Orphea Sagar - “Do you think I should wear the gold dress or the vanilla?” I asked E’s as we wandered through my closet.
“Vanilla I should think. Understated suits the occasion better, don’t you think?”
E’s Va’tou always had the ability to find the right way to present oneself for any occasion. We had become fast friends since our meeting several months ago. Her experience of the world and her ability to weave a tale never ceased to draw me in. There was something about her that was more than just what she allowed others to see. It was that mystery that kept me wanting for more of her company. The guest house on the south lawn had lain empty for months since the passing of my great aunt. I extended the invitation to her on a whim, but the idea quickly took root in my imagination. At first she demurred, preferring to keep her own company. Then she explained that she had a traveling companion, a young man. I made arrangements to meet with him and he seemed charming enough, if a few years her junior. This just added another layer to her enigmatic life.
“What will you be wearing?” I asked, more intent on keeping her talking than interest in her gown. Once E’s loosened her tongue a cornucopia of experiences would begin to flow.
“I have a dress with a fish scale pattern that matched my young man’s vest. I think that will suit the occasion well.”
Her confidence in the selection said that no other suggestions would be accepted or welcome. I was still fishing for the right hook to open up her trove of stories.
“I understand your man was associated with the guests of honor?” I added. It was well known between us their association, but I proffered the question anyway.
“As you know, Raenir grew up in Hlofreden where he was a childhood friend of the group. When we first met he was traveling with your special guests. I told you the story of Gorkem, The hand of Hod?”
“Yes, truly a harrowing tale.” I injected.
“After that encounter I was convalescing in a roadside inn when Tanenfaux brought them to me. Even then they played a good game. Had I known then…” She broke off from her reminiscing.
“Help me with my dress.” I said holding the folded garment in both arms. She took the dress while I worked by my way out of my gown down to a silk shift.
“My fortunes changed after meeting them.” She said. “I changed.”
“Changed how?” I asked, lifting may arms over my head.
As the new gown fell into place she continued her remembrance.
“I had not known kindness before then.” She grew distant as she said the words, like she was remembering the taste of something sweet. She licked her lips before she continued. “I hadn’t understood at the time, the nature of kindness.”
“Surely in your youth there was someone who showed you kindness?” I said, trying not to sound
churlish.
“It wasn’t like that.”
She tightened the laces of my dress for a while before she spoke again. I saw the magic rise in her again. It was something that I saw at our first meeting. She was more than she seemed., dangerous even. The fact that she concealed herself from me meant she wanted to keep her secret, or needed to.
“Things are different now, you are among friends.” I said. Her mask seemed to fall back into place as the magic settled. I gave a twist and allowed the fabric of flow around me. “I hope to make them feel welcome in my home and you are going to make sure that I receive them well.”
“Your new friends will feel most welcome.” She said with a smile.