Ravina managed to calm herself after entering the manor. "T-thank you," she said shyly to her guard.
"Don't worry about it," Aurelia insisted, seeing a reflection of herself in the girl. So long ago, she herself had felt such a thing whenever she saw a knight who proudly wore a bird for a crest. Alone, she could only allow the fear to cause her to avoid such things. If only…
“Still,” Ravina said as they slowed to a stop in the grand entryway of the manor, the magnificent stonework lit up by the impressive display of color that reflected inside through the windows.
She stood at the foot of the first step in the impressive flight of stairs that led to the next floor. Higher up the manor was her room, however, “I don't want to go back yet,” she mumbled. The room felt more like a workplace than a personal space. She wasn't ready to resume her duties just yet.
“My lady!” came the cute little cry from her personal maid. Siet dashed down the stairs and arrived beside Ravina with a smile on her face. Oblivious to her master's concerns, she suggested the one thing that Ravina didn't want to do."Shall we retire to your room?” The young maids' eyes finally fell on the mop on Ravina's head. Her eyes widened at the change that had taken place. Worried that her lack of skill allowed the hair to become undone “Oh, what happened to your hair? I'll draw a bath for you!"
"Er, well... sure," Ravina acquiesced. “Let's take a bath and then I would like to enjoy the rest of the day.” She planned to spend time in the manor's garden, ruining any chance of productivity this day could offer. While constant sunlight wouldn't be good for her skin, especially since it had only recently started healing, there were plenty of places where she could enjoy the clean air in the shade.
Following Siet she took a quick bath, most of it was spent with the young maid cleaning and brushing her hair. Soon she slipped out and dried with a towel this time, giving her the idea to bring one next time she went training, “I'll have to remember that.” She mused. Perhaps even bring a brush.
“What was that?” Siet asked.
“Nothing, are we done?”
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"Almost, and... done!" Siet announced. Ravina was now dressed in a simple summer dress, her hair tied in a small bun adorned with a lightweight butterfly decoration that danced with every movement of her head.
“What is this?” Ravina asked as she followed the bouncing gem in the mirror with her eyes. “I don't remember having this item in the jewelry box.” While the box was filled with a few trinkets, thanks to the hard work of Elysia – and the complete disregard for financial responsibility – she had more than enough to accent her dresses.
“It was given to you by Sir Varis and the rest of the order. He returned to give his report to the count and apparently found this item while exploring somewhere.” Siet explained, a bright smile on her face as she proudly explained. “It's a magecraft and he said it will store the wearer's natural mana.”
“Varis?” Ravina whispered, touching the wings of the butterfly. The cool metal that encased the purple gemstones felt oddly warm to the touch. It was nice to receive something like this, but “magecraft.” Her thoughts turned to magic.
“A magecraft is an item or something that holds or uses mana. The one you have sounds like it collects mana for the wearer to use later.” Aurelia explained to her, thinking the whisper she heard was evidence of the young girl's confusion with the unfamiliar term.
“I see,” Ravina answered, she had guessed that, but didn't mention it. What she was confused about was why she was given a mana item. She was glad that Varis was thinking about her and gave her something. However, the thought of magic left her feeling a little sick. In particular, her scar throbbed. She traced it over her dress, her finger pushing up on the dress, slightly below her stomach.
“Do you not like it?” Siet asked, her expression dropping.
"No, it's great!" Ravina quickly replied, dispelling her somber thoughts. "It's just a surprise to receive such a rare gift."
“Exactly!” Seit nodded while Aurelia decided not to mention how magecrafts were not that rare.
“Alright, let's go enjoy some tea in the garden!” Ravina declared.
“Alright, I shall leave you be, my lady,” Aurelia stated, leaving to head to the training field.
However, Ravina stopped her, “Wait, don't you want to enjoy some tea with me? You treated me earlier, and I'd like to return the favor," she suggested.
“Oh, no I'm fine. I want to get some training in before the next drill weekend.”
“Oh… okay then… next time.”
Seeing Ravina's disappointed expression, Aurelia reconsidered. "I can postpone my training for a bit. What do you have in mind?"
Ravina brightened up almost immediately “Joice! She sang, turning to Siet “Do we have any juice we can drink available.”
Seit puffed out her chest proudly. “Of course! I'll prepare it and meet you in the garden."
“Outstanding! Please get three glasses ready!”
“Of course my lady!”
While Seit left for the kitchen, Ravina and Aurelia made their way to the garden.