A Darker Shade of Magic
Chapter 40: Masquerade I
by Schwab, V. E.Lila approaches the grand palace, illuminated by the setting sun, as the bustling market around her transforms into a lively festival. Determined to infiltrate the palace without relying on the magical stone in her pocket, she searches for an alternative entrance. Her opportunity arises when she notices a masquerade ball underway, with guests in elaborate disguises ascending the palace steps. Realizing the anonymity a mask provides, Lila grins at the prospect of blending in—though she still lacks an invitation. Her luck turns when she spots three young girls, whom she recognizes from earlier, and deftly pickpockets one of their invitations.
Despite securing an invitation, Lila hesitates to join the procession of lavishly dressed guests, acutely aware of her shabby attire. She retreats to a nearby market stall selling masks and fineries, drawn to a striking black horned mask. The merchant, a woman named Calla, recognizes Lila from an earlier encounter with Kell, a royal figure. Though Lila attempts to barter with a bloodstained watch, Calla refuses payment, offering the mask and attire as a gesture of goodwill, hinting at a future debt to be repaid in an unconventional manner.
Calla assists Lila in selecting an outfit, though Lila surprises her by choosing a men’s coat over traditional gowns. The merchant, though puzzled, respects her preference and helps her find suitable boots. Lila’s determination to disguise herself as a male guest reflects her desire for control and anonymity, as well as her rejection of societal expectations. The interaction highlights the cultural nuances of Arnesian transactions, where debts are not always settled with coin but through unspoken obligations.
As palace bells ring, signaling the ball’s commencement, Lila accepts Calla’s generosity, though it unsettles her to owe a favor. The chapter underscores Lila’s resourcefulness and adaptability, as well as her internal conflict between self-reliance and the necessity of relying on others. The masquerade serves as both a literal and metaphorical veil, allowing her to navigate a world where appearances and alliances are fluid, and where her connection to Kell opens unexpected doors.
FAQs
1. What internal conflict does Lila face regarding the use of magic, and how does this reflect her character traits?
Answer:
Lila struggles with the temptation to use the magical stone in her pocket to gain entry to the palace, as it offers an “easy answer.” However, she resists, deciding to use magic only as a last resort because it “takes too much, and does so with the quiet cunning of a thief.” This internal conflict highlights her self-reliance, distrust of magical shortcuts, and preference for solving problems through her own ingenuity. It also reveals her awareness of magic’s costs, showing a pragmatic side that weighs risks against benefits.2. How does the masquerade setting serve as both an opportunity and a challenge for Lila’s plans?
Answer:
The masquerade provides Lila with the perfect opportunity to infiltrate the palace unnoticed, as the disguises allow her to hide her identity. However, it also presents challenges: she lacks an invitation and proper attire. Her solution—stealing an invitation and acquiring a disguise—demonstrates her adaptability. The scene underscores the theme of deception and identity, as the masquerade’s anonymity aids her mission while forcing her to confront her socioeconomic limitations (e.g., her “threadbare cloak” making her stand out among the glittering guests).3. Analyze the significance of Lila’s interaction with the merchant Calla. What does it reveal about cultural values in this society?
Answer:
Calla’s willingness to provide Lila with clothing without immediate payment reflects the Arnesian cultural concept of reciprocal debt, where favors are repaid “in many ways” and “in your own time.” This contrasts with Lila’s discomfort with charity, revealing her independent, transactional worldview. Calla’s kindness also stems from her admiration for Kell, showing how social connections (or perceived connections) function as currency. The interaction highlights themes of generosity, obligation, and the fluidity of value in this society.4. Why does Lila choose a men’s coat over traditional feminine attire for the masquerade, and what might this symbolize?
Answer:
Lila gravitates toward “men’s coats with strong shoulders and high collars” instead of dresses, rejecting Calla’s suggestion of a corset or train. This choice symbolizes her rejection of conventional femininity and societal expectations, aligning with her rebellious, nonconformist identity. The masculine attire may also reflect her desire for practicality and power, as the clothing’s structure mirrors her assertive personality. Historically, disguising as a man grants her freedom in male-dominated spaces, reinforcing her agency.5. How does language (English vs. Arnesian) function as a tool of both inclusion and exclusion in this chapter?
Answer:
Language acts as a social barrier and a weapon: Lila’s English accent, which would normally mark her as an outsider, becomes an asset at the royal masquerade, where it signals elite status. Meanwhile, her inability to speak Arnesian forces her to rely on others (e.g., Calla) for translation, exposing vulnerabilities. The chapter contrasts the girls’ pride in their English skills with Lila’s strategic use of language to blend in, illustrating how linguistic fluency can dictate belonging in this stratified society.
Quotes
1. “The stone pulsed in her pocket, luring her with its easy answer, but she’d made a decision not to use the magic again, not unless she had no other choice. It took too much, and did so with the quiet cunning of a thief.”
This quote captures Lila’s internal conflict with magic—its allure versus its cost. It establishes her resolve to rely on her own skills rather than supernatural shortcuts, reflecting her self-reliant nature and foreshadowing future struggles with power.
2. “She wouldn’t need to be a member of society to get in. She need never show her face.”
This moment highlights Lila’s cunning adaptability when she realizes the masquerade provides the perfect cover for infiltration. The quote embodies her outsider status and talent for blending into shadows, a recurring theme in her character arc.
3. “Lila would rather steal a thing outright than be indebted to kindness.”
This stark declaration reveals Lila’s deep distrust of generosity and preference for transactional relationships. It underscores her survivalist mentality and the emotional barriers she maintains, even when help is freely offered.
4. “Arnesians pay their debts in many ways. Not all of them with coin.”
Calla’s wisdom introduces a key cultural contrast—the Arnesian concept of reciprocal obligation versus Lila’s rigid self-sufficiency. This exchange marks a pivotal moment where Lila begins to reluctantly accept help, hinting at her gradual integration into this world.
5. “If you’re set on that direction, I will find you some boots.”
Calla’s acceptance of Lila’s choice to wear masculine attire subtly challenges gender norms. This brief exchange speaks volumes about Lila’s rejection of societal expectations and the merchant’s open-mindedness in a seemingly traditional setting.