Womanish Lady

Chapter 8:

Because it was closer, all of the maids went to the nursing room of the Civil Village. The Overseer did what she needed to while some other maids and Superiors woke up and comforted the victims with hot beverages and meals.

"You killed my sister." Said Winter.

Fuyaiyah, who was focusing on bandaging Junnie's wound, had her eyeballs slowly meet Winters. They locked eyes before she went back to bandaging Junnie.

Afterwards, a trusted Civil guard arrived with the orders of escorting Fuyaiyah back to her Village.

"Don't worry, Fuyaiyah. Winter. This guard is trusted, and will only do his job. He shouldn't give you any problems. But if he does - well, I'm sure neither of you wouldn't let him." said the Overseer, who helped the girls.

"Thank you for helping me, and my friends. I'm sorry to have gotten them in trouble. I shall return now and receive my punishment."

The Overseer, surprisingly, smiled upon her. "I requested the Embroidery Village not to punish you. But it's their final call."

She looked at her with surprise. The Overseer smiled wider.

"You always disturbed the peace around here, but when Kithel came to us saying that you were about to be harmed for defending Junnie - well - I couldn't be upset at you for acting upon the bad intentions of that guard. Also, time has passed. I find you okay for now."

Fuyaiyah smiled and thanked the Overseer before she turned to Winter.

"I'm sorry about Mesha. She has been with us for a long time, so we'll give her a respectful burial. Ask your Overseer to visit her whenever you like."

Winter said nothing.

"You killed my sister." said Winter again when the guard escorted them to the Embroidery Village. Fuyaiyah kept walking.

The day of announcing who was picked to go to the Royal Palace arrived. Instead of getting ready to work, the maids got ready and looked presentable for the Royal Official.

The Royal Official was ready for when the maids lined up, and started off formally.

"First and foremost, those at the Royal Palace who received your gifts were very content. The seamstresses were impressed at the result of the hard work you maidens did. Now, all of you will not be picked, but I can assure that a good word was said about every one of your pieces. Now, onto the main announcement."

All of the maids - plus Overseers and Superiors - for some reason - stood up straight as the Royal Official called out the names of those who were picked.

"-Winter, and finally, after another detailed evaluation, Fuyaiyah."

Fuyaiyah was confused but stepped out of line. The maids who weren't picked were quiet as the maids who were picked stood by the Royal Official on instruction. The Royal Official said his last words for comfort before requesting for the Overseer to continue on with their work.

When the other maids left the room, the Royal Official turned to the chosen maids.

"Congratulations to you maidens. Your efforts were recognized and you will now be working in the Royal Palace - serving right under Royalty. I will tell you more, after you pack your personal possessions. Please be as quick as possible."

While the other maids were energetic with simply packing their stuff, Fuyaiyah was quiet in her corner. She didn't have much - but she somehow was able to keep the arrow she swiped from one of those mysterious archer-women who saved her that night. To hide that arrow, she put it in between her spare clothing and blanket.

"Great - everyone's ready then?"

Everyone else gave an excited reply. He smiled, and led them to the carriages and let them pick whichever they wanted to sit in.

Fuyaiyah walked up to the Royal Official, who was getting into the first carriage. Winter watched her.

"May I sit with you?"

He was surprised. "You don't want to sit with your friends?"

"I would like to ask you a question as soon as possible."

He was still surprised, but invited her in the carriage.

The Official and Fuyaiyah could hear the other maids saying goodbye to their Village. The Royal Official observed that she didn't care to do such things.

"What was your question?"

She looked at him.

"Didn't you say that my small creation had another detailed inspection?"

"Yes I did."

"I don't want to seem like I'm doubting the judgment of the Royal Palace nor seem to be looking for praise, but why wasn't my small bracelet overlooked?"