Chapter 50 — An Afternoon With A Prince (Part IV)

Ranger pushed against the dirt of the tunnel with his flank, compacting it. The energy smelling of rocks and dirt did much to make the task easier.

He was a little disappointed at being asked to stay home this time, but he didn’t find humans sitting around drinking tea and talking about silly human-things to be particularly entertaining. Besides, there was more important work for him to do.

Since the change, he felt a new desire to burrow into the earth. Digging was always fun, but his family from before everyone left would get angry if he did it near the fence or in the fields. Catching tunneling invaders was okay, and he always got excited whenever he heard one under the ground.

And this time, he was sure there were a bunch of them scurrying around deep under the ground.

Ria would be pleased if he handled the threat like a proper guard dog. He couldn’t wait to show her how responsible he had become! His tail waggled, and he happily resumed digging, continuing deeper toward his unsuspecting targets.

Though the building was nondescript from the exterior, the place their entourage of carriages had arrived at was the atelier of a famed clothing craftswoman. Even Ria had heard her name before: Lady Vienne of House Indrevi, the talent behind Atelier Vienne—an enchanting workshop that specialized in clothing.

Ria had been ushered inside by Lady Asara’s servants together with Phaelys and their chaperones and was just as shocked as the others upon finding out that the famed clothier would be providing their clothing for the ball.

Seeing the exquisitely crafted dresses on display, Ria couldn’t help getting excited. She was going to live every peasant girl’s dream: wearing a sparkly dress and attending a formal ball with a prince!

Regrettably, the part where the prince falls madly in love with her seemed to be missing, but maybe that was for the best; people around the prince and the peasant girl tended to die in those stories—oftentimes while saving the girl from a plot born of jealousy.

“Young Lady Keira’s dress is not bad, but we can do so much better. Her escort’s attire as well…” Lady Vienne was saying as she surveyed the four pairs of young teens, evaluating each couple one at a time. Apprentice-aged staff hurried around as the willow-thin, coral-haired woman quietly gave instructions on fabrics and sample clothing to retrieve.

“Will House Touften mind?” Lady Asara asked Aldri.

“I’m sure my House will gratefully receive your favor, Lady Asara,” Aldri accepted with a deep bow.

“Good, good.” Lady Asara smiled and motioned for Lady Vienne to proceed.

Aeri and Arthur were next.

Lady Vienne considered for a moment. “Something cheery and modest, I would think. Young Arthur’s outfit will need a bit of boldness so the two of them don’t fade into the background.”

Ria had to hold back a chortle when she caught the grimace Arthur quickly tried to hide at the word: bold. The only image that popped into her mind at the thought of Arthur and ‘bold’ was a mushroom-headed jester wearing bright colored stripes hopping from foot-to-foot juggling wands.

While Ria amused herself with her delusion, Lady Vienne finished Arthur and Aeri’s evaluation and was looking over Iselyn and Faris.

“What a beautiful couple. There is so much we could do…” Lady Vienne trailed off. “My friend… I was thinking it surely impossible, but have you really found me a descendant of the lost tribe of Moon Elves to dress for the Spring Moon Festival?”

Lady Asara chuckled. “The resemblance sure is striking, isn’t it?”

“I see… How amusing. Elven fabrics will certainly be the way to go. Delicate shades layered over delicate shades. Or… we could go with darks and feature the night sky… Yes, that’s the direction. I have just the dress, only small modifications will be needed. With her pale features, pigments will be needed around the eyes and to color her lips. The result will be very striking. As for young Faris, if we put him in a spring long-vest, he will look great beside her. Accessorizing with jewelry will be the key to his look.”

Lady Asara clapped happily. “That’s great to hear, Lady Vienne. I can’t wait.”

And then, it was Ria’s turn as the pair of women turned their attention to her and Phaelys, and she couldn’t help but be nervous having to follow after the dramatic plans just made for Iselyn.

“Hmm… the hair is dramatic and fits the theme well, but the rest…” Ria’s heart sank as Lady Vienne frowned. “Not that the dress doesn’t match the girl, but… if we try to put her in something matching young Iselyn it will be the-dress-wearing-the-girl and not the-girl-wearing-the-dress.”

Lady Asara directed her artisan friend back to Ria’s hair arrangement. “I wonder if we should have all the girls’ hair prepared in the elven way like Ria here…”

“It’s not a bad idea and would unify the theme.” The coral-haired woman lightly glided close and turned Ria’s head with light touches to her chin to get a better look at the hair arrangement.

“This is your work isn’t it, Sir Mage Orlisi?” Lady Asara queried.

“It is indeed. It’s my second time preparing Ria’s hair,” Orlisi admitted proudly and with an eager grin, added, “If it wouldn’t interfere, I’d be happy to arrange each of the girl’s hair for the Festival Ball as a gift from House Furren.”

“That is most generous of you,” Lady Asara replied with a briefly bobbed curtsy and a warm smile.

“Aren’t there Elven hairstyles for the boys as well?” Lady Vienne asked, sounding quite curious.

“There are, but… only Sir Mage Phaelys’ hair is long enough.” Orlisi made an apologetic gesture. “We could still do sprigs with berries or wreaths to complement the girls though.”

“Evergreen sprigs woven into wreaths would be great! The young boys look so cute with those during the druidic thanksgivings!” Lady Vienne enthused.

Each of the boys except for Phaelys groaned.

“About your outfit, Young Master Phaelys, I can’t imagine your family will allow me to provide it,” Lady Asara prompted.

“While House Vesali has no complaint with the choice of clothier,” Lady Janacythe spoke up and nodded in Lady Vienne’s direction. “...particularly seeing as she is a member of one of our branch families. However, as a matter of honor, we must insist on paying for the commission.”

“House Novidus has no desire to infringe upon the needs of your House’s honor, so of course such is fine,” Lady Asara readily agreed.

“To see Vesali and Novidus here together, amiably. Maybe there is hope for the future after all,” Lady Vienne commented with a wry smile. “Honestly, the young master’s attire is already impeccable, but I think I’d like to go with something more in-line with the outfits planned for the other boys. White does suit you well though, let’s layer it with amethyst and gold highlights. Will that be fine?”

Phaelys slightly lowered his head. “I look forward to experiencing Lady Vienne’s latest creation. I’m sure it will be a work of art deserving of your renown.”

“Hah, you’re such a flatterer—just like your father!” Lady Vienne chuckled behind a decorative hand fan. “Now what to do about the young miss here...”

Ria shivered a bit as the woman’s attention returned to her but remembered to keep her poise as her mother had taught her. When featuring a dress, confidence was important.

“Do you like that style? Tight waist to provide support and a bell-shaped silhouette for the skirts?” Lady Vienne asked as she gathered a section of the skirt into her hands to feel the fabric and craftsmanship. “It is popular for debuts and dancing.”

“I do, but…” Ria glanced in Phaelys’ direction. “Young Master Phaelys doesn’t seem to care for it much…”

Mouths all around made ‘o’ shapes.

Phaelys looked at her slightly askance.

“Well then! We can’t have that!” Lady Vienne replied with a chuckle, her fan hiding her mouth. “So, Young Master Phaelys, do you have a preference for your partner’s attire?”

Phaelys made a slightly uncomfortable face as if he wasn’t sure how well what he would say would be received, but as everyone waited with baited breath he mustered his courage and spoke, “Ria is an adventurer and war hero with an honorary military rank. Rather than a common ballroom dress for a daughter of privilege, surely a ceremonial battle regalia would be more appropriate?”

Ria wasn’t the only one gaping at the princely Vesali boy. The famed clothier, the apprentices, Ria’s fellow debutants, all seemed to share Ria’s shock at the suggestion.

Unfortunately, the one with the only opinion that mattered was trembling with barely contained excitement and had a smile growing more obscene by the moment. “Phaelys Vesali, that-! That is an inspired idea! Something like a Saint’s battle regalia! It will contrast wonderfully with Young Lord’s and Iselyn’s softer impressions,” Lady Asara enthused.

A s-saint’s battle regalia?! Ria’s hand went to her medallion. Had Lady Asara learned of her divine affinity somehow? Was this really a good idea?

Would the gods take offense?

And if it was like armor or a fancy tabard over armor, wouldn’t it completely cover her chest? She didn’t have a lot compared to some of the other girls, but she did want a dress that would feature what she did have. Even if it was a bit embarrassing and Phaelys wasn’t interested in looking…

He was the one that suggested a ceremonial regalia, though. Maybe he would be more interested in looking if she were wearing something like that? Should she be more bold? Maybe ask to show some stomach or her hips and a bit of leg?

At a debut ball? She could feel her face reddening just thinking about it. It might be too scandalous.

But she did need to encourage suitors from the other noble houses. Assuming she could win the competition for Phaelys and depending her efforts on that expectation would be beyond naive.

“...a saint’s battle regalia…” Lady Vienne muttered. “That might solve the problem, indeed.”

Lady Vienne used Ria’s arm to pull her forward, away from Phaelys, and walked around her, ordering her to face forward and stand tall. “Sir Mage Orlisi, can you do a priestess’ hairstyling?”

“I can,” Orlisi eagerly confirmed, laughter in her voice.

The woman pulled up Ria’s long sleeve, embarrassingly exposing her defined upper arm in front of Phaelys and the others. “Yes, I can see it working. We’ll want to cover your arms with gossamer, but your shoulders are fine. Metal accents will work better with your face and eyes as well.”

Coming back around in front of Ria, Lady Vienne took both of Ria’s hands into her own, looking directly into Ria’s eyes. “There’s still one aspect that’s not enough. Does your element tend toward shadow, Ria?”

“It does,” Ria admitted then, after hesitating, leaned forward to whisper to the woman, “My element is orichalcum.”

Lady Vienne’s eyebrows rose and rose and then she smiled a grin that was almost diabolical. “Black and gold. Yes, that will provide enough contrast between you and Young Master Phaelys that you won’t be overshadowed. Ideally, I’d like to accent yours with amethyst as well to balance with the young master, but I can understand if that would cause some undesirable assumptions… Perhaps matching your eyes with Novidus sapphire would be more appropriate?”

“It would,” Lady Asara agreed.

“Though there is desire to have Ria wear Vesali purple in the future, it would not be appropriate at this time,” Lady Janacythe confirmed.

“As expected,” Lady Vienne sighed. “Sadly, fashion must conform to the reality of House colors.”

Ria blinked and glanced at Phaelys, only receiving a discreet shrug in reply.

“By the way, did you know that Ria has her own enchanter’s workshop?” Lady Asara volunteered. “Wouldn’t her seal be something to feature in the design?”

“For a debut, such things are indeed important.” Lady Vienne nodded agreement and squeezed Ria’s hands. “I’m beginning to see why House Vesali has taken an interest in young Ria here.”

Lady Vienne gently let go Ria’s hands and turned to her apprentices, clapping her hands together to motivate them. “Let’s get to it! I need measurements on each of them, there’s no time to waste!”

A flurry of movement broke out and the girls were dragged away for their measurements. Male apprentices and body servants stayed behind to handle the boys.

When the measuring was complete and they were all dressed again, Lady Vienne reminded them all to return on Goldday for the final fittings before ushering them out of the shop.

“How’s it feel to be making your debut dressed as a saintess?” Orlisi prompted once they were seated in Phaelys’ carriage.

“Isn’t it too presumptuous?” Ria worried.

“Don’t tease her, Sir Mage Orlisi,” Phaelys spoke up and turned confident eyes toward Ria. “Ria, there’s nothing wrong with displaying your honorary rank at your debut. It’s a matter of honor and entirely appropriate.”

Ria shook her head. “But Lady Asara and Lady Vienne said a ‘saintess’ regalia…”

“You needn’t worry so much, young Ria,” Lady Janacythe stated. “Lady Vienne isn’t reckless enough to offend the gods. They didn’t talk about symbols of the gods or colors of the gods, did they?”

Ria shook her head.

Lady Janacythe continued, “I’m sure your attire for your debut will be beautiful and proper.”

“Thank you, Lady Janacythe. I hope so,” Ria replied.

She was thankful for Lady Janacythe’s reassurance, but the woman's earlier comment still had Ria’s head spinning. Did the Vesali chaperone really indicate that House Vesali intended to make her a Vesali? Ria glanced over at Phaelys again. Maybe even if she couldn’t win the competition for Phaelys, did Phaelys have other cousins? Or brothers? Ria was pretty sure there weren’t any… but Lady Janacythe had specifically said Vesali purple—of the main house!—not the jade or coral colors of the branch houses.

“Lady Vienne did ask if I could style Ria’s hair like a priestess,” Orlisi pointed out with a mischievous grin.

Ria groaned. “Maybe I should consult with the Church of Hemse just to be safe.”

“If they give approval, isn’t that worse?” Orlisi teased and laughed at Ria’s sudden look of horror. “What’s with that face?”

Ria looked away. She caught Lady Janacythe’s eye roll at Orlisi reflected in the glass of a passing shop and sighed out.

As terrifying as the possibility was, being officially recognized as a Saintess at her debut… it would surely open doors for her with the greater families. But… it would also make the other churches aware of her. Something Ellnys’ High Priestess had warned about. A consultation was probably a good idea anyway, just in case.

Orlisi and Phaelys found other things to talk about for the remainder of the trip while Ria brooded, and it was soon that Ria was saying her farewells to Phaelys and his chaperone.

“If you will be at the Academy on Goldday, we should arrange to meet,” Phaelys suggested.

“Ria usually spends lunches at the Grand Library,” Orlisi volunteered.

“Let’s meet there then.” Phaelys nodded and bowed. “I’ll take my leave until then.”

“Thank you for coming!” Ria told him.

While he was climbing aboard his carriage, Ria shot Orlisi a glare.

From the carriage, Phaelys bowed to Keira who was waiting off by the side with Aldri and Iselyn, together with her butler. Once Phaelys was seated, the Vesali guards saluted and led the carriage away.

“Ah, that was exhausting!” Keira complained and Aldri laughed.

“I’ve been meaning to ask but how did Aldri end up your escort?” Ria asked now that they were just among friends.

“I asked him that time at the lounge after your Grand Games practice the other day,” Keira admitted, and glanced at Aldri. “Thanks for defending me against Cousin Presius, Aldri. I can’t believe he was such a jerk!”

Aldri gave Keira a wry smile. “I’ve heard that’s at least half the reason Hulle did what he did.”

“Tried to kill Venessa?” Ria asked.

Aldri shook his head. “No, that was something different. It’s related, but not my place to tell.”

“So, he really did?” Keira asked with wide eyes.

“He did,” the red-head boy confirmed.

“But he’s no longer in the line of succession, unlike Presius,” Ria stated. “I like Lady Asara and she’s been really helpful to us, but if Presius is going to be the future head of House Novidus…”

“There aren’t any perfect Houses, Ria,” Iselyn spoke up. “Sure, Phaelys seems honorable, but what about Ophesia and Nielle? That Hulle wanted to kill that smirking bitch Vanessa, what does that say about House Sorrel, a druidic house?”

“I don’t know, Iselyn. Keira’s family is honorable,” Ria pointed out. Just how terrible were Iselyn’s experiences with the Jayre and Benathi Houses for someone like Presius to be normal and acceptable?

Keira shook her head. “It’s not the same with smaller frontier families like mine, Ria. The old families all have histories.”

“The rumors of evils perpetrated by some of the elven masters…” Orlisi added. “Power, jealousy, idealism, and corruption can strike even the most righteous of clans. In fact, I’d say the more righteous the clan, the more likely they are hiding a dark secret.”

Ria’s eyes widened at how much her friends viewed evil as simply reality.

“Young Lady Keira, shall I expect our guests to stay for dinner?” Ethan inquired into the lull in the conversation.

Keira looked around and received shrugs.

“I don’t have any plans, and Malleron seems to be entertaining himself,” Iselyn offered.

“If you’re not too tired, Kiera,” Aldri worried.

“I’m curious to see the meditation spot that Ria has set up for soul-strengthening,” Orlisi added with a wink.

Speaking of their familiars, Ria checked in with Ranger only to spot him trotting their way with his tail wagging. “Ranger says he found something and that we need to see it…”

“In the estate grounds?” Keira asked with a raised eyebrow. “The gardens?”

“Woof!”

Ria cringed at the impression Ranger sent her. “Under the gardens, I think…”

“Under?”

“A structure of some kind. Ruins, maybe?”

Keira groaned. “What if he dug into the city sewers?”

“Oh! This sounds like an adventure!” Orlisi cheered.

Ranger jumped side-to-side at the elf’s words. “Woof, woof!”

“Dare I ask why he was digging under the estate?” Keira tried.

“Woof, woof!”

Ria gave Ranger a horrified look. “An infestation under the estate?!”

“An infestation?!” Keira blurted out in dismay. “Insects?”

Ranger shook his head. “Woof!”

“Rodents…”

A nod this time. “Woof!”

“Should we put in a job at the Adventurer’s Guild?” Ethan suggested.

“You’ve got two C-rank adventurers who just happen to be Divinesday Tournament Champions, right here,” Orlisi reminded with a smirk.

Keira looked Ria’s way and they exchanged glances. “I guess that’s true…”

“Great! It’s settled! Let’s go investigate the cause of your infestation!” Orlisi decided, a grin stretched from ear-to-ear.