At The End Of The Day

Chapter 7

"You ready pup?" Powder adjusts Vis tie, patting the knot when its perfect.

"Ready as ever. Im so nervous."

"Itll be ok Pow, youve got this." Vi holds her sisters hand. "I wont ever leave you long, and im coming back with you the moment youre allowed to come back here."

"Promise?" Powder reevaluates the tie again.

"I promise." Vi grins as she hooks her pinky with one of Powders.

The sisters part. Vi laces her dress shoes as Powder adjusts her heel straps.

On their way to grab a quick breakfast, they pass Matilda and Caitlyn. They werent paying attention to Vi and Powder, so they kept walking.

They fuss over clothing covers for a bit, their food almost going cold.

With more manners than you would expect from two Zaunites, many could have mistaken them as Piltovans. Not a drop of syrup nor smudge of jam spotting their mouths.

One final check of each other, and they go to Powders display.

The Crownguard family is hosting the event this year, which gives Powder an excuse to see Lux.

They talk until 8 am, before Lux has to leave and actually start her duties for the event.

-

Matilda keeps looking around at the other pieces displayed. This is her only chance to, until after the event. Caitlyn has a firm grasp of her hand, herself squeezing back just as hard.

She doesnt know why she gets so anxious around people. Shes fine sith Vi and Powder. Maybe its just because theres a lot of people, shes never been to Demacia, the hosting family is very intimidating- "Mom, can we go back to my display please?"

"Of course dear." Caitlyn walks her back. Matilda shies closer to her mother.

"You nervous?" Powder asks her, the proximity of their displaying making it comfortable to speak.

"So many people, theres a lot of, well, new, and- and-"

"Would you like if i made you some tea?" Vi offers. Matilda nods. Vi holds her hand out. "Lets get you some."

Matilda takes the offered hand, staying next to Vi the way she was staying close to her mom.

"What flavor do you want?" Matilda looks at the small display.

"May i have the lavender please?" Her voice is quiet, but Vi hears it.

"Coming right up."

Travel cup in hand, her and Vi stay in the room until 9 am. Its not awkward, and small talk had been exchanged. They learned a few details about each other, those details being held to their hearts.

-

Caitlyn watches as this time, Vis arm is around her daughters shoulders, Matilda hunkered secure to Vis side.

She notices Powder bristle for a moment, but thinks nothing of it. Shes sure she had been the same.

"Was the tea good?" Caitlyn asks.

"Mhm. Vi said she made it extra special, with a special ingredient."

"Oh?" Caitlyns eyebrow quirks. "And what ingredient was that?"

"Cant be a secret if i tell. Sorry." Vi smiles like a kid whos parent allowed them to have candy before bed.

"The guests will be here soon. Are you ready?" Caitlyn fusses over a few strands of Matildas hair.

"I um, i guess."

"You have your note cards. Its ok to read from them. Youre a first time presenter, and a child. If anyone says-"

"If anyone judges you, ill beat them up." Vi flexes. Matilda smiles.

"I want to punch a few, too!" Powder also flexes.

"See? Your own personal body guards."

-

The event starts. People from all over had come to see the displays.

Powder gets asked a few questions about a few pieces, a couple voting stickers even placed by them.

Vi stands firm, as if she were an actual body guard. Eyes sharp, ears open, alert.

Some people have not bothered approaching due to her, but Powder isnt upset. If someones not going to show up to an art display to talk to the artist about their creations, then they deserve to be scared.

Vi pulls out note cards when Powder has to leave her display, answering exactly as Powder has them written.

She catches Matildas gaze a few times, the small girl surprised at the note cards. Vi winks at her.

"See? Nothing to worry about." Vi flaps the cards like theyre dollar bills.

"Nothing to worry about!" Matilda copies her.

The few times Matilda and Caitlyn leave, Vi stands at her display as promised, careful not to mix Matildas cards with Powders.

As the evening comes to a close Vi helps herself to a few last snacks; hoarding some for her sister, Caitlyn, and Matilda.

Before she leaves with the small paper bags, she grabs Matilda another tea, and makes Powder one as well.

They walk as a small group to the hotel reserved for artists. In the elevator, Vi hands out the goodie bags and teas.

"If your mom ever gives you a sibling, hope its like Vi. Always willing to fetch you anything you could ever need." Powder teases, the ware of the day getting to her. She isnt so much agitated as shes anxious.

-

"I dont think i want a sibling. At least, not yet. Itll be something i have to work on. Ive been able to hog my mother for this long, why not longer?"

"No no, i know your secret with your grandparents. They spoil you rotten." Caitlyn boops her daughters nose.

"Oh yeah? Then why arent i a brat?"

"Because you have a good heart." Vi interupts. The energy shifts in the elevator, then stops. "Thats, uh, us. Room 208 if you need anything." Vi offers, voice small. Powder walks out of the elevator almost angrily. "Shes tired, its been a long day. Dont mind it. Shes not mad or anything at anyone, shes just ready for bed."

"Understandable." Caitlyn smiles. "Our rooms 317 on the next floor."

"Thank you. Um, sorry about missing you for that snack run in. Maybe- Maybe another time?"

"I cant wait." Matilda stands to the side as her mother and Vi say their goodbyes, offering her own wishes for good slumber, and a well rested night.

-

Caitlyn helps Matilda change out of her dress, allowing the girl to slide on her pajamas by herself.

Caitlyn changes herself, munching on the blueberry and walnut muffin Vi provided.

She watches as Matilda gets into bed, falling asleep rather easily. She frowns, taking in the events of today. She makes a note to have her father look over Matildas mental health.

Caitlyn gives her daughter a goodnight kiss to the forehead before climbing into bed, and letting the events of the day replay behind closed eyes.