overdressed and naked at the same time. But a job was a job and no matter how much she would have preferred to be in her armour it would never do for a lady, even at Masquerade, to be dressed for war.  
Tonight she was a daughter of a wealthy merchant being escorted by her brother, a role begrudgingly portrayed by Hans. The job was straight forward; deliver a message, accidentally, to the prince. Simple enough except it had to be Masquerade so the first challenge would be identifying her mark. At her side Hans was fidgeting so she elbowed in the ribs.  
"Brother dear, remember where we are; and be thankful you can breath." 
"Not so sure about that. I look and feel like a duck who's swallowed a plate." 
She smiled, even when out of his comfort zone he was still better company than either the mage or the priest. 
"We need to find his highness. You know what to look for?" 
 "Sure, we just need to find the duck in the royal colours." 
"I'll make a rogue of you yet; ok lets us mingle and work the room." 
They walked to the dance floor and danced with a series of partners. She had danced with a score of bold knights, three Dukes, six false princes and one overly friendly merchant's son who she suspected was actually a daughter before Hans caught her eye and looked towards a very well dressed man. Four of the men dancing round him were paying more attention to the crowd than their partners; who they changed only amongst themselves. It took Chausiku a couple more partners before he cut in. He was obviously a man used to getting his own way, hardly bothering to look her in the eye as they danced. Putting this distraction to good use she slipped the letter where he would find it when he got undressed, or at least in the morning. The dance finished and the prince was almost drooling when they bowed to each other. Hans had vanished but she had a good idea what he was up to. He could be quite a charmer when he choose to and the mask would hide the brand which helped. All this dancing had left her hungry so she went on the hunt for refreshments. She did not notice the strange movements amongst the guests.
She had just intercepted the canopies when the first quarrel hit home. Most of guests looked at the dying guard. Chausiku and the other guards looked for the attacker. There were five of them converging on the prince and his remaining guards. This seemed unfair and inconvenient as dead do not read let alone act on letters. So she grabbed the tray on canapés from the startled server and sent it flying towards the lead attacker. As she ducked under the buffet there was a satisfying thud. Drawing a dagger from her boot she set about removing her overdress. The clash of steel told her that the guards had used the opportunity that she had provided to engage the attackers. Once free of the dress Chausiku peeked out from under the buffet table. The ball had descended into a melee with attackers, guards and guests all fighting with the only pattern being those who fought for the prince had discarded their masks. The Prince was down with a bolt though his leg. The assailant who stood over the prone prince was too busy gloating to notice Chausiku approaching until her blade slipped silently through his throat. Relieving the dead man of his sword she assessed the prince's state. He was bleeding steadily from his leg wound and was in no state to fight. Quickly tournequeting the leg with the ribbon of her mask she then dragged him out of sight.  
When she looked out it appeared that the attackers were gaining the upper hand which would never do. She moved behind one of the crossbow men who was focused on reloading. He unfortunately did not die quietly. Across the ballroom eyes turned towards her. This was neither the quality or quantity of attention that she liked. A large man who must have been at least part orc came towards her. 
"So, little girl wants to play like big man?" 
He swung his bastard sword with a grunt. Chausiku barely avoided the blow. This was not how she would have chosen to fight. Her borrowed sword was too heavy for her to wield for any length of time or with any skill. Exhaustion would quickly overcome her. 
"You see your death little girl?" 
She was lost so resorted to praying to every god she could remember. A shadow appeared next to her opponent as if in answer to one of her prayers. 
"Mind if I cut in?" Said Hans as he smashed the pommel of his sword into the other man's jaw. 
With the big man staggered Hans winked and tossed Chausiku a rapier. Catching it out of the air she saluted her oddly pantless friend. She was about to inquire when a growl announced the return to the fray of the big man. Hans effortlessly parried the attacks whilst giving ground slowly. 
"are you a swordsman or a woodsman?" Taunted Hans as he deftly side-stepped a blow. 
The big man was so fixated on Hans that he did not notice Chausiku flanking him. Hans stumbled and the big man moved to take advantage with what he though would be a devastating overhead blow. His arms were above his head when Chausiku struck. Her rapier's narrow blade piercing his armpit and plunging on through his heart. Hans was back on his feet before the big man hit the ground. 
"Looks like he's a deadman now." Said Chausiku. 
"And you'll both be joining him real soon, I assure you." Said the last of the attackers as he advanced flanked by a half dozen of the party guests. 
"Seven to two; hardly seems fair." Hans remarked. 
"Well I could always sit this one out if you'd like?"   
"Oh, you know how much I love doing my favourite thing with my favourite girl." 
They moved to the centre of the room with their backs towards each other as their attackers surrounded them. Chausiku's foot brushed against the dented and discarded canapé tray. With her foot slipped under it she flipped it up into her empty hand. Without a noticeable pause she flung it half heartily at the nearest attacker. There was no chance of it doing any real harm but the time it took him to parry it away gave Chausiku her opening. A quick thrust and it was six to two. Hans also made good use of the distraction sundering the head of one attacker then using the momentum to pommel another. Stepping into the reach of her next attacker Chausiku used her knee in a most unladylike manner to disable him. The last attackers standing backed warily away from the half dressed pair in front of them. 
"Maybe we can make a deal?" 
"Sure; yield and we won't kill ya." 
"Nev..." Said the lead attacker who was cut short by the appearance of a quarrel in his throat. 
The prince let the crossbow drop to the floor with a clatter as he slumped back against the wall. 
"As I was saying yield or die." Said Chausiku.
The remaining attackers courage abandoned them and they choose the better part of valour and sank to their knees in surrender. Their weapons were still clattering onto the floor as Chausiku started to bind their hands. After they were secured she recovered her dress from beneath the buffet. Hans was checking that the prince would not die on them. She could hear footsteps approaching. 
"I think dear brother it is time for us to leave." 
"Yes, let's" 
They walked quickly out of the ballroom avoiding the approaching guards. Once out of the grounds Chausiku pulled on the tattered remains of her dress. 
"Not a bad nights work." 
"Got to do two of my favourite things."Hans grinned. 
"But only one with me." 
"I don't shit where I eat." 
"Well lets get back to the inn and we can do your third favourite thing. Once I'm in something more comfortable."