CACKLE- Book 1

Chapter Twenty One

"Here we are, several options for you Remi." Avani had spread five dresses out across the siting room furniture.

It took Remi some time to adjust to what she was seeing, the fabric was all intact, silks and satins. Some had beaded detailing and others were simple, but in vibrant colors. Remi had dreamed of the clothes she would see, Anna had gone on about them all the time. Remi knew it was common for women of this time to wear dresses, though the idea of not having pants should she need to run or fight was a little daunting. She bit her bottom lip and pointed at a plain red dress. The color was as deep as her hair and stood out the least amongst the other options. It wasn't Remi's intention to stand out, but to observe and listen.

Avani helped Remi dress, slipping her feet into flat black shoes. "These should help with the height." Avani said.

Remi tilted her head. "The height of what?"

"Your height of course." Avani giggled.

"I don't understand, these shoes don't make me any taller." Remi looked down at her feet.

"Well, that's the point. Men won't approach you if you're taller then them." Avani gave Remi a warm smile.

Remi tried to return the smile but it came out as a pinched grin. Focusing on keeping her mouth shut. She knew that she was taller than most, but why did men care? Why should she care what they think of her height? She could run, jump, fight. All of which made her height an advantage. If a man was to become upset, that sounds as though it would be his problem and not her own to try and foresee or change. Though, the rules of this world were different. If Avani thought flat shoes were best, so be it.

Anna knocked quickly on the door before letting herself in. "Wow, your couch is bigger than mine!" She exclaimed. Waltzing in like a Goddess amongst mortals, Anna was dressed head to toe in soft lilac tones. The sheer layers of her skirt piled together like petals around a stem. The color complemented her silvery hair brilliantly.

"Wow! You look so beautiful, Anna!" Remi exclaimed.

Anna threw herself back onto Remi's bed. "Nice bounce to it." She commented. "And thank you my dear. You're quite striking yourself." She sat up and gave Remi a wink.

"Let me do something with your hair." Avani said, guiding Remi to take a seat in front of her vanity.

"Shall we do your hair up? Show off your beautiful face and features?" Avani asked. As she did, she piled Remi's hair atop her head to show her how her face would look. The angles were alright, but as soon as Remi's ears showed she shook her head.

"I don't want my ears to show." She said, pulling the strands from Avani's gentle grip and flattening them against the sides of her face.

Avani's brows creased, "They're a little pointed I see."

Remi winced. "Birth defect."

Avani gave her a knowing nod and flattened the top of her hair, selecting some pieces from the front and wrapping them around the back. A beautiful half up-do, with soft braids down the side. The way Avani pinned her hair covered Remi's ears up nicely. "How's that?" She asked.

"Perfect." Remi beamed.

Dressed and ready for dinner, Anna and Remi followed Avani through the halls and down the main stairs. They paused at the threshold to a large sitting room where loud voices were chatting and laughing away. Servants were running around with trays of drinks and small plates of food.

"I don't know if I can." Remi whispered to Anna.

"Avani, I think we can find our way from here. Thank you dear, would you mind checking on Theo for me? Don't hesitate to come and get me if you need my help. I'll be seeing her first thing tomorrow." Anna said.