Numb: The Postscript

VII. Noèle Pt. I

It was Saturday afternoon when the sun casted a beam over all of Arendelle. The leaves were becoming crisp and falling off the trees with a gentle breeze carrying them safely to the damp soil. Aksel waited in front of the residence impatiently. I hopped on top of the saddle and stroke his tame mane as I, too, waited impatiently.

"Where is my beloved maiden?!" I hollered jokingly. Noèle ran out whilst putting on her boots. Her hair was loosely kept in a braid and her face was scrunched in frustration as she tried to hold onto our masks. I started to laugh at how frazzled she was, and she paused for second, dropping the masks and her hands clenching her waist.

"How dare you laugh at me when you're the one wearing that hideous hat?"

Oh, that's right. I was wearing this tattered hat I found in my room; in my defense, it was for disguise.

Her angered tone quickly disappeared, and her tooth gap began to show in her smile. She hopped onto Aksel's back and held onto me from behind. She pulled me in closer to her chest and rested her head on my shoulder blade, "Good day, my prince."

"It is always a good day when I see you, Noèle." I felt her heart pounding against my back. With that, I put a half-smile on my face and Aksel began to trot onward.

--

"Ooh, my darlings are here!" Miss Margrete squealed, "I am delighted to see you both! Young man, please come this way. And you, young lady, please follow Miss Vivian."

Noèle and I parted ways. I went with Miss Margrete, with the top hat in my hands, and she was picking up different garments from the sewing tables. "Étienne said your name was, err, Kasper, correct?"

"Yes, madam."

"How nice. I've known Étienne for such a long time, since we were children. I even knew his wife, Blanche. Noèle grew up to be so much like her; mirrored images! The eyes, the hair, and the delicateness... They're too alike... Oh, how I miss Blanche... She was quite the maiden, always caring for others even though they didn't care much for her. She wa-" she turned to me, staring. From head to toe. "Sorry, I-" she muttered, "I'm probably out of my mind right at this moment."

She handed me everything, and quickly left the room. I undressed and put on the navy and cream jacket, vest, and trousers that had elaborate gold embroidering. I tucked my tie into the vest and wore the black boots. I felt hesitant to put on the gloves, but did so anyway. I hurried out of the room to Miss Margrete's surprise.

"How suiting! Fits you just fine!" she handed me my mask that matched my formalwear— cream with gold detailing. I put it on, and Miss Margrete smiled, "Just wait for the lady. Miss Vivian must be taking her time."

"Miss Vivian is done with the lady!" Miss Vivian called out and came out of a room, "Miss Margrete, you dared not to help the lady and myself! Be glad I managed to get the heavy thing on her!"

Miss Margrete reacted with a laugh, "Are you going to keep us waiting, young lady?"

The door opened to Noèle stepping out. The dress had sleeves up to her elbows, with fine lace on its trim. Intricate gold designs flowed throughout the dress's bust to the end of the skirt. It was, like mine, cream, but it lacked navy however. There were ribbons that accentuated her tiny waist, and the skirt was full with ruffles in tiers but it wasn't utterly outrageous nor was it overwhelming. It was perfect. She was perfect. She wore the biggest smile as Miss Vivian held the mask up to her face. Miss Vivian tied the ribbon of the mask, and the mask hid half of Noèle's face. She smiled at me, but I gave her a look of disappointment. She quickly felt offended.

"Shame," I sighed noticeably.

"What is it?" Noèle asked while looking at the mirror.

I continued, "It's a shame people won't be able to see your lovely face." Her cheeks were turning red, even though they were masked. I gave her a smug smirk.