ILLUSION || Jason Todd

FORTY-FOUR

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FRAWLEY, HARD BOY

Her ice blonde hair rested behind her shoulders in a crafted in a half updo with a braided crown. Straightening her hair hadn't taken as long as she remembered as a child, her help always rushing her to sit still so that she wouldn't burn. The braids, however, took far longer than she cared to admit - and a few frustrated tears as her hair wouldn't work with her and the tutorials she watched.

Lorelei had forgotten how time consuming being pampered was and although she was anything but relaxed, the finished look was worth the annoyance she felt when products weren't working right. She was by no means a novice when it came to hair or makeup - thanks to Kory and Rachel helping her within the makeup department - but she was neither a master at the crafts.

Her finished look earned her smiles and a newfound appreciation for those who did this professionally and the help from her youth.

She kept her makeup simple; concealer used to hide any blemishes and colour correcting products used for her to retrain the perfect look a royal must have in public with even less on her eyes. Mascara paired with a slight gold shimmer. Simply effective.

The gold accessories and shoes she had paired nicely with her dress, too. A simple necklace to fill her exposed flesh - which, again, was respective for her royal blood - and a tennis bracelet that sparkled in the light.

For the first time in a long time - almost four years! -, Lorelei truly felt like royalty.

As for firsts, there really was a first for everything. While she was busy getting ready, Jason had taken it upon himself to get them food after putting on his own outfit. The smell of food reached her senses before the view of Jason all ready to go filled her eyes.

Lorelei wasn't sure what she was least expecting; Jason wearing his suit and matching emerald green tie with his hair tamed - but still holding the fluff Lorelei adored - or the tacos laid in a row, awaiting to be eaten. Both were welcomed by the young mage.

She had never eaten food considered to be street food in her tiara before, much less in a dress considered appropriate for a ball. Lorelei couldn't avoid the excitement and rebellion it gave her; if her younger self ever attempted this, she would have gotten in serious trouble.

But perhaps that was because until she escaped to this realm, she had never tried street foods. In fact, other than royal grounds, she hadn't ventured much of Centia. She always had guards surrounding her, her help scolding her on what was or wasn't appropriate to do as a royal.

The young mage was sheltered. Living in this realm was an eye opener from day one.

Once the food had evaporated from the plates - which was as delicious as all Jason's cooking had been -, the pair took to planting as many weapons on their bodies as possible before leaving. They couldn't be too sure of safety, especially with Archmage involved. Though, really, Lorelei just wanted a weapon to help save Jason if she had to.

While her dress hid one thigh, which held a dagger strapped to the flesh, her outfit was not as generous for hiding spots like Jason's suit. Another luxury a girl will never have the opportunity to endure. The young Robin, with his many pockets, was able to successfully hide many of his Robin Batarangs. Just enough protection, they hoped.

Her mind started swirling with doubt on their protection as they rounded the final corner, just a few buildings away from the event location. Was a knife and Batarangs really enough to save Jason from harm? She was an idiot to think so. Against guards, yes, against Archmage, no.