_GreyJazz_
Back from the dead, maybe
"Please, allow me a moment to calm my nerves." The request made of multiple servants carrying articles of clothing gave them pause as they stared at their frail, thin mistress. They looked at each other for a moment, exchanging glances indicative that they were internally judgmental towards their charge, but nonetheless, they agreed to give her a moment to herself. The sounds of pacing footsteps could be heard alongside unintelligible murmurings before they stopped around where the mistress's vanity was located. Whimpering noises were heard, and the servants sighed to themselves, settling in to become comfortable as they waited for the woman inside.
The scene inside, however, was a calculated fakery. The blonde who was "pacing about nervously" was, in fact, inspecting every inch of her own skin to ensure that her foundation would not reveal her lightened skin, that her hair held no traces of the brown dyes she had created, and in the mirror, inspecting that her eyes were their natural, deep blue with no traces of the brown she altered them to when going out in disguise. Carelessness was not an option; every time she left her estate, she had to ensure that whichever identity she chose to adopt was the only identity visible in her appearance. With very few exceptions, not even her servants were aware of her double identity, and she fully intended to keep it that way. This time, especially, she knew she was to be meeting with someone who knew of both of her identities. Saela was among the individuals she didn't know what to make of, and therefore wouldn't trust. This wasn't a gamble she would normally take if not for her desire to stay within character when she heard the rumors of Saela's talents. Truthfully, even in her disguised form, she had never heard Saela sing, so despite her reservations, she was determined to make good of their arrangement to meet.
"I... I think I am ready." She reluctantly said to her servants, and they immediately rushed in and helped her to present herself. Long, wavy, blonde hair was brushed and combed into a princess bun adorned with rubies and golden-colored crystals, with golden-colored netting hanging from her right side. Her dress had puffed sleeves at the shoulders that covered the edges of long, red gloves. The bodice was cut to frame her breasts, and golden beads were stitched into it in abstract patterns. The skirt puffed out quite elegantly and reached to her ankles, on which she was wearing golden shoes with red bows. At her waist was a single, golden opera mask. On her neck was an ornate, gold necklace that draped her collar in rubies, and a brooch with an opera mask to match the one at her hip. Her lips twitched as she imagined what sort of expression Saela would have seeing such a costume.
"Where is the parcel?" She asked, a slight tremble to her voice. She had communicated via parcel, sending Saela a simple letter that said something cheesy about hearing that Saela's voice had the ability to part the clouds in the sky, and now she wished to hear it, if the other was willing. They had set a location through mail correspondence and now Eloise was to be escorted there. Luckily, her late father had given her control over her guards, and she was able to easily identify the most useful ones of the bunch. She knew they wouldn't be useless in the event of danger, and as they set up, she kept the most skilled towards the back, to detect threats from behind. In that manner, they left the estate and began their journey.
The scene inside, however, was a calculated fakery. The blonde who was "pacing about nervously" was, in fact, inspecting every inch of her own skin to ensure that her foundation would not reveal her lightened skin, that her hair held no traces of the brown dyes she had created, and in the mirror, inspecting that her eyes were their natural, deep blue with no traces of the brown she altered them to when going out in disguise. Carelessness was not an option; every time she left her estate, she had to ensure that whichever identity she chose to adopt was the only identity visible in her appearance. With very few exceptions, not even her servants were aware of her double identity, and she fully intended to keep it that way. This time, especially, she knew she was to be meeting with someone who knew of both of her identities. Saela was among the individuals she didn't know what to make of, and therefore wouldn't trust. This wasn't a gamble she would normally take if not for her desire to stay within character when she heard the rumors of Saela's talents. Truthfully, even in her disguised form, she had never heard Saela sing, so despite her reservations, she was determined to make good of their arrangement to meet.
"I... I think I am ready." She reluctantly said to her servants, and they immediately rushed in and helped her to present herself. Long, wavy, blonde hair was brushed and combed into a princess bun adorned with rubies and golden-colored crystals, with golden-colored netting hanging from her right side. Her dress had puffed sleeves at the shoulders that covered the edges of long, red gloves. The bodice was cut to frame her breasts, and golden beads were stitched into it in abstract patterns. The skirt puffed out quite elegantly and reached to her ankles, on which she was wearing golden shoes with red bows. At her waist was a single, golden opera mask. On her neck was an ornate, gold necklace that draped her collar in rubies, and a brooch with an opera mask to match the one at her hip. Her lips twitched as she imagined what sort of expression Saela would have seeing such a costume.
"Where is the parcel?" She asked, a slight tremble to her voice. She had communicated via parcel, sending Saela a simple letter that said something cheesy about hearing that Saela's voice had the ability to part the clouds in the sky, and now she wished to hear it, if the other was willing. They had set a location through mail correspondence and now Eloise was to be escorted there. Luckily, her late father had given her control over her guards, and she was able to easily identify the most useful ones of the bunch. She knew they wouldn't be useless in the event of danger, and as they set up, she kept the most skilled towards the back, to detect threats from behind. In that manner, they left the estate and began their journey.
