Ralis had made more of an effort to remain with his friends during those evenings of frivolity, although Browen could tell he wanted to spend more time alone with Raigh. Despite Ralis’s efforts, it was clear that Miri did not like Raigh for whatever reason, perhaps a vision that she was keeping from the rest of the group.
Goldwyn was a large city, but it was still dwarfed when compared to the sheer size of Madaria’s capital, Verta. The caravan thankfully did not enter the city but found a spot outside of the tall walls where they intended to erect the tents for the carnival. Even before the wagons stopped rolling many members of the carnival were already leaping into action and preparing the grounds to be transformed into a playground of lights and colours. The Ringmaster had intercepted a group of soldiers as they came to inspect the scene and Browen was certain he saw the exchange of coins take place during the conversation.
Browen, Miri, Ezra, and Amri had hurriedly disembarked from the storage wagon they had been riding, as troupe members came to collect massive tent poles and crates full of decorative supplies. They had only been stopped for a few seconds and already the structure of a massive big top was nearly in place. They had been warned the night before that if they couldn’t help, they needed to get out of the way while the troupe worked. They moved quickly and with a precision that only years of experience could bring. The four of them opted to get out of the workers ways, not entirely sure where they could help.
“There you are.” Raigh was excitedly skipped towards the group.
Ralis trailed behind her with a big smile on his face, eager to present the new outfit he was wearing. He was no longer shirtless but instead wore a fitted sleeveless tunic that folded slightly over itself and was buttoned up on the left side of his chest. It was a soft lilac colour with gold accents that complimented his fair skin and black Na’tyr features nicely. He spun for the group to demonstrate that the tunic was made specially to accommodate his wings, with wide holes intentionally and elegantly sewn into the back. He also wore new pants that fit tightly to his frame while also leaving room for his tail to swing freely. Browen couldn’t help but stare, Ralis looked stunning in the clothes made for him.
“I never thought I’d see you in a shirt again after that mountain.” Ezra laughed as she looked over Ralis with glee.
“It’s fitted so it doesn’t work against my wings, I could probably fly while wearing this.” Ralis beamed back.
Raigh bore a playful half-smile as she addressed Ralis’s friends. “We were thinking, since you’re going to be representing the Carnival of Dreams tonight you need to look the part. I already talked to Elsie, she hand makes all of the costumes and outfits, including that one. She already has a few things picked out for all of you.”
“Elsie?” Browen asked not remembering the name among the dozens he had had to learn over the last few days.
“The bearded woman.” Raigh teased with a roll of her eyes. “She prefers to be called Elsie though.”
“You have already done more than enough for us.” Miri had crossed her arms the second she saw Raigh. “We could not ask anything more.”
“As I said, you’re representing the carnival now, you need to look… presentable.” Raigh sneered as she looked Miri up and down.
“Yes please.” Ezra seemed to share Ralis’s excitement. “I have been wearing the same clothes for weeks! I feel disgusting.”
Raigh beamed at Ezra’s enthusiasm. “Follow me.”
With that Raigh bounced off towards the bearded woman’s wagon, with Ralis close behind her. Miri had grabbed on to Ezra’s sleeve as she started walking.
“The more they give us, the more we will owe them. We must avoid becoming indebted to these people.”
“It’s just a few clothes.” Ezra pulled her sleeve free and followed after Raigh and Ralis.
“I still have some money left over Miri, maybe we can pay.” Browen offered. “It would be nice to be in something clean and new.”
“Nobles.” Amri rolled her eyes and laughed. “The winter clothes we bought from Thorin are the only clean or new clothes I’ve ever worn.”
“I have offered…” Browen trailed off, he had learned long ago that Amri was far too proud to accept any of his charity.
Unsurprisingly Amri shook her head as she followed the others. Miri and Browen hurriedly trailed after them.
Elsie’s wagon was colourfully painted with her likeness on the side and the words The Bearded Woman elegantly written below her image. The door that Raigh knocked on had been painted with vines and flowers that continued along the sides and up towards the curved roof. Elsie opened the door with a flourish and leaned against the frame with a sultry expression as she looked over her guests.
Every time that Browen had seen her, she had been wearing something extravagant and today was no exception. She wore a lengthy gown of ocean blue that had a revealing slit which showed a great deal of her smooth legs. The bodice was equally revealing as it was cut down to the belly button showing the group that the bearded woman was very much a woman.
“Are you ready to be transformed?” She asked fluttering her lengthy lashes then moved aside so the others could join her. “I have a few ideas, luckily we have some time before the show tonight.”
Elsie’s wagon was much larger than Raigh’s, with a veritable rainbow of curtains concealing any sign of the drab wooden frame. Incense burned from somewhere, making Browen feel lightheaded from the strong smell of sandalwood. Bolts of fabric and other sewing supplies had been neatly packed into a trunk at the base of a large curtained off bed and several wardrobes were opened revealing a plethora of outfits and costumes waiting for use.
Elsie didn’t hesitate as she looked them over, tapping a lengthy, red painted, nail against her chin. “Let’s start with you sweetie.” she had pointed towards Browen. “Come, come, I only bite if you ask me to.” She teased, gesturing for Browen to join her near the wardrobe and sewing supplies.
“You have fun; I have work to do.” Raigh laughed as she left them in Elsie’s care.
Browen was relieved to see Ralis stay behind with them. He took a seat at the small table built into the wall and waited to see Elsie work her magic on his friends.
As Browen neared Elsie she took hold of him and spun him around, her eyes seemed to explore every detail of his body and despite being fully clothed he had never felt more naked.
“What happened here.” Elsie sighed, as if broken-hearted, as she looked over Browen’s once elegant noble attire. “How could you do this to such a beautiful piece, these silks are not cheap and this filigree design in silver, such talent.” She placed a hand over her chest as if physically wounded by the damage done to Browen’s clothes. “Missing buttons, tears, pulled seams, oh this poor tunic...”
“We have been travelling through the woods for some time.” Browen felt compelled to justify the disrepair of his garments but Elsie waved away his excuse.
“You’re noble born, aren’t you? No commoner could get their hands on something this well made and certainly not fitted as it is. This suit was made for you. You must be the eldest son, groomed to be the head of the house one day I’m sure. Your house colours are clearly silver and blue and if I am not mistaken you are from Verta.” She looked up with a knowing smile.
“Yes.” He confessed in surprise. It was incredible how much she been able to guess from just looking at him.
“You stand like a noble.” She teased running her hands over his shoulders. “So straight and proper, a real gentleman.”
Browen felt his cheeks grow red and he looked back to the others who were watching curiously. Miri seemed to be the only one not taking any delight in his torture.
“Oh loosen up. You act as if you’ve never had a personal tailor before, when this outfit tells me otherwise.” She giggled as Browen tensed under her touch.
“I
have, but they aren’t usually so…” Browen hesitated.
“Intimate?” Elsie asked with a purr into his ear, then giggled again at his stiff reaction. “You are so very innocent, I like that. Now what to dress you in.” She turned and began digging in the wardrobe behind her. “Since you’re wanting to keep your identity a secret it would be best to avoid your house colours, even though you look so dashing in them. But with a posture like yours I want to give you something special, a simple tunic would be such a waste. Let’s see here… Mmm, yes this will look nice on you.” She turned and handed Browen a handful of garments in colourful teals and browns. “Try them in the back, I’ll likely need to take them in a bit. I think the previous owner was a little taller than you.”
Browen took the clothes. He was curious to see what had been picked out for him and hurried into the back of the wagon. He pulled closed the curtains that sectioned off the back, leaving him alone next to Elsie’s grand bed.
“Now you, come here.” Elsie’s voice directed, and Browen wondered who would be next.
Before undressing he laid out the clothes and looked over them. The shirt was a bright teal and buttoned up the front. Included in the pile was a brown vest that complimented the teal and pants to match. It was simpler than the things he normally wore but it was clean and comfortable looking. Quickly he began to undress.
“You’re not as bad as the others. Used to forest living, are you?” Elsie did not wait for an answer. “This hair though, if you don’t mind, I am going to need to do something with it. As for your clothes I think I have something that you’ll be comfortable in.”
“I like the clothes I have. I see no reason to change them.” Miri answered, Browen could tell from her voice she was uncomfortable.
“Nonsense, you’re one of us now and need to look the part.” Elsie said as she continued to work.
The new clothes fit better than Browen had expected from looking at them, but more so, he was relieved to be in something clean. He only wished that he had an opportunity to wash himself more than splashing water on his face and hair in the mornings.
Fully dressed in his new attire he stepped from the curtains and was immediately caught under Elsie’s gaze again.
“Oh Browen, dear! I don’t think I’ll need to take that in too much at all!” Elsie turned from Miri and immediately began tugging and mentally measuring the way that the fabric hung off Browen. “Let me just mark this quickly and then you can change back into your old clothes.”
“Oh, I have to change back?” Browen frowned.
“Of course! I need to make sure everything is fitted correctly! And done. Shoo shoo now.” Elsie waved Browen into the back again.
He hadn’t expected so much effort to go into their new outfits and for a moment he worried that Miri’s concerns were accurate.
“Yes, I think this will do.” Elsie had returned her attention to Miri and Browen could hear movement on the other side of the curtain. “Now stand aside as you wait your turn. You come over here. So many dark colours, but I certainly have never seen their equal in design. This was custom made for you wasn’t it.”
“Everything I owned was.” Ezra replied in a matter of fact tone.
“I see… Well I don’t have the time to make you something special, but I have some unique pieces that should match your style.”
“Do you have any long gloves?” Ezra asked.
Browen stepped from the curtain and Miri went in with a frown on her face and a bundle of clothes in her arms. Ezra now stood before Elsie with a confident stance even as she gestured to the green and flaming brand that marked her left arm from fingertip to her shoulder.
“You wish to cover that? But it is such a beautiful piece and must have taken so long.” Elsie reached over to touch the fiery tattoo, but Ezra pulled her arm away.
“I don’t want anyone to see it.” She answered, holding her arm close to herself. “We don’t want to be recognized.”
“Ah I see.” Elsie nodded in understanding and turned back to the wardrobe to dig through the many premade costumes and outfits. “Here, this should work with your complexion. Although I think it a crime to hide such an artful tattoo.”
Elsie sighed as Ezra took the pile of clothing and fished out a single black glove which she pulled on immediately. It only barely passed her elbow, but enough of the glowing mark had been concealed that her shirt took care of the rest. All in black, Browen could not help but think how much Ezra looked like a shadow against the dim light of the wagon’s interior.
When Miri stepped from the back Elsie took a moment or two to measure and pin sections of her clothes before shooing her away again and gesturing for Amri to step up next. She frowned as she looked her over, then rested her hand gently on Amri’s shoulder.
“You’ve known a great deal of hardship haven’t you sweetie.”
Amri glared at the assumption but made no move to counter it, instead she asked. “How can you know so much just from looking at our clothes?”
Elsie gave her a winking smile and tapped the side of her nose. “Experience is a marvelous teacher. Now let’s get you something that actually fits.”
After a moment of digging through her supplies Elsie handed Amri a bundle of blue, brown and black clothes. She then turned to tend to Ezra while Amri changed. When she stepped out again Browen was surprised at just how tiny Amri’s frame was. It was the result of years surviving on harsh uncaring streets. She tried to suppress a smile as she wore something better fitted to her size. She wore light brown capri pants that looked a little too long, and a black and blue wrapped shirt that had a built-in hood. Amri had put her belt overtop so that her twin daggers rested on her narrow hips.
“Now that looks better.” Elsie clapped gleefully and began work to measure the outfit against Amri.
It wasn’t long before everyone was back in their regular clothes with their new outfits laid out on Elsie’s bed, marked with the adjustments that she would need to make. Elsie had just laid out Amri’s new attire, when a knock sounded at the door.
Ralis opened it to reveal Raigh again. “How did that go Elsie?” She asked as she bounced inside.
“Oh, they were fine, but I have some adjustments to make. I’ll need all of you back here in an hour or two.” Elsie remarked as she looked over the work to be done.
“Good.” Raigh nodded with a grin, then addressed the group. “I have jobs for you. Ralis, of course, will be performing tonight, so rest up. Amri, we want you to go into town and put up posters for the shows tonight. Browen, you look like you can handle yourself in a fight, sometimes things get rowdy during the carnival, we want you to watch out for trouble and stop it before it starts. If you need help with anything, find Gram. And Ezra and Miri, we want you two to take money during the show. Miri will take tickets for the big top and Ezra can manage the Hall of Mirrors tent. Go find Katya, she’ll set you two up.”
“I’d better start on Amri’s clothes first then.” Elsie mused, quickly collecting her sewing tools.
Raigh frowned when no one made a move to start their jobs and she clapped her hands loudly. “Come on, we only have a few hours before the night begins! Amri stay here until Elsie finishes your clothes then go find Jilly, she has the posters for town. Ralis, come with me, I want to show you your tent!”
Ralis gave his friends an apologetic half-smile as he allowed Raigh to drag him away into the bustle of the carnival. Miri had crossed her arms but followed Ezra as she set off to find Katya. Browen turned and smiled at Amri as she took Ralis’s seat.
“You’ll be ok in town, right?” He didn’t need to ask; her past feats were proof enough that Amri could get in and out of anywhere unseen.
“Of course.” She nodded proudly. “Do you think you can handle the rowdy crowds?”
Browen smiled at her playful smirk. “I’ll be fine.”
&n
bsp; “You two are adorable.” Elsie giggled as she worked to shorten Amri’s new pants. “You can wait here with Amri while I work, there isn’t much guarding that needs to be done right now.”
Browen struggled to conceal the blush from his cheeks at the comment but seemed disheartened by Amri’s jovial laugh. That familiar fear that she did not share his feelings lurked at the edges of his mind again. He forced it aside as he nodded and took a seat beside Amri, grateful for a reason to stay.
It did not take long for Elsie to finish hemming both their clothes. As Amri stepped back out, now in the fitted clothes, Browen felt overwhelmed with how beautiful Amri looked. He wanted to say something but before he could, she had disappeared into the chaos of the carnival to start work. His own fitted clothes were next. As he stepped into them, he felt a little more like himself. Like Amri, he wasted no time in getting to work.
As the sun began to set, the activity of the carnival changed from a flurry of set up, to the bustle of frivolity, both feigned and genuine. The tents were a spectacle in of themselves, with bright coloured fabrics and decorative paper lanterns to light them up. Every member of the carnival troupe was dressed in their finest as they performed between the tents and enticed the building crowd to spend their hard-earned coins on the proper performances inside. It felt like the entire population of Goldwyn was wondering between the tents as the hour grew late. Everywhere Browen turned he could see people laughing and spending money for the various shows. No matter where he went, he could hear music all around him. The smell of alcohol and oil fried snacks tickled his nose.
Sunken Wind Page 9