CHAPTER 15: RUMOUR HAS IT …
Raven managed to meditate all the way until dawn. When the first rays of light hit her, she very calmly uncrossed her legs and flew down. Even though she hadn't slept the entirely night, she felt rested after meditating.
When she landed on the ground, she found a dark blue bundle at her feet. Lifting it up, she found out that it was actually a dress! It was a common, villager's dress. It looked worn and was a faded blue colour. The dress was split down at the front in the form of a "V" to reveal white cloth behind the blue.
Raven appreciated that Robin had gotten her a dress of her favourite colour - blue, although how he knew that she was on the treetops and therefore left the dress below, puzzled her. Or maybe it was because she was chanting too loudly, sometimes, she chanted, not only to find peace, but to also block out all other sounds. So it was possible that she didn't hear Robin return because of that.
Raven donned on the dress and found that the sleeves of the dress covered her elbows nicely with a small white ribbon at the end. The hem of the skirt ended below her ankle bone. Raven adjusted her dress so it covered her feet, in these days, it wasn't appropriate to show a young lady's feet or any part of her legs.
She walked a few steps and smiled. This was the perfect fit, and though she had probably never worn anything more girlier in her life, Raven couldn't be more happy to blend in. If she walked out into the village with her leotard, she was sure she'd be captured and punished for dressing in inappropriate attire.
Raven busied herself by finding a water source. She went downhill and finally found a clean spring with fresh water. It was surrounded by tall trees and dense foliage. Perfect.
Stripping, she submerged herself in the water and sighed. It was a long time since she's had a bath. Raven figured she could stay here for a while, the Titans are still probably asleep, it wasn't even that light yet.
Then, after another half an hour, she decided she was clean enough. Stepping out of the water, she found her cloak and wiped herself down with that. She slipped on her dress and was just pulling her left arm through the sleeve when there was rusting from some bushes in front of her.
Raven paused, could it be an animal? Some wild squirrel or mouse, perhaps. But then the rustling got louder and louder, it was then obvious it wasn't a small animal.
And then, suddenly, out fell Beast boy! Raven almost snorted, so it was an animal after all! But that's when she realised she had yet to dress properly.
Very hastily, she pulled her other arm through and when Beast boy stood, she was done, but only just. Raven was still adjusting the squarish neckline.
Beast boy was grumbling about how he hated forests and their stupid thick leaves when he noticed Raven's hair still wet, and adjusting the neckline of her dress. He blushed, slapped both hands over his eyes and backed away fast, murmuring "Sorry" over and over again.
And because he couldn't see, he fell right into that clump of bushes he just fell out from! Raven rolled her eyes and went over to him. She grabbed his elbow, not very lightly, and yanked him up.
Beast boy stumbled a little on his feet.
"Open your eyes." Raven said monotonously.
Beast boy did, but very slowly. When he saw that Raven wasn't angry and fully dressed, he relaxed. "Raven …" he began nervously, "I … I was just … uh …" he held up a bundle of clothes, obviously the ones Robin had brought him.
"Why not change back at camp?" Raven asked, "Are the others up yet?"
"Well … no. I just … uh … I noticed I was starting to smell a little …"
Raven stepped back quickly, "The water's all yours." And then, picking up her leotard and cloak, she walked away.
On the way back, Raven picked some clumps of edible berries and wrapped them with her black energy so they were floating and she could easily transport them. They weren't much as she was sure they could be found quite commonly around her, but perhaps, she could sell them off for a few pennies and perhaps, with some luck, get a loaf of bread.
When she returned, Cyborg was awake, all dressed up in 18th century wear with long sleeves and big boots to hide his mechanical components. He was also wearing a large hat that shadowed half of his face in darkness.
Raven explained she was going to go for a little walk and fresh air. Cyborg nodded and waved her away.
So Raven started heading towards the village, the berries were now wrapped up with white cloth that she found on the ground along the way. It was very recently dropped because it was still white. Raven couldn't possibly just march in with the berries floating behind her, in ten seconds, she'd be caught and most likely burned or drowned for practicing witchcraft.
At the village, she found some sort of black market there and began to trade with an old man hobbling down the busy streets. She asked for some fourthings but the man, after seeing the berries, generously gave her a few pennies instead, thanked her, and then hobbled away. He must have a craving for berries … Raven thought.
That few pennies turned out to be enough for two loaves of bread. Well, it was after some persuation and a few smiles, but she had them at last. Thankfully, it was still hot, the only downside was that one was a bit burnt on the side, but it was still better than nothing.
She was about to return when a trumpet blared loudly. Then, there was the "Clip Clop!" sound of horse hooves nearing. The villagers cleared on either side of the streets to let a white horse through. The rider looked to be a well-dressed man in his forties.
Finally, he pulled the horse to a stop and called out, "Hear ye! Hear ye!"
Everyone crowded and gathered round the horse, wondering, and curious to find out what this was all about. Clearing his throat, the man pulled out a roll of parchment, from which he began to unroll and read from.
"From the Royal Court of England, on the 16, 17, 18 May, 1701, we shall celebrate His Royal Highness, Prince Alexander the second's eighteenth birthday, when he will finally be of marrying age! His Royal Highness has been most kind to request all eligible ladies from the land, not older than he is, to attend his grand birthday masquerade balls! There will be three of them. Prince Alexander shall pick his bride and marry her a week after. Young gentlemen are also required to be present, so let all of you prepare!"
Finally, with a swish of his cloak, the man galloped off. The villagers moved aside hastily to keep from being trampled on. Then, murmuring and whispers broke out.
"I hear that there may be an assassination!" says a young girl of about seventeen beside Raven, "I fear it may be wise to not go!"
"Indeed, Princess Anne did not die in a most pleasant way! And the cost of a decent gown is so dear nowadays! It is hardly possible to afford one!" exclaimed another girl.
Raven looked around and saw that the villagers too, kept talking about one thing: An assassination. Curious, she cut into the two girls' conversation.
"Pray, do tell, what is this assassination? My family and I have only moved here not a day ago." Raven said.
"Princess Anne, Prince Alexander's sister have recently been assassinated! It was poison, but not a soul alive knows who murdered her! We fear that the Royal Family is in great danger!" the first girl was happy to talk while the second one nodded solemnly.
Then, the second girl added, "The first ball is in five days. You can still change your mind about going."
Raven thanked the girls and hurried back to the forest. Boy, did she have lots to tell!
The Titans listened, wide-eyed as Raven told her tale. It was shocking to know that the kingdom might be in danger of losing its Royal family! And all of them felt that they had to do something about it. After all, it doesn't mean that if they travel back to the past, they can stop being superheroes, right?
"But friends, how are we going to attend the ball without any fitting garments?" Starfire asked, "I feel that we need something more elaborate, am I right or left?"
"You are right." Raven nodded, "But this still doesn't solve how we're going to find the proper clothes."
Suddenly, Cyborg spoke up, "Wait, hold on, I thought we were supposed to by finding ways to return home, I didn't expect this to become some sort of mission!"
"But they need our help, we can't just let the Royal family of England get assassinated right under our noses." Robin insisted.
So it was decided, everyone was to stay here. Robin said to give him a day to think up a plan. Knowing their leader, it was probably some sort of sneaky-spy sort of mission. Because since they didn't have the right clothes to blend in, the only option left was hide in the shadows and spy on every guest coming in into the masquerade ball.
Raven decided to take another walk in the village. Maybe she could find some information regarding the Royal family and its enemies. And perhaps, she could learn more about Princess Anne's death, this could be a clue on the assassin's murder patterns.
Then, when she was about to go, someone called her name.
Turning around, she saw Beast boy run up to her, "Raven! Let me go with you!"
Raven frowned, why was he so eager?
"Starfire's trying to get me to eat some weird mixture she's made out of berries, mud, and goodness knows what else! She seems convinced that it will bring us good luck!" Beast boy's eyes scanned the surroundings wildly, "You have to help me escape!"
Raven nodded, understanding him completely. Starfire's always so kind and full of joy, but she never seems to get the hints the Titans keep dropping when she makes one of her Tamaranian dishes.
So along the way, Raven told Beast boy about what she was planning to do, and he agreed to also keep an eye out for anything suspicious.
Then, suddenly, Raven ran out of things to say. As they walked past fields and meadows, Raven became strangely aware of Beast boy beside her, matching her footsteps as he walked. He was humming some sort of merry tune while he looked around.
Merry tunes weren't always favourites of Raven but she did hate to burst his bubble. Besides, it was a fine day. Not too hot or cool, and a gentle breeze was about. Beast boy can't help but feel happy.
Then, out of the blue, Raven felt happy. And oddly, she found herself wanting to sing Beast boy's tune. A strange feeling of comfort washed over her as she softly hummed it under her breath. It was nice to have a friend beside you, sometimes, it was better than being alone.
But lately, Raven felt that she preferred Beast boy's company more than anyone else's in the team. Most oddly enough, a tiny smile crept across her face. For some reason, Beast boy made her happy.
Reaching the village, Raven spotted a tailor's shop with dresses and shirts hung up at the windows. Her mind snapped back to work again, she wanted to know just how much a gown costs. Perhaps, if the Titans sell a few things, they may be able to afford some clothes for the masquerade ball! Then they won't have to hide and spy, they'll be undercover!
Raven told this to Beast boy and he nodded, agreeing. So the two went to check out the shop. Raven raised a fist and knocked on the door gently before opening it and then slipping inside.
It was dark and the air smelled slightly musty. It also appeared to be empty. Feeling a bit uneasy about the eerie silence, Raven and Beast boy turned to go.
But as they did, they came face to face with an old woman! Beast boy yelped while Raven stepped back quickly.
"Hello, dears." the old woman smiled kindly.
The woman looked about seventy. She was slightly plump, and hunched back. She was dressed in a simple brown dress with a white apron and a faded purple shawl draped around her shoulders. On her right hand, was a wooden walking stick. Her hair was silvery-grey and pulled back neatly into a bun.
Raven composed herself and so did Beast boy, when he saw that she was just a kind, harmless old woman.
"Is there something you wish to buy?" the old woman prompted.
"Uh …" Beast boy started, "we want to know the cost of a suit and gown."
"Ah yes, the price of the clothes." The old woman chuckled, "I don't suppose you young people are attending Prince Alexander's ball?"
Raven and Beast boy exchanged glances, then, slowly nodded.
The old woman closed her eyes for a moment, then, her eyelids fluttered open again. Then, turning to Beast boy, she said, "Young lad, do an old lady like me a favour. Perhaps then, I shall not make the prices so costly. It can be rather vexing to find gowns or suits unsuitable because of the price."
"Do you need something?" Beast boy asked, feeling bewildered.
"Ten apples." The old woman took his hand and put in a few coins on his palm, then she closed it. She then hung a woven basket over his arm and patted his hand. "I am quite certain the shop owner for fruits, would be most happy to provide you with what I need."
"OK …" Beast boy said, looked at Raven and she nodded. Then, he turned and walked out of the door.
The old woman smiled at Raven. Raven, who felt a little uneasy, looked onto the ground.
"Why don't you take a look around, dear. Find a gown you like." The old woman suggested.
Raven shrugged and started walking around the shop. Fingering the many fabrics of the dresses and simply at a loss of what she liked. Normally, girls pick their clothes because it compliments a certain feature of their body or because it matches their skin tone. Raven had absolutely no idea at how to do this. She never did understand the "Ways of shopping".
"My dear child, I had the most splendid idea!" the woman suddenly exclaimed.
"Yes?" Raven asked.
"If you want to, you could work for me." The old woman offered, "Not only will I lower the cost of your gown and suit, but you will have enough money to pay for it!"
Raven blinked. That actually was a pretty good deal … but she felt she must still consult with Robin first. He may have another better idea, though, she doubted that.
"Oh! You have something in your hair. Stay still, dear." The old woman proceeded to pick out something from the top of Raven's head. When her hand drew back, Raven looked curiously at the woman's fingers to see what she took out. But she saw only a strand of her hair.
"I must be mistaken." the old woman chuckled, "It's poor eyesight, dear."
That's when Beast boy entered the shop again, swinging the basket full of apples. Raven told him to stop that immediately.
"Why?" he asked.
"You'll bruise the apples!" Raven cried exasperated, then looked at the old woman apologetically.
The old woman shook her head and smiled, "Have a day to think about it, dear." then, she took the basket from Beast boy and settled it down on a wooden table.
Chiding Beast boy quietly, Raven led him out of the shop.
The old woman looked at the pair, particularly Raven, and smiled. Everything was going according to plan.
A/N: I must apologise if this chapter was horrible. Because, I think it is. I know everything seems meaningless now but believe me when I say there's a reason for everything. Oh and the old woman? Yeah, I just wanted to warn you that the old woman isn't what it seems. I don't want this to become a shock to readers like when I made George the bad guy, so I feel that I should probably tell you now.
Don't get too attached to her!
Oh, by the way, 18th century England was ruled by Queen Anne, but since this is fiction so ... the royal family here is highly inaccurate. There was never a Prince Alexander.