The Dragon's Redemption

Chapter 20 Harald Bloodaxe

Thank you Abby, that sleep draft you gave me really helped," Brieanna said. "Tomorrow I fly off."

"We have a lot to do between now and tomorrow," Abigail said with a bright smile.

"What do you mean?"

"Your wardrobe, you're the shield-woman of the Faroe Islands. You need to dress the part."

"I have no idea what to say or how to act."

"Be polite and gracious, be honest but not all at once...be yourself."

"I'll be there at least a week before Sam arrives with Loki."

"You will need at least five changes of clothing, and let's look at Sam's stash from the treasure cave for gifts."

"I don't own that much clothing."

"You will, the entire staff is helping, we need something stunning that says dragon rider. I'm thinking leather and furs."

"I got my bearskin robe!"

"Great start...take off your dress and stand on the bench." Brieanna removed her dress and stood on the bench blushing from head to toe. Abigail took a white stoat skin and wrapped it around her waist. "I think we'll use five for the skirt and three for the top. It's much colder still in Norway than here this time of year, so only wear this outfit when you arrive and again when Sam does."

"OK," Brieanna said doubtfully. She got off the bench and wrapped in her robe watching everyone working.

"OK get back up on the bench Brie," Abigail said, "Let's try on the skirt."

"Abby! It's only touching my knees!"

"You're right," Abigail said removing three inches from the hem on the left side and five inches from the right.

"That's not what I meant, and the left side is inches longer than the right! Everyone will see my thighs."

"Looks good. Now put this on." Abigail handed her a short vest. Brieanna put it on and buttoned it. It only came to the bottom of her rib cage and closed with two buttons. "Perfect!"

"My tummy's bare! And this neckline is way too low. I will be wearing a shirt...right?"

"No."

"My legs, I'll freeze!"

"We made you leggings, they are the same fur as the rest, here put them on." Brieanna put on the white stoat skin leggings and Abigail showed her how to spiral the lace. The legging came to her knees. "Wear your ankle high boots."

"I was afraid you were having me go barefoot."

"If you want, that would be excellent."

"I'm almost naked!"

"OK let's accessorize," Abigail said and Brieanna was surrounded. They added wide gold bands for her upper arms and matching wide heavy bracelets. Several gold necklaces were added and gold hoop earrings. They began to work on her hair, braiding it at the temples and bringing it back joining her other braid. "Leave your hair down and upbraided when you wear your dresses." Abigail then added Brieanna's gold glit circlet.

Brieanna looked at her outfit a little shocked. "Should I wear my sword?"

"Yes and your belt knife. Don't forget that little hidden one you wear on the chain."

"It won't be hidden with this outfit," Brieanna joked.

"You want to make a bold statement when you enter, you want to be noticed. The white stoat skin is very soft, and with your bear skin robe you'll be warm enough on the flight over." They looked over the items Sam had carried home from the treasure cave and chose several they thought would make good gifts. "Harald has a Danish princess for a wife. She is said to be very beautiful. Her name is Inga, and she has a daughter named Gwen. Harald has two sons from a previous marriage."