and it may be a while before i post again, 'cause of school, but don't forget about me!
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"So, Kel," Ilane of Mindelan explained, settling herself more comfortably on the girl squire's couch, "Your father and I decided that we shall soon find a husband for you to marry."
"What?" Kel squeaked, her eyes wide with disbelief and barely contained outrage. She choked on her reply, glaring at her calmly pristine mother.
"You know it's what would happen anyway," her mother said gently, "I think its a good idea. Besides, these things take time! You will probably be a knight-"
"A knight that wanders around the kingdom, doing knight-y things! Not staying home and cooking potroast!" the girl retorted.
"Just think about it." Ilane nodded to her sulky daughter. "We'll watch you at the ball tonight, not to mention your sisters." Her youngest scowled before smoothing on a Yamani mask and leaving the room.
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Kel, with the help of Lalasa, dressed quickly but neatly. "My lady," the maid said approvingly, "You look lovely."
The girl squire scowled. "Like a boy trying to cross-dress, i'll bet." The woman twirled the sulky Kel towards a mirror. Her hazel eyes opened wide as she saw her reflection.
She was swathed in a green gown, the style emphasizing her trim waist and feminine curves that were usually diminished effectively by the Squire uniform. Graceful, while still maintaining an appearance of strength. Her hair curled around her face, while the remainder was swept up into a bun with roses woven in. She hated it at the same time that she loved the effect.
"See?" Lalasa grinned. "You mother would be proud to see you look so pretty." She brushed on some face paints, scolding as the girl squirmed beneath the brush. "And it makes your hazel eyes seem almost green. You're touchy today, Kel. Calm down."
Kel looked down and blushed. "This neckline is too low..." she protested, turning a bright pink.
The maid winked. "Then you have something to give the boys to think about." She grinned as her mistress scowled, and pushed her firmly out the door. "Now go."
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Kel's father sat mildly in a chair, chatting with his wife, when Kel entered the ballroom. "Now what was her problem?" he whispered to Ilane, pointing to his daughter. "She looks lovely."
The girl stomped over to a group of squires, a stubborn look on her face. He watched, amused, as she acquired a mirror and wiped off every trace of makeup with her hankerchief. The boys laughed, and Kel took her hair down and braided it into a single plait down her back, leaving the roses abandoned on the table.
"Oh, look now what she's done," Ilane sighed. "Ruined it all. And she looked so pretty, too. Still does, in fact, but more like a wild girl instead of a lady. Kel, Kel, Kel."
He groaned as she wandered out of sight, surrounded by friends, to the library (if he remembered his palace directions after all these years). But one boy, lingering behind, crept up to the table and slipped one of the pale roses off the table and dexteriously into his sleeve before catching up to the others.
"Ah," the father said, with a knowing air. "So there will be a conflict after all," he murmured as the tall boy ran out the door.
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OH MY GOD who is that boy and whats going to happen!? (so i was feeling sarcastic today...)