As the sun slowly clawed his way to the heavens and the damp, cut grass dried itself in its rays, the people of the land awaken, leaving their houses to attend their occupations, until the sun would begin its steep decline and the moon would bring its darkness. Some would feel the first rays and long for more, while others would stand below the clear sky for most of the day and desire shadow.
“You look splendid as ever, Ma’am.”
The small girl, about twelve years old, stood in the mirror, only able to look as she was dressed by about four Tailows and two Swellows. Her short brown hair adorned by a big, black-blue bow on the back of her head, spread like a pair of Swellow wings, a Swellow tail extending down her neck. It was the centrepiece of the theme that most of her clothes held. It was, practically, a crown, as only few bloodlines were allowed to touch it.
Her cheeks grew a little red as she looked at the reflection in the mirror, the Tailow at her feet finishing the neat edge of her socks. The Swellow butler gave a content nod, before digging his beak into the back of the red bow-scarf. The tied object served a formal purpose, but its backside also made itself useful for small mobile storage, showed by his pulling of a schedule.
“You are dismissed!”
The band of tailors and dressers nodded and bowed deep for the girl, before skipping out of the room with modest and refined hops.
“Divine, Your Highness. As per today’s tasks…”
Just the first words made the young girl sigh in discontent. She sagged a little in her dainty poise though only so far before the attendant’s wing flopped her gaping mouth shut and straightened her back.
“Your Highness has a meeting with other royal blood. As per Your letters, Her Majesty Mukma will attend a banquet while her advisor and I will overlook possible alliances and trade contracts. Gifts, the reception and food have been accounted for; all that rests is that you attend a small class to learn a few of their customs, as to prevent any misunderstandings. Knowing their… *ahum* location, Gunkmuk, I can assure they will be eccentric at least.”
The girl let out a small sigh, before feeling the wings adjusting her sloppy back.
“Poise matters, Ma’am. Young you may be, you are the ruling regent, thus are defined as our representative.”
The bird sighed and closed his eyes, his wing no longer intrusive and corrective.
“I know last night was rough on your fragile being, but it’s on too short notice to call off an happening of this magnitude, Ma’am.”
“I know all that! I’m just worried. I never really met anyone that’s…”
“Of your class? Of your status? From another kingdom? Please specify, Ma’am.”
“No. She’s bigger than me. And most of you are smaller. I don’t really know how she’ll look at me because of that.”
“Thaha! Forgive my rude chuckle, but she will look at you as you present yourself, Ma’am. Do not let stature intimidate you, do not appear too impressed or concerned; it is a formal dinner, not a negotiation.”
The bird continued his polite chuckle as he skipped to the door, putting the schedule back in his little hood.
“I must inspect the cooks and florists. My assistant will hold the door, should you feel ready for class, Your Highness.”
With a light click, the door fell into place, leaving the girl to look at herself in the mirror. She only gave a short glance before sighing.
The golden Pidgeot at the door waited patiently as the Swellow skipped off, standing on a single foot. He picked at his feathers periodically, cleaning them from small fleas. Once the door opened, he skipped up to face the girl straight on.
“Where does Your Delightedness which to be escorted to?”
“Uhm… just to the class, I guess.”
The bird smiled and his wing pointed down the hall.
“Please, follow me.”
