"What happened?", she asked.
Her words tinged in confusion finding something amiss. Yet, as she looked around, all she could observe was cordial and smiling people. Sipping tea, eating cakes and nothing out of the ordinary.
Maybe, it was my imagination, relieved she patted her chest discreetly and stepped away to reveal another cart. She went to line up the clothes one by one.
Clothes, Liz groaned internally. Already imagining the bothersome situation she'll be in henceforth. She couldn't help but think, is it too late to decline now?
Yet, as the thought materialized a hand grab hers. Jolting her awake from her thoughts, under the cover of their sleeves, Doctor Sue squeezed her hand slightly. Don't you dare.
Liz grimaced, it wasn't physically painful but emotionally? Yes.
We've only been friends for months!
How could you do this to me?!
Doctor Sue felt an intense glare come his way. Yet, his hands didn't falter, he took his cup of tea from the table and sipped it with elegance. His expression peaceful, as if he hadn't sacrificed anyone just moments ago.
Liz rolled her eyes and abruptly turned her head away from Doctor Sue. What the mind don't see,the mind won't feel: out of sight , out of mind.
Hidden under her bangs, Mariel took it all of this with an unreadable expression. To sum it up, her eyes were murky, lips pallid and stretched thin. Although she was smiling, it was frigid.
Liz , feeling the gaze, remarked:
"Ms. Mariel, I see your Aunt have a lot of things to do , maybe. You could help her."
Why are you here? Staring at us so intensely like that, it's creepy.
Arms crossed and rubbing the hairs on hrr body that was standing on attention,
Liz frowned.
Liz hoped that Mariel would take the hint and just leave. But, who was Mariel?
Of course, Mariel understood the hidden meaning.
"Don't worry!",she beamed."My Aunt actually told me to accompany you, I'm just doing what my Aunt said."
Emphasizing on the last part, Mariel smiled apologetically, taking a bite out of some sugar-candies.
Mariel gave a look, as if Liz shouldn't make things difficult for her even though Liz didn't like it, as she was just doing her best as a host. Oh, it wasn't condescending in the least bit. Liz flashed an insincere smile, her teeth grinding against one another in the process.
If you're here to host, why do you look at me like, I killed all your family members?!?!
Doctor Sue with nothing better to do, glanced at the two and compared them with the sofa table. Finished deciding, he choosed the smartest thing to do at the moment: He stuffed his face.
Meanwhile, the girls were just getting started. When their bickering came to a halt.
Rosalind beckoned to her and she went to her still fuming!
Fortunately, she managed to manage it enough not to make a scene. Though, Lizs' face was another thing entirely.
Mariel was infuriating, she was goading her left and right. Jumping up and down on her like a trampoline, trying to see her react.
Liz frowned, she doesn't think this is just a one time thing nor does she think this is a simple matter.
I mean- who fights someone she just met?
Some people just don't get along even though they just met, Doctor Sue lamented.
The heavy steps resounded in the reception room. Thankfully, Rosalind was really not that far, so Lizs' tantrums was covered by the creaks of the old wooden floor.
Liz huffed with her brows furrowed, she turned to look away. Deciding that she's better off , ignoring Mariel for good.
Back to Rosalind, she already finished what she was doing. She was admiring her work when she looked up from the pile of clothes, she felt immensely satisfied. As Rosalind imagined how Liz would react with a radiant glow on her almost bursting out of her like broken dam. Rosalind lifted her hand again and beckoned to Liz who went to her.
Unable to sit still, Doctor Sue followed and Mariel followed even more closely. They all gaped at the many apparel but Mariels' reaction was something else entirely which she quickly fixed. Her eyes widening in surprise and admiration. No one looked at her but she managed to do a one-man show.
"Liz! Come here!" Rosalind beamed,"Look at all this clothes! Would you like to try it?"
Rosalind pointed to one end of the long table and to the other end. Showcasing more than 30 sets of dresses, tops, skirts and bottoms. There's also shoes and Rosalind was thoughtful enough to add bags. From the looks of it, there is also jewelry-albeit little and they don't look like they're just for rent.
Liz gulped, the forgotten nostalgia poured hard on her, showering her with warmth and something else. The soft silk upon the tips of her fingers against the rough cloth she currently wore was a vast contrast. Her eyes sparkled with desire. So, when Rosalind asked if she wanted to wear it.
The young girl who saw the gift she really likes lighted up instantly, her eyes widening with excitement and joy.
"Is this for me? Really? Thank you so much!"
Her smile radiant, she did a little dance and even jumped up, a little giddy, just like a normal 12 year old child. She gave the Rosalind a big hug to show her appreciation. Her joy genuine and almost contagious, filling the moment with pure, innocent excitement. She hurriedly went to try it on. Leaving everyone on her dust.
Rosalind chuckled at the sight, her gaze met Doctor Sues' golden orbs who also let out a faint chuckle. It was deep and magnetic.
Rosalinds' lovely soft pink eyes blinked, slowly and clearly dazed, she mouthed a small o. Before, gasping quietly out of her stupor. Afraid to be seen. She hurriedly looked away, before prying eyes could even find out what she just did. Her heart leaped to her throat, jumping incessantly, sending faint ripples on its once still surface.
In the dressing room, Liz looked at herself.
The lady in the mirror looked exactly like she remembered her.
A beautiful young noble lady deprived of worry. Her hair dangled with trinkets and ornaments and, even though it didn't do her beauty justice just like her previous jewelry.
It didn't prevent her from seeing the girl she once was.
She twirled around in disbelief, touching herself here and there. She looked at the mirror for the last time. Her lashes fluttered bent into crescent, a pair of pearly whites where seen and the dimples on her cheeks made her so sweet like cherries on a parfait.
With nimble steps, she went back like she was on clouds. Her small figure flushed red, excited to show how she looked. A pointed little snout turned to the sky , her back straight with confidence and her eyes sparkled.
Rosalind let out a small gasp or squeal, covering her mouth and clapping her hands as she took in the sight. Unable to hold back, she reached for a hug eagerly, turning Liz over. Twirling her with delight. All while saying things like, "You look so beautiful".
"Adorable","Gorgeous",and "Delightful".
Even Mariels' existence couldn't dampen the mood and when Doctor Sue came back to from changing clothes, this is the scene he was welcomed to.
.....
It was dark and shadows loomed everywhere, the building stood tall and imposing, its stone facade weathered by time, with ivy creeping up one side, softening its austere lines. Tall, arched windows, framed by intricate stonework, allowed light to spill into the grand hall within. Its roof, dark and steeply sloped, bore the weight of history. A fortress of some sort, one of its sections housed the lord and his direct family with a few rooms that served for different departments'administrations.
The wall carvings were intricate yet rugged, couldn't hide the faint scars from eras stormed with strife, ancient battles, marks of legends, and fierce creatures.
Each carving was meticulously chiseled, with deep grooves and sharp edges that cast dramatic shadows as the light shifted. The lines seemed almost alive, the lions that welcomed its' visitors had their expressions fierce and determined, capturing the enduring strength and vigilance of the fortress's legacy.
"My liege, Sire"
A knight stood ramrod with eyes straight in one direction. The candles' fickle light cast the man under its soft orange glow whom sat silently on his desk signing papers diligently.
The man nodded to the knight and continued signing his paperwork. Sensing this, the knight didn't dilly-dally either, he went straight to the point.
"General!", he said." There's been some sightings of unrest and battles on the nearby mountains. It was said to be caused by the demons." The knight paused, noticing his superior now listening intently, he continued.
"I've sent some of our men and they'll be back in the morning to report."
"Prepare for battle", the man briefly said.
With that, under the generals' heavy nod, the knight left.The General stared at where the knight once stood and for a moment, he had a rare solemn expression on his face.
...
Back with Liz, Dinner was a lively feast,an inviting affair, with the soft glow of candlelight flickering across the table. The rich aroma of roasted meats and herbs filled the air, mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread. Plates were artfully arranged, showcasing vibrant vegetables and hearty sides, while crystal glasses sparkled, ready to be filled with wine. Laughter and conversation flowed seamlessly. Against the odds of meeting newfound people the atmosphere created a sense of a slight camaraderie. As family and newfound friends gathered to share not just food, but stories and moments that would linger long after the last bite. Even Mariel and Liz couldn't help chatting a bit more, earning the warm gaze of the onlookers.
At night, Rosalind bid them to do something else and Mariel showed them their rooms before vanishing the same.
Doctor Sue shrugged, bid Liz goodnight and entered his room.
Liz also entered her room and dived into the sheets!
Taking in the scent of the freshly washed blanket , Liz let out a breath of relief. Her body slowly relaxing in its embrace, she yawned loudly. Letting the sheets capture her body as her arms excitedly rubbed against the cotton feeling. She became a prisoner in no time, her sentence eight hours or more. Her eyes blinked slowly, as the tiring day finally took effect on her.
Goodnight...