Shopping (Mature)

[Britan Moon]

Walking around in a blissful mood, Britan was ready to shop. She had many things on her list that she wanted. "Where to start?" she wondered with a finger to her chin. Her family was quite wealthy but of coarse not royalty. She wasn't too saad about that but she would like to vist the palace sometime. She wondered what it would look like. She wished to meet the king and queen as well. They seemed very kind and just as rulers but she wondered what they would be like in person.

Going from each shop Britan just couldn't desiced on anything. Her mind was torn. She wasn't sure just what she wanted to do. Shopping was always fun but she wasn't quite sure anymore.

She sat down on a small bench and watched passers by. There were many couples in the city today. Her heart ached for a companion. She felt so alone even though she usually had fairies crowding over her. She enjoyed the attention from the popularity but it amosted seemed like her friends were fake. She wanted a genuine friend. She wanted someone she could share her hopes and dreams with. At this point she felt it was impossible.

[Johnathan Wolfblade]

There was a bust of commotion suddenly as The Ace of Spades, Prince Johnathan made his way into the city, Ali behind him on his steed and his apprentice beside him. Johnathan's horse, blinding white in color seemed to glow in the sun. It felt good to be back among the fay, all the laughter and general feeling of purity here was wonderful compared to the Goblin's side of the land.

"Better get you bathed and a new dress, can't have you meeting the king looking like a slave, for a slave you are not my dear," his voice was kind as he glanced back at the young fairy with a smile. His horse trotted by the other young fay, and his eyes stopped on her and he pulled his steed to a halt, "Excuse me Mi'lady, could you direct me to a bathhouse for this young sprite?" he gestured to the girl who shared his saddle, "I will need to purchase her a dress, is there anywhere you recommend?"

His hair fluttered lightly in the slight breeze and the smell of sweet bread drifted through, and an idea crossed his mind, "For your aid I will invite you to dine with us later on." Little would the girl know it was indeed the castle where he intended to dine. But he kindly awaited her reply, holding himself as a prince. His steed decorated in purple velvet adornments, and as it had been at Dysin's castle, his white shirt was relieved of the top few buttons, leaving his chest open to peek at the city air. His chin held a dusty growth of hair, which he intended to groom away at the bath. For just as the girl could not appear before the king looking like a slave, he would not allow himself to appear before his friend looking like a weary traveler, and one who hadn't bathed in days either. He was not vain, however it was appearances before the king after many years that awoke his vanity.

All this time, his blue orbs had settled on the girl before him, a kind smile ready to greet her response.

[ali]

Her eyes couldn't help but wander as they entered Luminis City, oh how she had dreamed of coming here and for the first time, she felt her heart lift, if only a little as she looked around. The scent of bread made her stomach grumble and remind her of the constant and gnawing hunger she felt every moment of her life. At his words, she was surprised, a bath? New clothing? King? They were going to see King Dorian? She had heard of that man so much but had fancied he would be nothing more than a myth to her life.

As they approached the girl she felt herself recede back into her old habits. She looked wealthy and her gaze quickly jumped from the girl to the saddle before her. She heard him invite the girl for dinner as payment for her help and once more felt her heart begin to race. Food. A meal. For the first time in two years, she would taste something more than a bit or bread and stale water.

Suddenly she was self conscious, a feeling she hadn't felt in the two years of slavery. Before this girl and the prince in front of her, she must have looked like an urchin. Her lips were thin and stiff, not a glimmer of happiness or a smile could be seen on her dirty face. She was much too thin from her poor diet and her clothes were disgusting. she imagined she must stink as well and the cut on her cheek from earlier was still visible. It was clear, she looked like a slave and there was no hiding it.

She couldn't help but notice however as she cautiously and quickly stole a glance at the beautiful girl that she had looked a bit sad before, perhaps in need of a friend. Ali felt the same pain, her only friends were the dragons at Dysin's keep and now the two horses under Johnathan's ownership. She let herself fancy that she could be friends with someone like that girl, but then beat it away. She was a miscreant, an invalid, a nobody. Even in this freedom, her still bloody hands and dirty body were reminders of Dysin blackmailing. Her jaw tightened, if her sister was alive, this is how she would find her.

This girl and her could never be friends, because if they were, then it would only be one more thing Dysin could use against her. The thought pained her so much that she felt the sting of tears. Yet another thing that hadn't bothered her in two years. it was as if leaving Dysin's castle was like leaving a fog-spell that blocked off her emotions. Even now she felt empty, lost and ever bound to the Goblin King. Would she ever escape him? She focused on the saddle before her, struggling to stop the tear from rolling down her cheek. However the tiny drop betrayed her, traitorously giving away her inner toil. It was then she worried of Johnathan's image. How would it look for him to have a slave girl-crying on the back of his horse in a place where slaves were unheard of?

She quickly dried her eyes as discreetly as she could and forced herself back into that expressionless void that had been so familiar to her for the long years past.

[Britan Moon]

Britan heard the bustle of greetings coming her way. Someone important had come into the city. She wondered who it could be but wasn't too excited about it. She was still pittying her lonely self. She wasn't really in the mood for excitement today. People started moving in near her with big smiles on their faces and she tried to ignore them. Their happiness clashed with her poor demeanor.

Just then, a beautiful man appeared on his steed. He looked down at her and spoke with a most regal tone. His clothes were a bit displaced but he still had such a prefect face body. Britan couldn't help but stare. Instead of answering him right away, she was somewhat dumbfounded. Realizing that he was talking to her so finally spoke up, "Uh yes sir, that would be my pleasure. I will help her. The finest dress shop is right over there. Missy's always has the best." She pointed to a large shop with pink and purple adorning it. "If she would like, I could take her to the bath house. It isn't very costly and they give great massages. I'm sure shewould enjoy that. As far as dinning with you sir, I feel that I must decline. I'm not so sure it would be proper for me to accept. I will be glad to help, nevertheless."

She was somewhat excited now. This felt like a project. Looking up at the poor timid girl, Britan felt a pang of hurt for her. She wondered to herslef, 'How could she have to be in such a state?' It was a mystery to Britan but she wouldn't pry. That wasn't her style.She would help the girl in anyway she could. She herself would want someone to help if she looked as hurt and scared as this girl.

[Johnathan Wolfblade]

"Thank you very much," he said, smiling at her elegantly, "I will also enter the bath house, but first I will purchase some clothes. Will you accompany this girl to the dress shop?" he held out a small pouch of coins, "This should cover whatever the cost of the dress is, perhaps get her a second one as well, or even three or four. She needs an entire collection. That pouch will be enough for all of it. After you have purchased the dresses, will you meet me over at the bath house?"

(OOC: If it's okay I'll just assume Britan agreed so I can finish the post. If you want I can just change it to fit what you wanted Britan to do.)

With a smile he left the pouch in her hand and got down from the white stallion, he helped down the young girl. Standing there before the two fairies he looked very tall and regal. Ali especially seemed small.

"Well then, I'll see you ladies in a bit." He smiled, and took Ali's hand and kissed it, "Miss Ali," he smiled and turned to Britan, "Miss..?" he waited for her name.

(OOC: Again here is a small powerplay where I'm going to assume she says her name simply so I can finish the post. Again if you want me to, I will change my post to whatever suits what you would rather have Britan do.)

"Britan," he looked into her eyes and smiled, "Lovely name." He placed his lips on the back of her and, brushing them gently against her skin and then released her hand and remounted his steed. "Farewell for now. I wil;l leave Miss Ali in your care." he nodded confidently and trotted off toward the men's clothing shop.

[ali]

Ali wanted to protest being left alone with the girl, but said nothing, only remained expressionless as he took her down from the horse. Now, alone with her, she felt uncomfortable. She timidly glanced at the girl, expecting a look of disgust but quickly returned her gaze to the ground out of habit from the castle.

She said nothing, only stood there awkwardly waiting to either be led to the bath or left there as the girl ran off with Johnathan's gold. A bath...her thoughts wandered as her eyes traced the pebbles on the ground. It would be her first bath in two years...she then took a step back from the girl. She imagined her stench must be quite potent and felt very bad about it.

"Sorry," she mumbled, then looked up afraid and surprised, then quickly down to the ground. She was not supposed to speak to these beautiful and noble people...then again she wasn't a slave. Perhaps this girl would hate her for speaking. Oh she was so confused, how was she supposed to act? What were the rules? This place was so unfamiliar, she was used to the cruel world of goblins, all she could expect were the only things she knew. Rejection..and punishment.

Would this girl show her that there was still some kindness in the world? That not all fay were goblins at heart? Her eyes stayed on the ground, her expression plain, but also sad. She just wanted all this to be over with so she could get back to work and hide herself from all these beautiful creatures.

[Britan Moon]

(OOC: That is fine girl.)

Britan took the gold from Johnathan and nodded her head in acceptance. "I will, good sir," she said with force. She watched as the fairy man walked off to buy him some clothes. This had been very strange for her but she liked it. It gave her a sense of adventure of some sort.

Turning to Ali, Britan looked on at the poor girl. There were so many thoughts running through Britan's mind. The girl looked so sad and awkward standing there while Britan looked her over. Catching Ali's chin by the crook of her finger, Britan gently lifted Ali's face to meet her warm smile. Britan had grown a soft spot for Ali. She seemed so distant and broken. In Britan's mind she vowed to fix this girl.

"Now, don't be afraid, sweet heart. We will get you all fixed up," Britan cooed to Ali while hooking her arm in Ali's. She gave Ali's arm a quick squeeze and said, "This is going to be so much fun. You just wait. Missy's has the best dresses. You will want them all." Britan tried to make her eyes and expression as warm and caring as possible. She wasn't sure if it were working but she hoped so, anyways.

Dragging along Ali at her right side, Britan pushed open grandly decorated french doors to expose a brilliant aray of dresses. There were so many colors that radiated throughout the shop with the help of dangling prisms from the ceiling. Britan was in awe herself as she watched Ali's face. She waited for a smile from ear to ear but was disappointed when all she saw was a shy face and fearful eyes. This broke Britan's heart. "Oh dear Ali, please lighten up. This is suppose to be a fun time for you. Please don't look so sad. You might offend Missy if she sees. Try to smile, please?" Britan tried to work her charms but she was feeling quite depressed that no type of heart felt plea was working.

(OOC: ^ I just figured that is how Ali would have responded. If not shall change.)

Sighing, Britan pulled Ali to her and gave her a large hug. After a good moment, Britan pulled Ali away and looked deep into her eyes. "Whatever it is you have endured to make you so, we will try to fix. Don't fret dear Ali. Now, we will get you fitted for the best dresses. If you don't pick them out then I shall!" Britan's eyes were bright now. She was quite excited about getting Ali out of those terrible rags. Taking Ali's hand in her's, Britan walked up to the counter and set down the bag of gold. "The best!" Britan nearly shouted.

(OOC: Oh and Missy, the store owner, is a universal character that all members can roleplay.)

[ali]

Her touch and her words were so tender, Ali felt her heart begin to
race. She looked up at the girl's eyes which looked so deeply back into
hers, and felt a spark inside her. Her knees trembled slightly as the
girl hugged her tightly and led her off to the shop. She was a bit
startled by how the girl was treating her, so kind, so gentle, so much
care after two years of nothing but cruelty and pain. She looked down at
where the girls arm was wrapped around hers and felt her heart flutter a
bit. Her eyes lifted to the girls face, she was slightly taller than
Ali, and the little ex-slave studied her. Her hair pulled back, showing
off the creamy smooth skin of her neck. The girls eyes were focused
ahead, confident and strong. Ali felt herself envy the girl.



She was so focused on the girl that she hardly noticed when they entered
the shop. Britan started talking about smiling and picking them out. Ali
attempted a smile, but it turned out being little more than a twitch of
her lips as she watched the beautiful fairy. She felt like she was in a
dream as the girl had her try on dress after dress, helping her at times
with buttons and zippers. Ali hadn't worn anything but her rags for her
two years, and she needed help changing a lot of the time. She had never
felt shy about her body in front of the other slaves, but there in the
changing room, she couldn't keep the blush off her face. Her body felt
hot with self-consciousness.



Before long, they were leaving the store with a full wardrobe of gowns
and dresses. Ali felt like she was either being tricked, or dreaming.
She felt like a princess being swept off by a prince, and not Prince
Johnathan, but Britan. Though "prince" might be the wrong word for it,
since Britan was a girl, however that was how it seemed to Ali.



When they approached the bath house, the dresses were given to
Johnathan's apprentice. Johnathan was already in the men's bath. So it
was up to Britan to take care of Ali in the women's bath.



Upon entering the room, hot steam was rising up from the large pool of
water. Pink marble floors and walls looked like a palace to Ali. All
around the enormous room were golden statues of beautiful female fairies
all holding vases, from which flowed endless streams of water. This
place was beautiful, even the marble columns surrounding the bath only
accented the beauty, but there were several fairies already enjoying the
public bath. Talking and splashing, laughing and some swimming. Ali
suddenly felt self conscious again. Even though these were all female,
like herself, she didn't want to show her nude body to them, even if
they didn't care. She looked around and noticed a sign pointing off to
private baths and, biting her lip, dragged Britan toward it. With the
taller girl's permission she walked with her into one of the private
rooms.



This room was much more simple. Pink and white marble still covered the
floors and walls, and the hot bath opened up in the floor like a mini
swimming pool. A stream of water poured from a decorated opening in the
wall. Rose petals floated in the water and around one side of the bath
were endless types of oils, shampoos and herbal soaps. Ali once again
felt like she didn't deserve this. But the dirt was caked on her so bad
once could hardly tell her skin was once a light sun-kissed color. She
looked to Britan, and felt her body flush pink under the layer of filth.
She didn't really mind this girl helping her bathe, she needed someone
to help wash the dirt from her back and do something with the tangled
mess that used to be her hair. But for now, she froze, blushing, but
anxious to get in the water and finally wash the dirt away. How many
scars would be found under the filth? She imagined Britan kissing each
one and found herself blushing even harder, she couldn't even look at
the girl then. How could she think such things? She felt ashamed, but at
the same time butterflies rose in her stomach as she waited for Britan
to say something.



It was true, Ali was a broken doll, a wounded doe, but if Britan would
fix her, help her, she may win more than Ali's friendship, but her heart
as well.

[Britan Moon]

After purchasing fine gowns and accessories, Britan and Ali went to the bath house. Britan's mind was set on one thing. Helping this poor creature. Ali seemed to Britan like a beautiful catapillar waiting to break free from her caccoon of termoil. It was imparative that she be as gentle and kind to this delicate flower.

Britan and Ali stepped into the bath house and she breathed in the sweet perfumes and incense. The aroma was a heavenly delight. Britan was becoming romantically intoxicated with the smells and all of the fairy women walking about nude. Sweat beads were on every inch of their skin. She smiled at the dreamy air of feminity. This was a grand place to relax and throw away worry.

Noticing a tug on her arm, Britan looked over to Ali with star-lit blue eyes. They were an intense royal blue that seemed to be transparently set into her iris'. The corners of her plump lips curled upward in a mischevious smile as Ali pulled 'her' along to the private bath suites. She was surprised at how Ali was gaining some confidence to tug on 'her' arm for a change. Perhaps she was somewhat coming out of her shell. Britan liked that. She enjoyed the idea of helping and cooing this sweet girl into a calm place inside herself. She liked feeling free and wanted the same thing for everyone else as well.

They entered the private seating and Britan overlooked Ali with swift annalyzing eyes. Her breath was nearly taken away at the brilliant beauty she saw underlying the dirt and filth. Ali had a deep shade of red atop her head that was dulled by dirt and muck. Britan lightly touched Ali's hair and smiled to herself. This was a rare opportunity, indeed. Britan was sure to woo Ali into her comfort.

Britan cleared her throat and said, "Now, don't be afraid, love. I shall remove your covering and bathe you very thoroughly. You will look so bran new. You will smell more lovely than a Summer's day with the lightest of rain drops. My dew drop, you shall be in complete bliss. I assure you." Her hands found Ali's shoulders where she lightly touched the raw fabric and slid the loose sleeves off Ali's tiny shoulders. Her eyes stayed with Ali's cool blue ones as the fabric eased down further from her breasts and swiftly to her small waist. Britan gently ran the tips of her fingers down Ali's arms and around to her hips. It didn't take much to loosen the rags as they hit the floor. It wasn't until then that Britan overlooked Ali's naked body from head to toe. A faint flutter filled her own stomach as she saw how shapely Ali was. Her form would be most covetted by most fairy women. Britan locked gazes yet again as she unclothed herself slowly. She watched as Ali's eyes wandered over her body as well. She reached up over her head to unpin her hair and her firm breasts lifted as well. She could see a light blush cross Ali's cheeks. She sighed to herself as she again linked arms with the skiddish girl.

Britan led Ali into the large heated pool. It overlapped their feet then their entire bottom as they took each step. Britan took Ali's hands and led to the center of the pool. The water came just to their breasts now. The small current made the water overlap each of their breasts and this made Britan sigh and make a small moan. She closed her eyes and dunked her head in the warm water. She came back up and blinked a few times. The water rushed over her like fine wine. It trickled down her neck and her chest. Both of their skin had become a glowing pink as steam seaped up from the oasis. Britan took a shell from the side of the pool and dipped it in the water. Looking at Ali, she brought it back to the surface filled with the warm liquid. She lifted it over Ali's head and poured it over her hair. "We will have you looking like royalty, love," Britan whispered as she commenced the cleansing.

[ali]

She couldn't help but blush hotly the entire time. Her fingers against her skin made her heart race, what was this feeling? It felt both wrong and wonderful at the same time. As Britan skilfully washed away the dirt, she was afraid she would turn the entire tub black with sludge, but she didn't, the water remained a sweetly scented haven of cleansing.

"Wha.."she whispered, but the sound came out more like a little peep. She turned around to Britan would have better access to her matted hair. She swallowed, and couldn't tell if she was light headed because of the bath, or from being naked with the beautiful girl behind her.

"What was your name again?" She bit her lip, afraid of having spoken. WHile she waited for the girl's reply, she kept her lips locked shut and looked st her hands, pinkish-pale skin now in the place of brown dirt.

The scent of the bath and the steam rising, the water washing over her small breasts, it was all so intoxicating...and that's when she slipped. A rush came over her head, her vision faded out to black for only a moment as she swooned back into Britan's arms, water sloshing.

As soon as she fell, her back against Britan's soft breasts, her thoughts and vision returned and she tried to flail away, water splashing as she tried to regain her footing. Her body was small against Britan, fragile and yet strong. and it fit, just in the right place to be held. It was as if ther bodies were made for one another.

"I-I'm sorry!" her face was cherry-red both from falling, and from the lingering memory of britan's body against hers, with no space left between their skins. It had been comforting, but the shock and embarrassment of it all had ruined the affect. And she wriggled quickly like a tuna-fish to the other end of the pool.

She now was on the other side of the small pool, hugging her shoulders, and sank in until the water was up to her nose. Her gaze fluttered from Britan, all around the room and back again. Pretty blue-green orbs looking childish, curious and a bit frightened. She hoped Britan would still help her, though part of her just wanted to run from the bath. But she remained frozen, like a frightened doe, the water still waving from her sudden bolt across the pool.

[Britan Moon]

The poor dear was red in the face. Britan tried to stiffle a smirk but failed. The girl was far to cute in her innocence to not smile at. Britan heard a small sentence mummble out of Ali. She had asked her name. "Britan, Britan Moon," she told Ali while running her long fingers skillfully through Ali's matted hair. The knots were many but Britan was a pro at detangeling. Soon the mess was sleek and smooth. Britan smiled with ego at her handy work.

She could feel Ali slipping downward. Before she could grab the girl, Ali had slipped and was plastered to her body. Britan nearly swooned herself from the hot physical contact. A surge of extasy shot through her and went to the most sensitive parts. Her round nipples hardened from the pressure and pleasure of Ali's small body against her own. An urge filled her bottom area and made her ache for satisfaction.

Then, Ali left her and reached the other side of the oasis. Britan frowned at the shivering girl. She wanted to assure her that it was quite alright and that she wasn't upset. Britan lightened her face and waded over to Ali's frail form. Britan held out her hand for Ali to take. "It's alright sweet Ali. No need for apologies. You need to be bathed better. Please allow me to help you." Her eyes were hazy from the sudden wave of passion and she tried to not look too forlorn from the urges she felt.

[ali]

Ali felt like she was going to die. She gave Britan a shy look and sank under the water for a second. She needed a moment to calm down. All these recent events were so much for her. Being rescued from Dysin by a fairy prince, being given an array of new clothing, having a bath for the first time in two years, and to top it off, she was feeling so magically drawn to this girl. She needed to relax. Her day was not yeat done, for after this she was going to the palace and Johnathan just surely be waiting for them by now...though he would understand the delay. Ali had been covered in a fine layer of gunk. It would take nearly an hour or more to get through all her mats and scrub off all the dirt. The bottoms of her feet were still the worst, and she was embarrassed again. What must this perfect, clean and beautiful girl think of her in this condition? And why was she so kind to her? She imagined everyone in this place must naturally be kind to each other. She bit her lip and emerged from the water again.

She was only calm for a second before she saw Britan's questioning gaze.

"I'm just not used to this.." she muttered, her right arm reaching across her body to hold her left at the elbow, and head looking down and off to the side and wet, half-matted hair falling into her face. She peeked up at the other girl, a blue eye shining through a sea of deep crimson.

Shyly attempting to be bold she slip her body out of the water and grabbed a rough sponge and started scrubbing rather harshly at her feet. She made progress, but she scrubbed so hard that the dirt fell away to reveal vibrantly red flesh. She'd scrub her feet raw this way, perhaps Britan would stop her and help do it right.

As she sat on the side of the bath, one leg in the water up to her knee her wings were folded behind her, so they had been so long she forgot she had them. Now with the dirt and dust gone from them, they were such a magnificent shining emerald color, and should she spread them, they would glimmer as brightly and beautifully as any other fays would. She then turned her attention to her hair, leaving her half-clean feet to soak in the water while she reached for a comb. She grimaced as she pulled it through her locks, and they could bother hear the tear as she forced it through. This would result in a wad or hair left in the comb, but at least what was on her head would look nice. She then realized her neanderthal display was probably silly and her furious cleaning slowed and she looked up at Britan.

She sucked in a breath through her naturally deep pink lips. Her skin was mostly clean now, her sun-kissed lightly golden skin was spattered with freckles around her shoulders an across her nose. Her dark lashes framed her dark blue eyes and she felt the embarrassment return.

She cleared her throat and looked away. "Johnathan must be waiting....I wanted to hurry and look nice for..." she trailed off. Afraid to say so much, then remembered she was no longer a slave, "i wanna look like everyone else.." the last part was such a tiny mumble it would be hard to hear it. She was tired of being the ugly little slave, she wanted to be beautiful, free, perhaps learn to fly again, and all the while look like the fay she was...like her mother. Bright red hair and bright green eyes matched with pale skin and freckles. The most beautiful woman Ali could ever imagine. Oh of only she could look like that, however she had her father's eyes, and his masculine jaw too. She couldn't curse him for that, but it did sadden her greatly to think that she, as a girl, had a masculine jaw. All these thoughts of being rescued, and ugly and embarrassed and pretty made her start to cry. SHe had been holding it in for sometime now and finally covered her face wither her hands, pent up emotion and tears spilling from her like an unstoppable flood.

The thought that she was free but still trapped under Dysin's hand caused her mother pain, though for now she was free, if only for now in this bath alone with this girl who pricked her heart so.

[Britan Moon]

Britan was in utter shock at the way this poor girl was trying so hard to please. Her own eyes welled up with salty tears for Ali as she watched on with horror. The harsh scrubbing was so cruel looking that it made Britan freeze and stare. Snapping out of her daze, Britan waded over to Ali and took the sponge from her small hands and wrapped her own arms around the girl's frail body. She gently held Ali and lightly rubbed her back with the tips of her fingers. "Please, don't worry about Johnathan. He will understand our delay. You deserve a nice bath. The royal treatment dear," she whispered into Ali's ear. She prayed that her cooing would ease Ali's fears and allow her to relax. She wasn't too sure that it would work though.

Slowly pulling Ali's bbody away from her own, Britan took ali's chin in the crook of her finger. She found Ali's sweet blue eyes with her misty ones. "Love, listen to me. Johnathan obviously wants the best for you. As do I. A nice clean bath is what you need." Britan lowered her hand from Ali's chin to her collar bone. With her thumb, she rubbed the clavical in a soft circular motion. She watched Ali with keen eyes.

[Johnathan Wolfblade]

He waited outside the bath house for the girls. His new clothing definitely befit him as prince, royal blue tailored jacket, with gold trom, white pants and black riding boots. Of course, as usual he left the fine jacket and undershirt relived of the top few buttons for comfort, this also revealed a peak at his well toned and finely tanned chest. His hair hung about his face, now clean and with an ere of dignity he walked to a bench outside the bath and waited.

Many girls walking by didn't notice him at first, but when they saw him, their eyes filled with awe and wonder. Apparently he was not well known here by many more than the royalty. it would be quite a sight when he walked through the gates of the palace. To see Dorian again would be wonderful, but until then all he could do was wait. He eyed his apprentice and the goblin, he wondered what the girls might think when they saw the new addition to the caravan. No matter, the next destination was the palace, and he was eager to make way.

[Britan Moon]

After Britan 'primped and polished' Ali, they were ready to go. Britan overlooked Ali again. Her eyes were more approving this time. Ali was a vision in her new gown and flowing red hair. It looked much more regal now that the weeds and tangles were gone. Britan was very proud of her work. She herself was dressed in a fine gown and had a pearl head-dress upon her brow.

She linked arms with Ali and whispered, "It's ok Ali. You look beautiful." She smiled warmly and kissed Ali on the cheek. Together they walked out if the steamy bath house and into the dim light of dusk. How time had flown when they were bathing. Pink streaks with white fluffy clouds painted the sky. Here and there orange spolts would mix with the pink and white. "How lovely. Just like you," Britan said to Ali. They then reached Johnathan and his company; the apprentis and a goblin boy. Britan was dumbfounded for a moment then relaxed a bit. She decided against saying anything about the goblin lest she offended Johnathan. "Well, how does your gem look now, sir?" she asked wit hher chin held high.