The War Must Go On ~ Book 1: Gemaris Island

Chapter 1: An Old Friend's Studio

Book 1: Gemaris Island

Chapter 1: An Old Friend's Studio

"There! You're all finished!" the tall, dark-haired lady chirped, throwing her hands out. "This is for sure my best work, I think!"

She smiled a large white grin as her teal eyes glimmered.

"What do you think?"

The lady brought her customer in front of the giant round mirror which was surrounded with an ornate gold land sapphire frame.

The customer gave a shy smile to her reflection as she examined herself. Her hair was a normal length, made of light golden blonde curls tumbling onto her shoulders. Right now, half of it was pinned in a bun on the back of her head and there was a small red rose by her ear. The girl's bangs were no longer unruly, but neatly covering just a bit of her eyebrows. Her cheeks were rosy instead of pale like snow. And best of all, she wore a charming peasant dress that was as red as rich wine and a dark brown apron that had a. The puffy off-white sleeves went down to her elbows and had little frills at the end. The girl's new white stockings showed under the knee-length skirt of the dress and her small brown laced up boots were comfortable, even with small heels.

"It's...very different for me," the customer replied, turning right and left to see herself at every angle.

"That's what you wanted, isn't it?" the lady asked, concerned, but still cheerful.

"Yes, it is," the girl replied, matter-of-factly.

"Do you like the accessories? They make an outfit, you know," the woman asked eagerly, putting her hands together in a pleading manner.

The girl had forgotten to acknowledge the accessories, but they were all quite lovely. She had some cute red bracelets, one with a little bow on it. There was also on her chest a brooch shaped like a tiny, sepia bouquet of flowers. The young client wondered what had inspired Marietta to make such a sad, and yet beautiful brooch. But then she noticed right above the brooch, around her neck, a plain golden locket.

"Marietta? What is this locket?" the girl asked, grabbing it with two fingers.

"In case you want to put something in there? A portrait or photography of someone? Or maybe an item that you value or cherish!" Marietta beamed, her breathy voice filled with excitement.

"There's nothing. There's...no one. But I will still wear it," the girl said with no expression at all.

"Maybe something or someone will come along who will deserve a place in that locket!" Marietta suggested, shrugging.

"I doubt it," the girl said, turning away from the mirror. "But thank you for this, Marietta. For everything."

The customer spun back around on her heel to face her helper.

"It's the least I can do for an old friend who helped me in my greatest time of need," Marietta remarked, rubbing the back of her neck. The curls around Marietta's face were messy and her bun was on the verge of falling apart. "Really. There's no need to thank me."

"Nonsense. I don't deserve your kindness, Marietta!" the girl in the dark red peasant dress shook her head. She was surprised when her long curls hit her in the face as she did so, for she was not used to such long hair.

Marietta became puzzled by her friend's words. "What are you talking about? You saved me from what might have been death! Of course you deserve my kindness, d-"

"Ora. Call me Ora. My name is Ora," the customer quickly said, gazing at Marietta with calm blue eyes.

"Ora?"