Chapter 282: Dressing Up
I awoke to the gentle thrum of Fable’s heart, his breathing reverberating through my body. Opening my eyes, I blinked away the grogginess to find myself curled against his chest, head resting in the thick mane of silver about his neck. He met my gaze, proving he’d been awake for some time but only now stirring as I yawned and stretched. I scratched behind his horn, grateful for his tender consideration.
The morning air was cool and drafty, creeping across my skin like icy tendrils. Shivering, I rubbed my arms, massaging some warmth back into them. If today was anything like the last week, it would warm by the time the sun was overhead, but that information was hardly comforting in the unusual chill. I glanced longingly at Fable, but he quickly stood, giving me an expression I’d learned was the wolf equivalent of an eye-roll.
A bell tolled out in the village beyond, filling the air with a clear, resounding ring. Startled by the sound, I tilted my head, listening curiously as the note faded. As far as I knew, Westfall Village only had one bell, hanging in the old, dusty church on the edge of the village. It might have once been used for religious ceremonies or rituals, but now that the church had all but declared war on the beastkin, of which many in the town were, people had abandoned it. In the months I’d lived here, it had failed to even ring once.
With another yawn, I settled onto the bed, rubbing my eyes tiredly. I’d stayed up far too late last night; what was I even–the bell rang again, and I sat bolt upright. The wedding! All other thoughts forgotten, I snatched my ring, riffling through it until I found what I was looking for.
Fable yawned, looking at me curiously, as I retrieved a beautiful white dress with red trim–the very same one I bought shopping with Tana. She’d mentioned it would be nice to have something to wear to formal events, but to think she’d been speaking of her wedding!
With a wave of my hand, I cast Tana’s mirror spell from the night before, doing a little twirl before the shimmering circle, admiring the dress. The delicate satin was soft against my skin, the off-shoulder cut resting just below the Sunpurge. Its design was relatively simple, a pure white knee-length dress with crimson trim and simple embroidery snaking around the hems. The blouse hugged my curves, revealing a hint of cleavage, but the long sleeves and skirt flared into loose, playful ruffles. It was nothing like the elaborate, expensive gowns worn by the nobility, but just wearing it sent a thrill through me.
I was startled by a sharp knock at the door, and quickly waved a hand through the mirror, dismissing it. Glancing at Fable, I found him lounging in front of the embers of the fire, appearing unconcerned, and let out a relieved sigh. I wasn’t certain why I expected danger, considering we were in the village, but as long as he was at ease, there would be no danger around.
Pulling the door open, I was greeted by Korra’s bright smile. "Xiviyah! I see you’re already up. Mind if I come in?"
She barely for me to step aside before gliding into the room. The brown-hair girl wore a gorgeous blue dress with a skirt layered like ocean waves. Splashes of embroidery and flowing silk snaked around her sleeves and bosom, her neckline cut low to expose a generous amount of ample chest. Her short brown hair was brushed to a shine, a blue rose affixed behind her ear.