Lorelei sat in a side chamber, of which she was almost positive was previously a broom cupboard. She simply wore a brown sack, her golden curls messy and loose, but surprisingly clean. It wasn't long, sitting on the hardwood floor before a young lady came hurrying into the room, shutting the door behind her and peering out the peephole to something (or someone) passing by. What ever the lady was looking at, it was amusing, as she was giggling deviously. Lorelei took in her appearance with awe; the raven black waves, the porcelain skin, the soft, sweet face that turned to her eventually. The elf stood, heart beating fast, adrenaline rushing as she knew not what to do. She frantically glanced around, ready to bolt at a moment's notice as the young noble did her own assessment. And smiled. It was a lovely little smile, not deceiving (which was admittedly surprising) and it coerced a shaky smile from the elf in return.
"You must be Lora, am I correct?" The Duchess said, cocking her head to the side. She approached the shorter girl, who only came up to her shoulder. She nodded slowly, not as quick to respond. "You can speak, you know. Unless they've cut out your tongue. Wouldn't put it past them. Ha! Oh, I'm Valeria, by the way. Pleasure." Valeria curtsied and Lorelei was absolutely shocked. Common courtesy to an elf was entirely the last thing she expected from her new owner. "Ugh, let's get you out of this filthy room and those unfashionable clothes." "…Ma Serannas, my lady… You are very merciful and kind." The young elf kept her gaze at the ground. "Well someone has to be around here, don't they? Otherwise it would be very, very dim. And I am certainly not dim. Don't tell the others, okay?" She spoke the last in a whisper, with a conspiratorial glance, offering the door open for the elf.
This was a complete shocker, the Duchess was… Accommodating. Friendly. Entirely kind and… Likable. The blonde elf was escorted through the back hallways to the Duchess' quarters, and Valeria's face contained an impish grin as she ransacked her old wardrobe, looking for dresses she had outgrown. "Oh Lora, there is bound to be something stunning for you. You know that? Your hair, and your eyes… They're beautiful." "I apologize, my lady, I am not sure how to respond. I have never been named as such, beautiful. And I think that it is you that is beautiful." She blushed a little, speaking so frankly so soon. Valeria smiled, turning to continue to dig through her dresser until she came upon a hunter's green dress with silver trim. The bust was modest and it was a long ruffled skirt, with silver trim and short sleeves. It would not be appropriate for housework or drawing baths, but it was beautiful. "Look, Lora. Try it on," Valeria beckoned to the elf, who was unsure of herself. She gently slid out of her sack and into the satin gown. For the first time in her life, she felt lovely. She and Valeria looked quite the pair, rosy pink and forest green in a combination that could not act any other way than to please the eyes.
They grinned at each other, almost companions yet, and climbed onto the bed, dancing and jumping in their dresses, carefree. All the hate and anger and fear that Lorelei experienced was freed when Valeria's hand of friendship took her away from that world. Although a sold servant, she was finally free.