CH.12 – Greetings

Running a comb thought her long hair Jessica heard a crash from the bathroom. "You okay Jean?"

"Yeah, damn pants are impossible to get on standing." He stepped out of the room.

She loved the colors of the place. Every wall was a light red, gold trim ran around every edge, and above them was a green ceiling. The floor was stone, but covered in fur rugs from an assortment of different animals. There were no windows, and the lights came from candles mounted on the walls, on desks, and a small chandelier in the center of the room.

The candle light danced around Jean's bare chest, and she got a good glance of his rippling, lean muscles. "You look good." Jess stood and they met, hugging.

"I was about to say the same about you." He grinned. Her tight underwear was overly eye-catching. "I have a present for you."

Eyes widening she asked, "Really? What is it?"

Smiling he released her and went over to the door. Next to it, on a wooden side table, was a blue box with a shining eagle on the front. "This," Jean said handing it to her, "Is for you."

Curious Jess placed it on the bed and opened it slowly. Inside was a beautiful, full length dress. It was a crimson red and had frilly trim around each edge. "Oh Jean, it's gorgeous. Thank you." She set it back on the box and gave him another hug, ending it with a kiss.

"You like it?" He seemed uncertain.

"Of course, this is amazing. Where'd you buy it?" She picked up it again and, walking over to the full length mirror, held it up against her body, it seemed like a perfect fit.

"Oh just around. I know someone who makes them." He shrugged.

"Well it's gorgeous, thank her for me." Turning and walking to the bathroom she called over her shoulder, "I'm going to get changed, you should finish"

Sticking out his tongue Jean walked over to the bed, sat down and began putting on his shirt. He couldn't imagine how it was going to look on her. She was already so attractive.

With his shirt on he grabbed for his jacket, the military dress coat was uniform and tight. With his restored rank of master-scout he smiled inwardly at its precision and importance. The door opened behind him. He turned, and was dumbfounded.

The dress fit her at every curve. It was tight, and extended all the way to the floor, just missing it by merely a centimeter. Twirling around she asked, "How do I look?"

Rising from the bed with the biggest smile she'd seen on him yet he took her hands and said. "You're stunning, even better than I'd imagined." Smiling back Jess walked back to the mirror and inspected its fit.

She was so pleased. Maybe she did have a chance against all those other females. Jean came around and put his arm around her waist. She liked his uniform, very professional and military. She turned to face him, they kissed. "I like a man in uniform."

Giving her his half smile Jean looked to the clock. "Almost time, are you ready to meet everyone?"

Expressing a sigh Jess replied, "I don't know. What are we doing?"

"It is a welcoming ceremony for us. And a promotion for me. Just something Vandral likes doing when he gets someone back. I think it's to show off his power."

"Okay, so do I have to say anything?" Jess shuffled around un-easily.

Smiling Jean said, "No, just look pretty. And I'm certain you've got that covered." Smiling back Jess turned to the door and they walked out.

Jean led them down a corridor with had a slight grade. It turned, had a few misleading intersections, but finally opened up to the entrance hall with the guards and wooden door. Standing near the middle was Lord Vandral. He had change from his green gowns to a black and red suite.

As they neared he raised his hands in relief and said, "Great, we're ready for you. Come with me."

Bowing slightly Jean replied with, "Yes my Lord." And fell into step behind him. Jess almost had to run to keep up. They kept the pace till the end of the chamber where they arrived at a door. It was wooden like all the others, and from Lord Vandral's expression, was the entrance to the ceremony. Not pausing for Jess to adjust the last bits of her dress Vandral opened the door and strode proudly into the chamber.

Following quickly behind they were blinded by the bright lights of a stage and doused in classical music which flowed from a large band playing on its opposite side.

"This is it." Jessica murmured, as she felt a million eyes fall upon her.