The teenager went back to the inn to get MoonFlower.
When he returned to the room, Ju noticed that she hadn't stayed in bed this time but was pacing around.
"Are we going already?" She asked eagerly.
Ju nodded as he looked at her clothing. She still had the same large black coat to cover her body and the scarf for her hair.
Ju thought of the blue dress underneath. It was an eye-catching piece of clothing he had bought from one of the foreign forces' stores while working in the mines.
It was woven with a special material that preserved body heat, making it useful in hot and cold conditions. He had purchased it for protection only while they were travelling to Ender Town, but now it seemed he could use it for other purposes.
"Maybe it is better if you wear this for today."
After some thought, the teenager removed her coat, revealing the long blue dress for the first time.
The scarf stayed, although he took it off for some time to add some touches to Moon Flower's long black hair. Ju had never learned braiding techniques, but he observed the hair patterns of the women who regularly visited Old Kai in the mines. Clumsily, Ju could barely set the hair well enough for the scarf to cover it completely.
Ju then brought out a small bottle of rose oil he had purchased on the way back and applied it on the little girl's arms and neck.
After he had finished with her face, Ju inspected himself. Although his clothing was not entirely dirty, it was torn in several places due to a fight with foxes, and his blood had soaked the bandages in various places.
"I should wear something else also."
Ju didn't feel comfortable wearing the same attire to meet Tylen and the others. The teenager didn't care so much about his appearance, but he felt it was unwise to create scenarios in which they would have the opportunity to look down on him or learn about his situation.
Old Kai gave him one piece of fine clothing when he worked in the mines. That day, the elder took Ju along to meet his superiors. Although Ju didn't enter, the meeting went so well that Old Kai gave him a robe.
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For three years, he never wore it; the clothing was too clean, too precious.
He could use it today, even if he were not too eager to wear it. The teenager would have preferred to keep it safe and untouched.
"I guess we have no choice then."
Eventually, Ju put on the black robe with some embroidery embedded in the front. The robe covered most of his body, allowing him to remove the bandages on his arms and other body parts.
But Ju didn't remove the bandages that covered his face; no matter the situation, the youth would never completely reveal his face or that of his sibling.
Ju had considered purchasing a mask, but he felt that would have made them more conspicuous. Instead, he applied a soot-like mixture to darken both their skins, a powder to lessen the light in her eyes, and other… slight modifications.
By the time he was done, most of her appearance had thoroughly changed; she looked much more ordinary and plain, not a starving look, but not that well of either—the look a typical person in the Wastelands had.
Ju had learned this in his earlier days when he could not use Essence. His face often drew unwanted attention, and at times, mortal, dangerous events took place because of the interest both females and males showed him.
That's when he learned about Dressing Powder, both black and white, an item usually used by women who wanted to appear more 'pleasing' to men.
The different types of powder are usually made from the crushed wings of silver and dark moths. Ju began hunting these insects alone because he could not afford to buy them.
He used the powder until he was about ten, when his left eye began to hurt. Then, his skin became even whiter and much more noticeable. He opted for bandages, a scarf, and an eye patch.
A few years later, Ju was using the same procedure now for his child; an odd feeling could not help but appear in his heart.
"Let's go, little one."
The teenager smiled and said.
The restaurant Tylen mentioned was not far from the inn where they stayed. Ju had heard Oberon say it was called the Three Crowns restaurant.
The restaurant had many people present. As Ju observed, it had about thirty tables, and twenty were filled.
Almost immediately, Ju had seen the party, Oberon's prominent muscular figure occupying the space for two people, and Zabel's gleaming bow pointing out of the chair.
"Ha-ha, welcome, Ju," Tylen said enthusiastically, smiling.
"Although a bit late," Aron muttered lightly.
"I am sorry for my lateness. I lost track of time while at the library. This is my sibling."
Ju said softly.
"Oh, what's her name?" Zabel asked curiously.