In Aeternum (Actively Updating and Editing)

XI: Ante Coronationis

It had been so long since she found herself getting ready for a ball, and having Hannah there with her to get ready too was so much fun. She didn't have very many friends at all in her youth, especially female ones. So to be able to do regular things like getting ready for a big dance, was one of the most human things she had ever done.

An old-fashioned carriage had shown up at their house around four in the afternoon and told Aldric that he was there to "Pick up the Prince's special guests" whenever they were ready to go. Hannah blushed deeply at the words and managed to mutter a "thank you" before running into the house to hide her embarrassment.

Elysia's fathers would be heading off to their countryside home with Grae after the girls had been packed up, dressed and sent off. So until then, Aloysias worked on Hannah's hair as Aldric and Elysia packed up all of the bags and put them into the waiting coach. The footman and coachman had taken to staring at the two of them in utter amazement, but said nothing.

Once the carriage was packed and Hannah's hair was done, Aldric helped her into her gown as Aloysias worked his magic on Elysia. They both decided that their makeup didn't need to be too extravagant because they would be hiding behind masks anyway, but Hannah did ask her if she had more jewelry like the necklace she was wearing so they could still "make a statement".

Hannah was just as over the moon about getting ready with Elysia. Not just because Elysia had so many dresses and jewels to choose from, but also because Hannah didn't have any friends who were incredibly girly. She knew a lot of sporty girls and a lot of older girls, but no one around her age loved dressing up as much as she did. Until Elysia came along.

"Of course I do. I had Papa and Daddy get together some sets to accessorise you this weekend. But these are for tonight."

Elysia held up a small wooden box from her lap and handed it off to an almost-dressed Hannah who squealed in delight at its contents.

"I thought yellow gold and grey diamonds would be lovely for you, especially because those red heels you picked out have gold and grey gem accents. I'm afraid to say that I didn't have a complete set in that particular design, and the greys vary between pieces, but I think the pieces are perfect nonetheless."

"I'll take your word for it, Elsy," Hannah breathed, awestruck by the beauty of the pieces.

"And you said you packed more?" she squeaked, looking at the other four in awe.

Elysia and her fathers all nodded, but Grae didn't seem to care about it at all, he was too busy playing with a Nintendo Switch in the corner.

"Are you wearing that necklace too, Elysia?" Hannah asked, pointing to the one she wore.

"Mhm. I had to find pieces in my collection that matched it as well. It was given to me as a gift a long time ago and I thought it was perfect."

"Ooooh, was it from a boy, Elsy?!" Hannah gushed.

The blush was all Hannah needed to get that answer, "What's his name?"

Everyone else in the room exchanged glances before Elysia finally gave her an answer, "I called him Addy."

"Addy, ooooh. Sounds fancy."

Watching his daughter struggling to come up with something else to say, Aloyisas clapped his hands, "You are done, Lysie! Time to get you dressed!"

"Yay!" Hannah squealed, "Now I get to see how you look and your other jewelry!"

As it was getting closer to Six PM, they rushed through getting dressed. Hannah slipped on her heels as Elysia slid into her flats.

"I still don't understand why you didn't get those beautiful cream pumps we found!" Hannah asked, sliding the ring onto her right hand.

Elysia laughed gently, "I'm already tall enough as it is."

Hannah stuck her tongue out, "Wait until you meet Orson. Then you'll really see what tall is."

"Orson" Elysia asked, "The one who is being crowned?"

"Mhm! Wait until you see him! He's so handsome!"

Sliding a white gold and garnet hair comb into her elaborate bun, she adjusted the curls that framed her face and stood to take a look at Hannah. With her heels, they were the same height.

"All we need are our shawls now and we'll look perfect!"

"Did someone say shawl?" came Grae's voice from next to them, offering them their respective ones.

Hannah patted his head gently and kissed it before turning to Elysia again, "Let's make sure we have everything."

"Tiaras?"

"Check!"

"Masks?"

"Check!"

"Earrings?"

"Check!"

"Necklaces?"

"Check!"

"Bracelets and rings?"

"Check!"

"Gloves?"

"Check!"

"Fans?"

"Check!"

"Parasols?"

"Check!"

"Shoes?"

"Check!"

"Shawls?"

"Check!"

Helping the girls into the waiting carriage, her fathers kissed both of their heads and wished them a good time before watching them disappear down the road.