Pre-Fete Prep

[Soleil Belfours]

At around five thirty on the night of the Shahrizai fete, I slipped into a hot bath, told the servants to let Anacrasia in when she arrived, and luxuriated in the water, adding oil and herbs and washing my hair with lavender soap.

After about twenty minutes, I stepped out, water running in rivulets down my supple body and slipped into a thick white robe. "Put in fresh water for my friend," I instructed my maid. "And prepare the massage table."

My gown, gloves and jewels hung on the outside of my armoire. I admired them as I stripped and lay on the prepared table. Tonight was going to be a night to remember.

[Anacrasia Shahrizai]

I arrived at Soleil's house a few minutes before she had instructed. It always took longer to get ready than expected, and the night was to short to waste in a dressing room.

A maid ushered me in, her voice soft and respectful. I made a note to quiz Soleil more thoroughly about how she had gotten her help. "Would you like to see my lady first, or shall I escort you directly to the bath chamber?"

"Show me to the bath chamber. You may let her know I've arrived." I said, removing my gloves. I was always cold in the winter.

And so I followed her, and my man followed us both, holding a box containing my carefully wrapped gown. A few minutes later and I was blissfully submerged in hot water, scented with cinnamon.

[Soleil Belfours]

My masseuse, Nadine, had just begin when my downstairs maid entered the room. "My lady, the Duchesse Shahrizai has arrived. She has begun to partake of the bath."

"Thank you, Lise," I said. "Make sure she has sufficient help, and tell them to hang her dress up so it doesn't wrinkle. Once she is finished, show her in."

"Yes, my lady," she said, bobbing a curtsey and exiting.

I sighed as Nadine continued her ministrations. I was tense, too tense. This was just the relaxation I needed.

[Anacrasia Shahrizai]

I found Soleil relaxing under the hands of her masseuse when I entered, swathed in a similar white robe.

"You look comfortable near-cousin." I said, handing the towel that had just been wrapping my hair to the maid behind me.

[Soleil Belfours]

"Oh, I am," I said. "Though perhaps I would be willing to share." Motioning for Nadine to stop, I sat up and took the robe that was offered to me. "Make yourself comfortable."

[Anacrasia Shahrizai]

"I have been looking forward to this since you offered your house." I told her positioning myself on the recently vacanted table before fully removing the robe. The masseuse got to work immediately, and I could feel all the tension leave my body. Muscles I didn't even know were sore eased under her hands, and I sighed happily.

[Soleil Belfours]

I settled myself at my vanity, brushing my wavy wheat blonde hair until it shone before twisting it up and pinning it in place with an onyx comb. Reaching for my cosmetics, I lined my eyes with a bit of blue powder to offset my aquamarine eyes, and dabbed a hint of pink onto my lips. Donning my minimal jewelry, I motioned to Lise to help me put on my gown. She laced the stays tightly before helping me put on the black gloves. Slipping a pair of black silk slippers onto my feet, I walked over to where Anacrasia lay on the table. "Well?"

[Anacrasia Shahrizai]

I looked up and made a face. "But I'm so comfortable..."

I wrapped the robe around me again, heading over to the vanity where I had half watched Soleil getting ready. My hair was still a litle damp as I styled it into a fairly elaborate bun considering it was my own hair, making the job easier. A few seconds with the cosmetics was all I needed, knowing that any more than a small amount makes me look like a tramp. I then watched in the mirror as the maid did the laces of my corset before settling three strands of pearls around my neck. All in all, once I had finished letting myself be pampered, I didn't take long to get ready.

I slipped into my favourite jacket as we made our way downstairs. It was long, coming down to my knees, in a blue so deep it was almost black. White rabbit fur peaked out at the collar and cuffs. It was so lovely and warm...

[Soleil Belfours]

My man opened the door for us and we stepped out into the cold winter air. My carriage waited at the foot of the stairs. "Ready?" I asked.

[Anacrasia Shahrizai]

"Yes, of course, before I freeze." I replied, pulling my coat more firmly around me. We got in as I tried to ignore my imagination that was screaming that the cold was seeping into my footwear already. "Burr." I said as the carriage lurched, baring us to Malabelle's.