The soft sound of lone applause rose up from a clearing along the edge of the palace's gardens, the large statue of Sir Tristepin Percedal a quiet spectator of what was occurring. Flashes of cyan and teal highlighted the wooden Iop as Zaaps appeared in an unorderly fashion against the afternoon sky and a short distance above the ground.
Seated on a bench before the large ivy covered statue, Alys clapped her hands together with a broad smile. The pudgy tofu Az was nestled comfortably in her lap while Adamaï sat by her side, also smiling. Their eyes were on Yugo after he turned the clearing into his personal stage, showing off some of his tricks to the female Eliatrope in the hopes to trigger a lost memory. Though, he couldn't help to show off a little and have some fun in the progress. Alys was still too weak to conjure a portal and had yet to make an attempt, but watching was enough practice for her.
"I cannot believe you discovered your powers through cooking," the female Eliatrope said in admiration after Yugo hopped out of a portal and set his hands on his sides with a cheeky grin, feeling quite accomplished with showing off his skills," and to have gotten this far…" She shook her head in disbelief but also awe. The boy was young, thirteen years of age; to think he learned about the Eliatropes and his powers like a year ago… it was absolutely astonishing how much he progressed in such a short period of time. She almost felt envious of his skill.
"He is a fast learner, I'll give him that," Adamaï said, his hands resting on his ankles while he sat with his legs pulled up and crossed. The thoughtful look he bore wavered before he puffed up his chest and stuck his chin up to boast a little," not to mention that he had a good teacher. If it weren't for me, he wouldn't have figured out how to sense or see Wakfu."
Yugo snickered after Adamaï acted mighty proud of himself," true, but I did discover how to turn the Zaaps into a weapon. You have to admit that is pretty amazing."
"Pure luck," the shapeshifted dragon snorted while Az protested towards Yugo with angry and disgruntled chirps, the tofu remembering the boy's accidental discovery all too well. He was still missing a few feathers from his rear after Yugo merged two Zaaps together and scorned the bird's backside with an unexpected blast of Wakfu. The tofu stopped expressing his dismay when Alys gently scratched his neck to calm him, quietly pouting in her lap while Yugo rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. Poor Az... Yugo already lost count of all the apologies he had given to Az ever since that happening.
"Just imagine what he'll be capable off when he learns to control the Eliacube," Adamaï continued, ignoring the dropping expression of excitement on the Eliatropes' faces," those little accidents will be nothing in comparison to what you'll be capable of then. Trust me."
Alys and Yugo glanced towards each other, a silent exchange of mutual feelings. They were apprehensive to talk about the Eliacube, let alone use it. They had tried to come to an understanding about the cube, but it had been in vain so far. She remained frightful while Yugo remained doubtful. However, it was Alys who conjured a smile and nodded to the dragon, saying while petting the top of Az's head," we trust you, Adamaï. But Yugo's powers will develop as he grows older, even without the Eliacube. Who knows what great things he'll be capable of." She turned her smile to the young boy, her words already playing with his imagination until excited voices caught their attention and abruptly changed the subject.
The approaching voices came from Renate and Canar as the male Sadidas wandered into the statue's clearing with a purpose and wove towards the small group while calling for Alys. She could hear the boys either chuckle or groan at the sight of the approaching servants, the brothers being divided in their opinions about the flamboyant men for several different reasons. While they took good care of the female Eliatrope, they were notorious to claim the spotlight and hog most of the attention; who knew what they wanted this time.
"Don't they have anything better to do?" Adamaï grumbled while slipping off the bench to make way for the two Sadida as they grabbed for Alys' hands the moment they were in reach. Their excitement was sparking off them, but Adamaï had no intentions of getting wrapped up in whatever riled them up so badly. He quietly huffed while standing by Yugo, peering at the trio from under the rim of the large wooden cap he wore as a hat.
Az was quick to flee from Alys' lap when Canar and Renate towered over the Eliatrope, not wishing to be left in Canar's care or even be near the Sadida after Yugo left him with Canar during the attack on the Tree. Although safe, it was a ridiculous torture, the Sadida's motherly instincts and coddling suffocating and near traumatizing for such a little bird. The Tofu zipped away with a frantic beating of his tiny wings to hide behind Yugo, not planning on showing himself until the coast would be clear.
"It arrived," Renate said without much context while patting the back of Alys' hand, sounding fairly enthusiastic while his whole being gave off a hint of impatience; he was looking forward to something and he wasn't the only one.
Canar gave the slender hand he held a gentle tug to show he wished for Alys to stand and said while being more poised than his partner after taking note of the Eliatrope's cluelessness," what Renate is trying to say is that your new clothes have arrived, flower." He helped the female Eliatrope up to her feet before leaning over towards Yugo to keep him and his brother in the conversation, whether they wanted to or not," it isn't Sadida fashion but I'd say it is quite in the style of the Eliatropes. Maybe we should have tailored you both something new as well." His brown eyes crawled over what the boys were wearing, the look he gave them criticizing at best.
Yugo and Adamaï looked at themselves with a frown before the shapeshifted dragon puffed out some smoke in disapproval to Canar's words, glaring a little from under his head wear while Yugo examined the front of his orange shirt and the large pocket sewn onto it. Surely it didn't look so bad...?
"We went looking for you straight after the delivery. There isn't a moment to lose; you must try them on this instant," Renate impatiently said to Alys while hooking his arm around hers and broadly smiled with an obvious eagerness, ready to drag her back to the palace to show her what clothes were made especially for her.
"Why don't you come with us, help or watch us get your sister all pretty and proper? It might be educational," Canar tried as he took Alys' other arm and kept his attention on the two boys, still adamant in his thoughts and beliefs that the young Eliatrope and dragon could use a better taste in fashion and appearances.
The look of disgust distorted Adamaï's face and he about managed to keep his tongue inside his mouth rather than stick it out at the mere thought of getting involved in girly things, let alone learn something from it. His brother kept himself a little better composed, saying with a light smirk after recalling the time the Brotherhood of Tofu explored their feminine side to save Tristepin from a few cursed princesses," no, thank you. Maybe some other time, right Ad?"
"Right, like, a time far away from now," the dragon mumbled under his breath to not be heard while he pulled his shoulders up to cross his arms firmer across his chest, not liking the interruption. How much longer would it take for him to convince Yugo and Alys to use the Eliacube? He figured that this little test and training session would warm them up to the idea of forgetting their little fears and throw themselves at the cube, but that was, again, shot down. Even getting outside and away from the palace wasn't enough.
Alys looked flustered but calm in between the flamboyant Sadidas, her natural peachy blush darker in color with all the urging and talks about new clothes. Another change... She hoped she was ready but she knew this was coming. She was unable to say no to Renate and Canar however, and so didn't object to getting whisked away so suddenly. "Very well then. I'll seek you boys out once I am done, I promise," she sounded apologetic but neither Eliatrope or dragon seemed all too bothered by her taking leave to get pampered. Adamaï may be scowling but she wasn't the target of his annoyance; Renate and Canar were, and they didn't even know or notice.
"Have fun," Yugo called out after the leaving trio before he playfully smirked and said," I feel sorry for her at times..." The two Sadidas were a suffocating presence no matter who they were with, even he had to admit that. He rather not imagine what Amalia went through on a daily basis with them but she appeared to have them under her thumb and beck-and-calling while Alys had yet to toughen up a little. She kept getting swept up in their excitement and prodding.
Adamaï huffed and wove with a hand with a audible snort to dismiss Canar and Renate from his thoughts, saying honestly while walking away from the wooden statue that quietly witnessed everything," rather her than us. Come on, let's go do something else instead of standing around here. Maybe Pinpin is up to something interesting."
"I still think she should wear that hooded gown on a daily basis. It looks regal and dignified," Renate pouted after entering Alys' chambers, looking a little distraught and objective with a light stomp in his tread. Canar hardly paid him any heed as he brushed past the chubby Sadida and floundered into the small side room to hang away the newly claimed attires for the female Eliatrope, looking a little agitated himself.
The two servants were discussing what Alys should wear from this day forth now that she had more options to choose from, unable to come to an agreement while Alys kept to herself to not get in the middle of the argument the whole way back to her chambers. She had yet to get a good look at the three outfits Renate and Canara commissioned from the kindness of their hearts rather than the belief she truly needed a change of attire, unable to pick a side or give her opinion on the matter.
"Don't be silly," Canar's voice sounded from the other room," that gown is obviously formal wear. To wear it on a daily basis is like asking of the princess to wear those disgusting adventurer rags to a Council of Twelve meeting. Honestly, you know nothing about dress codes, or taste!"
"This is completely different," Renate snobbishly objected before realizing Alys had been quiet all this time. He turned around to see where she was, his brown eyes searching until he saw her standing by her bed. She seemed intrigued by something he could not see from where he stood, simply staring at whatever caught her attention while her eyebrows were slightly raised in mild surprise. "What's wrong, flower?" he asked while making his way towards her and saw what had caught Alys' eye shortly after she stepped into her room, a small wooden box on the top of the blanket. He blinked, uncertain what it was before he glanced to the Eliatrope," is it yours?"
"No..." she answered with a light shake of her head, sounding doubtful with her slightly squinted at the puzzling discovery. She didn't recall seeing this little box before, not within this room at least. Not recalling the sight of it also proved to her that she didn't leave this on her bed earlier in the morning; she would have remembered if so, her memory working perfectly no matter that she presumably lost her past to the Eliacube. Where did the box come from...? Or more importantly, what was inside of it?
Canar peeked over Alys' shoulder after hanging away her new outfits and take a look at the finding, his interest piqued by a mystery unfolding right under their noses. There was a hint of teasing tied to his voice while a coy smile formed on his grass covered face after leaning even closer to the female Eliatrope," perhaps it's a little something from a secret admirer, hmm?"
A gasp left his chubby associate, the round Sadida bouncing a little with a sudden excitement before he patted Alys' arm in an attempt to contain himself. "Oh! Ohh, how romantic. By Sadida, that would truly be romantic," Renate sighed with a flutter of his eyelashes, the thought completely taking him even though Canar meant it more as a joke. A secret admirer would be the perfect topping for the enigma that was the female Eliatrope of unknown origins. "You should open it," he urged without thinking of any possible threat that could be tied to the box, the reluctance Alys felt as she reached down to cautiously take the lid off the small box not shared by him.
The box was made of dark wood and nearly as large as her hand. There was no ribbon, no card… nothing; it was as plain as a box could get. Yet within something shone after Alys lifted the lid off, the daylight reflecting on what appeared to be an oval shaped gem encased in a thick setting of silver. The supposed gem was the cyan color of Wakfu, a true eye catcher. The sight alone mesmerized the Eliatrope, forgetting for a moment to remain cautious and skeptical. The box's origins and purpose were still unknown but she couldn't help but admire the strange finding in such a plain looking wooden box.
"What is that...?"
Alys was delicate and careful as she lifted the piece of jewelry from the small box, stroking lightly over the smooth polished surface of what appeared to be tinted glass rather than a gem. She found a long needle attached to the back of the silver setting after turning it over in her examination, realizing that the little trinket was meant to be worn. "It is a pin," she said a little baffled, admiring the craftsmanship after she rested it on her fingers and weighed it. The oval shaped piece of glass looked like crystallized Wakfu and shone brilliantly when held in the light. It was truly beautiful, something she couldn't recall having seen before… but why was this left on her bed? No, the better question to ask was who left this in her chambers? She had nothing worth stealing or taking, the door unlocked and unguarded at all times; anyone could've snuck in. She could try and guess the identity of whomever it was, but there was no hint or evidence of anyone in particular. No note or anything else; nothing.
"What is it made of?" Renate asked and held up his chubby hands to accept the pin from Alys after she considerately handed it over so he so he could have a closer look. He blinked while closely examining the smooth metal and colored glass, his thick lilac lips pursing in deep thought before he squealed in terror and held the pin far away from himself with two fingers. "Augh, it is one of those things! Take it away from me! Take it!" he whimpered, bouncing on his toes while withholding the urge to fling the pin into the corner of the room, or worse, out through the window.
Canar dramatically sighed with a rolling of his eyes while Alys looked bewildered after reeling back at Renate's sudden outburst. The tall Sadida snatched the brooch away from Renate with a disappointed harrumph and asked as he returned the accessory to Alys so it wouldn't get accidentally damaged by Renate's unexpected panic," what are you talking about? What things?" Canar set a hand on his hip while waiting for his partner to calm down, not impressed by Renate waving himself some air and catch his breath with overdone huffs and puffs in a feeble attempt to collect himself.
"Those things," Renate said and pointed with a stubby finger to what Alys was holding before he leaned closer to Canar and said hushed," those Xelor things. The creepy beetle bugs that attacked the Tree and the forest. You know, they were all over the place, like, attached the trees, sucking them dry."
It took a moment for Canar to realize what Renate was talking about, but he reacted in startle the moment it hit him. Although he was safe within the palace during the battle, he saw the damaged mechanic critters laying broken and scattered about on the ground afterwards. He stared with large eyes at the pin in Alys' hands, unable to shake off the rising suspicion that made him want to slap it away. He controlled himself better than his counterpart, understanding that this could be but a mere coincidence... or so he hoped.
Alys was a little slower on the uptake, peering down at at the pin while she tried to understand Renate's sudden fright and the 'creepy beetle bugs' he spoke of. Sketches… Yes, she had seen sketches of a device among Nox's notes that closely resembled an insect. It was another thing that slipped by her without much of a thought, the notes filled with too many ideas, plans and schematics that mostly came across as mad rambles. Was there a resemblance between the mechanical insects and the pin, something she didn't catch without having seen the actual inventions?
"What kind of a joke is this?" Renate asked appalled, indeed seeing too many similarities. Did someone truly take apart one of those bugs to make a little trinket out of it? It was a work of art but still in odd taste. A taste he didn't quite get.
Canar softly tutted and tenderly patted Renate's shoulder while trying to sound convincing, his own uncertainty cloaked by the little act," now, now, let's not jump to conclusions. It may look the same but it is just a brooch. There is nothing dangerous about it... right? Honestly, Renate, you can be so dramatic at times."
Renate let out an offended gasp as he turned to face the much taller Sadida, the disbelief he felt seeping off his whole doing. "Me? You're the one who is always making a scene about things!" he said in retaliation while puffing up his chest and pushing his round gut forward, the way he set his hands on his sides rather comical if there wasn't an actual tension in the air.
Alys looked in between the two servants who were on the verge of arguing before she looked down at the pin she continued to hold in cupped hands, wearing an expression of doubt. To think such a small thing had such a negative impact... She wondered if it was justified. Renate and Canar's squabbling became distant mumbles as Alys thought things over, weighing every option and personal observation before she made up her mind and quietly slipped away into the side room of her chambers. She left the mysterious pin on the table with the mirror, handling it with care to not scratch it before she faced the wardrobe and the portable divider in the room with a look of determination.
The rough sound of the divider scraping across the floor forced the arguing servants to fall silent with a sudden curiosity, finally taking note that the one they'd taken under their wings was no longer with them. There was a moment of panic as they frantically looked around before Renate asked aloud while moving to the source of the scraping," flower, where are y-are you all right?" He peeked into the side room after finding out where she had gone to, looking unsure if to step inside while Canar lingered behind him.
They frowned after seeing her vague but moving silhouette through the leaves of the divider while the sound of rustling cloth sounded, realizing she was undressing. Canar refrained from asking if she needed his help, too curious to know what exactly had befallen her to try on the new clothes at a time like this. All he could do was wait and throw a confused glance to Renate after he sought for an answer from him. Neither knew what to think until the Eliatrope stepped out from behind the divider and adjusted a loose veil that laid over the top of her head, the dark blue cloth hiding the pale blond locks she swept over her shoulders.
She was dressed in blue once more, the green, ivory and orange color palette she'd worn since her awakening no longer adorning her figure. It pained the loyal Sadidas to see their precious guest no longer wearing the dress they found for her back then, but what the tailor from Yurbut put together for the Eliatrope was far more suitable. The new robes were a completely different design from the Sadida gown, looking more appropriate for movement while the dark blue scarf replaced the hood and headband she wore before. She continued to work her hair and the veil as she walked over towards the mirror, wrapping the light looking fabric around the collected hair to tie it up like a ponytail. The veil still covered her Wakfu wings along with her slender neck and shoulders, the way she wore it giving her hair still some freedom while hiding some of her bare skin.
The Sadidas observed in silence as she examined her own reflection to make certain all was in place. She was focused, taking in every detail and fold with hidden admiration; the new clothes felt soft against her skin and fitted her well. A good piece of craftsmanship... like the pin. She reached down to pick up the piece of jewelry and loosen the needle before hearing a soft gasp behind her, a question soon following the silent sound of surprise.
"Are you really going to wear that...?"
Alys hesitated after Renate asked her about the pin before she nodded in confirmation with a solemn closing of her eyes and stuck the needle through the veil to pin it in place, adorning the side of her head with the oval little trinket to complete her new look. She felt troubled by the suspicions Renate and Canar had and didn't feel good about not sharing their thoughts, but she wanted to prove something to them and she believed this was the right way. "It is harmless, Renate," she spoke softly as she turned around to the two Sadidas," I understand it looks like something which scares you, but... someone put a great deal of effort in its creation. It was left on my bed, for me to find. It means something... I cannot disregard that."
She understood the distrust. The attack on the Tree of Life left scars of which many were buried deep away underneath the surface; even she suffered from them. But she didn't feel the malice... Instead she saw something else in the mysterious gift that looked like it was made from parts of Nox's little droids. It was like a homage. The battle was over, several things had become richer in knowledge and experience, like the lives of the survivors. The attack on the Tree was her escape, a new beginning and she viewed the pin in a similar light. What was once a tool for ill purposes and intentions was transformed into something beautiful. There was a symbolism present in the gift she couldn't ignore, and she hoped Renate and Canar could see it too.
Alys smiled towards her dear friends as they came closer to inspect her choice, their reluctance all too present but they did give into the attempt to lay first impressions aside. "It does look nice on you..." Canar admitted after placing his fingers under Alys' chin to slightly tilt her head and have a better look at how she wore everything as a whole, examining her like she was a piece of art that required his criticism. The pin wasn't whirring or beeping and it definitely wasn't moving; it was as innocent as it could be, which reassured him a little. "You are right… What harm could it possibly do, hmm? Let it dazzle, I would say."
"I guess it doesn't exactly look like one of those bugs," Renate muttered while his eyes glided over the stitching and seams of Alys' new robes, avoiding to look at the jewelry as he still felt a little conflicted about it. He fidgeted a little with one of the gloves she wore, tugging at it before he said to not silence his worries and opinions," I do question the taste of whomever left it for you." It obviously wasn't him or Canar, that was for certain. "At least it helps you with keeping your new head wear in place. you do look good in it," he said, trying to find something positive in the whole ordeal to become more receptive for Alys' sake. It was indeed a pretty thing to look at when not thinking too much about where the materials may have come from, but the worked metal and glass weren't exactly the type of materials a Sadida would associate themselves with.
She laid a hand over his to give it a comforting squeeze, grateful for him giving it another chance rather than be stuck in his line of thought. "I really like it…" she said before her smile grew a little thoughtful and her gaze wandered towards her bed in the other room, the small opened box still on the covers," I do wonder who left it." Was it Yugo and Adamaï? They were mischievous enough to pull something like this, but would they truly? It wasn't exactly a gift two young boys would think of, if it indeed was a gift. She blinked bewildered when Canar suddenly grabbed for her with a broad grin, his sudden excitement drawing her away from her ponders.
"That's the fun in these kind of gifts, flower," he chuckled after leaning close," you'll have to figure it out yourself and when you finally do, it will mean so much more!... or it will be terribly disappointing... but what matters is the search! The mystery. The thrill. Who knows, maybe someone will step forward to admit to this lovely crime."
Renate pursed his lips as Canar's musings were enticing. "It could be the prince," he jested to lighten the mood a little and push away the bad memories, the color of Alys' cheeks turning a deeper shade of peach and pink while her eyes grew larger. The thought alone was a little unsettling for her...
"Oh, or someone from the Brotherhood."
"Or just Yugo. Adamaï maybe? Their father...?"
"Eh, it could have been one of the guards."
"Maybe Master Joris."
"Or the king, Sadida bless his kind soul," Canar giggled after he and Renate went through the small list of suspects, growing excited about all the possibilities. Was the pin a token of respect, friendship, admiration or affection? Or was it just a gift for no reason at all? Not knowing the answer would eventually gnaw on the gossiping servants' growing curiosity. "But time will tell," Canar sighed, not wishing to wait or never get the answer to the mystery," whoever it may be, their gift is already receiving appreciation. It shines like a dewdrop, flower, just beautiful and it compliments your new look."
The smile Alys gave him with timid in tone, but sincere. This day was generous... The new clothes and pin were like the beginning of a new chapter in her life, no matter that she was still recovering and regaining her strength. She did feel a little stronger, not to mention more confident. She made good progress over the course of the last few weeks, all thanks to the support and care she received from those she considered close. Maybe soon she would find a breakthrough in retrieving her lost memories... But like Canar said, time would eventually unlock and reveal most secrets. Perhaps even sooner than she was hoping for.
To be continued