RECAP
"You all can now get dispersed" I barked an order again and they all went on with what they were doing, again .
I don't even understand why it feels I'm used to such statements. I'm not even thinking it through before opening my mouth.
'Does that mean there are two souls in one body?' My breath hitched at this point. Well, it really did make sense. A part of me couldn't even decipher my whole existence and another part of me is controlling a thousand men in the tip of her fingers.
What could possibly justify this?
Ch 08- Making of Vivienne
Lily (Vivienne's) PoV
I had a luxurious shower. I was of course anxious since it was just a camping tent, after all. Like… anyone could peek, right? I know none of them won't dare, but still….
I'm now sitting in front of a mirror, taking in my appearance while the maid helped me with my dressing up.
She first gave me a long hooded leather dress, probably meant for archery. I put it on and then she helped me tie all the tags firmly along my waist's either sides. This robe looks damn heavy but it's not. Trust me when I say it fit me like a second skin, a more rigid one at that. She went to get my breastplate, pauldron, tabard, greaves, tasset, tabard and some belts to secure them at the right places to serve their respective purposes.
I stood in front of the long mirror and started to take a closer look at myself, since I'm left alone for now. There's not much changes. I'm a bit taller, I guess. I'm not exactly sure. My skin is tanned two shades darker. I have some scars here and there. Some are old and fading while the others are new and gives a light stinging sensation constantly. I'm in a warrior's skin and what else could I expect?
But what caught my attention is my hairs and eyes. As for hairs it has a brilliant shade of icy blue, straight and long, reaching my hips. 'Isn't it a risky length for a soldier?, like, it can easily get pulled by the enemy in a fight or a chase right?' I thought to myself.
Coming to eyes... I have no words. I'd disregard everything I'm nervous about right now and happily accept the role of Vivienne if I already knew about it. My Hazels were now replaced by red, yes you heard it right. It's Red! redder than blood.
That intense red colour which I doubt not even a single percent of the world's population has. I started enacting all the emotions that a pair of eyes can carry out in the mirror. Enlarge, tearing up, wink, squint, one brow lift, eye roll, puppy eyes, glare….Glare! Holy hell! Did I just tense myself up? By a glare received by my very own reflection? I did!
Ghosh! I'm scary, aren't I?
The maid came in with another one behind her. Both of them carrying my heavy metal outfits. I just wondered what their names were? I wouldn't want to ask them because according to them I know them, I mean Vivienne does.
But what bothered me was 'if It requires two people to carry the armour, how'd I survive wearing them all day long ? Moreover, I should be able to fight them, making all the skilful stunts, how would I carry them out ?'
They came closer to where I was standing and positioned themselves on my either sides. They first placed my breastplate which seemed like a custom made for Vivienne. I didn't realise I had completely forgotten about breathing when one of them worriedly asked me to relax. And when I did, I realised it wasn't that heavy after all. Maybe the one who did this is a really talented guy or does a flawless job. Either way, he gets his fair share of credits.
The maids fitted me up with all the other stuffs which included pauldron, tabard, greaves, tasset, tabard one after the other and buckled them up with utter care and nervousness, yet never messing it up. They tied my long hair into a high ponytail and then braided it, they attached an arrowhead at the end, now that's how my hairs which I once assumed to be a weakness officially became a weapon. They seemed so professional at it. But what put me in a stir was their fear. Each time I winced in pain, when they tied a knot too tight or brush one of my wounds during the process, they'd panic and literally beg for my mercy.
Is Vivienne that scary? Is she abusive? I know she's got some political power but was she using it to bully people? Or is she just a strict 'no nonsense' leader with anger issues?
Ugh! I sighed at myself for having a truck load of questions. It's like my whole existence is nothing more than just a damn QUESTION!
Who's gonna provide me with answers? Answers that could make some sense?
Who do I have?
No one
Who'll help me?
No one
Who will stretch out their helping hand and rescue me out of this turmoil?
No one.
Not a single soul.
Who can fix this ?
Lily Brown, currently….
VIVIENNE
…..And with that determination, I looked at the mirror, right into my eyes 'you got this' I encouraged myself.
I took a deep breath and straightened up my posture. Narrowing my eyes with a glint of determination and a confident smirk, I turned around. The maid handed me a two-edged sword, I've rarely ever held a pair of scissors to begin with, and here this woman is handing me a sword. I could tell it's not just any sword, it has fought its fair share of wars. I took it not sure on how to hold it. But somehow it fit my hands very well. This boosted my confidence
I took long strides and marched out of the tent brimming with a newly found dignity.