Alright, I had NO IDEA how many of you guys were going to ship Schula/Wren! If you've finished Half Wylde you know they have a very special and loving relationship, but not a romantic one. But I thought it would be fun to do a little alternate universe where Shula is the love interest and Thain is the... well I'm not going to spoil it for readers who haven't finished Half Wylde yet, but you know ;)
Anyway, here is a little fun for you Wren/Schula shippers!
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Wren
Thain's house, Thanantholl
My heart was pounding as I looked at myself in the mirror. Wairen had offered to braid my hair, and I took them up on it gladly. It was much more intricate than I had ever done for myself, but it still managed to hide my ears like I liked. Tiny buds of white flowers were tucked in the braids and they looked like bright stars in my dark hair.
I had picked up a small jar of lip paint on Pearl Street, a dark pink that looked nice on my skin. Wairen put that on for me too and then helped me slip on my dress.
And stars, my dress.
I had chosen it with Schula in mind. Her tastes ranged from sensible tunics and boots during the day, to bold and scandalous evening wear. Since we were having a late dinner, I went with bold and scandalous. Or at least, as scandalous as I could muster myself to wear.
The bodice pushed what chest I had upward and clung to my already narrow sides until it reached my hips. It also had no back to speak of, and came down nearly to the end of my spine. The silk skirt and off the shoulder sleeves flowed as I moved. The skirt, while full, had a slit up one leg that would have my skin peeking out as I danced. Knowing Schula, there would be dancing. The whole affair was a deep plum with silver embroidery and it had matching slippers. And if I had done my job well, Schula would love it.
"Miss Wren, I am finished lacing your dress." Wairen bowed and gave me a soft smile.
"Thank you, I appreciate your help tonight," I replied.
Wairen left, and after one last glance at my reflection, I left my room. Thain was at the bottom of the stairs, sitting in his favorite chair and sipping his brandy. He looked up as I made my way down.
"Wren..." He grinned. "You look lovely. Schula isn't going to know what hit her."
I swallowed and blushed. "I... do you really think so?"
"I know so," he said wickedly. "Do you want me to walk you there?"
"No, no I'll walk. It's not far," I said. "I can... I can do this on my own."
Thain just nodded and took another drink from his glass. "Do you want me to wait up, or will you be returning tonight at all?"
"Th-thain!" I stammered.
He gave me a deep laugh and a pointed look. "Go on, have fun. I'll see you tomorrow."
I didn't trust my voice, so I gave him a weak smile and I left.
The streets were damp from the rain earlier and the maple leaves stuck to the stone paths. I tried to avoid any dripping water from above, and made my way through the dancing fireflies to our meeting place. It wasn't far from Thain's house and even though I was going as slowly as I could make myself go, I was at my destination all to quickly.
