As Lizabeth led me out into the hallway leading toward the central staircase, I took one final glance at my figure in the passing windows. My back was straight, my facial expression was serene, and my steps were graceful and light, making me appear to float forward as the dress covered my feet.
I still had some feelings of nervousness, but the meditation I did earlier had tempered it to a quiet murmur. I wasn't worried that I'd fail, just nervous enough to keep my gestures, expressions, and wording in check. Lizabeth spent a lot of time teaching me etiquette, manners, and anything else that would be useful for the management of an estate as the Lady. Despite the circumstances of my birth, it was still expected of me to manage whatever house I might marry in to.
Lizabeth herself would probably join me when I leave, possibly being appointed as the Housekeeper because of her trusted status. She is from a minor noble house that has served our family for generations. The members of her house would typically take positions as nursemaids, butlers, housekeepers, or even assisting the Duchess with estate management. It's been a few generations since anyone in her family has held a position as high as a Duchess' aide, but they're still well respected within the walls of the Duchy.
Lizabeth's knowledge covers a variety of other subjects useful to the Ladies of the house as well. Her family has never had any notable Magicians however, and she's no exception, so her teachings on that subject were cursory at best. I don't mind it much as a private tutor for magic and circles would be required after the Magi Circle Ceremony anyway…. Well, depending on my potential. She did the best she could with regards to my magic education despite everything. And I'd make sure to give her plenty of reasons to be proud of me tonight.
Turning the final corner, I could see the large doors that marked the entrance to the grand staircase. This would lead to the indoor balcony overlooking the grand entrance, where all the guests would be waiting before they were escorted to the main ballroom. The Duke, Duchess, and any children old enough would have to greet the guests before the main event could begin. And since today was my day, I would have to say a few words after being escorted there.
"I hope you were not waiting too long." As I approached, I spoke up while facing towards the silver-haired girl who was herself facing the doors, her back to me. When she turned around my breath immediately caught in my throat.
A petite and well formed nose was set between two bright green irises that had flecks of gold. These irises were centered within eyes that seemed polished and clear enough to present a mirror of my own image back at me. A face that perfectly framed her feminine features was accentuated by her small, delicate lips. Her hair was shining, without a single strand out of place, falling down her back freely yet somehow not moving excessively, as she gracefully turned to greet me. She was a half a head taller than me, but her figure wasn't imposing at all. I could suddenly smell the fragrances of fresh dirt, dew covered grass, and the blooming flowers of spring on the gentle breeze that came with her movements.
Her gown was a style like my own, made with fine silks in a similar color to her hair, but somehow its vibrancy seemed to dull in comparison. It was framed with beautiful green vines around the hem and the cuffs of her long sleeves, each vine containing both beautiful violet flowers, and freshly budding leaves. The vines didn't overwhelm the dress, only lightly accentuated it. Hints of small and delicate gold embroidery seemed to outline some of the vines and leaves as if they had grown together and naturally intertwined.
The body that was framed by the gown was held in a noble and poised manner greater than my own, making my already delicate self-esteem feel even more inferior. She was clearly strong, with her subtle muscles showing through briefly as she moved gracefully. When she was standing still, her skin still seemed to possess the soft and delicate nature of a girl. It was pale white, but not with an unhealthy tone. There was no hint of a scar or an out of place blemish anywhere to be seen.
Suddenly she spoke up, breaking through my stupor.
"Are you okay? Do you need a moment before we make our entrance?"
Quickly executing a curtsy, I used the moment my head was lowered to regain my composure. "No, I'll be ready as soon as we complete our introductions. I am Lady Marisilea Arkesh, of the Arkesh Duchy in the Kingdom of Lestryal. May I have your name?"
"I am the next Sent-Cari of the Elven lands of Fayris, and my name is Rhyvenna Ardaine. You may call me Venna though." A smile seemed to grace her beautiful face, her bright white teeth peeking out from her small lips briefly. I found myself holding my breath yet again.
"I would be honored if you could call me Mari, Lady Venna."
"Just Venna please. We do not use titles like Lady as you do in your Kingdom. I will not take it as an insult if you forget from time to time though." Flashing me yet another bright smile I couldn't help but feel like she was teasing me in some way.
Her pleasant demeanor has eased some of my concerns, and I'm glad to have her escorting me. Following all our exchanges, she held her arm out to me, letting me rest my hand delicately on her palm as my forearm gently rested across hers.
She paused for a moment, glancing at my hand and forearm, her brow slightly wrinkled as if in concentration. It was just a few seconds, but she immediately schooled her features and nodded towards the two servants standing at the doors.
This was their cue to open them, and a knight positioned in the corner against the balustrade announced our arrival to the crowds of nobles and distinguished guests.
"The Young Lady of the Duchy of Arkesh, Lady Marisilea Arkesh, and her escort from the Elven Kingdom of Feyris, Lady Rhyvenna Ardaine, have arrived!"
The cacophony in the room as the doors opened had died down as the knight's last word fell. I could feel a palpable tension in the room that caused me to pause for just a moment longer than I probably should have. It was than that I felt a gentle nudge from the arm that I had placed my own upon, encouraging me to move forward. I was suddenly grateful for Venna's presence.
Venna took the lead, remaining just a half-step ahead of me and using her hand and arm to gently guide me, without feeling as if she was pulling, onto the balcony and toward the balustrade facing the guests. After I found my place, I removed my hand and forearm from hers, and she curtsied lightly while taking two steps back to perfectly position herself behind my family and to our right.
"Today I face everyone for the first time as the daughter of the Duchy of Arkesh. I will be completing my Magi Circle Ceremony later this evening, and as such my family has invited an esteemed guest from the Magi Tower to officiate. Before that time though I hope everyone here can enjoy all the delicacies and entertainment that we have prepared in our main ballroom. I humbly thank all our great Noble Houses and our esteemed guests for the honor of your presence on this day."
Curtsying deeply, I take a step back to stand to the left of my mother who is holding my baby brother. We will have to wait until all our guests have exited the grand entrance before we make our way to a separate door leading to the main ballroom.
After the last guest had filed out of the room, my father and mother quickly brushed past me as they moved towards the entrance of the main ballroom. I had hoped for a word of praise, a moment of encouragement, or even just a nod of acceptance, but it appears as if I hadn't earned that just yet. I know that in public they would never show open disregard for my presence, but sometimes even the smallest dismal of my existence hurts.
"Are they truly your family?"
The words were spoken right next to my ear, causing me to nearly jump out of my shoes. I managed to keep my voice in but my face was slightly flushed despite my best efforts.
"Lady Venna, I was unaware that you were still present."
"Just Venna Lady Mari. I still have to escort you into the ballroom, and my parents have requested that I stay with you during the duration of the banquet."
"Ah, well, I will do my best to keep you entertained." There was a sudden and confusing sense of disappointment when she mentioned her parents' request. Perhaps I was hoping she would stay with me of her own volition and not because she was asked or ordered to.
"You never answered me. Are they really your parents?"
"Yes. I have the notable and striking violet eyes with flecks of silver typical of the Duke of Arkesh as well as the bright burgundy hair of my mother's side of the family."
"I was only asking because of the way they acted around you. I can see many similar features in your face and hair. You definitely have your mother's beauty, as well as the disconcerting eyes of the Duke."
I blushed deeply at her compliments, but her last words struck me as odd. "Disconcerting?"
"My mother has always said that the Duke of Arkesh's eyes feel as if they're peering into your soul when they focus upon you. I never truly believed her, but upon meeting you I find there might be some weight to her words. Though your father's eyes don't seem to posses the same… quality as yours do."
Before I could reply I heard the slightly stressed voice of Lizabeth calling from the entrance to the main ballroom.
"Young Lady Arkesh, Lady Ardaine, the Duke and Duchess are awaiting your arrival."