Nyxara
On the way back to my room, I gave myself a pat on the back for pre-ordering my lunch. Every step up to my patio made my muscles scream in protest. I thought I could push through with just a short break. Turns out Aspen was right—again. Turns out, this mid-day break is completely necessary. According to the schedule, the afternoon lessons will be more academic-style classes. I can already feel my mind and body metaphorically dancing in relief.
With an exhausted laugh, I dropped my satchel by my bed, then began stripping out of my clothes. I took the clothes to drop in the closet laundry basket when I heard movement in the bathroom. Curious about who could be in my rooms, I put on a robe and poked my head into the bathroom to find a maid turning on the shower. When I stepped completely into the bathroom, the maid turned around, then curtsied with her head bowed.
"Good Afternoon, Mistress. I am Lima, your dedicated personal maid android. I have been made aware of your condition and am here to help in any way I can." Her mellow voice sounded… almost affectionate? Odd. There was a slight modulation, like she was trying the tone on for size. Learning me.
Before I could speak or comment, she kindly grasped my hand, then led me over to the running shower.
"Is this temperature adequate? You liked this temperature before, and I want to confirm this is still your preferred temperature." In a daze, I checked the water. I have an android maid. What kind of otaku world have I transmigrated to? "This is too cool for post-workout. This would be fine for regular showers, but for post-workout, my preference is for it to be 10 degrees below hellfire." I explained. Lima adjusted the dial, then gestured for me to test it.
Perfect. I nodded my head, and she stepped back completely to allow me to get into the shower. "I will hang your towel and robe here for your convenience. The patriarch sent you some items for your lesson. I will place them in your sitting area. I will have lunch placed there as well. If you need me, I will be in the public areas doing light cleaning." Before I could respond, she turned to leave. At the threshold, she abruptly turned back around. "Is this interaction model to your liking? Keeping our interactions practical and not very personal, or would you prefer I'm more friendly?"
I'm getting whiplash from this interaction, and that isn't to my liking."Ummm, for now let's keep things as they are, and we can have a sit-down tonight to discuss options. Thank you for your work. I'll call if I need you." She smiled, and I could tell she was not used to doing so. "You are welcome." Then she was gone closing the door behind her. I pushed thoughts of Lima out of my head and focused on enjoying my shower, feeling my body begin to naturally restore itself.
So while the spells do revive me, they are more of a Band-Aid until I can properly rest. Make sense, especially with the limit on how many times I can have it used on me. After my shower, I dried off and slipped into my robe. It was so warm I half expected it to purr. I almost curled up right there for a nap. It's like it has been taken freshly out of the dryer.
A content smile grew on my face as I noticed the matching slippers by the door. Truly spa-like. I let my nose guide me back into my bedroom, then to the alcove sitting area. Settling into the sofa, I synced my phone to the sound system and queued up soft music to play while I ate and looked over whatever Korran had sent over.
With a sandwich in one hand, I pulled the ribbon on the box in front of me. Looking inside the box, I found a beautiful set of clothing. A cream off-the-shoulder blouse with loose peasant sleeves. Along the neckline, Ajei crest motifs were embroidered subtly. Next, I pulled out a black corset belt that felt like armor with the weight of it.
The golden high-low skirt strangely made me feel seen. It was different from the clothes that were in the closet when I arrived but is in the style of the clothes I had picked out while we were out shopping. I love the warm texture of the skirt. It will keep me warm, especially if I pair them with the thigh-high stockings I bought. At the bottom of the box was a letter from Korran. Delighted to receive a letter, I read the letter with one hand, tossing chips into my mouth with the other.
Emberling,
Today you start your recovery journey, and words can not express the pride I feel in your courage and strength to start over after all you have been through. The etiquette attire is a gift from the three of us. You are to wear this during your lessons with me. It is flexible enough that you could wear it for all your afternoon lessons so you are not changing clothes unnecessarily. I hope they are to in a style you like. The idea was mine, but your Nimra and Azrail are the ones who brought my idea to life by picking out the clothes.
We are better at fashion than he is. Left to his own devices, he would either be in his work overalls or fighting gi all the time. - Azrail
He is so well-dressed now because we pick out all his clothes. I bet he will be in work overalls for his lesson with you later- Nimra
I'm betting he will be in his fighting gi.- Azrail
I take that bet- Nimra
I will not comment on the side notes from those two who stole the letter while I was writing it. Anyway, I also sent over some files for you to review in preparation for our lesson. I will meet you in your library at 2 pm .
Until this afternoon,
Korran (I'm not going to wear either of those options just to spite them.)
It is going to take a while for me to get used to the insanity of my parents' relationship. Back on Earth, Mom and Dad were silly and goofy at times with each other, but it was nowhere near this constant intimate chaos. I guess having Azrail in the mix has changed the dynamics more than I suspected. I grinned and laughed as I ate my lunch. Between bites, I reviewed and made notes about the information he wanted me to look over.
It contained information about etiquette protocols, security protocols, an overview of our businesses, and more knowledge than I could possibly cram into my brain in an hour unless I had eidetic memory. Which I don't, so old-fashioned study skills it will be.
Goddess above, these people weren't playing when they said they would be pushing my limits physically, mentally, and spiritually to be ready in time. Best I can do is remember what I can today and add to it tomorrow. They want me to thrive, not break, if what Aspen said is truly how they feel. They don't want perfection. They want to stretch me, and I will have to trust them not to push beyond my hard limits.
When my 30-minute alarm went off, I called Lima in to finish writing notes for the packet I had been working on. Once completely dressed in the etiquette attire, I added the amulets from Korran and Azrail so I could get used to wearing them. For the sheer pleasure of the opportunity, I also put on the boots from Azrail.
Wearing their gifts made me feel…held. Like no part of this journey was meant to be walked alone. Not even getting dressed. At precisely 1:55,a welcoming chime sounded softly. Lima waited for my directive, then curtsied before going to admit my Korran into my suite. I, on the other hand, gave myself a few moments to calm my nerves before gathering the packets back into the file folder, grabbing my notebook, then heading out of my bedroom to my next lesson.