Philian Apolesai

Unattended

Vesi sat on a cushioned bench beside the vanity, idly turning a book over in her hands—'On the Qualities of Kingship'. One of the last in her current pile, though it seemed a little heavy to start the day.

She didn't open it.

Instead, her eyes flicked to her reflection in the polished glass. Her long hair was slightly tangled, spilling over her shoulders. She'd tied it up the night before but sleep had undone her efforts. She reached up, running fingers through a loose strand. She could do with a brush, probably.

A quiet shuffle of footsteps made her glance toward the corner, where her maid for the day—Lumière, or perhaps Etoile—had stepped forward. With any luck, the maids were the last group whose names she still hadn't learned fully. They never introduced themselves though and it seemed rude to ask now, so Vesi did her best to glance at their schedule and listen when anyone else said a name. She'd know them all soon. 'They're going to look up to you, so treat them with love.' Whoever the girl was, she now stood with impeccable posture right beside Vesi with a silver-handled brush in hand.

"Are you ready to be fitted for the day, Lady Vesi?" the maid asked gently, voice practiced, poised.

Vesi paused for a moment, fingers twitching against the book's edge. Then she gave a small nod.

"Yes, I suppose it is. I'd appreciate your help."

The maid brightened at the answer, her expression softening in a way that was impossible to miss. She approached with a touch more energy, lifting the brush as though it were a small honor rather than a duty. Her strokes were patient and even, starting from the ends and steadily moving upwards. There was an ease to her rhythm, as if the simple act of being allowed this closeness brought her delight.

It was... odd, letting someone do this. Vesi didn't dislike it. She just didn't know how to feel about it. The sensation of another's hand in her hair wasn't unpleasant. In fact, it reminded her vaguely of something—someone from long ago. But the thought slipped away before she could place it. Three neat raps at the door stole her attention.

Vesi's spine straightened slightly. Not out of alarm, just reflex. She was still learning how to relax here. A part of her was already working to draw those mental lines, ready to shift from comfortable to composed when needed.

"Excuse me, I'll go see who it is."

Her maid promptly set the brush on the vanity and left to greet the visitor. As the maid moved away to the door, Vesi took the brush from the vanity and tugged a few strands of her hair forward, fixing them into the more gibbous shape she preferred. Shifting more of it to the right into something a little more familiar.

The maid reappeared with Demiurge behind her, his appearance as polished as ever. Tailored coat, leather gloves, and his usual wide grin.

"Good morning, Lady Vesi," he said with a polite bow. "I won't be intruding much today. I simply came to let you know that I'll be away for most of the day."