đ„Chapter Five: Dove-Like NeedleworkâČ
Summary: Mere, unsure how to deal with the disruption to her routine offers to sew some new clothes to help their new guest settle in. After taking some measurements, Ellie and Tamlin are given time to speak.
Masterlist found here
Trigger Warnings: lack of eating, anxiety, talk of death
Mere had grown used to the monotony in her life, it was comforting in a way. She'd wake, prepare breakfast, and bring it to Tamlin's study where he had always eaten since she'd been in his employment. Normally she'd leave him be, and eat her own breakfast before starting on the day's list of chores.
Though with a guest in the house, she decided it best if she took a little detour from her schedule.
Tamlin barely looked up from his desk when she sat down his plate. She could see his nose twitch as the sweet smell of porridge mixed with the scent of seasoned eggs and venison. However, his gaze remained focused on the court document in front of him.
Her own eyes traveled to the book shelves noticing the books pulled just a few centimeters out from the others. The human womans doing no doubt. "What do you plan to do with our latest guest High Lord?" She asked once she finished laying the remaining pieces of breakfast on his plate, bread and freshly squeezed juice.
"I don't know," There was a grumble to his voice, he pinched his nose closing his eyes before he continued. "I can't send her away, that much is certain. She wouldn't survive. Neither in these lands or the human ones."
Mere nodded, even if nothing outright killed Ellie, there were fates worse than death for the skittish girl. Part of her wished Tamlin would send her away. Rid themselves of that worry and be done with it. But was a life really worth Mere returning to her old comforts? Her petals fluttered, plagued with guilt at the thought.
She pulled a feather duster from the belt strapped to her waist as she turned away. If she was to be there a moment, she might as well get one of her chores for the day out of the way. The fae woman dusted quietly, careful not to disturb any of the askew titles.
"If we're to keep her here, can I have permission to sew her some new clothing? None of the gowns we already have will do." Mere turned to look back at Tamlin, when he gave her a questioning look she continued. "She is frightened, it would help her if she didn't stick out like a weed in a flowerbed more than she already does." After all, being human was already contrast enough, her clothes she wore would draw more attention. "The cost would be little, we have enough unused curtains lying around, I can fashion at least a few outfits for her."
Tamlin seemed to mull over it for a moment as he chewed, once he swallowed his last bite, he nodded. "If she is alright with it, you have my permission, use what you need."
Mere dipped her head in thanks , "If you are finished, I will begin to set up in here. Take down measurements so that I can craft clothes that best fit her." She finished the last of her dusting and placed the feather duster back at her hip.
"I will fetch her, while you gather what you need." Tamlin stacked his dishes neatly on the tray before him before rising from his desk and exiting his study.
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It had been surprisingly easy to sleep the night prior. Ellie was half sure anxiety would have kept her awake despite whatever drowsiness she had felt. It had for a time but fatigue had won the battle.
She had remained asleep all night and most of the morning, until Mere had brought her breakfast. Ellie almost didn't wake when she heard the soft knock on her door. It wasn't until it opened that she jumped awake, dazed but alert.
Mere had said nothing, only placed the tray of sweet smelling food on the table by the window before leaving once more.
Due to the same apprehension that had kept her awake, she hadn't touched anything on the tray. The food smelled mouthwateringly good, but the thought of biting into any of it made her stomach churn. If noon came around, and she still hadn't eaten, she'd force herself to. Starving wasn't a good option.
Instead, she sat on the bed, her mind jumping from wondering what she could try to get home, to what she would do if she could never get back. Was her friend okay? What if she was actually dead? What if Abilene was also dead?
Her chest tightened the more and more she allowed her thoughts to spiral. She took a deep breath as her eyes began to burn, held it for a few seconds, and blew out steadily. In the quiet of that large, lavish room, the loneliness began to weigh on her. If Abilene was here, maybe she wouldn't be as scared. Her eyes turned toward the window.
Perhaps all she needed was some fresh air, and while out and about she could try one possible way to get home.
It had to be late morning now, the sun was high in the sky but not quiet enough for it to be noon. Hopefully it'd be warm, but not hot out if she were lucky. Ellie slid off the bed, adjusting the clothing she had been wearing the day before to look a little frumpy on her, before running her fingers through her curly hair.
Even with the need for some fresh air, she felt hesitant to go outside. Her matches were likely still at least damp, and she hadn't found her hair spray. IT was just her luck that it was the one thing that hadn't followed her. Or more likely it had just slipped from her bag.
Her eyes soon landed on the tray her food sat on. It wasn't much, and wouldn't likely do more than irritate a truly strong creature, but it was better than nothing. Gently, she moved the plate of eggs and cooked meat from the tray and the glass of what she could only assume was some kind of juice, and placed it on the table. After slipping on her shoes, she opened the door to the room. Ellie stuck her head out first, checking to see if there was anyone nearby before she stepped out.
It took a moment for her to remember what direction she needed to go. Her head swiveled momentarily, but once she spotted the empty vase painted with roses and lilacs her memory caught up to her. She ambled down the hall, not wanting to move so quickly she didn't have time to remember her path.
Ellie soon found her way to the stairs, while one hand held the tray tightly, her other glided along the polished wood railing to keep her steady. Perhaps it was the lack of food, but she was beginning to feel light headed.
Pausing in the foyer, Ellie took a moment to collect herself. Her head swiveled again, as she checked for any sign of Tamlin or Mere. Neither were there.
Should she say goodbye just in case her idea worked? It would be the polite thing to do right? Ellie was now second guessing her decision to venture out before speaking with them. She hadn't even asked if it would be okay to wander around the grounds. This was their home after all, not hers. She took a step back toward the staircase before stopping. The fountain was in view, she came too far to turn back now.
After a moment more of contemplating, she took a deep breath and began heading toward the fountain.
A tepid breeze hit her face once she stepped out of the manor's double doors. It carried the sweet scent of the garden's flowers, and a hint of something she knew all too well. Rain. Her eyes turned to the sky. Not a cloud in sight in the vast light blue. When she looked down however, she noticed the darker coloring of the stones.
Ellie let out a breath, the rain had passed, and hopefully wouldn't be back. She wasn't sure if this weather was as temperamental as it had been at home.
After another deep breath, she headed toward the fountain, her makeshift weapon still held tightly. What would she even do if this worked? Would everything be the same when she returned like some sort of Narnia scenario? Or would it be the opposite, she remembered the stories she had heard. What if she came back 500 years into the future?
Her unsureness gave her pause again as she reached the stone wall of the first tier of the fountain. Either way, she had to try something right? She'd really feel foolish if she didn't test this theory first. The easiest way to exit a room was through the same door you came in, right?
Ellie leaned over the side of the fountain and looked down at the water. It was mostly clear, save for the dead leaves and bits of broken vines. Ones she must have broken when she pulled herself out of the fountain.
Her curly brown hair pooled over her shoulder. Using one hand, she pulled it back while her other reached toward the water. The makeshift weapon she had held now lay on the moss covered rocks. Her fingers were just a few inches short of the bottom. She attempted to strain her arm to reach but just couldn't.
Letting out a sigh, the woman moved to sit on the edge of the fountain, and rolled her pants legs up to around her knees. Ellie dipped her bare foot into the water, before pulling it back a moment. The water was freezing, once she adjusted she sunk her leg even deeper. Her toes nudged against the stone beneath and-
Nothing. Nothing happened.
She tapped her foot against the bottom of the fountain again. Nothing. Just hard, solid stone.
Ellie shifted so that her legs were no longer in the water. She shivered as the breeze hit her skin, her eyes never left the water. That was at least marked off the list.
The woman nearly jumped out of her skin, her hands moving to clutch the serving tray. Seeing it was just Tamlin, she lowered her guard and let out a breath. "I um, was just trying the fountain again. You know, to see if I could re-use it." She gave him an awkward smile as she slid off the fountain's side and stepped away. "It didn't work."
"I can see that." He looked from her to the vines hanging from the fountain, his phlegmatic expression never shifting. "Mere requests your presence in the study."
"Oh okay." Ellie adjusted her pant legs again before moving closer to Tamlin. Her mind raced as she wondered what Mere needed her for. Had moving the books caused some sort of trouble for her? Was there something else that Ellie couldn't remember? Nervously, she held the tray against her chest as she followed behind her host.
The walk back into the house was deathly quiet, and Ellie couldn't figure out if she was thankful for it or not. Though with how grim the rest of the house was, maybe some sort of mood lifter would be preferable. Her mind kept racing, and she wanted something to keep her occupied that wasn't related to her fear.
When they entered the study, Mere stood by the arrangement of couches and chairs, a pale wooden box at her side. When Ellie got closer, she could see the intricate knots carved into the lid, and corners of the container. She tilted her head to inspect the carvings a little closer, but movement from Mere made her look up.
"Stand still, arms up." Mere instructed taking the tray from Ellie before holding out a roll of ribbon, little ticks were marked on its surface.
Wordlessly, Ellie did as asked, holding her breath as Mere leaned closer measuring around her torso, hips, and waist. She paused between each to jot down numbers on a piece of parchment. Each time she came close again, Ellie held her breath, afraid that moving even a little would ruin the woman's work.
"W-what's this for?" Ellie asked after the fae woman had turned away and collected the parchment and her box.
"I have been permitted to make you some clothing, since the only thing we have that will be able to fit you is the high lord's old trousers and shirts." Mere adjusted the things in her arms, ignoring the glance that Tamlin gave her as he moved to sit at his desk.
Ellie blinked, her mind reeling for a moment. Mere was going to make her clothes? Dresses maybe? That would be a lot of work especially if she was doing her other chores on top of the dress making. A rush of anxiety made Ellie begin to stutter as she tried to speak. "Oh no, I couldn't ask that of you. It's fine."
"You didn't." Mere said simply, earning a sheepish look from Ellie.
"Is there anything I can help with at least?" If she maybe could take one or two things off the fae woman's plate, neither would have to worry so much.
Mere's petals fluttered momentarily as she held Ellies stare, making Ellie avert her gaze. Eventually her attention turned to the parchment cradled in her arms. She pulled out a few pages and held them out to Ellie along with a thin piece of wood. "Can you sketch something discernible?"
Ellie nodded, taking the pages from the woman. She held them delicately as if one wrong move and they would crumble.
"Give me something to work with, something you would wear." Mere turned, grabbing the tray before walking out of the study. Leaving both Tamlin and Ellie alone.
Hesitantly, Ellie sat at the table beside one of the plush couches, her eyes shifting from the books around the room, to the paper, then to Tamlin. His own attention was on the papers in front of him, his blonde brows furrowed as he focused.
Taking a deep breath, she focused on her own paper. Trying to rake her mind for what she could sketch out. Everything felt foggy, as soon as an idea formed it dissolved before she could grasp it. Like cotton candy in water. She shut her eyes for a long moment as she fiddled with the parchment.
Maybe she could reset her brain somehow.
Her eyes turned back to Tamlin momentarily, catching sight of the halo of light that surrounded his head. Ellie couldn't help how her eyes shifted from the parchment, then back to him. She couldn't reset her mind, but her mind had found something new to distract herself with.
Eventually, Tamlin's eyes caught her's and she jumped, trying to turn her attention back to the half doodles of her parchment.
Is. . .something the matter?" He asked, his attention turning to her.
"Oh no no, sorry." When he raised his brow, she explained further. "It's the light around you, it looks like a halo in the paintings I saw once. Paintings of angels and stuff."
He blinked before shifting in his seat. "Is that why you asked me if I was one? When you first came out of the fountain."
"Yeah," Ellie nodded, laughing nervously. "Honestly, I'm still not entirely sure that I'm not dead." She couldn't seem to grapple with that one question that had been plaguing her mind since she had crawled out of the fountain. Even if she had been told otherwise, she still wasn't sure.
The remark was met with a quiet laugh from Tamlin. He leaned forward on his desk, his arms bent and his hands clasped. The room seemed to brighten with his amused expression. "Is that so?"
"Yeah," Ellie looked sheepish. "It's super pretty here, not cold, not hot, and you and Mere have been super nice." When he didn't say anything more, she continued. "Since you said you were fae I was kind of worried that you'd try to ya know, get me to bargain my life away or something, but maybe the stories where I'm from don't apply here. Or maybe they do and you and Mere just aren't those kind of people, it's a guessing game at this point."
She paused to take a breath, only then realizing she had been rambling. Her eyes shifted as she dived into her own thoughts again. Unsure if she had made things weird by talking too much. Softly, Ellie tugged at her sleeves, looking for anything to fiddle with while she waited to see if Tamlin would respond.
"Not an unfair train of thought, though if I may reiterate, you are most certainly very much alive." He moved to lean back in his chair, a look of wariness crossing his features. "The comment about getting you to bargain your life away, I wouldn't do, but there are fae here that would. Or they would do much worse."
"Oh okay, so just be cautious of others?" She could try that. Ellie still wasn't sure she shouldnât be cautious of him, but if he had wanted to hurt her, wouldn't he have done so?
Tamlin nodded, his head tilting a little as he looked her over. "You're sweating."
"Hm?" Ellie looked at Tamlin, only processing what he said a few moments after he had. She hadn't even noticed she was beginning to feel warm. "Oh uh, must be the weather."
He looked as if he didn't believe her, though Ellie didn't believe herself either. She had just sung praises about how even tempered the weather was. She was feeling weak, shaky even. But it wasn't like she had touched her food earlier, and she hadn't drank much water.
That had to be it. She just needed to eat, and hydrate herself. She'd be right as rain then.
Maybe it'd be best to do the sketches tomorrow. When she was feeling in a better headspace.
"I um, think I might head back to the room." Ellie moved to stand as she readjusted the sleeves of the shirt to be around her elbow. Hopefully she'd still have food in there. Even if it was only lukewarm by then, it was certainly better than nothing.
"Very well, I was just about to leave, my sentries have need of me. You are welcome to the study even when I'm not here, just use caution when venturing into the gardens." Tamlin rose from his desk just as she gathered the parchment into her arms.
"Thank you," She gave him a soft smile, watching as he walked toward the door. When the parchment in her arms was adjusted, she stepped to walk behind him.
Ellie gasped as her foot hit the side of the table. She lurched forward, losing her balance immediately. She clutched the papers, more worried about making a mess than hitting the ground. She didn't have to worry about either, arms caught her before that could happen. Tamlin had been able to turn in time to catch her.
Her heart leaped into her throat once she fully processed what had happened. His grip was somehow both firm and delicate, holding her like a crystal sculpture that would break with the slightest push.
"Oh gosh, I'm sorry." She looked up at him, wide eyed as she steadied herself. Tamlin didn't remove his hands until he was sure she was okay. "I uh, should have watched my step better."
"It's alright," He cleared his throat as he opened the door, waiting for her to walk through before he shut it behind them. "I will be gone till sundown most likely, if you need anything, simply ask Mere."
"Oh okay." Ellie turned to look at him again, her eyes following him as he moved to walk past her. She was doing her best to hide how embarrassed she felt, but she was sure her face was as red as the roses outside. "Be safe."
"You as well," He returned the smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Wouldn't want you to become a self fulfilling prophecy."
Ellie laughed nervously, only realizing what he meant after she watched Tamlin round the corner and disappear. She took a moment to compose herself, before making the trek back to her room.Â
Authors Note: Hey guys! so sorry it's been awhile. I know this doesn't go with today's theme for Tamlin week but i wanted to post something for it (and because my friend has threatened me if i don't XD). Sadly i wouldn't be able post it tomorrow so I'm doing so today. I hope you guys enjoyed and have a lovely weekend/easter ^^
Tag List (if you would like to be added let me know): @ladysnowmanofnoir @sage-elm14 @darkshadowqueensrule @visenlya @fawningoverthespringcourt
