As A Stranger Or A Friend?: The Swallow And The Drowned Sailor

Mariel - 5 Sun's Dawn, 1246 A.D.

I looked at my reflection in the mirror upon the small vanity Yula and I shared after bathing and frowned. I'd never been critical of my appearance, but now that I was appraising myself more closely, I couldn't help but feel dissatisfied. Axtapor promised me an outing tonight, and while the idea of it made me giddy before, it made me nervous now. He'd told me to dress prettily and prepare to be swept off my 'wee feet,' but I suddenly felt so insecure.

What if I wasn't pretty enough for him? I was still rather skinny and sick-looking, not at all how I was when he fell in love with me. But he kept telling me that I was beautiful and that he liked looking at me when we'd spent time together earlier. Perhaps my present appearance didn't bother him so much. But still...I wished there was something to me. And what would I wear? The Copperpots had furnished me with three dresses, all linen and in plain colors, which I was more than grateful to receive, as I'd previously been wandering around in that nun's habit turned to rags. But still...I wished I had something more special. I let out a sigh. What I wouldn't give for one of Lady Price's over-the-top frocks now...

The door opened, revealing a smiling Yula, whose expression quickly turned to a concerned frown. "Is something the matter, Anna? You were so bright when you returned from your visit with your mystery man."

I considered her for a moment, chewing my lip nervously.

Perhaps she might be able to help me figure something out. A more intricate hairstyle or maybe a way to make my otherwise plain garments shine.

"He wishes to see me again tonight, and I would like to make a good impression." I admitted softly.

She rushed towards me and grasped my hands with an excited squeal. "Worry not, Anna! I will come to your aid! I guarantee he won't be able to get you off his mind!"

"L-Let's not get so carried away." I implored nervously.

She flew from my side and tossed the three dresses that belonged to me upon the bed we shared, along with a few of hers that she'd been meaning to ask Hilde to alter for her. I suppose I was lucky I wasn't tall and thin enough to fit anything these days. Accessories galore followed: belts, lengths of ribbons, lace and leather hair tapes, simple necklaces, bracelets, and even a ring or two. And just as quickly, she decided which pieces were suitable and which were not, with a logic I couldn't begin to comprehend. It was almost like watching a master craftsman hammering away at an anvil; such technique and decisiveness were rather impressive. She came to my side and shoved me in front of the mirror before quickly returning to the small pile of clothes, plucking a dress from it.

"This one! Blue is quite your color, Anna." She declared with a bright smile.

"Is it?" I asked as I observed her through the mirror.

"Well, yes! Just look how pretty!" She exclaimed, holding the dress against me so I could see, "Now, go on, take that. I have to find something for your hair!"

I took the garment from her and turned my head to one side, swishing the dress slightly.

I'd never heard that blue suited me. However, the color was quite lovely and, coincidentally, a shade I'd enjoyed throughout my life. Maybe she was right. Might Axtapor share her opinion? I hoped so.

"I think perhaps a braid with a ribbon through it...no! Maybe just swept to the side with some small flowers? We could go pick a few..." She paused and looked at me with a frown, "Does he like your neck?"

"My neck?" I asked with a strange expression.

"Yes, your neck. Men like putting their hands there and giving it kisses too. My friend Colette says so." She declared proudly.