Over the passing days, Struan took on the role of her guide, presenting her to the people who passed through on a regular basis. Rina, the maid, welcomed her with warmth, her pleasant demeanor leaving a lasting impression. Armidian Tusk, an older man possessing both wisdom and kindness, shared tales that carried the weight of experience. Narcissa, a vision of beauty, left an air of mystery in her wake.
Senna was fascinated by Narcissa's beauty. Her long blonde hair, pale skin, and striking features left an impression on her. She noticed Senna's interest and generously offered to teach her how to apply makeup.
At first, she was hesitant. She felt like she had never worn makeup before, though she didn't know if her past self had, and the thought of wearing it made her feel a little self-conscious. But the lady was kind and patient, and she explained that makeup was a way to enhance one's natural beauty, not to cover it up.
Narcissa appeared to be a sociable and secure person, exuding confidence in her every move. However, there were moments when her behavior betrayed a hint of nervousness that she couldn't seem to shake off. She was left pondering about this anxiety she felt from the blonde.
She agreed to let Narcissa teach her how to apply makeup. She showed her how to choose the right colors for her skin tone, how to apply foundation and blush, and how to create a subtle eye look.
As Senna looked in the mirror, she was amazed at how different she looked. Her eyes were absolutely striking; her skin looked smoother, and her cheeks had a natural glow. She had a more intense and intimidating look—but it suited her. She felt beautiful.
Narcissa smiled at her. "You look stunning," she said nervously.
Senna nodded, feeling grateful for Narcissa's help.
From that day on, she would wear makeup. It made her feel powerful.
Despite these introductions, her anticipation grew as she had yet to encounter her father. Struan explained that their father had a very important job, and was often very busy.
One morning, Senna stepped out of her room, wearing her newly learned makeup, feeling confident and beautiful. Struan was waiting for her in the hallway, and as soon as he saw her, he smiled and walked towards her.
"You look absolutely stunning." He smiled, his eyes shining with admiration.
She blushed, feeling a warm sensation spreading through her chest. "Thank you, brother," she replied, a shy smile forming on her lips.
"You know," he continued, "makeup is not something that makes people beautiful. It's just a tool that enhances what's already there. And in your case, Senna, what's already there is truly beautiful."
Her heart skipped a beat at his words. She felt so appreciated and valued. "Thank you," she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.
He reached out a hand and gently brushed a strand of hair away from her face. "You know, I hope you never forget how beautiful you are, both inside and out. Your spirit shines like a beacon of hope in this dark world, and I know that you will make a difference in the fight against impurity."
She felt a sense of pride and determination swelling inside of her. She knew that her brother believed in her, and that was all she needed to keep going. "Thank you, brother," she said again, her voice stronger this time.
He smiled at her, his eyes filled with warmth and kindness. "Now, let's go to the training room. We have some magic to practice." He had promised to teach her more magic, and she couldn't wait to learn more. But just as they were about to enter the training room, he stopped her, placing a hand on her arm.
"Senna," he said. His voice was serious, but it wrapped around her name like a gentle caress. "I need to tell you something." She looked at him, her eyes wide with expectancy.
She could tell that whatever he was about to say was important.
"I think it's time to tell you about the perilous war that caused our separation."
"Okay." She waited.
Struan took a deep breath before speaking, his eyes fixed on her. "Listen carefully," he began, his voice steady and firm. "The world as we know it has been infected by impurities. It is spreading like a virus, corrupting everything in its path."
He paused for a moment, letting his words sink in. She looked at him with concern. "What kind of impurities?"
"Half-breeds, people who have been bred with evil creatures, suffer every day." His voice was severe. "Mudbloods, who have stolen the magic from witches and wizards, sneak into our society and aim to tear it down. Muggles, who are ruled by their fears, use technologically advanced weapons to destroy us."
Senna was stunned. She had no words to say.
"Our job," he continued, "is to clear it out. To restore the world to its former state. It won't be easy, and it won't be quick, but it's something that needs to be done."
"We're not alone in this," he said after a pause. "There are others like us, who are fighting the same battle. Together, we can make a difference. We can restore order to the chaos that the impurity has created."
Struan's words seemed to carry an air of power and goodness. Senna nodded in agreement, her determination growing with every passing moment.
He took a deep breath and continued, "Now, unfortunately, the unpure are not the only ones who have been affected by the disease. Those who have been corrupted by it have become our oppressors. They have used their power to control and manipulate us and the world, and they will stop at nothing to maintain their hold on it."
He paused for a moment, his eyes scanning her face.
"But we are not powerless," he continued. "We have the knowledge, the skills, and the determination to fight back. We are the ones who will restore the world to balance and order. We will not let the diseased control us any longer."
Struan's words seemed to ignite a fire within her. She wanted so very much to take part in this noble cause. She wanted to make the world a better place.
"We will stand up to them," he said. "We will fight back, and we will prevail. We will create a world where the impure have no power, and where those who have been corrupted by it are held accountable for their actions."
He looked at her consideringly for a moment. And then a beautiful but tentative grin spread on his face. "Will you help us, my beloved sister?"
Senna nodded, the determination in her eyes a reflection of his. "Of course, brother."
Later that evening, Senna sat quietly at the dinner table, her eyes drifting to her brother as he engaged in elegant conversation with their most esteemed guests. The dining hall was filled with laughter and the clinking of silverware, but Senna felt strangely detached, lost in her own thoughts.
She watched as her brother held court at the head o f the table. Everyone treated him with a certain awe, a reverence that bordered on worship. His charisma was undeniable, and every word he spoke drew his audience in as if he were a magnet and they were helpless metal shavings.
She couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. She wished she had the same natural charm, a way of making people feel special just by being in her presence. It was a gift she admired. As he laughed at some witty remark, she noticed the way his eyes sparkled with an effortless confidence.
Dinner dragged on, and she found herself playing the part of the listener, though her mind was elsewhere. She wondered what it was like to command such attention, to have people hanging on your every word. It wasn't that she lacked confidence or the ability to engage people, but Struan had a way of making it look so easy.
Finally, the meal ended, and the guests began to filter out, leaving just the two of them. Her brother leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face as he looked at her. "Did you enjoy dinner, love?" he asked.
She nodded, trying to find the right words. "You really have a way with people. Everyone seems so captivated by you."
He chuckled, waving a dismissive hand. "It's just practice. You could do the same if you wanted."
She gave him a thoughtful look. "You must've had a lot of friends growing up. Can you tell me about them?"
His smile faded slightly, a shadow passing over his features. "Friends?" he echoed, almost as if the word were foreign to him. "I never really had friends. Not in the way you mean."
She furrowed her brow. "But… You are always surrounded by people."
"Yes, but they aren't friends," he explained, his tone tinged with a hint of bitterness. "They are subjects, followers. They treat me like I am above them, and in many ways, I am. It's hard to form genuine friendships when everyone sees you as something more than human."
Despite all his charisma and confidence, there was a loneliness to him that she hadn't fully noticed before. "That sounds... lonely," she said softly.
"It was," he admitted. "That's why I'm so glad you're back, Senna. You're my equal in every way. I don't have to pretend with you or play a part. You see me for who I am, not some idealized version."
She reached out and placed a hand on his arm. "I'm glad I'm back, too."
He smiled, the warmth returning to his eyes.
As they sat there in the dining hall, she realized that while she might envy his natural charm, she didn't envy the isolation it brought him. Her heart squeezed in a way that made her believe that she was very familiar with the feeling of loneliness. But as long as she and Struan had each other, the concept of loneliness was kept at bay.