#supremestance

"But I'm pretty excited to see what you have for me to put on. A new season like this means there's always good things to put on in preparation for it right? Though I'm a bit nervous. I never modeled before even back home..."

Throughout the crowd, he had admitted on several occasions how he felt rather inadequate in his attire compared to those dressed so extravagant. As he walked along the crowds with the occasional sip from his drink, one in particular caught his eye. May it not be from the dress itself but the gold color that snatched his attention rather quick. It truly made him feel like he would need to watch his back. Thank the heavens that he would be safe from the wrath of a princess he had not seen in years. Either way, he couldn't just notice and stare without some sort of introduction. Approaching the other with a small bow...

"Aw, shucks. You got me. I'm not normally a liar. I only lie if I feel like I have to." This wasn't an entire lie. The man had a lot to hide and wasn't someone who laid his cards out for all to see.

so lost in his thoughts, he hardly takes notice of another pausing their steps nearby. well, not until a few moments pass without any further movement. "if you intend to head for the water, do so. and stop..." as always, his expression shifts the instant he sets eyes upon her. of course the goldweaver is here. the silence is unheard of in her presence, yet he isn't quite sure what to say, or if he should speak at all.

but those more stubborn habits take over instead, turning away from the pool as if he weren't interested mere moments ago. "I suppose it must be time for your daily bath. by all means, don't delay just to keep an eye on me."

Dropped for you!

● "A seamstress, huh?" The Servant looked the woman dressed in gold up and down judgmentally until she was satisfied. "Well, I wouldn't be able to assume you were lying with the way you're dressed. Even your taste in shoes..." Maybe it would be fine, then?

(Was it all, for nothing...? Did I burn up completely...?)

Grief clutches his chest, whatever instructions he received are near impossible for him to register. Isolated, he wishes he had simply faded, if the answer is that...

It was all gone.

...

The morning brings no more clarity, only to his environment. Instead, having clearly slept outside, he sits up suddenly, hearing a familiar voice that he couldn't mistake for anyone else.

"Aglaea...?"

He stands up, hesitantly. The last cycle was still so familiar in his mind. Even if she wouldn't know that he had lost her final gift that time. But worse than that, the many times before that he had...

With his own hand...

His outstretched hand hesitates, drawing back. Does she know him? He didn't know how it would work, giving his role to the Trailblazer. Would it be better if he pretended not to know her? Or any of the others, if they're here?

He shrinks back, hoping she hadn't heard him.

❍ "Lady Aglaea... These are lovely." Castorice wasn't surprised to receive something. Aglaea had always been very generous towards her, and had even fashioned her favourite dress. There wasn't any need to point out her friend's exquisite taste amidst her thanks because that was beyond obvious.