"Alyyyys," a voice sang before a tied up bush of leaves and flowers peeked around the corner of the wooden divider, quickly followed by a wide smile and fluttering eyelashes. A pair of brown eyes sought for the female Eliatrope the voice so lovingly called for, the same eyes growing wide in glee after finding Alys in the middle of the room as if she had been waiting," good morning, little flower! Are you ready?"
The Eliatrope nodded shyly while watching the male Sadida tip-toe happily into her chambers, followed by his trusty associate who was several heads shorter than him but surely a couple of times wider. She met the two confidantes of the princess Sheran Sharm the day before this one, and although still strangers, they were smitten shortly after laying their eyes on her and learning about her ordeal. They couldn't stop picking and fiddling with her, inspecting her fatigued and pale appearance, her wavy hair, the ears of her damaged hood and the temporary attire she wore which was nothing but a plain gown. She stood blushing in silence the whole time she was inspected and admired by the two Sadida, listening to their squabbling about forming ideas and opinions while she kept her head held down in bashfulness as she felt insecure and like a child since she woke up two days before. Everything was new, everything was different and there was nothing she remembered; she felt incredibly lost.
"Over here, flower," the short but round servant said after he walked into the side room of the Eliatrope's chambers, waiting almost impatiently for Alys to enter while the other servant made his way over to the wardrobe to open it and look through what it had to offer.
The tall Sadida gasped in disgust at what he was presented with after he had yanked the wooden doors open, the distaste apparent on his grass covered face. "Renate, these dresses are all dreadful!" he exclaimed as he pushed aside a few of the attires hanging in the closet," it is like this room has never been used before; these things look decades old. None would fit her or look good on her, none!"
Alys kept her eyes on the floor, lost in her own little world of pondering but it didn't go by unnoticed; the one called Renate rose a stubby hand to place his fingers under her chin and have her raise her gaze, saying as he smiled for her," chin up, darling... we will make you feel all better, won't we, Canar?" He sparkled when he looked over to the Sadida buried away in the closet, his revealed behind high up in the air while muffled talking could be heard coming from the array of clothes.
Alys' solemn expression faded a little as she faintly smiled for Renate, nodding in promise that she would try to cheer up a little. Both him and Canar were a vibrant presence and while she felt out of place during their meeting the previous day, they did try their best to make her feel welcome, promising they would come by the next day to see if they could do anything more for her. They kept their promise. "Do you mind if I sit down, Renate?" the Eliatrope asked gingerly, her question causing the chubby Sadida to gasp as if mortified by realization before clasping his round cheeks in his hands.
"You must still be tired! Of course, sit, sit," he urged while gesturing for the flower-shaped stool before a table, an oval shaped mirror framed by blooming branches standing on it. The two pieces of furniture were partially hidden behind a folding screen, separating the space within the small room for some privacy. After Alys sat herself down and looked upon her own reflection in the mirror, Renate waddled over to Canar who had prevented himself from drowning inside the wardrobe," found anything?"
"Well, I found this..." he said and held up a dress in between them to show what he had fished out of the closet, a saggy thing in an unflattering pink color and was adorned with white flowers that no longer looked all that fresh. His expression betrayed he wasn't impressed by his own finding. "I don't think pink will suit her," he admitted and threw the dress away over his shoulder while his friend nodded in agreement before they both tried to find a solution. The boa wearing Sadida tapped his chin while peering upwards to the ceiling, both the confidantes humming in thought though it turned into frustrated grumbling within seconds.
Alys watched them quietly through the mirror, smiling as she appreciated the efforts the two put into trying to find her anything more suitable to wear than the nightgown and her torn hood. She felt tired, just like Renate had guessed. She hadn't recovered yet from her endeavor and though she was told where she was found and in whose possession she kept, she couldn't remember it. Nightmares was one thing she had, but memories? Just flashes of images and sounds which made her sick to her stomach and rose her anxiety level to the point of her shaking in a panicked state. She was unstable but it had grown better... or so she wished to believe. The reflection of the two Sadidas blurred when she was drawn back into deep thought, their voices nothing but murmurs to her until a loud 'a-hah!' brought her back to the present.
"I know!" Renate said and grabbed for Canar's arms to pull him closer while his eyes grew and shone with excitement. He bounced as he spoke, releasing Canar's arms to wave with his hands and clap them together," that dress! That dress we looked at a few days ago and both agreed it would be perfect for the princess' little outings if she were older."
"That dress...? Are you sure?"
"Yes! Just try and picture her in it."
Alys' small smile faded when the two suddenly looked towards her with abrupt turns of their heads, staring intently with squinted eyes as if the dress they had in mind would magically appear on her if they stared hard enough. She shifted a little on the stool while softly clearing her throat, feeling a little uncomfortable with two pairs of brown eyes pinned on her before she slightly flinched when both servants unexpectedly squealed in glee and grabbed for each others' hands," perfect!"
"Didn't I tell you?"
"I'll go get it," Canar chuckled and skipped out of the room to retrieve the dress they had in mind, disappearing from sight though his pleased sounding humming could be heard for a while longer.
The small room felt fuzzy, a soothing feeling created by the enthusiasm of the two male Sadida. While Alys couldn't help but to withdraw internally at times, she had to admit that they knew how to energize someone by merely being present. She kept smiling even after she could no longer hear Canar's humming; he was elsewhere. "You two really are in sync," Alys commented to Renate as he picked up the old pink dress that was thrown aside and hung it back in the wardrobe.
His happy attitude changed after picking up on what Alys said and softly harrumphed, saying as he stepped over towards Alys while waving a hand in objection after he slammed the closet doors shut. "Canar, in sync with me? Pfooh, he doesn't understand me; always insults my hair whenever he is in a bad mood. I'll have you know that my hair is a masterpiece!" he said as he struck a pose the moment he stood behind Alys, presenting the high and long green plume which stuck up from the top of his head, a large flower tied around it like its centerpiece.
Alys had to admit it was a masterpiece in some way; how did he manage to keep it up like that? The Sadida people were already strange on their own. The women had foliage for hair while the males' faces were covered in a layer of grass. It was odd indeed and yet intriguing because it made the Sadida unique among the other Disciples of Twelve.
"I don't insult that cauliflower of a disaster he wears on his head, now do I?" Renate asked as he poofed up the blonde curls which fell outside of the Eliatrope's tattered hood, his reflection in the mirror giving away he was dramatically pouting before he batted his eyelashes and sighed," but we have worked together at the Royal Court for years as confidantes of the princess and the lovely queen. But you know, there was a time when I sang and danced in Brakmar, the star of the show. Glitter and fame; it was such a dream." He noticed Alys tilt her head a little in intrigue after he revealed to have been a cabaret star and he leaned a little closer to say hushed and wink," I could tell you so many stories, flower, stories which will make your heart race and your ears turn red." The dumbfounded look on the Eliatrope's face made it all to clear she wasn't fully comprehending what he meant, causing Renate to laugh while he reached over to softly pinch her cheek and coo amused," so innocent and naive! You're are adorable, Alys."
"I found it," Canar's sing-song voice sounded when he returned and swung into the side room, the grin he wore and the way he carefully held the dress showing he was very satisfied with it. He made a little twirl before he rose the dress before him to show it to Renate and Alys, pressing it against himself while rolling with a shoulder," it is the latest fashion of Sadida. It isn't royalty material but it is very high class. I would wear it myself if I had the figure for it." He flicked the back of his hand against his boa to sweep it over his shoulder while pressing the dress against his chest and said with an undying smile," I also found matching fabrics."
"Matching fabrics?... What ever for?" Alys asked, genuinely curious as she looked at the dress Canar was showing off while rubbing the cheek Renate had pinched. The dress was the typical style of Sadida; leaves were neatly incorporated into the design in both shape and material, the skirt of the dress long. It had an elegance to it, and yet it was summery and playful in style.
"For some head wear of course."
The Eliatrope looked surprised at Canar's answer to her question and felt Renate drum his fingers against the underside of the stitched cloth appendages sticking out from the sides of her hood, bopping them up and down as he spoke," the princess was very clear on the matter. Don't ever look at what is under an Eliatrope's hat, is what she told us." He tried mimicking Amalia's voice as he repeated her warning words before he laid his hands upon Alys' shoulders and leaned forward to look at her," the boy Yugo was very worried about anyone having peek after they found you and brought you here, told everyone to refrain from taking your hood off. Even the Eniripsa healer was shooed out of the room by him." He laughed at the memory," he and Adamaï checked if you had any head injuries so your secret would be safe. It does make one wonder though..."
Alys was a little speechless. She was told the very same thing when she was with Yugo, Adamaï and Joris but she had no idea it was of that much importance. It was a warning and a word of advice the boy gave to her, something that was passed onto him by his adoptive father. She was told the hats were important to the Eliatropes and so she didn't question it. She had to admit it did feel safer to conceal that which was under the hood… and more comfortable too.
"And you can't possible wear that tattered hood thing with this dress," Canar said as he swayed over towards Renate and Alys, handing the extra fabrics he found over to his partner," it was already atrocious enough to have you sleep in that rag; you deserve something new. While Renate sews you something new to wear on your head, why don't we put this dress on you, hmm?" He held his hand out for Alys to take and gently pulled her to her feet after she accepted his gesture, before leading her towards the folding screen so he could dress her in private.
Renate made himself comfortable on the bench next to the door, beginning to work on a headband for the female Eliatrope to wear instead of the hood, something he decided on alone but he deemed it fitting for the weather in Sadida and it wouldn't hide her as much. Her hood had tears in it, worn from wear and who knew what else; it needed to be replaced. The story that she had been a prisoner of the Xelor Nox was known to many but none spoke of it in the Eliatrope's presence, for the happening was still too fresh and hardly anyone had the heart to see Alys upset by the subject.
The rustling of cloth was heard along with approving hums from the flamboyant Sadida who was busy with preparing Alys. "Your skin is so pale... How exotic!" A soft 'thank you' followed the compliment, the nightgown Alys wore since before her awakening thrown over the top of the screen to get it out of the way. "Oh, turn your back to me, flower, so I can close it up for you. By Sadida, it's a perfect fit, like as if it was made for you."
"I told you," Renate said boastfully with a giggle as he placed the pieces he had cut out together to match the patterns up. He looked up from his work when Canar stepped out from behind the screen, the tall Sadida looking excited while beckoning for Alys to come to the mirror and have a better look. She was a little hesitant as she stepped out from behind the folding screen, fidgeting with the top of the dress while gazing down upon herself. Renate's eyes grew in size as he looked the Eliatrope in the new dress over before sighing dreamy," I never thought anyone other than Sadida could look good in Sadida fashion... Just gorgeous."
Alys swallowed nervously after standing beside Canar and reluctantly looked at her reflection. She was still wearing her blue hood, and while it truly didn't match with the dress, she didn't mind it because she'd grown rather attached to it. Her eyes glided over the cape-like leaf collar which wrapped just under her shoulders like a shawl, the leafy bodice and the linen dress hugging her form until the skirt widened and draped around her feet. She took in the sight with eyes large in awe and parted her lips to speak, yet no words formed. She was gifted a simple nightgown to replace her tattered old attire, and now she wore something in honor of the people who took her under their wings. She had done nothing to deserve their generosity, the selfless gesture overwhelming. And all to make her feel more welcome... she was extremely lucky.
"It-it really is gorgeous. Thank you," she said with deep sincerity and gratitude as she admired herself in the mirror, turning from side to side with slightly spread arms. She had seen the rags she wore when she was found among the rubble; it laid as a folded up bundle upon the nightstand next to her bed, waiting for her while she talked with her fellow Eliatrope, the dragon and Master Joris. She unfolded her old clothes once she was alone that night, only to burst into tears as the mere sight of it overtook her with grief and anguish. She tucked the rags away within the drawers of the nightstand to no longer feel the misery, uncertain why her old clothes made her feel that way, but she couldn't bear it. It was too painful...
"We should definitely tailor you something that is more Eliatrope-like," Canar said as he lightly touched her bare shoulders, leaning in close to see her and himself in the mirror," something which represents you, something... something blue?" He rose his gaze to look at the eared hood the side of his face brushed against, an eyebrow arching in uncertainty. Blue wasn't a color the Sadida people would usually dress themselves in, but blue seemed to be the best suggestion to make with what Yugo wore and Alys was dressed in when she was found.
"I think... I think I like blue, yes," Alys said while slowly nodding, her expression brightening up as it felt right to believe the feeling the discussion of color brought up. Just like how learning her name was Alys clicked nicely into place, so felt the color blue to be her favorite color. She didn't doubt it; she knew it to be true.
"Blue it is," Canar smiled as he nuzzled Alys' cheek, causing her to chuckle softly while another blush began to creep across her pale cheeks.
"We'll have to find some fabrics first, perhaps import it," Renate said with his eyes on his sewing, drawing the thread through the fabrics to finish up the headband he quickly designed to fit with the dress," or dye. Don't fret though, pretty flower; me and Canar will make certain you will get an outfit to your liking."
"You are all so kind..." Alys said as she folded her hands together," I am not sure if I'll ever be able to repay you for what you have done for me." It did weigh heavy on her heart and mind, to know the generosity of the people of Sadida but not understanding the reason behind it. She did nothing to deserve it, other than be found after a battle that costed Sadida dearly. She felt more like a burden than anything else.
"A smile suffices."
"And a thank you," Canar said with a chuckle while wiggling with a finger as he stepped over towards the folding screen and moved it, pushing and pulling at the thing," you are family to Yugo, no? He and his friends saved our people and you were someone in need. Still are... not to mention you are absolutely precious!"
More compliments. Alys inhaled through her nose as she tried to accept the honest answers to her wonder, suppressing the guilt before she nodded to herself and respectfully inclined her head for both Canar and Renate in gratitude. "Thank you both so much," she said as she smiled before holding her breath when both Sadidas came up to her and drew her into a fierce hug while cooing, gentle crushing her in a warm and pleasant embrace. Her strained chuckling made them release her before Renate held out the headband he made for her and nodded to the table with its mirror.
"Go on, try it on. Let me know if it doesn't fit; I'll adjust it for you," he said and took a few steps back so Canar could slide the folding screen in place to hide Alys from their eyes," we'll be right outside if you need us." It was difficult not to be curious about what was hidden within the hood, but they respected that it was a secret; they would give her the privacy she needed.
Alys sat herself down upon the flower stool once Canar placed the screen and left the side room with his partner, laying the ivory colored headband with its orange broad stitching upon the table before her. She could hear the two confidantes talk with each other but it was hard to make out what exactly they were discussing. Her attention was on her reflection, her hands reaching for her hood to delicately lift it up. There was a reluctance to remove it; she had seen what was underneath but wasn't certain what to make of it. She slowly revealed her wheat colored curls and shook her head to let her hair fall free, before closing her eyes to find courage to gaze upon the two small wings which sprouted from the sides of her head.
They were small and while she had a feeling it was because she was weak, there was a tinge of shame deep within her. The wings were made solely out of Wakfu, a sign of her health and because of their size she knew she had a long recovery ahead of her. It only made her slip into a swirl of wonder, questioning herself about what had happened to her to be so fatigued. Will she ever revert to her old self again? Even with the missing memories?
Her lower lip quivered as she fought back the tears before she quickly laid the hood aside upon the table to distract herself and hide the Wakfu wings with the gift that was given to her. The headband Renate quickly made was like a scarf she could tie over her head, too narrow to completely cover the top of her head but broad enough for the two stitched attachments to conceal the small Wakfu wings. She tied the headband together at the nape of her neck before combing her fingers through her hair and cocking her head from side to side to see how the headband fit.
It was just the distraction she needed. Blue made way for a brighter palette of ivory, orange and green; any reminders of her time with the Xelor were gone and it was a weight off her shoulders. But she had to admit she would miss the hood with its large brown tuft of fur; somewhere she didn't want to throw it away. Maybe she should keep it…
The inaudible talking in the other room became louder as she adjusting the headband with the aid of her reflection, the increase in volume causing her to lower her hands little to listen in curiosity. There was a different voice, though it was much quieter than Renate or Canar. Who was it? It was difficult to make out what was being said until Renate's voice rang loud and clear," are you ready, Alys? Does it fit?"
Alys got up when she realized she spent too much time on feeling bad about herself and stepped out from behind the screen she'd been unintentionally hiding behind while brushing herself off with gentle flicks of her fingers," I am sorry, but yes. Yes, it fits perfectly, thank you."
She found Renate waiting in the doorway of the side room, clapping his hands together in approval at how the headband he made fit with the dress and waddled backwards to make way for the Eliatrope while smiling for her," you could easily be one of us if your skin was darker and your hair a different color!" He came to a slow stop to look up to Alys when she stepped out of the side room before he nodded towards the entrance of her chambers to make her aware of something, or in fact, someone. "You have a visitor," he said with held up hands, his fingers flexing and curling as if he was anticipating something juicy, a mutual feeling Canar shared from the looks of it.
Canar stood next to the one who had entered Alys' room mere moments ago, the blue of his coat a dark contrast against the brown and vibrant greens of the tall Sadida and the scenery of the room.
"Good morning, Lady Alys."
"Master Joris..." the Eliatrope said in mild surprise, attempting to hide the timid feeling swelling in her chest as the master of Bonta looked at her from the shadow of his hood. She did not expect him to return to her any time soon as she figured he had more important matters to attend to, yet here he was. She stepped closer after gathering herself and cocked her head slightly to the side before carefully asking," what brings you here so early?"
Joris looked in between the two flamboyant confidantes who had shuffled closer before his gaze rested on the Eliatrope before him, saying as he folded his hands together behind his back," I was conversing with chamberlain Toufdru earlier this morning and he came with a suggestion which I believe may pique your interest." He waited for a moment to read her reaction, to see if she was interested in hearing what he had to say before he continued, eyeing the two male Sadida who kept coming closer to listen in on the conversation," he made me aware of Sadida's library, a large pool of knowledge. I figured it could be of use for you."
A library? Alys took a moment to think about the suggestion while Canar and Renate showed a hint of disappointment, the two having hoped for something else. Libraries were the source of information, information she did not have or couldn't remember. Perhaps there was something there which could tell her about her people, about this world or about herself. It was worth the shot! She smiled appreciatively to the small master after thinking about the suggestion, before she bent forward to bring herself a little closer to him," could you perhaps take me there, Master Joris, if you have the time?"
"Of course," he answered with a small nod and without reluctance, causing a pleased gasp to escape from the two nosy onlookers who stayed very close, a sound the master attempted to ignore to stay as formal as possible in the Eliatrope's presence.
"I hope you don't mind; I don't mean to be ungrateful to you both by suddenly leaving..." Alys said to the two Sadidas who tended to her, seeing they had huddled together and were grinning broadly before they wove their hands at her as if to shoo her away as gently but also as urgently as possible.
"Not at all, flower!"
"You go with Master Joris and spend some time together in the library. I am sure it will be very educational," Canar giggled knowingly," it is also good for you to leave this room and mingle. But be sure to call if you need us and don't exhaust yourself. Remember, you are still a frail little flower; you need time to blossom." Whatever he and Renate were were thinking by having Joris and Alys go the library together, it filled them to the brim with sheer excitement.
"Thank you..." Alys smiled, not able to help thinking the two Sadida had crowned themselves as her fairy godfathers or similar; the care they showed for her well-being was reassuring and heartwarming. What would she do without them...?
She lingered in the hallway to wait for Joris after he allowed her to leave her chambers first in good and polite manner, giving him a sympathetic smile when two Sadida called after him to look after her as he left the room. It was hard to tell by just looking at him, but she could feel the relief of leaving them behind radiating off of Joris when he joined her. "Is it far, Master Joris?" she asked as they began to walk, seeing the long white tufts which sprung from his hood swaying with the motion of him shaking his head in answer.
"It is but a short walk," he said thoughtfully before his eyes wandered over her appearance and came to a rest on her face," do let me know when you grow tired, Lady Alys. We are in no hurry."
"I will... I'll take it you have no political business to attend to today?" she asked, not wishing to feel guilty for keeping Joris from his duties, if she truly was. She came to learn that he was an ambassador visiting the kingdom of Sadida for his own King and that the attack on Sadida and the appearance of the Eliacube had extended his stay. Surely he had more important matters to attend to than showing someone unimportant the way to the library?
He shook his head once more to answer her after leaving the long hallway to guide Alys over the elevated bridge that connected two parts of the massive tree they were in. "I have spoken with the chamberlain this morning and I will speak with His Majesty Sheran Sharm when he has the time; we still have much to discuss. I have already sent word to Bonta about the situation here and await further orders... My day is free unless the King or the Prince wish to discuss anything with me."
Bonta. The name was mentioned several times in her presence but she knew nothing about it other than that it was a city ruled by a king and that Joris represented it. "Could you tell me about Bonta one day, Master Joris...?"
"Gladly," he said as he continued to gaze up to her, making it possible for her to see he was smiling by how his visible eyes squinted with the rounding of his cheeks," I can show you a few maps after we arrive at the library and tell you about Bonta, if you like; it is a very different place from Sadida but we are allies and our people are just. I could also tell you about any other kingdom you wish to know about; it will be my pleasure."
"I would like that, thank you."
Joris gave an appreciative nod as they continued with their slow walk towards the library, quietly watched by Renate and Canar until they could no longer follow the peculiar pair without being spotted by them.
To be continued