The procedure always went the same way.
Alina was undressed by the ladies under Miri's commanding gaze and pushed into the bathroom, where a bathtub made of the finest porcelain awaited her. As usual, it was a relief after the long journey. Whenever she sank into the warm water, Alina wished she never had to emerge again. But she wasn't a fish, drawing the necessary oxygen from the water, so she resurfaced, where a timid knock sounded.
Freshly bathed, she stepped out. Her fingers glided over the velvety material. Gold and silver were embedded everywhere. It invited touch until she touched the large cloth into which she nestled her body.
Hardly had she stepped outside when the hustle resumed. The women dried her off, pushed the girl back and forth, handed her petticoats and the long dress. This time, held in orange, it was adorned with many frills and ribbons. A transparent fabric adorned with pearls ran over the entire neckline, from the neck down. Matching jewelry was chosen.
Her hair fell in curls onto her shoulders. Only a few strands of it were gathered together and also adorned with pearls. Alina had picked up a few tricks from the women, which she used for her performances.
In the end, they called Miri in to inspect the overall picture. As Miri desired, she adjusted her posture, which always slumped back to normal whenever the woman turned her back. How did Ero manage to go against the mother's wish when it simply wouldn't work for Alina?
"Beautiful!" the woman exclaimed and clapped her hands once, which shortly after fell intertwined in her lap. "Now we finally have a young lady before us, not some stray vagabond."
Alina didn't find her clothes that bad. She twirled in a wide arc before the mirror and stood with her back to it. Her regular clothes were practical for fighting and work. Whether in a skirt or pants, none of the students took offense.
Only during her performances did Alina flutter like a butterfly.
"This is how I can introduce you to her."
Once again, a feeling surged within Alina, one she would like to suppress before it erupted. One thing she could admit to herself: She didn't want to meet this woman. Even if she could have cited other reasons besides the truth. A truth she had suppressed for so long, even hated.
Alina pushed the thoughts away. This wasn't the time or place to panic about something that had been so long ago. She would endure this meeting and would enter with a straight posture, as Miri wished. After all, even the daughter of a simple man knew how to behave.