The Maiden's Song (draft-editing)

Chapter 18 The soirée

Chapter 18 The Soirée

Am was looking at her reflection in the mirror when Maeh entered into the room feeling excited, almost bouncing of joy.

"Oh, Am... this is like a dream to me! I feel so nervous. I don't know what I am going do do... or what to expect, yet everything is so wonderful!" Maeh spoke helping Am with her hair do.

"Relax, Maeh... this is like the feasts we hold in the village, the only difference is the silk in our gowns and the wine we will be drinking. For the rest it is the same. You will have fun, you don't need to worry." Am glowed a sweet smile to her best friend.

Both girls stood one next to the other and looked themselves in the mirror. Am and Maeh smiled in satisfaction for the benevolent favor the oval shaped mirror was giving to them. Both girls were stunning in their new gowns. The style on the dresses was very similar. The two gowns were the classic tunic or robe style and confectioned in light pastel colors. Maeh's gown was made in a pink silky fabric. It had a round collar line with a silver and blue embroidered trim. The same trim bordered the loose opened sleeves, that allowed seeing the girl's arms when they moved. The trim repeated at the bottom of the dress as well. A silver tiny chain served as a belt accentuating the maiden's tiny waist.

Am's dress was quite similar in fashion. It flowed tight enough to outline the red haired womanly curves. The gown was a pale green with gilded embroidery that drew a subtle flowered pattern all over the textile. It had a thin darker shade of green trim that bordered the squared collar line and flowed in a straight line from her chest to the bottom part of the dress. Her belt was also a thin chain but hers was golden and filled with emeralds and rubies.

The girls were very excited. For Maeh this was a whole new experience. She would be able to meet people she had ever dreamt to meet before. For Am this was her second appearance in society. Yet, she couldn't stop feeling nervous. Butterflies revolved in her stomach when she thought of the moment Prince Alasther made his entrance... with his beautiful fiancée... How would she react?

A knock on the door announced that their escorts were at the door of the alcove. They decided it would be funny if Maik escorted Am and the duke escorted Maeh. Besides it was Am's request and the duke was more than willing to please her in anything she wished for.

Both gentlemen looked regal in their tunics. Royal blue suited Maik's pale complexion so well. It made his purple eyes pop out. The prince wore a burgundy tunic that made him very attractive as well.

The foursome walked down the stairs, laughing and talking aimlessly. In the grand salon, there was already a group of five guests. Standing in one corner of the salon and chatting very animated, were the King's earl, Lord Stevain and his beautiful but far younger wife, Lady Aewin. Next to the dissimilar matrimony, was Lady Karmine with two of her daughters, Lady Medith and Lady Margott. Lady Charlotte was with the guests as well.

The salon was exquisitively decorated with flowers and garlands, besides the lavish elements and furniture it usually had. In one side of the room, some chairs were assembled in a semicircle. This place was designated for the guests to sit for the concert. A set of serving tables were placed at the bottom of the hall with some refreshments, wine, cider and other exquisite hors d'oeuvre. There were four musicians that entertained the visitors playing flutes and chord instruments.

The guests and Lady Charlotte turned to watch how the two lovely couples walked down the stares. As soon they reached the salon, some formal introductions were made.

Lady Margott and Lady Medith were impressed with Maik. They blushed and giggled when they were introduced to him. Both curtsied, but the youngest of the siblings, Lady Margott, spoke liberally to Maik. "Are there in your village more handsome hunters like you? I would like to go there one of these days."