Marrok

Chapter 16

Tall, slender, green leaves caught Maifynn's eye as she neared the source of the water. The sound of the steam bubbling up to the water's surface drew her closer. When Maifynn reached the water's edge she could feel the heat of the volcanic spring and taste the minerals within the air. The warmth of the air only intensified the heady sweet scent of the nearby orchids. Delicate flowers rose above the leaves on fine, thorny stems. The soft, velvety crimson petals were dotted with black spots, and a streak of blue ran through their centre, giving the impression of a butterfly's wings, with black stamens tipped with orange pollen.

Taking the small fragment of black silk from the pocket within her skirt, she delicately poised it above the stamen and carefully pinched the silk, to remove them one by one. Wrapping the silk carefully she placed it back into her pocket.

                                                ................................................................

Madame Luveau's was known for its quality fabrics, with connections throughout the continent and beyond. Fine silks, linens, satins, and heavier jacquards lined the sample tables, while fine gauze and velvet were draped across the walls in a myriad of colours. The large open window on the east wall looked out onto the desert beyond Treggorne's city walls, giving the impression of being inside a desert traveller's tent.

Jane, her mother, and Seren were offered ice teas as they sat and waited for Madame Luveau. Two petite women dressed in plain white togas, strapped at the waist with thin, pleated leather belts, stood in the corners of the room fanning the incense-scented air with ornate fabric paddles.

Madame Laveau entered the room and greeted the seated ladies. "Ah, Lady Grace. How good it is to see you again."

"And you, Madame," replied Lady Grace. "We've returned with exciting news,"

"Oh, do not tell me," replied Madame, her painted eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "Is your beautiful daughter to be wed?" she asked, looking to Jane who sat nervously in her chair.

"She is, Madame," replied Lady Grace, her face beaming with pride.

"I did say, did I not, that the silk you bought for your coming-of-age ball would no doubt attract a husband. And, here you are," Madame spread out her arms as if to embrace all three of them.

Seren rolled her eyes, whilst Jane smiled meekly as Madame began to assemble samples, asking questions about the upcoming wedding celebration. With a selection of fabrics in her arms, Madame placed them neatly onto a marble table placed in the centre of the room and bade the ladies to join her.

"It will be almost Autumn when you are to be wed, and as it will not take place here in Treggorne you will likely freeze with some of the more delicate fabrics," said Madame taking a roll of pale blue velvet and holding it out for Jane to inspect. "This is a very fine velvet, and will accentuate the crystal blueness of your beautiful eyes."

Jane reached out and ran her fingers over the velvet. It was soft and smooth. She grasped at its edge and felt how light it was to other velvets she had previously worn. "It is beautiful," commented Jane, envisaging herself in a gown of ocean blue.

Madame unrolled the fabric and draped it over Jane's shoulders, wrapping and tucking it until it clung to her body before stepping back to admire her masterpiece. As if struck by inspiration, she unwrapped another sample, this time of white silk, and held it up against her makeshift design. "Come and see my dear," Madame cooed as she coaxed Jane to the side of the room and positioned her in front of a covered stand. Removing the cover with a practiced flourish to reveal a large oval mirror, Madame walked back and stood behind Jane, peering over her shoulders.