Mira smiled gently as she watched Elowen clutch Pippin like a lifeline.
"…Young miss," she said softly, "would you like to take a bath?"
Elowen blinked.
"A… bath?"
Mira nodded, stepping a little closer. "Yes. You've had a long journey, and… well…" She hesitated briefly before continuing more delicately, "You are now a lady of House Evercrest. It's important to always look presentable."
Elowen tilted her head, confused.
"…A lady?"
The word felt strange.
Heavy.
Like clothes that didn't quite fit.
"I already look fine…" she mumbled, glancing down at her slightly wrinkled dress.
Mira smiled, but this time it was a little firmer.
"You do," she said kindly. "But being a lady isn't just about looking fine. It's about how you carry yourself—your manners, your appearance, your presence."
Elowen's brows furrowed.
"…That sounds hard…"
Mira let out a soft laugh. "It can be. But don't worry—I'll teach you everything, one step at a time."
Elowen hesitated.
Then slowly nodded.
"…Okay…"
The bath was… strange.
Warm water filled a large marble tub, steam rising softly into the air. Elowen sat stiffly at first, unsure of what to do as Mira gently helped wash her hair.
"…It's warm…" she murmured, relaxing just a little.
Mira smiled. "It's meant to be."
Elowen sank slightly into the water, her earlier tension easing bit by bit.
For a moment—
it felt… nice.
Afterward, Mira carefully dried her off and brought out a dress.
Elowen's eyes widened.
"…That's for me?"
"A gift prepared for your arrival," Mira said with a small smile.
It was a soft, light green gown, the fabric flowing gently like leaves in the wind. It shimmered faintly in the light, simple yet elegant.
Mira helped her into it, adjusting the sleeves and smoothing the fabric.
Then she stepped back—
and gasped softly.
"Oh my…"
Elowen blinked. "…What?"
Mira placed a hand over her chest, smiling brightly.
"You look absolutely adorable, young miss."
Elowen looked down at herself.
The dress felt soft.
Light.
Different.
"…Really?"
"Really," Mira said warmly.
She gently combed through Elowen's short auburn hair, arranging it neatly, letting the strands frame her face just right.
"There," she said.
Elowen looked up at her.
"…Do I look like… a lady now?"
Mira smiled.
"You look like a young lady of House Evercrest."
Elowen paused.
Then—
a small smile formed on her lips.
"…Okay…"
As Mira continued brushing her hair, her voice softened.
"…Young miss… what was your life like before you came here?"
Elowen's smile faded slightly.
"…It was simple," she said quietly.
Mira stilled, listening.
"I had a small home… and a garden…" Elowen continued. "And my dad…"
Her fingers tightened slightly in her lap.
"I miss him."
Mira's expression softened.
"…I understand."
Elowen looked down.
"…This place is scary," she admitted. "It's too big… and everyone looks at me weirdly…"
Her voice grew smaller.
"…Like they don't like me…"
Mira gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"They'll come to understand you," she said softly. "It just takes time."
Elowen didn't respond immediately.
But she leaned ever so slightly into Mira's touch.
After a moment, Mira brightened a little.
"Ah—but tonight is important," she said.
Elowen looked up.
"…Tonight?"
Mira nodded. "You'll be attending dinner."
Elowen stiffened slightly.
"…Dinner… with everyone?"
"Not everyone," Mira reassured her. "For now, you'll be meeting your fourth brother."
"…Fourth brother…" Elowen repeated softly.
Mira smiled. "The others are still away at the academy."
Elowen blinked.
"…Academy?"
"Yes," Mira said. "They'll return later."
Elowen nodded slowly, trying to take it all in.
"And… the adopted daughter?" she asked hesitantly.
Mira paused briefly before answering.
"…Lady Lavinia is currently at the church."
Elowen tilted her head.
"…Church?"
Mira nodded.
"She holds a special position there."
Elowen fell silent.
The room felt quiet again.
So many new people.
So many unknowns.
She hugged Pippin a little tighter.
"…Okay…"
Mira smiled gently, giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
"Don't worry, young miss," she said. "I'll be with you."
Elowen looked up at her.
Then nodded.
"…Okay…"
But even so—
her heart still beat just a little faster at the thought of what was coming next.