Bluff

“Who’s back there? Show yourself.” The lady knight called out, her armor rustling as she took a step forward

Moving slowly and as quietly as he could, Kelly slid back a bit towards the wall of the building behind him. If he could just keep the bush between himself and their vision, he might be able to slip back and away before she could round the hedge and see him.

Even if she did, he probably should try to pose as a lost new member of the guard transferring in. Should buy him enough time to achieve his mission…

He was lost in thought with his plan and didn’t see the root jutting from the ground behind him until, with a rather undignified yelp, Kelly tripped backwards and falling into a pool of water.

“W-w-ahhh!”

He pulled himself upright, coughing and sputtering leaned up from where he had fallen into the waist deep water. He was soaked, he tunic clinging to his body under his leather armor. In his tumble, he had lost his hair tie, and his blonde hair now fell over his face and shoulders.

“Are…you ok?”

Kelly froze, looking up slowly. The three stood over him, giving him suspicious looks. The one girl, Cherry, had extended a hand despite this.

The knight, Mary had her spear at her side, however. “Who are you? What’s your business here?”

Kelly cleared his throat, stifling the coughing still trying to make its way as he accepted Cherry’s hand to stand.

“I’m…new. I got lost.”

Kelly blinked. His voice was a bit strained from coughing and came out soft and quiet. Luckily, it was still loud enough to be heard so he was able to explain himself.

Mary gave him a slow look over. “New…?” Her eyes lingered on his armor and half-obscured face. “You seem a bit delicate for a guard.”

Delicate…? Well, his soft face had always given people that imp-

“Mary, she might not mean as a guard.” The other girl, Tami, put a hand on her hip. “Do you mean you’re a new dancer? There were supposed to be a few new girls showing up this month.”

D-dancer?! Him?

Kelly’s mouth fell open. This had gotten really crazy really fast. It was pretty likely the only reason he hadn’t been carted off already to the dungeon was because all three had assumed he was a girl. What was he supposed to do now?

He was already caught, but now he had to be really careful with what he said. Apparently, Rosenburg has expected new dancers so he wouldn’t be under as much scrutiny. On the other hand, passing as a guard would likely give him a means to be armed again…