The Gems of Element

Part 2: Earth Region ~ Chapter VII

"You look simply radiant, Lady Sera!" Mary says as she finishes adjusting the gown that was currently being placed on my body. Lanota on the other hand was busy smoothing down the fabric.

"Thank God we were able to find a proper dress to fit you, and in such sort notice as well!"

"Yes, It was quite the relief."

They both step back and smile at me with satisfaction over the work that they did. I turn around to face the floor length mirror that was placed in the corner to take a proper look at the clothes I was wearing. The purple velvet dress covered my entire body, with multiple strings around my waist holding it in place. It felt soft, but a little bit heavy. It had long sleeves that reached my wrists, and the train behind me dragged on the floor. The cut was low, exposing the white chemise that was under the gown that was sleeveless. It definitely felt lighter than the gown. Hidden beneath the dress were two purple flats that felt very soft and comfortable. My gaze rises a little higher to my head, looking at the bun style my hair was currently tied into. I asked if either of them knew how to make a braid crown, but sadly neither of them did.

"Alright, my Lady. Please face this way!" Lanota spins me around and pats me down one more time before nodding her head. Mary walks behind me and adjusts my bun a bit.

"Are you nervous?" Mary asks me, while applying fresh bandages to my hands. She'd placed a cold ointment onto it earlier, saying it was supposed to help get rid of the abrasions. I huff out my frustration, and prepare myself for the load of words I'm about to unconsciously dump onto the two maids.

"Well... How can I not be? I mean, this is all happening so fast isn't it? I almost get hit by a car, end up in a- I don't even know where, almost get killed by a shadow thing, get saved by a very attractive dude in a suit of armor, stay in a dungeon with an ACTUAL human skeleton, then bathe and get dressed in an ACTUAL castle! Not to mention I'm going to meet with a King, a-and a Queen. Who, you said yourself, could end up executing me if they wanted to! All in the same day! So yeah, hahahah... I'm a little shook..."

Even after I had told them about the whole "me not being from here" situation prior to them dressing me up, Mary and Lanota still look back at me surprised. Although I guess it's kind of what I should've expected after I just went off on them. After taking a breath and calming myself down, they also seem to relax.

"Not to mention-!" I hesitate for a moment. 'Should I really be this open with them?'  Looking back at the two maids, I see them give me their undivided attention and lean in their heads to carefully listen for what I'm about to say next. We had just met a few hours ago, but already they've shown more care and compassion towards me than I could already handle. They look worried.

'Oh fine.'

"I'm scared... Terrified actually. My Dad is missing and I don't know where he is, I was looking for him when I had suddenly just appeared here. I shouldn't even be here; I should be looking for him but... How am I supposed to find him if even I don't know where I am?" A wave of regret washes over me, causing my shoulders to slump down and my head to follow. 'I feel so defeated. How am I going to go back? Why do I feel so regretful?'

"C-chin up, Lady Sera! I can see how you'd be confused... I think?" Mary places her fingers under my chin and lifts up my head to meet her eyes. She gives me a pitying smile in an attempt to get me to do the same as well. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Lanota step closer to me to maybe also try and help cheer me up.

"I... can't say I know exactly what you're going through, but I understand worrying about someone you care about. I also don't understand what happened to you prior to this, and what kind of a situation you are in now but if I may give you a piece of my advice... I'd say you must move forward."