Teh1 Mary Sue
Chapter Something, Adjective Overdose
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A pair of large, extraordinary violet eyes set below level black brows glinted nervously, as their owner toyed with the amethyst eardrops dangling from her earlobes. Her lips were touched with a hint of colouring, not that it was necessary; they bloomed like roses simply by themselves. Her hair, a shade of pure darkness 'black' didn't begin to describe, was arranged into shiny curls and allowed to cascade freely down her back. A handful of sapphires were set into her hair as adornments, adding to the beauty.
Her dress was a splendid shade of lavender bringing out the same hint in her eyes. It sank off her shoulders, revealing their tender softness, to bloom into full bell sleeves. It also had a low neckline, showing off a great deal of bosom. The dress hugged her figure down to her waist, where it bloomed into many layers of skirts, a semi-sheer purple layer above them all. The hem of the dress brushed the ground as she moved, hiding her heeled feet.
She was also as nervous as you could possibly get.
"I'm still not sure this a good idea," Star said to the Lioness, her hand flying to her hair for the hundredth time, not that its perfection needed help. Alanna smiled in a motherly way.
"Of course it's a good idea," Alanna assured the younger woman. "You have a right to be presented at court, for being a Shang if nothing else."
"But having a ball in honour of me? I don't want a big deal made out of my presence." Star's modesty gnawed at her, and her eyes instantly changed colours into two sparkling sapphires, portraying her worry.
The Champion smiled at her again and gave her a slight shove towards the herald. With another few words of reassurance, Alanna turned and moved back to her seat, leaving Star with only her own nerves for company. Reluctant but slightly excited about the upcoming night, the girl moved up in front of the double doors nervously.
The herald was staring openly at her. He quickly averted his gaze when she turned to look, but not before she saw the awe and admiration in his eyes. Slightly awkward, Star was glad her Yamani training hid her blush, and the dull light hid the grey – a sign of her embarrassment – creeping into her eyes.
About to tap his staff, the herald seemed to remember an important question. "Lady?" he asked tentatively.
"Yes?"
"Do you have a last name?"
Her eyes turned black, as suddenly as if somebody had doused the violet fire in them. "Yes," she finally answered shortly. "But I don't like to remember the people associated with it."
The herald, sensing that he touched on a sensitive subject, asked nothing more. Tapping his staff twice, he announced in a loud clear voice to the entire court, "Shang Unicorn, Aurorandromedalynikaristarstra!"
One of the double doors was thrown open. Star stepped through it, elegant as always, even as she hurriedly hid her awe. It seemed as if the entire Tortallan court was present. Then it occurred to her that they probably were. Young men stared with open admiration and young ladies with poorly concealed jealousy as Star slowly made her way to the dais where the King and Queen sat regally.
Star dipped into a curtsey with natural grace when she reached the front of the dais. She said, in a loud, clear, musical voice, "Your Majesties. I thank you for accepting me so warmly into your home."
"We thank you for being with us," King Jonathan replied. "Consider this your home for as long as you desire to remain with us."
Star thanked the monarchs graciously, and the court moved to the connected ballroom. Within moments harps had struck up a tune and there were hordes of young men begging Star for a dance. She accepted merrily, twirling almost weightlessly on the dance floor, while having the time of her life.
The girl finally finished her dances and sat down to rest. It really was a beautiful night, and she knew she looked exactly right for the occasion. Satisfied that little could go wrong, Star relaxed in her seat.
"Having fun, my lady?"
A polite reply was voicing itself before she realized whom she was speaking to. "Of course, this really-" the words caught in her throat as her vision focused on Nealan of Queenscove.
"May I ask you to a dance?"
She was about to accept when she remembered her vow, and a wash of blue frosted over her eyes. Having to turn this handsome young man down was simply a tragedy. In any case, it was impolite to refuse. With an inner sigh she got up and let Neal lead her onto the dance floor.
He was a good dancer; not as good as her, perhaps, but at least he didn't trod on her toes. Wary, Star kept him at the distance through the whole dance, and treated him with no more than the courtesy she gave all the other males that night. When he left after their dance, she could sense a little disappointment in him and knew she had managed to discourage him.
That's what she wanted, right? But if it was, why did she feel so horrible? And why couldn't she put a rein on her heart?
