Malwina and Fayruza took an inventory of the things that the court would be taking along. Ceres sat with them. Both of them had grown fond of the girl, and they were her favorite attendants, so they were usually with her. Ceres had never lacked playmates, girls from noble families, who had been brought to court to be raised with her, and were about her own age, playing cards, board games, billiards, and talking about whatever she wanted to talk about.
Since she had been given her own household, the only time they were not with her was during certain lessons. Only Malwina and Fayruza accompanied her for those. The other girls were given different lessons.
Regardless of what lessons she was given, Minako and Kunzite, not the tutors went over them. Sometimes they would have her recite her lessons for them.
"I've never seen such handsome girdles!"exclaimed Malwina, holding up one of them.
It consisted of five chains. Chain girdles were always fashionable, since Aphrodite's own girdle was a chain girdle. Five chained girdles were for Aphrodite's number.
"And it looks like Your Grace is a connoisseur of pearls and shells, as well as dolls."
"Most of them represent different figures in history."one of the girls said.
"That's why I want to go to Neptune! I'd like to have a shell from the seas there. I will bring you back a shell from the beach near Aphrodite's rock!"said Ceres.
Only Ceres and Minako would actually cross the Aphrodite Hills and go to the beach. Only daughters of Aphrodite could go to Aphrodite's Rock and enter Aphrodite's cave.
"I also have cave pearls! Papa brought them for me from Earth! I wonder if there are any at Aphrodite's cave. What minerals or gemstones there are there, too!"
"It sounds like you are going to Aphrodite's Cave to identify it, not as a daughter of hers."
"I can identify most minerals and gemstones by now. I'm not allowed to wear a particular gem until I can identify it. Minerals, too. Papa brings me a lot of gemstones, as well."
Just like Venus was known for gold, and the Moon for silver and diamonds, Earth was known for the most handsome gemstones in the galaxy.
"One of my favorites is the aventurine. It's the stone of good luck, and is associated with the planet Venus. Bur for very good luck"
"Are any of your jewels aventurine?"asked Malwina.
Perhaps she might be able to borrow one from someone at some point. She looked around the room. Maybe one of the girls had one.
"I don't think anyone has one."one of the girls told her. "Except for Her Grace."
"I do! I also have rose quartz. Is associated with Venus, too. And when you cut in a certain shape you can see a star."
"What will Your Grace ask of for when you go into Aphrodite's Cave?"asked Malwina eagerly.
"For true love. And eternal beauty. She grants eternal beauty to anyone who swims in her waters."
"You don't need to ask for that, Your Grace."said Fayruza.
"Everyone must their true love."said Ceres. "We must all ask to find it."
"Your Grace can ask for it for us all?"asked another of the girls. "Or just yourself?"
"I don't know."Ceres admitted.