Order of Aria

Chapter Thirteen: A New Event

    It was a relatively busy morning in Vandercrith Castle. Everyone was rushing to prepare for the day's events. The cooks prepared a feast, the many pages of the knights ensuring their equipment was in top shape, and the tournament organizers ensured everything was in place. There were also a few magicians preparing to partake in the festivities. Despite the excitement for the day, Ronwynn was tired.

    "Why do I need to get ready for this Esme? It's too early." She complains as Esmeray brushes out her hair. Esmeray playfully tugs a strand of it. Ronwynn winces and brings up her hand to swat at the offending one.

    "No one told you huh? Well, you have to get all fancied up for this event because you're a participant. This is one of those special knight and mage events."

    "That still doesn't explain anything. Aren't we still dealing with the problem with that guy? What's the point of celebrating something when there's still a battle to be fought."

    Esmeray pauses in her brushing, "Well for some it's one of those 'light in a dark time' things. For others, it's a front for something."

    "Well, what is it for Aria?"

    "It's a bit of both. For those who have become victims of this new guy, it's their light in a dark time. For the people of Aria, it's a front for something." The brushing continues. She reaches on the vanity for a lavender ribbon to braid within the strands. She parts Ronwynn's hair to begin her work.

    "Pft what would it be a front for? The fact that we don't know when this guy is gonna strike next or because we don't know what we're doing?" Esmeray shrugs.

    "Just because I know things doesn't mean I'll tell you. You get to find out what this is all about with everybody else. Now where are your other ribbons? Gotta make sure you have some sort of purple on you. You sure you wanna keep your hair green and not change it to purple for the festivities? It could make for a really cool reveal."

    "They should be in the drawer right there. Doesn't everyone know I can do appearance spells already? Who would I be impressing, people from neighboring kingdoms? 'Oh look, Ravenshire's apprentice has mastered one of the most basic spell types.' They won't even bat an eye. Worst comes to worst I can show them some of the stuff we've been working on and then add some of my Ronnie flair to it." She wiggles her hands in the air. Esmeray laughs and shakes her head. She starts on another braid with the new ribbon.

    "That might get them. I'll see if they'll tell me when you go out so I can notify you. I doubt that they're gonna be able to find you or the Kiirala boy when you go off into the other bits of the event. They should have some pretty cool booths set up."

    "Booths? I thought this was just supposed to be some type of tournament. You're telling me the one time I have to participate in being a part of the main event they're gonna have cool booths? I mean come on dude!" She groans and throws her head back.

    "Oi!" Esmeray aggressively puts Ronwynn's head back into its original position and smacks the undone part of her hair in frustration. "Keep still, I'm trying to make sure you don't accidentally burn your hair off or hurt yourself 'cause it's in the way!"

    Ronwynn winces once again and rubs the spot that was hit. "Maybe if you didn't start with my hair this would have been easier." Esmeray rolls her eyes and smacks Ronwynn's hand away.

    "Because you can be a brat when I'm trying to do your hair. Now straighten up, I gotta try and part your hair properly. You can't embarrass me out there with a messy hairstyle. Now keep still and hand me that comb." Ronwynn hands Esmeray the comb.

    "Just don't stab me with it. How much longer is this going to take, hair and all? Don't tell me I have to wear makeup despite the fact I'll be fighting."

    "No, you don't have to wear makeup. That's only for those not participating or the other forms of entertainment. I heard they got some of those weird jesters. The ones with the funky face paint. Like the hearts and diamonds and stuff."

    "That sounds like something I want to see. Do you know when they'll be performing?"

    "Nah but, I'll find out whenever I get the schedule and stuff for you." She finishes parting the green strands from the blonde. "Looks like this style might be a bit more difficult than I initially thought. This might take a bit but, don't worry I have Irene coming by to drop off some breakfast when it's ready." Ronwyn groans and slumps her posture. She cries out as Esmeray tugs her hair. "I told you to sit up, damn it."

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    "Alright, now we just need to make sure everything is in the right place." Esmeray circles around Ronwynn, inspecting her hair and outfit. She maneuvers bits of fabric into just the right spot and smooths down any flyaway hairs.

    "I feel like I'm about to get a headache at any second." Ronwynn goes to swirl her head around to try and relieve the tension. Esmeray stops her by laying a hand on her neck.

    "If you ruin this hairstyle before you get to be a show-off I will disown you and ruin everything that you hold dear. Your head may be about to hurt, but I can guarantee my hands hurt worse." Ronwynn glances at her nervously and then turns towards the mirror in the room. Esmeray backs away as she moves closer to it to let her take it all in.

    'Why are there so many braids just to create one big braid?' Ronwynn thinks to herself as she delicately moves her head from side to side. She looks at the thick braid that was created by the merging of them all and gently traces her fingers along it. "It looks nice. I hope it survives the inevitable heat and sweat of the day."

    "You and me both, kid. I worked hard on it. That means hands-off, no matter how gentle." Esmeray walks up and grabs her elbow to gently pull her hand away. "People consider things like this artwork."

    "I know, don't worry. Your art is safe with me. Mostly."

    "Don't fuck with me, kid."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

    The mages find themselves in Herbaeia's town square, in awe of the decorations littering the streets and stalls. Lavender, light brown, and pastel yellow are seen everywhere a stall or light post is located. Different forms of street entertainment can be seen around every corner with a group of children watching in delight.

    "I didn't realize they would pull out all the stops for this," Esmeray murmurs admiring the decorations. "Holy- They managed to do those sun bows." Esmeray points towards the nearest stall. It had similar decorations to the others except it had ribbons in the shape of a sun instead of just normal bows.

    "Sun bows what?" Ronwynn looks to where Esmeray is pointing and her jaw drops a little. "Are you sure we can't walk around for a little bit before my event?" Esmeray sighs and puts a hand on Ronwynn's back to convince her to keep moving.

    "As much as I want to sightsee too, we got things we gotta handle first." She gives one last longing look towards the sun bows and continues walking.