The Darkness In Us

The Dreaming City

Bela

The next morning, I arrive at six a.m. sharp, and see Petra already waiting at the Vestian Outpost. She's still in her usual wear and I'm annoyed.

"Are you going to get dressed too?" I ask, my voice coming out a bit harsher than I expected. She smiles at me and nods, her cheeks flushing a bit.

"Yes but for now, duty calls. It cant be helped. Have you eaten?" she asks. I'm, needless to say, surprised she asks me that and I realize that no, I hadn't eaten.

No wonder I'm cranky.

"No I havent. I hadn't even thought about eating to be perfectly honest." I say. She laughs lightly and nods.

"You've never shown your face to anyone have you?" she asks. I sigh, flushing a bit and glad she can't see it. Yet.

"Yes and no. Most of the people that have seen me, don't know I'm a Guardian. And only a handful that know I'm a Guardian, have seen me." I admit. She raises an eyebrow.

"Well, I'm sure you're pretty underneath that armor. You should enjoy yourself Bela. It's rare when you can take your armor off and just relax." she says softly. I nod.

I know that all too well.

"I guess you have a point. I just wouldn't fit in with any of you. I'm human after all." I say. Petra looks at me and I expect her to look...disgusted. Kinda like when Uldren looks at me. She smiles though, making me feel relieved.

"Well, even better. It'll be a nice change of scene. For everyone." she says. I flush a deeper shade, I can feel it. I clear my throat and she laughs at me, teasing me about it until we got to the fitting room.

Inside, Mara is in her dress already, a nice purple color like her usual wear. I'm reminded of the tales of elves in books I had come across in my travels on Earth. Of beautiful, perfect men, women and children, who knew of the mysteries of the universe. She watches me with interest.

"You are my guest today Guardian. And therefore you will be treated as I am or as my brother is, with respect. Take your helmet off so we may see what color we should use for you." She says. I want to run. I shake my head.

"I'll take my gauntlets off, but not my helmet. Not yet." I say flatly. They were not going to make me part with my armor way ahead of schedule. Hell no. Mara looks at me, her heel clicking the floor with impatience.

"Very well. Take them off then." She says. I nod and take them off slowly, rolling up the sleeves, and for the first time, someone other than Ares and well, a few other people that knew me, saw my skin. They were looking at me in awe and the heat returns to my face. I look around as a distraction and see that Mara has laid out many different fabrics in a a variety of colors. She looks at my skin and then at the fabrics, walking around to feel them.

"This here. A Crimson red would suit you. Paired with a golden hair wreath, golden sandals, and golden jewelry. The fabric is sateen, soft, breathable, and will conform to your figure. Judging by your armor, your body is slender but not in an unhealthy way. You've got...enviable curves. I'm looking forward to seeing you. For now, you'll be measured. They'll make the dress while Uldren shows you around our city. Do enjoy your stay Guardian, I'm afraid I have business to attend to." She says.

Did she check me out or am I imagining shit?

I nod and incline my head while the others bow at her and she leaves. They have me remove my armor with the exception of my helmet, leaving me in the long sleeve black shirt and black leggings I wear underneath as they measure. They measure my neck, shoulders, collarbone to hip, hip to floor, arm width, thigh width, waist, chest, and hips. By the time they're done, it had gotten much lighter outside.