8. Drama
A hand rested on my shoulder, rousing me from a comfortable sleep. "Esgalnoron, it's time to awaken," came a soft murmur.
I groaned and shifted, opening my eyes. Dim dawnlight inked through the windows, barely outlining the living room and those inside. Faelel knelt beside me, and at my other side, Rosseth still slept. The tips of her fingers wove loosely into mine, but otherwise, we didn't touch.
Faelel reached across me and squeezed Rosseth's arm. "Rosseth? Wake up darling."
A heavy sigh came from Rosseth, and she drew her hands up to rub her eyes. She must've felt the same void between her fingertips, because she suddenly turned her head to look at me.
Heat rose to my cheeks, but in the low light, she probably wouldn't see. "Good morning."
We didn't move for a long few seconds. Then Rosseth broke eye contact and sat up. "I'll prepare the morning meal." After finger-combing a few strands of messy hair back from her face, she stood and walked to the kitchen.
A finger on my chin drew my attention to Faelel. Her green eyes pierced mine with a meaningful stare for a moment too long. Then she stood and walked over to Goldir, who lay facedown on the sofa, face buried in the crook of his arm.
I sat up slowly, heart lurching into an excited pace when I remembered what today would bring. I stood, noting that the pillow had a dark smudge where my head had rested. I bit my lip. The sooner we could get the Games over with, the sooner I could get home and evade punishment. Going to the kitchen, I walked over to Rosseth. "When do we leave? And where are we going?"
She glanced up from cutting apples with a sleepy grin. "Slow down, mellon. First we need to eat breakfast and find what you're going to wear. Then we need to work on your costume."
My heart sank. "And...how long will all that take?"
Rosseth snickered and handed me a wedge of apple. "A while. Don't worry, we'll arrive at the Games by sunup."
Sighing, I took the wedge and bit into it. I suppose all good things took time in the coming. "You'll be the one to do my hair, yes? A bit of the coloring rubbed onto the pillow...I'm worried it won't last."
Rosseth frowned a little. "It'll last. It would be best if I do your hair, or perhaps Nana...we can't let Daeris anywhere near you."
Remembering last night, I grimaced. "Agreed." I hesitated, knowing I probably shouldn't inquire about the incident, but my curiosity got the better of me. "What happened last night?"
She tucked her chin, glaring at the cutting board. "I don't want to talk about it."
I winced. "I'm sorry."
With a long sigh, she looked up at me again. "You've no need to apologize." Attempting a smile, she said, "Why don't you ask Rirosdir if you can borrow a pair of trousers? Even your trashiest clothes will draw too much attention in the Games."
Raising an eyebrow, I said, "Doesn't he need his trousers?"
Rosseth snickered. "He always brings an extra pair. Go on, ask him."
Confused, and a little too worried to be amused, I shrugged and left the kitchen. Heading over to where Rirosdir sat rubbing his face, I squatted next to him. "I've just realized I didn't dress appropriately...Rosseth told me you might be able to help?"
Rirosdir narrowed his eyes. "I brought extra trousers, but I might need them. What's wrong with yours?"
I sighed. "They're the nicest I have. I really don't want to ruin them."
He nodded slowly. "Well, I'll make you a deal: if you mess my trousers up, you give me your nice ones as payment and keep the pair you ruined."
After half a moment's consideration, I nodded. "Deal."
Rirosdir frowned. "And if I ruin my pants, I get yours, because it's not my fault you didn't come prepared."
I scowled, but if I didn't think he were trying to manipulate the situation, I wouldn't care. "Fine. Just don't do anything on purpose."
Grabbing a travel pack sitting nearby, Rirosdir reached in and pulled out some rolled up leather. "Here you go."
I took the garment. "Where should I change?"
He grunted in annoyance. "You know where the stump seats are?" When I nodded, he said, "Past those you'll find a convenience shed. But don't take long, I'll need to use it in a couple of minutes."
After thanking him, I walked outside and followed Rirosdir's instructions. As promised, I found a tiny shack just past smelling range of the stump seats. I heard the sound of someone relieving themselves within, and sighing quietly, I waited.
It was easy to forget that the majority of the Woodland Realm used crude convenience shacks like this. I felt guilty for wanting to cover my nose.
The door opened, and Goldir stepped out. "Good morning Esgalnoron. Ready for the big day?"
I cleared my throat and edged toward the shed. "Not quite, I just need to take care of morning necessities."
"Ah." He clapped me on the shoulder. "Well enjoy it while you're single. Takes longer when you're married. Different necessities altogether, if you catch my drift." He winked.
I really, really didn't want to think about that right now. "Hmm...well if you'll excuse me...?"
Goldir's expression saddened. "And then...Eru forbid, if something happens to your mate...well, you never quite readjust."
I paused and really looked at him—you never quite know everything with people, and sometimes that's disconcerting. "You lost your wife, Goldir?"
He gave a pained smile. "Ah, it's not something I care to speak of. Go on then, and I'll see you back inside."
Nodding, I let him go. I'd met a couple of elves that lost their mates, and only heard of the rare dissolution of marriage. None walked away from those situations without scars that nobody should have to endure. With a sigh, I stepped into the convenience shack.
A wave of stench assaulted me. Clapping a hand over my nose and mouth, I glanced back at the door. I would not be closing that—this damn shack needed airing out, and what in Eru's name did Goldir eat?
I peeked out for a non-toxic breath, and to make sure no one was coming to stand in line behind me. I couldn't see much past the thick trees and bushes, but the early-morning forest stood quite still. I should be safe.
First, I took advantage of the hole in the ground, trying not to think about what insects might be feasting on the discarded contents of larger creatures' digestive systems. Then I kicked off my boots and stripped off my leggings, standing on tiptoes in hopes of not stepping in anything repulsive.
The chill morning damp made me shiver as I unrolled the leggings—some bodily parts ought not be bared in cold weather. I shoved one foot down one pant leg, grunting in annoyance as it got stuck and having to hop in place.
A female squeaked behind me.
I yelled and yanked the pants up, but only one leg was in. I wrapped the other pant leg around my very naked backside. "One moment, please?" I cautiously peeked over my shoulder.
Daeris stared, wide-eyed, with both hands covering her mouth. "Th-the door was open..."
I grabbed the handle and jerked the door shut. Now trapped in the complete darkness with toxic scents, I struggled to straighten out the other pant leg and get my foot in. When I finally did, and got the pants pulled up and covering what needed to be covered, I only then realized that they only covered to mid-calf.
Sighing angrily, I felt around for my boots and put them on. Backwards, naturally. But I scarcely cared. I shoved the door open, gulped in the sweet, fresh air, and brushed past Daeris to walk back to the house.
Perhaps this treatment was normal for normal people. Perhaps ellith snuck around, hoping for a chance to see some fool's arse bared for the world to see.
Or perhaps Daeris was just really obnoxious.
Deciding I didn't want to relive the incident in any way, though it would be satisfying to see Daeris scolded, I pulled myself together by the time I reached the house. The less fuss I made about it, the smoother this little holiday would slide by, the less reason for Rosseth to deck Daeris, and the less opportunity for anyone to think I was asking for special treatment.
Though, Valar, I wished they had proper convenience stations.
Rirosdir met me at the door and merely nodded as he passed.
I went inside, keeping my head ducked and grateful for the low light to hide my flushed face. Faelel handed me a plate of fruit and a slice of bread without really looking at me, and after nodding my thanks, I sat in front of the hearth, facing toward the softly-glowing embers.
Rosseth joined me a moment later, holding her own plate with similar portions. "What's wrong?" she whispered, leaning closer without touching.
"Nothing." I tore off a piece of bread with my teeth.
She leaned closer, and her loose hair brushed my arm. "Liar," she breathed. "I know you're upset. Why?"
Chewing slowly, I convinced myself the best way to proceed would be honestly. I was about to cause the next kinslaying, I just knew it. After swallowing hard, I admitted, "Daeris caught me changing."
Rosseth's eyes rounded.
"Nothing else happened," I hurried to add. "I'm just...well...embarrassed."
She looked away, jaw flexing.
I looped an arm around her, lightly touching her waist. "Rosseth, don't worry about it. She didn't mean to." Theoretically. "And there's enough for us to deal with already."
After a heavy moment, she nodded once and dug into her breakfast.
Once the others had all made their trek to the convenience shack, returned, and eaten breakfast, Faelel set out two wooden stools and announced that we'd be working on costumes now.
As I sat on one of the stools, Orelon came over, carrying a box of costume supplies. "It'll be helpful if you compete without a shirt—most ellyn do." He lowered his voice. "That'll also get the ellith focused on your torso rather than your face."
Faelel lifted a comb, nodding her agreement. "And for the sake of us working on your hair, you should take it off now if you take it off at all."
I pulled off my shirt and tossed it toward where I'd left my nicer trousers, despite my discomfort when Rosseth and Daeris both paused to look.
It took Daeris about half a second to flounce herself over to us. "Aunt Faelel, I have some ideas that might look really nice in Esgalnoron's hair...might I be in charge of his costume?"
Rosseth stood frozen in place, eyes wide.
Faelel didn't answer immediately, but instead lifted a lock of my hair and studied it. "No Daeris, I think given the situation—"
"It's not fair!" Daeris shrieked, stabbing a finger at Rosseth. "I'll bet she wants to play with his hair...well just because your darling little daughter is a lovesick fool doesn't mean I shouldn't get a chance to talk to Esgalnoron for a while!"
Rosseth stormed over, fists clenching. "We'll see just who's the lovesick fool, cousin dearest."
I jumped up and angled myself between them before any bloodshed occurred. "That's enough, both of you."
Crossing her arms, Rosseth hissed, "I refuse to be shamed by that little orc. If she want to talk that way, she can endure my wrath."
I glanced back at Orelon and Faelel for help, but they were locked in a conversation of intense undertones.
Goldir came walking over, making pacifying gestures. "Peace ellith, how is this such an important matter? One of you can decorate Esgalnoron, and the other Rirosdir."
"Yes, but I braid Rirosdir's hair all the time," Daeris whined. She turned to face Rosseth's parents. "Uncle Orelon? Please?"
Orelon sighed heavily. "I will leave the decision up to Esgalnoron. It's his hair."
Great. I certainly knew whose fingers I didn't want in my hair, but on the flip side, Rosseth would forgive me. Daeris probably wouldn't. Plus, I could use this situation to everyone's advantage, since Daeris evidently couldn't take a scolding from anyone else.
With that as my only consolation, I turned to Rosseth. She must've seen my decision in my eyes, because she huffed and looked away, failing to mask her hurt.
"Rosseth." I placed a hand on her cheek and guided her around to look at me again. When she finally did, I held her gaze. There was very little I could say in the presence of the whole room, so I silently begged her to understand.
Something in her eyes softened, and she nodded once. Then she went over to Rirosdir and took the comb he handed her.
Daeris crowed with delight and snatched Faelel's comb. As I reluctantly returned to my stool, she began combing the ends of my hair. "Why, you have such unique hair. It feels very strong—you are quite fortunate."
"I am reminded daily," I replied, barely curbing my sarcasm. A chill of discomfort raced down my spine as her fingers brushed my neck.
Faelel watched for a moment, then sighed and collected a tray and bowls from the cupboard. Then she and Orelon went outside. Goldir went over to help Rosseth with Rirosdir, leaving me somewhat alone with Daeris. If I wanted to correct her, there was no better time.
"Daeris, I think we ought to talk."
"Oh, I certainly agree." She giggled and laid a hand on my bare shoulder. When I didn't respond, she removed her hand and continued combing my hair.
"Daeris, you should know that I consider your cousin a very dear friend." I faced the opposite wall, trying to formulate a gentle reprimand that wouldn't leave Daeris hating me.
She filled my silence without hesitation. "But she's not me, I know. She has so much natural beauty, but she seems determined to hide it." A note of smugness entered her tone. "Whereas I allow my natural beauty to shine through."
I couldn't disagree more. But I didn't say so. "I don't particularly care how beautiful you and Rosseth are. I need you to understand, I've come here for the Games, not for romance. I don't deny that you are attractive," —though I could, and was tempted to— "but I'm simply not interested."
Her hands stilled. A long moment passed with us saying nothing, until she finally murmured, "I understand."
Little else was said while Daeris pulled and twisted strands of my hair into some unknown something. Rosseth finished with Rirosdir's hair and went to the supplies box, pulling out a tub of dark goop. After applying some on Rirosdir's face, she came over to me. "Close your eyes," she said dipping her finger into the tub.
I obeyed, and her finger swept over my eyebrow, then moved down until she'd reached the bottom of my eyelid. She repeated the same motion on the opposite side, then told me to open my eyes. She smiled a little and nodded her approval, then returned to Rirosdir.
Faelel soon returned with a tray of bowls, each containing a different color of clay mixed with water. "Sunrise is well on its way—we need to leave soon."
Daeris groaned and tugged a little harder. "I'm not done yet, this isn't working how I thought it would."
Rosseth snagged the bowls of green and rust-colored clay. "Nana, would you decorate Rirosdir? I'll get Th—Esgalnoron while Daeris finishes his hair."
Faelel and I both gave Rosseth a be careful look, and Faelel nodded.
Rosseth handed me the green bowl. "Hold this please." I did, and she dipped her finger into the rust clay and began smearing a pattern of straight lines and sharp edges onto my forehead, temples, and cheeks. As she continued the pattern down my neck and on to my chest, I noticed her pattern followed the lines of my body.
Once she finished the last lines—twin lines angling down along my hips and ending at my waistband—she took the green bowl and handed me the rust bowl. Then she began again at my face. These lines swirled, overlapping the rust. I had my doubts about what it would actually look like, but when she made it further down my body, I was pleased to note the swoops and curls of green didn't take away from the fierce lines and angles. Instead, the green added depth and fascination to the pattern.
Rosseth took the rust bowl from me and returned both to the tray. "Are you done yet, Daeris?"
"I suppose," Daeris grumbled. "Though it's not as secure as I'd like it."
"We can fix it later," Faelel said, finishing with Rirosdir. "We have to leave."
I stood, pleased to note that the clay dried onto my skin smoothly. Faelel bustled us out the door, assuring me everything we needed would be provided at the Games.
Outside, Orelon was feeding the horses. I started toward the coral, but Rosseth herded me back toward the group. "It's simpler to walk," she murmured.
"Oh," I replied, lifting my chin.
Before long, Orelon jogged up to join us, settling to a steady walk beside Faelel at the front. He wrapped an arm around her waist, and she rested her head on his shoulder as they walked.
I smiled a little and glanced at Rosseth, who met my gaze with a grin of her own. "Your parents are cute," I said.
She nodded. "They're a lot better than they were. Things were difficult for a few years."
Running over the limited things I knew about her family, I guessed, "Finances?"
"Yes." Rosseth glanced at the others, making sure no one was eavesdropping. "Before you—before I moved into the palace, we hardly had anything. Food prices were rising, and Ada's job wasn't paying for all of us. I'm almost positive he didn't eat whenever he couldn't hunt enough. And then...right before the tax was due, one of our friends panicked. He came over, demanding back all the money he'd loaned Ada over the winter. Ada repaid him, but we had nothing left for taxes." Her shoulders sank, as though the memory weighed on her.
I had to do something to show her I cared—preferably without saying anything stupid. Glancing back at Orelon and Faelel, I used his stance for inspiration and put my arm around Rosseth's waist.
Her head rested on my chest, I being a bit taller than Orelon and Rosseth being a bit shorter than Faelel. I didn't mind.
"The first time I visited home," Rosseth continued, "I was amazed at the change. Ada wasn't so thin. Nana wasn't so anxious. The cupboards weren't empty. It was like a dream." She twisted her neck to look up at me. "Thank you. You don't know what a difference you've made."
I smiled, considering how to respond. Perhaps someday I could say all in a day's work. But the warm glow of satisfaction blooming in my chest was too fresh to act as though it were a mundane thing. "I'm glad to have helped," I said.
Rosseth gazed at me a moment longer, a smile playing on her lips. Then she faced forward, and we continued our trek in companionable silence.
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