I shifted uncomfortably in the dress I had put on for dinner. It wasn't that the dress itself was uncomfortable or that it didn't fit -- it had been made specifically for me, after all! No, what made me uncomfortable is the fact that I still had no working idea of where I actually was or how I had come to be here.
I had never worn clothes of this style or quality before, as the inner dress was very old fashioned for Earth standards, giving a very Victorian Era feel, the likes of which you would see in high society at that time, poofing out a bit at my hips and swaying as I walked, and the heavy cloth gathered in the back in a very strange way. The blouse of the dress was tight over my chest, and the sleeves were narrow, ending halfway down my forearms, encircled in a pleat of lace. Over top of the dress was a very interesting robe, long and cloak-like with billowing sleeves that were gathered and tied at elbow length to a waist belt for convenience and practicality. The shoes were heeled, heavy and clunky, and were very Victorian in anyone's measure. I felt like a fish out of water.
I didn't realize that it was written all over my face.
"Elise, dear, are you alright? You look like you've never worn a dress before."
I wasn't sure how to tell her, but my mouth opened before I gave it any thought, "I haven't. At least, not one like this. I'm used to wearing pants, and skirts that aren't this... heavy and swishy..." The look on Nora's face was one of surprise, which I expected.
"You are used to dressing like a man?" she asked, curiously, but not judgmentally, putting a finger to her brow in thought. "I'll ask the master about it, if the Tower can permit it."
I realized in that moment that I might offend him, and hurriedly backpedaled, waving my hands in front of me in surrender, "It's fine! I don't want to ask for anything that is too much! You've both been so kind to me already! And besides, if I'm going to be here for a while, I should get used to dressing like I belong here, right?"
Nora frowned. Coming closer, she put a hand on my shoulder, "My dear, if you're uncomfortable, we can make more clothes for you. You need to understand that the High Mage can dictate as he wishes, and as the most powerful mage in the Silver Alliance, what he says generally goes."
I looked at her, searching her face, and only found kindness. I gulped. "If- if he's okay with it, would it be okay?"
She smiled widely at me, "Of course, my dear. In fact, breeches and a tunic would probably be easier to cast magic in."
"Oh. Well, then, if possible, I'd like some pants, please."
"Of course, dear," Nora smiled widely at me as if she had been waiting for me to ask for something, then frowned, before turning and leading me on, "For now, though, we will take you to dinner. I hope you have been taught etiquette, even a little. Otherwise the High Mage might insist on those lessons for you on top of everything else."
"Is etiquette difficult here?" I asked, hoping my grandmother's strictness at the dinner table would help in some meager way.
"Not especially so most places, but Illiel's nobility is mostly comprised of those that would use mistakes and rumors against the High Mage, so you'd have to learn fast. Fortunately for you, your balance is exceptional. Have you worn heeled shoes before?"
I wasn't about to tell her that I danced through college. Not even my parents knew that. "I've worn heels before. These are actually fairly low heeled compared to some of my stilettoes."
"Stilettoes?" she asked, tilting her head towards me as we walked.
"These are like an inch high. My stilettoes are two and a half or three inches high."
"Goodness, is that so? Well, it certainly explains your poise."
I laughed a bit nervously at her apparent and absolute lack of understanding, but before I could say anything else, we arrived at the High Mage's office door.
"You'll be eating with him this evening." Nora said, bowing as she opened the door for me.
Uncomfortably, I walked through the door and looked around. The High Mage was standing in the light of half a dozen candles, looking at some documents and reading intently, not even looking up as I entered.
Nora came to the table and cleared her throat. No response. "Sir?" She tried. No response. "Lord Gildenhall!"
He startled, letting out a boyish cry of alarm, before realizing that it was Nora, "S-sorry Nora... ah... umm... what did you need?"
"Your new apprentice is here and ready for dinner, Lord Gildenhall." Nora was direct but polite, pointedly ignoring his stammering.
The High Mage fixed himself and stood straighter, before putting down his reading. "Of course. Let's eat. I'm famished."
Nora left quietly, bowing as she retreated, presumably to go get our meal.
Albus, on the other hand, strode swiftly to my side and extended an arm in invitation, "Shall I bring you to the table?"
I wasn't sure how to respond, but I placed my hand in his and made an attempt, "I would be delighted." It was a line I had heard in a movie, and I hoped it would work, even if it sounded corny to my own ears.
I didn't expect him to blush, but he wrapped his hand around mine and led me to the table at the far end of the room, even going so far as to pull out my chair and then push it in again when I sat down before going to his seat as well.
While we waited for Nora to return, he spoke up, "I assume you have many questions. I will do my best to answer them starting tomorrow, but for now it is far too late to go over much of anything."
I nodded, "I understand, but Nora told me to ask if I'm allowed to have pants?"
"You wish to wear trousers? Even though I can give you fine dresses and gowns?"
"I'm not used to them. I'm more comfortable in tighter clothes. Pants, and blouses. I'm fine with heels, but if possible, can I have regular shoes too? Heels are nowhere near as comfortable when reading."
His jaw dropped. "Yes, I see no problem as long as you dress appropriately in social settings."
I smiled, "Thank you. Don't get me wrong. I love the dresses. They're gorgeous, but I'm not used to the styles."
"Then I will have to have you draw some of the styles you are used to so you may be comfortable."
My eyes widened, "I don't need anything fancy! Just something I can wear while I study or work or whatever it is you're going to have me doing."
He frowned, closing his eyes, obviously thinking. "We will discuss this later. For now, I'll tell Nora to get your trousers and blouses made."
I smiled at him, "Thank you so much!"
It was at that moment Nora walked in the room with a small cart loaded down with food, and I suddenly remembered that I had not eaten since breakfast. The food looked divine. Silently, though, I remembered and mentally thanked my grandmother for her lessons. This was obviously a test.