I don't really know how to feel about this chapter, but I guess it turned out okay! Again, thank you for reading and following this story!
"There, this should help." Satsu said fighting a yawn.
"Thank you." Hitara's broken voice was barely audible as she accepted the bowl and drank slowly. Her mouth twisted at the bitter taste. "How long until its effective?"
"For the nausea, roughly half an hour. As for your headache, it could be between one to two hours, depending on how well you respond to the medicine." She retrieved the empty bowl. "Have you eaten at all this morning?"
"A little. I got some bone broth from the kitchen, which I managed to keep in."
"That's good. Don't hesitate to drink more than usual today." She turned to expose her grin. "And I'm not talking about alcohol."
Hitara chuckled. "I'm sorry by the way, for falling on you at the dance."
"Oh, Hitara. You don't need to apologize. It was nice to see you enjoying yourself. I haven't seen you this cheerful since-" She swallowed the rest of her sentence when she witnessed Hitara's face contort with sadness. "I mean, to see you this cheerful warmed up my heart." She concluded with a gentle pat on her shoulder.
She smiled tenderly. "It was nice spending time with people like us for once, away from duties." Following these words she carefully rose from her chair. "Speaking of duties, I should go. I still have to collect Kuwa's new kimono and pack my own clothes."
"The Uchihas are waiting for you this early?"
"They're not. It's..." Hitara bit her knuckle as she struggled to formulate her answer. "Last night didn't go as it should have, and Kuwa... Kuwa is not in the best of moods." She whispered to her friend. "But she's determined to make an impression upon her arrival at the Uchiha residence, and requested we start preparing sooner."
"You've been at it since dawn?"
"Yes, and I'm far from being done." She ruffled the maid's untamed hair as she passed by. "I'll see you when we leave!"
"Alright." Satsu waived at her, repressing another yawn. The warm covers of her bed beckoned her to go back to sleep for a few minutes, a call she didn't resist for long before letting herself fall face first on her pillow.
By the time Hitara came back to Kuwa's chambers with her new attire, the Uzumaki had changed into her undergarments, and was now sitting in front of her vanity. Her gaze didn't stray away from the mirror as Hitara approached and dropped to her knees. "My lady, everything is ready."
"You know what to do." Kuwa said in a monotone, firm voice.
The maid swallowed the tightness in her throat. "Your servant knows."
After setting down the trays she was carrying on the desk nearby, Hitara gathered the products she'd need then placed herself behind her mistress. Her skilled fingers worked to undo the braiding she had kept overnight, and in a matter of seconds the crimson locks fell free onto her back. The next step had Hitara use a small amount of softened fragrant wax to tame Kuwa's hair into a shiny, more compliant mass, which she gathered strand by strand into a simple but elegant hairdo. Last came her jewelry and most of all her consort crown piece, which the servant carefully placed on top of her head.
Hitara set herself to work next on her make-up, which Kuwa wanted befitting her married status. She applied both rice powder and blush sparingly, followed by a touch of deep rouge on her plump lips, which she also used to fill in her brows. The maid then switched to coal paste to line Kuwa's eyes in a swift, precise gesture, and finished her work by painting a fashionable diamond motif on her forehead. Hitara took a step back and waited for her mistress's approval.
"It will do." Kuwa spoke after a long minute of studying her own face. "Now dress me."
"Yes, my Lady."
Hitara grabbed the trays holding the different parts of the garment and joined her mistress behind the modesty screen. One by one she wrapped all layers around her body, smoothing any wrong pleat as she went, and adjusted the crisp white hem of her collar and sleeves to perfectly contrast with the dominant deep blue. She struggled with the obi and its unusually rough texture, rocking her mistress back and forth as she pulled and twisted, but after a minute finally succeeded in tying a decent knot at the right height and place. Kuwa finished the job herself by sliding her feet into her high sandals.
When Kuwa came to the mirror dressed in all the glory of an Uchiha matriarch, Hitara risked a discreet glance at her. She was mesmerized in the face of her own reflection. With her slender silhouette enveloped in the finest silks, her perfect complexion and her head set in gold and gems, Kuwa was undeniably beautiful, and would for sure leave her inprint in Uchiha minds. A satisfied grin grew on her face. A grin that accompanied eyes now devoid of any dread or doubt.
"Perfect!" Kuwa exclaimed before she turned to her maid. "When are the Elders supposed to arrive?"
"My Lady, the Elders aren't coming. It's young master Izuna and his guard who will take you to the Uchiha compound. They should be here in an hour."
"Oh, alright then." She sat at the kotetsu, where her breakfast had been set. "Take what's already packed downstairs and make sure to put my red pouch on the bench inside the carriage."
"My Lady, you'll be going on a sedan chair."
Kuwa's grin faded.
It had only been a few minutes since they set off that Kuwa already fought the urge to sink deep into the plump pillows of the sedan. Sink away from the all too bright rays of a mid-May sun and from all these people congregating around her escort, calling her name and congratulating her. Still, she didn't let herself slump, or her cheek-aching smile leave her face, or her hand return to her lap. She kept waving and thanking all for the sake of this new image she couldn't afford to taint.
"I didn't expect them to still have this much energy after a whole night of festivities." She said to Izuna walking beside her, his fingers playing a silent tune on the hilt of his katana.
"They truly are full of surprises." He replied through a bright smile. "That's the people of Konoha for you. "
"Well, I hope they enjoyed themselves."
"I'm sure they did."
There was a short pause between the two, where Kuwa witnessed the young man drift into his own thoughts before carrying on. "I hope you will like it here with us. To tell you the truth, no Uchiha ever married outside the clan before, so your arrival will be something new for all of us too."
"Really?"
"Well, some did take outsiders as concubines in the past, but these women had no status compared to a pure born Uchiha."
"They were living trophies."
He stroked his nape. "Basically… yes. Anyway, such practice no longer has its place within the village and within our clan. I can assure you will be treated with all the honors due to your rank and your commitment."
"Speaking of honors…" She paused to point at the men transporting her. "Why a sedan?"
The grin spreading on his face didn't go unnoticed. "What's so funny?" She asked, leaning onto the arm of her chair.
"It's ridiculous, isn't it? That, and terribly old-fashioned."
"Well there's that, yes. But there's also the fact that I feel… really exposed." She confessed.
"I think it was the Elders' idea. They're all about appearances and showing off." He spoke, each word as disdainful as the last.
"Surprising knowing they initially disapproved of me."
"Oh, don't pay attention to these geezers. They've been on Madara's back and mine ever since our father died. He tolerates them out of respect for their past achievements, but I can assure you we won't weep upon their deaths."
A few concerned glances were exchanged among the clansmen accompanying them. Izuna on the other hand was as relaxed as ever, not one bit bothered by their reactions. "You don't seem to like them very much either." Kuwa noted.
"I have my reasons."
Kuwa didn't insist, as another swarm of villagers came to greet her before they crossed the river. Besides, she already had an idea as to what said reasons could be. She'd be holding grudges too if she were him.
Once the convoy engaged on the bridge separating the village center from the privately owned lands, Kuwa exhaled deeply. Her hands, so far neatly folded on her lap, fell on each side of her legs and she stretched the aching muscles of her neck. Stopping at regular intervals to greet all these people individually needed to be done, but she had greatly underestimated how toilsome it would be.
She closed her eyes and listened to the ambient noises around her. The coordinated, slow-paced steps of the men around her, the subtle ruffling of leaves on each side of the path, the tinkling of her own jewelry… anything but the dozens of voices shouting her name.
After what felt like mere seconds of peaceful comatose, she felt tugging on her sleeve. Turning to the side she met with her handmaiden's impatient gaze. "My Lady, we're arriving." She whispered.
The fact had Kuwa snap back into her most dignified posture, too fast perhaps. Ignoring the sudden pain travelling along her shoulders, she fixed hems and loose ornaments, and assumed a demeanor worthy of noble portrait. Slowly, the ashen gray tiles that shaped the roofs of the Uchiha compound pierced through the horizon. The dirt path, until now narrow and near barren, widened into a large slate covered road, bordered with tall oak trees. Kuwa's heartbeat quickened. The main entrance was now in sight, and from behind the massive wooden gates she couldn't perceive a sound. She had longed for quiet, but at this very moment she wished for even a little chatter to come welcome her.
Izuna ran in front of the procession and halted it with a gesture of his arm, then made their presence known by using one of the heavy door-knockers.
"Who's there?" A voice asked, the tone of which suggested reciting more than a genuine question.
"Her Ladyship, consort Kuwa has come home!" Izuna shouted.
His words were repeated by the men guarding the other side, and echoed within the compound as more shinobis on watch duty spread the news. The gates opened and Izuna led the way in, forcing a bow from the guards welcoming them. Kuwa looked up as the sedan passed under the arch, officially bringing her into Uchiha territory.
Blood rushed in her veins like it would at the dawn of a battle.
The procession proceeded on the main road at a speed that allowed Kuwa's eyes to wander between the different buildings that now surrounded her. She took in all of this stunning scenery, the precise and harmonious volumes of each house, the contrast between the rich dark brown wood of the walls and patios and the soft pearl grey stones lining the ponds. The fan crest stood in majesty on every door, framed for some with handwritten blessings for the home, and with trailing flowers for others. A few faces peeked through curtained windows at first. Then, entire families came out, until by the time they reached the central place a small, dense crowd had formed.
The weight of a hundred obsidian stares slowly poured on her. Silent breaths turned into whispers. Men and women alike chuckled behind the cover of their hands, yet she didn't flinch. With her head held high and breathing deep, she kept her eyes riveted straight ahead, right on the only thing that mattered today.
Her husband.
He stood at the back of a large courtyard, in the shade of an old tree and surrounded by the people she recognized as the Elder council. Behind them, the manor stood in splendour, displaying all the talent of the clan's artisans through the fine, smooth carving of the columns and the meticulous decoration of both the facades and the gardens. With its three stories and generous space, the manor could easily accommodate a large family, which it probably never did before. As far as she knew, the Uchiha leader only had his brother as his last direct family member.
The sedan touched the ground after a thick silence befell the entire compound. One by one, the men let go of the log poles and aligned themselves on each side, framing the scene about to happen. With one arm Izuna helped his sister-in-law up and solemnly guided her steps towards her husband, passing the final set of gates and leaving behind the people gathered there.
Like many before her, she had learnt to recognize Uchiha men: A strong, tall frame built for battle, eyes as black as the depth of night, and a pale face with angular features, always bearing a stern, emotionless expression. Except that Madara stood out. Of course he shared a resemblance to his kin, but nearly everything about him inspired something more refined. His rebellious mane fell beautifully on his broad shoulders, framing a face which despite the mask of exhaustion still called for adoration. The attire he had chosen for the occasion allowed for his slightly leaner form to peek through, the kind that would, and surely had already, conjured sensual thoughts in the minds of many women.
"Your wife greets you." She recited with confidence when she reached him.
"Your husband welcomes you home." He answered before he outstretched his hands towards her, both of which she took. Their first intimate gesture, and the final seal to their union.
She barely had time to notice his attempt at a smile when the eldest of the Elders came forward. "Welcome, my child."
"Master Enji." She greeted him with a respectful bow.
"How was your stay at the Hokage residence? I assume the Senju treated you well?"
"They did. Everything was done as agreed."
"Fantastic." He turned to Madara, who had lost all semblance of calm. "You'll have to thank the Hokage for his hospitality on our behalf." He spoke on a patronizing tone. Madara answered with a simple nod, a gesture that required large amounts of self-control given how stiff and unwilling his body had become. Kuwa simply looked away.
The Elder's gaze then came to rest on the outsider servant, losing all its warmth in the process. "And who are you?"
She brought a knee to the ground, her eyes never daring to dart up. "I, Hitara, handmaiden to Lady Kuwa, greet master Enji."
His face contorted in disgust. "My Lady, you need not to burden yourself with such a lowly thing anymore."
"Master Enji, Hitara is very capable and truly devoted to me. I wish to keep her by my side."
"Oh I can assure you our servants are equally if not more qualified to take care of your inestimable person."
"Master En-"
"I can select for your service the most trusted and senior maids-
"That won't be needed, Enji." Madara interjected, his mouth twisting with each syllable of the Elder's name. "Kuwa is my wife and thus the Lady of this clan. You heard what she said. Not only is this servant staying, she is promoted to first rank."
"First rank?!"
"And she will answer to my wife and I only."
He held their gazes, imposing silence to whoever foolish enough to argue with him. Enji on his end was seething in the face of this nonsense. He turned to his fellow council members in the search for support, but was only met with heads turning away. Alone between the leader and his own useless crew, the Elder could only sigh out his rage.
"Very well. Have her at your service then." He huffed before forcing a smile in front of Kuwa. "But I assume there is still much for you to do this afternoon, my Lady. Should we continue our discussion over dinner tonight?"
"Of course." Kuwa replied.
"See you there then. Madara. Izuna." He spoke calmly, saving the last of his dignity on time before walking away, closely followed his council and all their incessant chatter. Kuwa raised her hand to bid them goodbye, a discreet grin painted on her lips. Madara did hold true to his promise, and the fact he did so in front of this despicable man filled her with delight.
Behind the couple, Hitara kneeled. "Thank you, Lord Uchiha."
"Thank you." Kuwa echoed.
The Lord in question raised a hand, allowing the maid to stand, and turned to his wife. "It's about time things change in this clan. If we keep to ourselves we'll never be able to prosper." He said, looking much more composed than earlier.
"Alright, alright, enough with the decorum. You're gonna drive me nuts." Izuna said, agitating his hands as if to clear the air. "How about you two get in and settle and I show her around." He pointed at Hitara.
"Young master…" She mumbled, taking a step back.
"Thank you, Izuna. That's very kind of you." Kuwa replied. "You can go." Uncomfortable but understanding of what the young man had in mind, Hitara chose not to insist and silently acquiesced.
"Don't worry, I'll bring her back to you safe and sound. See you later!" The young Uchiha declared before encouraging the maid to follow him on his way out.
When they disappeared from view, Kuwa glanced at her husband. "Is he always like that?"
"Yes." He answered, the tone revealing more amusement than actual embarrassment. "And I'd say he's quite tame today."
They shared a laugh together… and that was that. The Uzumaki had anticipated it. True they were married, and thus no longer had to follow insane amounts of etiquette, it still didn't mean his behaviour had or would change right after their vows. She contemplated for a brief moment the face that would not yet look her in the eyes, the face of the man whose destiny was now linked to hers. There was no certain to be sure, but something in him was different. She could still sense the melancholy in the soft flow of his chakra, but it was dull traces next to this strong, much brighter feeling of resolution. The pulsing aura surrounding him suddenly quickened as he turned to her. "Let's go inside."
Kuwa nodded and offered him her hand, which he took after a short moment of hesitation.
The couple toured the manor together, stopping first by the rooms of the first floor which consisted of a modern kitchen that gave way into a rather empty but well decorated dining room, a large living room with a fireplace, comfortable sofas and a kotetsu in one of the corners, and a meeting room which she assumed was where he would meet with his fellow clansmen. She remained mostly silent as he explained the routine that ran these rooms, nodding here and there.
They climbed the stairs to the second floor and entered the long angled corridor that gave access all the bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as the long balcony she had seen from the outside. Madara bypassed the first two doors to his left and opened the third one. "These are my apartments. I haven't spent a lot of time there these past few weeks, but that will change from now on." He cleared his throat. "You're welcome to come… anytime." The emphasis on this last word was enough to bring red on their cheeks.
Next she followed him to the room right next to his. "I figured you'd appreciate having a space of your own, so I had this prepared for you."
He pushed the door open and her lips parted in wonder. Each detail, every corner had been thought out to make this place as comfortable and homely as possible. While Madara's was near bare and monotone, her own apartments were bright, bathing in all the warmth and light the sun could offer, and had everything a woman of her rank could ever need. The main space had a large double bed, surrounded on each side by a drawer set and a lovely sculpted vanity, where brand new jewelry and cosmetic boxes were piled up. The attached room had a large wardrobe, as well as the clothing chests she had brought from Uzushio, and a beautiful embroidered screen hiding several more boxes and the entrance to a small bathroom. Her husband had even paid attention to the colors she'd be familiar with, and had gone as far as to bring flowers native to her homeland.
"Feel free to arrange things the way you want. It's all yours." He said, watching her fingers glide on every surface.
She broke from her state of fascination to look at him. "Thank you, Madara. It's perfect."
"I'm happy to hear that." He spoke just before she went back to admiring her new belongings. "If you need anything, just ask one of the servants."
"If Izuna doesn't kidnap them beforehand."
Madara stifled a chuckle when a knock on the door caught their attention. A young man entered and without much ceremonial announced: "My Lord, a fight broke in the market street."
"Again?" Madara sighed. "One of us?"
Genjiro acquiesced, which plunged Madara further into unrest. "Forgive me, I have to go."
"I understand." Kuwa replied. "May I continue the visit on my own?"
"Of course." He began walking out with his servant in tow. "See you tonight."
She bowed as he went, leaving her alone to finish exploring what was now her new home. She toured her apartments one last time, her smile radiant with every new item she discovered, and her heart light as a feather. Her husband stood by her, showed her favor, talked to her. This was much more than she had expected for today, so much she could easily forgive him for what happened, or rather not happened on their wedding night. This little hiccup would solve itself in time should Madara keep his promises the way he did so far. Fueled with the sweet bliss of success, she hoped in the corridor and went to climb the stairs to the third and last floor of the manor.
She arrived in a small empty hall where only two rooms awaited her. The first one on her right happened to be a storage area, where outdated furniture stood alongside jars of oil for the lamps, chests full of linens and tools for servants to perform their duties. Kuwa didn't linger, as she could already feel the dust assault her nostrils.
Much to her excitement the last room was a spacious, comfortable study with a large desk in its center, upon which only pencils, candles and an empty teacup remained. All four walls had their share of shelves and boxes, containing entire collections of books and scrolls neatly organized by theme and year. She pulled the drawer closer to her, and found there a series of messages, stored there with the same amount of precaution as the rest of the valuables. The temptation to just take one and read it was titillating at her, but she knew better. Instead she went back to the desk and sat on the chair just like her husband would.
She brought both hands to her mouth, from which a nervous giggle escaped. This home, her home, this was all hers.
And soon Madara would be too.
Hitara could barely catch a breath. Clutching at her skirts she tried her best to follow the young Uchiha, who showed no sign of exhaustion after touring the entire compound at what felt like the speed of light. True to his word, Izuna showed her to every place every maid ought to locate, starting with the outhouses nearby the manor, where servants assigned to the main family's care had their quarters and place to work. As a personal maid to the new Uchiha mistress, Hitara would have her own room next to Kuwa's, a privilege among many more that some servants already seemed to be envious of. Their heavy stares lingered on her as the duo crossed the kitchens, the laundry room and the different storage areas.
The outlying landmarks came next. They dropped by the armory, took a look at the newly renovated birthing home, and spent a moment in the aviary where Izuna couldn't resist presenting her his favorite hawks. Were it not for her insisting on continuing with the visit, Izuna would have remained there, or worse, try to have her hold one of these unpredictable creatures.
They had now reached the family shrine north of the manor. Hitara hesitated, unsure if a person her status was even allowed to set foot in such a sacred place, but relented as Izuna insisted she join him in. They stopped before the central altar, a majestic piece of polished pale marble surrounded with fresh flowers, upon which the stone tablets of Tajima and Yui Uchiha rested.
"My parents." Izuna said while rearranging the offerings, a shadow of melancholy settled on his face. "My brothers are here, and on the right is my unborn sister."
After a bow out of respect for the dead, Hitara looked away.
"If you ever have to search for Madara in dire times, this is where you'll find him. He likes to come and talk to them when he's too upset to see anyone." He took a few steps back to reach her level. "I don't really understand why. He wasn't that close to our father, as for mother… we were so young when she passed away."
"I'm sorry, young master."
"Oh, don't be." He pointed at the many other altars and tablets. "There's nothing more we can do for them, but we can make sure our children will never have to live and die like they did. All the bloodshed, hatred and death, I don't want that to happen ever again."
Hitara acquiesced. "With you teaching at the Academy, I'm sure the future generations are in good hands."
"The Elders would disagree with you." He chuckled.
"How so?"
"To make a long story short, they don't like the idea of an Academy, they don't like what we teach at the Academy, and they hate that an Uchiha from the main family is a teacher."
"I see." She sighed.
"Gods know what they'd do with these children's education if they were in charge." He huffed. "Just let them babble. Since I am from the main branch, might as well use that to set a good example, don't you think?
"Young master is wise."
"Wise, maybe not. But I know what would happen if these kids were to be fed the same ideals I was fed at their age."
The sound of a bell ringing in the distance interrupted their conversation. As a result, Izuna began rifling through his pockets. "Is it that late already?"
Hitara found her own pocket watch first. "Three."
"Indeed. I should bring you back to your mistress before she complains to my brother."
"Thank you for the visit, young master." She bowed.
"You're welcome." He replied as they exited the shrine. "Hopefully you'll have enough time to get ready for your conferment."
She peered at him. "My... what?"
It took a moment of staring at her for him to understand. "Ooh right! Of course you don't know." He said, adding to her confusion. "Okay, let me explain. Madara agreed for you to serve here, and elevated you to first rank, meaning you're now a chief maid serving under him in addition to being Kuwa's handmaid. You follow?"
"Yes...?"
"Good. In our clan, anyone receiving something from the leader, be it a title, a rank or some kind of power, truly receives it during a conferment ceremony. Well, ceremony is kind of a stretch when it comes to servants. Basically you just say thank you to Madara with needless amounts of decorum."
Behind closed eyes, Hitara swallowed the tightness of her throat away. "When is this supposed to happen?" She asked, monotone.
"I don't know. I guess Genjiro will fetch you in your room or something."
"Ah."
He went on to explain the whole ceremonial in deeper details, but Hitara feigned listening. She already knew well what was awaiting her, and no amount of clan history or promises of an easier life could remove the invisible weight gathering on her shoulders.
They crossed the now empty courtyard of the manor and made their way to the second floor, where the maid's bedroom had been set. Izuna opened the door for her. "There you go. You should have some time to rest before your mistress comes back."
"Thank you, young master."
"One more thing, if I may ask."
She lifted her head to meet his starlit gaze. "What is it?"
"Who was the other servant accompanying you?" He asked shuffling on his two feet.
"Satsu. She's Mito's personal maid."
"Satsu." He repeated. "Thank you, and welcome to our home, Hitara." And with that, he was gone.
Her first reflex was to close the door and lock it, to then rest her back on it as if to block the passage even more. Her breaths came and went in saccades as her eyes scanned the entire room, proving after a long, painful minute that she was indeed alone. Only a simple bed, a desk and chest of drawers bore witness to her faltering.
She collapsed onto the floor, both hands clutching at her chest. The infernal circle was about to repeat itself.
After a while reflecting on herself, Hitara was suddenly shaken alert by a strong knock at the door, followed by a loud thuds and footsteps. Weary, she peeked through the open slit, and noticed a collection of four packages had been left there. Another sigh of hers broke the ambient silence. As she expected, she wasn't welcome or even worth talking to. Still, she picked up the loosely wrapped packages one by one and went to sit on her bed, which to her surprise was soft and comfortable. The rope and thin layers of paper posed no resistance to her agile fingers, and soon the first one revealed three identical garments neatly folded on top of one another.
Her new servant clothes were of decent quality, equivalent to what she had from Uzushio, only these were a solid dark blue color and had no other decoration than the Uchiha clan crest outlined in white on the back. Each set came with undergarments, a large long skirt and a tunic, which would be held closed by a simple sash. She found more clothes in the other packets, which made it so she had several sets of clothing for each season, along with a comb and a few hairpins.
She frozeas she finished emptying that last package. At the bottom, nestled in its own piece of fabric was a tin circlet, ready to replace the one already settled on top of her head.
Copper for tin. Uzumaki for Uchiha. A new home. A new master. All of this was a simple trade.
And just like before, she would not shed a single tear.
Shades of orange painted the skies when Hitara stopped before the doors that lead to the meeting hall. Under heavy eyelids, her gaze darted up to rest on the carved relief of the Uchiha crest, which now also branded her back. This clan would soon officially welcome her as one of Madara's trusted aids. He would feed her, clothe her, and protect her from now on. She would be grateful, of course. Who wouldn't be?
But no amount of privileges, no amount of rewards would ever quench her yearning for freedom. It would be a miracle at this point, but deep inside she still hoped that the crown of servitude would be lifted from her head one day.
She hit the door three distinct times, and seconds later the servant Genjiro opened it for her. He remained by her side as she trudged towards the members of the main Uchiha family. She dared not allow her eyes to linger too long on a majestic Madara, or on his wife, who gave her a discreet nod. Izuna was kind enough to offer her grin, but she ignored it.
The fabric of her sleeves weighed on her arms as she raised them. Then her skirts tangled in her legs as she kneeled. In the end, only her mouth complied and managed to form the words of her oath.
The Lord raised his hand.
And at last, she curled into a bow until her forehead touched stone.