With the ti remaining between the bells being rung and the tower event’s final ceremony, the Goltbred heiress dragged away the two orphans back to the camp and into her tent. She hadn’t wanted to force them into her gifts before things got underway... knowing they would be uncomfortable watching the exciting part of the event in stuffy duds.
"I’m sure you know that the winners will each speak after receiving recognition."
Elua adjusted Fusand’s collar while maintaining her lecturing tone. The teenager’s green markings coiling about his neck from his Physique were hidden by this formal attire. Of course, an ardent observer might notice the vine-like patterns at his wrists if he moved a certain way.
Nohre keenly watched as her master helped dress her... ’friend’ in the deep tan suit. She wasn’t jealous, exactly, but she had a *little* envy at the grace of the girl’s movents and technical knowledge. Green eyes narrowed and decided she would be the one to do this next ti, even if it took them longer to get ready!
The boy had no such thoughts of getting himself involved in assisting his childhood friend into the expensive dress she was wearing. Leaving it to the heiress and her personal servant had been... an awkward wait. It was already all he could do to not stare at the forest colored silk or the fresh hairstyle.
’Will she punch if I ask her to pose until I can make a good Projection of it?’
How was he to know that a change from braids to a high bun could be so... effective! The back of his neck had been flush for many minutes. Fusand tried to shake the tension out of his shoulders and cleared his throat as Elua took a few steps back and tilted her head at him.
"Should we expect anything... special from your husband’s statent?"
"That sounds like you doubt my wonderful fortress ever says anything that isn’t extrely special to ."
A hint of pride colored the ’sweet’ Goltbred voice as she smoothed down the illusion of her own black and gold dress. The pair of disciples could say nothing back. The teenagers just awkwardly glanced at each other, wondering if every affluent family’s Young Miss was like this.
"Co on now, we should get back to my parents and the Talcres. You should be prepared for complints, by the way."
Both because of her teasing and because of the unfamiliar clothing, the pair felt awkward on the walk back. Nohre and Fusand just quietly stepped next to each other while following behind Elua - and of course kept glancing at each other and looking away.
When they were almost there, the illusionist’s mint eyes swept over the gathering crowds below their private viewing area. It wouldn’t be long before all eyes watched
"I suppose you’re wondering why I insisted on putting you in proper attire for what amounts to watching three people walk and talk."
The disciples exchanged less reserved glances with each other, knowing this tone ant a small lesson was coming. The sandy haired boy spoke first, hoping to demonstrate his attention to detail.
"The rchants seem dressed more formally as well. Even those who usually wear practical clothes for their business."
He had seen it earlier... but hadn’t thought anything of it until now. While it was their first competition attendance, that didn’t an there weren’t plenty of records. None of them had said anything about a rule or tradition to dress well.
However... as he looked around he could see that mortals were also in ’nice’ clothes for the most part. As clean as possible for those actually standing at the front of the crowds.
"It’s an unofficial show of respect for the victories that will create ripples. The thought is that sotis silk and finery can help remind the hard working cultivators that there is an entire society depending on their effort."
She chuckled. Parades, celebrations, and all kinds of ’formal’ shows of wealth might motivate so... but the funny part to her was that it seed much more likely to *motivate* those in the middle of the strata. To seek fa and glory.
’I can only imagine how few of them in the Yecine will understand why my husband-wife actually wants the heirship.’
Her gaze drifted toward her spouse’s family and their designated area. Elua’s fingers traced the golden embroidery at her hem, thinking that at least so of them would enjoy her ostentatious choices.
"I should join them soon. After all, what ssage would it send if I stood apart while my ’husband’ receives such recognition?"
"Master..."
Nohre hesitated when pressed with a ’look’. She looked contrite for a half second for the vocal slip, then pressed on. The heiress didn’t burden them with all the details, but she had let loose so of her displeasure when certain people were brought up in the past.
"Will you be able to maintain your... calm? If soone speaks poorly of-"
The smile that crossed Elua’s face carried that particular edge her disciples had learned to recognize. A subtle one that suggested ’mischief’ and ’darkness’ rather than her usual ’sweet’ and ’helpful’. Both of the teenagers stiffened, long trained by that ’stick’ and ’carrot’.
"My dear friends, sotis the loudest statent is made through perfect composure when others are trying to crack it. Now, shall we discuss what you two will be experiencing in a mont when your other ntors see you together in such finery?"
Nohre’s cheeks colored slightly, knowing how exuberant Zyris could get. Fusand suddenly found the distant towers *fascinating*. After a few seconds, the sandy-haired boy cleared his throat.
"Perhaps we should just talk about what you’d like us to focus on during the ceremony instead?"
"That would be too direct. You’re here to enjoy yourselves, not engage in family politics."
After catching his obvious attempt to change subjects, Elua reached and brushed a wrinkle off of his shoulder. The quick motion looked like sothing simple, but the pinpoint application of the Adhesion technique to link and manipulate the essence in the fibers was wastefully advanced.
’He had been quite attentive to those lessons on observing people. And those Projections of Nohre he showed in private were impressive. Maybe I shouldn’t ruin his hobby.’
"Instead, I want you both to study how the different Guilds react to the winners’ words and presence. Notice who pays more attention to which achievents. Of course, this is just a suggestion."
Her mint eyes swept over where various Guild representatives had gathered.
"After all, you’ll need to navigate those calm on the surface waters yourselves soday. Best to know which groups value what traits."
"What will you be watching for, Ma- Elua?"
The heiress closed her eyes and shook her head at the correction. The girl was actually very smart and often so wary. The reincarnator couldn’t help but think it was a subconscious rebellion instead of ’attachnt’ at this point!
"The winners themselves, naturally. They are going to be the closest to my Qat. How they carry themselves, interact... or don’t. I’d like to know."
She curtsied in her dress, showing off her formal state to the orphans before applying it to the group she was about to head toward.
"Now, I really must go. Do try to behave while I’m away, though if you want to get in trouble... well that might be fun too."
Her disciples watched her ’innocent’ and graceful departure, sharing a knowing look at her mix of instruction and teasing. The heiress made her way through the crowd with the ease of a ghost but the *presence* of a fairy, turning heads and drawing whispers.
Her facade was locked in tighter than normal as she approached where Lirades stood among the gathered Yecine elders. Several of the n stood with neutral expressions, though their stiff postures and direct looks betrayed their awareness of her approach.
The pavilion itself had been chosen with clear intent to the Goltbred. A spot they could watch all three regions... they would claim. Maybe so of the elders even felt this was the fully original purpose.
’Because they are afraid to admit that they wanted a spot that could be seen from all three in turn. Pride in their ways, but stoic in their faces.’
A slight nod acknowledged her from one such older man. She honestly had no clue which it was, though his eyes carried that familiar calculation of advantages and risks to her presence. She returned the gesture with perfect poise and a ’bright’ smile.
Her marriage made it impossible for them to ignore her right to be there despite her na and the black dress made it clear she was attempting to ’fit in’. The eldest Yecine woman’s still keen senses assessed Elua er Goltbred’s choice of attire. It looked the perfect blend of family colors and style that declared both connection... and a subtle asure of independence.
A slight nod acknowledged the political adroitness of the decision as the girl approached her. She would match in this crowd... and she would also unsettle the old codgers. If she still had a friend left anywhere near her age, she might be cackling with them right now!
’A sha. I have no desire to ruin all of our appearances quite yet.’
"I’m glad you ca to join us, dear. I trust you’ll find the view quite suitable from here."
Lirades’ tone carried that particular *warmth* that made most of the cool-faced n uncomfortable. It wasn’t eased when the ’honey-soaked’ voice of the brunette answered back.
"I’m honored to watch it with you all. Qatrand did so well."
Through the fragnt, Elua sensed that husband-wife’s ’nerves’. Though, whether that presence at the base of their region’s tower was worried because of the ’rascal’ on the other end or because of the mont that so many would be watching-
’Probably both! Haha~’
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Short Temp Scene Break Test, Mark 1!
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Pretend I changed scenes here!
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