**Authors Note**
Regular posting will resume starting today. Sorry about the delay, I had an injury that made writing very difficult
****
“I look like an idiot,” I said to my reflection and the empty room.
My hair was in a complicated style the maid called an up-do. She had braided most of it into a long, thick braid, with two smaller braids using hair on both sides of my head. The long braid was wrapped into a bun that sat almost on top of my scalp. The two small braids were pulled back and stuck into the bun. It looked like I was wearing a hat.
Two more strands of hair were left to hang down my cheek. They'd been curled, so they bounced whenever I moved. I wanted to pull them out because they kept tickling my shoulders.
I was saving my phoenix dress for the big banquet the next day, and apparently I couldn't wear the dress I'd worn the other day, so I had yet another expensive dress on. This one was a pale green, that cupped my breasts, giving me far more cleavage than I was comfortable with, and left everything above the mounds of flesh completely bare. Pearls covered the fabric in a fan pattern starting on my chest and coming to a point at my waist, where they seemed to form a belt that hugged my curves. The skirt was long and airy, dark enough to hide my legs, but hinting at them when the light was just right.
I had a pearl and silver necklace hanging from my neck with matching earrings, which I was told were perfect for me. I'd had my makeup done as well. My cheeks shimmered in the light, making me think of pearls. My eyelashes were longer than usual, and my eyes and lips were a faint glittering green that matched my dress.
My nails weren't very long. The maid had wanted to make them two or three inches. I'd put my foot down on that, I wouldn't know how to use my fingers if they were that long. She'd finally agreed to only fix them up a little, and made them a light green with white tips. They looked like ten little waves, which seemed appropriate for my current style.
Slipping on the small heels, I managed to not break an ankle. I'd practised for hours walking and doing some simple dancing back at school. I wasn't about to try anything really high, and the stiletto's that Naomi liked seemed impossibly tall, but I could handle these.
With my heels clicking on the marble floor, I made my way downstairs.
The others were all waiting for me. The boys looked uncomfortable in their black suits and ties, pulling at the tight collars. Gods, how I envied them. The girls were in their new dresses, each one carefully chosen to fit their looks. They all looked lovely, but Ella was glorious in her colourful outfit.
Her hair was in cornrows, which I hadn't seen before. It was so different from her usual Afro, I had to do a double take. Her sleeveless dress was a pattern of squares filled with small blue, orange and red, triangles and rectangles. It covered her chest and shoulders. The skirt stopped at a point just at her knees in front, and went down to her ankles in back. It was the first time I'd seen the style and I really wish she wore it more often.
There was the usual gushing over clothes. I played along, just so I wouldn't seem out of place. Then we went outside where a golem-carriage was waiting for us. It was extra long to fit all of us. Ella and I sat side by side, while Ivy took the seat furthest back, and the couples sat together.
Ella told the golem where to go and we were off to the best restaurant in town. How the Stirling's had gotten a reservation on such short notice was the topic of discussion among the girls. I just sat staring out the window, wishing I was anywhere else. I was going to see Reginald again, and his parents. I'd lost my demon eye when I ran away, had he picked it up? Had he looked at it? Did he see how my stupid eyes had gone... down there?
If he had seen it, what was I going to do? Dying would be preferable.
Ella patted my hand, which I suddenly realized was shaking.
“Don't worry about anything, you'll be fine,” she quietly said.
“What if something goes wrong?” I asked.
“You're having dinner with two big name heroes, who regularly fight city destroying monsters and apocalyptic cults. They also owe you an apology for what Reginald did. As long as you don't do something completely stupid like insult them to their faces, they'll ignore any faux pas and help you out.”
“But-”
“Use your pretty face to your advantage. Just smile shyly, enjoy the food, give short, simple answers, and let me and the girls handle the conversation. Can you do that?” my friend asked.
Taking a deep breath, which made me worry that my top might fly off, I tried to calm down. “I think so.”
“All right. Just breathe and think calm thoughts.”
Nodding, I looked out the window letting the busy street take my mind off of my worries.
The Emerald Cavern Restaurant
The Dwarf who was currently going by the false name Emerald Merrydelver, walked into the kitchen to get a quick drink of ale. She was joined at the keg by her fellow revolutionary Steel Forgebane.
“The Stirling's are here. They're just waiting for their guests,” she said quietly.
“Excellent. I have everything ready for them,” he replied.
She saw his hand touch his gold bracelet, where a vial of poison was hidden. Nodding, she took a moment to straighten her vest and headed back into the busy restaurant. She couldn't fail now by looking suspicious. The death of Adelmar Stirling would be a tremendous blow to the Guild Master.
I'd never been in such a nice restaurant before.
Since it was a Dwarven building there were no windows. Instead the stone walls were covered in silver, gold and bronze, which formed interesting lines and whorls around emeralds, rubies and other crystals. The lights were carefully placed to reflect off the precious metals and gemstones, giving the room a dreamy and expensive look.
Everyone in the restaurant, even the servers, were wearing clothes that looked very expensive. My mom would love to work with these people. A single dress or suit would pay more than a whole month of work with her regular customers.
We were led upstairs into a private room. It was as richly decorated as the rest of the restaurant, but this one had a large window looking out over the ocean. The sun was just starting to set, and the normally green water was a rainbow of colours.
Mrs. Stirling, Reginald, and a man who looked like a larger and more mature version of my nemesis stood up to greet us.
“Hello everyone,” Mrs. Stirling said. “This is my husband, Adelmar Stirling, he's been very interested in meeting all of you.”
“Hello Mr. Stirling,” Ella said, and we all quickly copied her.
“Please, sit down,” Mr. Stirling said, grinning at us. “I know how uncomfortable fancy shoes can be. I much prefer my usual boots, but we must make sacrifices sometimes.”
We quickly found our seats. It was a relief to see Reginald was sitting beside his mother and Ella, while I was at the far end of the table. It was still a bit too close to him for my liking, but the only way to be farther away would require me leaving the room.
The server, a very pretty Dwarven lady with golden hair, came in with a tray of drinks for all of us.
“I hope you don't mind,” Mrs. Stirling said, “I ordered drinks for you. I went with what you drank the most of at dinner yesterday. But if you want another type, don't hesitate to ask, it's our treat.”
While everyone thanked her and said it was perfect, I followed Ella's advice. I smiled, nodded politely in thanks, and took a sip. The fruit juice, which I still couldn't place, was even better than the other day.
“Let's order, and then we can talk. Just make sure to save room for dessert, the courses here are bigger than you'll find at most non-Dwarven restaurants,” Mr. Stirling said.
Looking at the menu, I was completely lost. I'd never really eaten Dwarven food before, it wasn't common in my home city, so I didn't know what was good, or what something might taste like. Emerald chili salad, sounded interesting, but what was tentacle shark flambe? Or makara trunk soup? Dire rat roast with granite spice didn't really have actual granite did it?
As everyone else ordered, I got more and more anxious. Calci who was sitting beside Mr. Stirling, was giving suggestions to Honey Suckle. Ella ordered for Ivy, Clarice and Gold were giggling as they seemed to pick something at random, and Naomi already knew what she and Antoine were going to have. I was left all alone, staring wide eyed at the menu.
I didn't want to risk getting something I couldn't stomach. They probably already hated me because of what happened to Reginald and I earlier. If I ordered something really expensive and didn't eat it, what would they think? And EVERYTHING was expensive.
Looking up, I saw my nemesis smiling, actually smiling not leering or sneering. He looked really cute. My cheeks lit up as I realized what I'd just thought. My stomach went all tingly and warm as both he and Ella looked at me.
Everyone was looking at me. I was the last one. The server was smiling at me, holding her pad ready to write down my order.
Oh gods, what to do?
“You're not used Dwarven food, are you Petra?” Mr. Stirling asked.
All I could manage to get out was a quiet, “Yeah.”
“Well if you want a suggestion, the Ketea Indikoi Salad is fantastic. Not too spicy, very refreshing and good for people new to Dwarven seafood. I'm having it myself.”
“That sounds great. Thank you,” I said, my voice sounding a bit more confident.
For a second the server frowned, probably because I'd taken so long to order, she had to be busy. Fortunately it only lasted a second and she was completely professional again. Taking her leave, the conversation started up. While the Stirling's asked Ella and the others about their visit to the caverns, no one mentioned the disastrous trip along the waterfront. Slowly I started feeling better.
Regular posting will resume starting today. Sorry about the delay, I had an injury that made writing very difficult
if you think your healed, then wait another week. a healthy author is better then an unhealthy author
I'm taking it fairly easy. It's why Doom Valley was a bit late and Necromancer will be about a day late as well. I'm taking plenty of breaks to stretch out my arm.
Thanks for the concern.
Since their waiter is an undercover assassin why do I suspect that anyone that orders similar dishes will have them mixed up. Also recover soon and well Domoviye. Lastly welcome back.
I'll admit mixing up the foods is a very large possibility. But there are some ways it could go that would be almost as or even more amusing.
And thanks.
I feel sorry for the conspirators. I'm sure they have a perfect plan that will fail due to sheer bad luck because Petra will stumble upon their hideout while looking for the toilet or something similar.
If he had seen it, what was I going to do? Dying would be preferable.
Fate will have the last word with that.
Reginald and his mother saw it in the last chapter.
It's going to be amusing.
Why do I get the distinct feeling that Petra is about to be accidentally poisoned?
There's a chance she won't be. THere are a few ways this could go that would be equally hilarious.
@Domoviye Like the rare material's clothing reacting to the poison? If it's vital components are quick to vaporize that may work.
I liked the trivia on some novel that unicorn fur is prone to emitting some hard airborne hallucinogenes in the right condition, like warmed up by a living body, and these might selectively affect either excited males or anxious females...
Sounds somewhat familiar
@Quesa I wish I'd known about the unicorn hallucinogens. That's going in my notes for later.
Oh no. I see where this is going.
Somehow, I don't know how, but SOMEHOW Petra will end up Naked, and likely Kiss either Reginald, or one of his parents. Also, someone will be fatally poisoned, possibly the would be assassins, and Everything will be okay in the end, But poor Petra will be Traumatized. Again.
Or if you were really twisted, you'd do this:
Petra gets the poison, which reacts with her RTS and Form Solidifier Potion, and SOMEHOW ends up with her Suddenly and temporarily having a Harpies Reproductive system, leading to her having to lay an egg.
if THAT isn't Traumatic I don't know what is.
OK, that last option is absolutely going to happen at some point in the future.
Thanks.
@Domoviye I think that simply having about any edible egg on campus leads to several natural outcomes
- somebody (likely a boy or Ella) stumbles upon and eats it, after some search returns Petra the container to praise taste of the egg
- egg ends up being a projectile that botches some demonic ritual (and/or "Petrifies" unfortunate performer, which may lead to some confusion for late attendees)
- egg is used in some in-promptu demonic ritual, that might or might not summon Petra either as a Lust or another kind of demon (Gotta get them all!). Optionally gives summoned demon Petra's shape. Mistaking Lily for Petra sounds like a bad idea
- egg is acidentally turned into a vicious yolk-slime that later gains infamy as the Yolk Star! Enemies the Emperor, beware!
- egg's contents prove about as stable as Petra triggering something Very Weird
Anyways, such egg is a fine Instrument of Chaos and Trauma Conga
@Quesa or... Egg is magically Fertile, and Petra ends up a mother... imagine the eventual conversation with her parents.
"So... a funny thing happened to me on the way to school... long story short, meet your grandchild." Ah... the comedy.
@Darkakuahebi, @Quesa There are so many ways this egg could go.
It will definitely be a while before it happens, so plenty of time to think of what would be most amusing for us, humiliating for Petra, and unexpected for Petra's enemies.
@Domoviye A mock hydra with clothes digesting acid breath-weapon? Fiercely loyal to Petra (mom) but loves to eat Petra's clothes?
@Paranoiac Too useful. Even if it would be embarrassing.
Petra is not allowed to have nice things other than her friends.
@Domoviye hmmm... here's an idea... Perhaps it's used by Fate to obtain a Mortal incarnation. More Hands on Torture. Heh... The most spoiled yet all-powerful infant in existence, that only wants to Torture its "mother" would be hilarious. Even better if it looks harmless.
@Darkakuahebi I think in terms of magical weapon Petra-dubbed "Humiliation Engine", "Project H" or "I'm never leaving under the bed! "
Only people like Petra, who gained lifetimes of humiliation can use it and only by reliving it's vastness.
Sort of a twist to Powered By Love and Power Of Friendship
Like, there is always that sort of weapon (like, NGE, FMP, Sailor Moon, Madoka) . Or some Love Ray, that directly conveys the feels or the experiences stirring these.
For obvious reasons this one is far more devastating for both sides
"We've won, but for what price?"
Obviously, it cannot be overused, since the thrill of victory pollutes the embarassment. As well as Petra may be afraid of turning into a major pervert because of it
That being said, I doubt that Petra would be proud of having such weapon, it would be rather a cheap investment of Ella's side, since a "failed" student project is rarely ever expensive
I mean, successful villains always have some Engine of Doom, right?
Though the image of Petra willingly trying to use such weapon only for it to misfire, because her cockyness out weighted the humiliation and the weapon firing properly on it's own for obvious reasons the key moments later is also making me laugh
@Quesa ok. But by Baby that loves to torture... I actually had an image in mind. Back in the 80s and 90s, Disney had a series called Dinosaur(not to be confused with the 2001 Disney film) that was essentially a Sitcom, but with Semi-anthropomorphized Dinosaurs. A running gag was The Father would attempt to interact with the baby, usually trying to get him to say daddy, who would Smack him over the head with an object and Shout "not the mama!"
I imagined Petra ending up with HIM. Honestly, that show addressed many issues that even adult shows kinda avoid nowadays, like sexual harassment, bullying, etc... And had such a Dark ending it's famous for it.
The family huddles together in their house, while a news reporter talks about an approaching meteor... then the power fails... and the family is left, waiting to die, as the Screen fades to Black... I know EXACTLY what you are thinking: WTF DISNEY, THIS IS A KIDS SHOW! But thats really how it ended. I was 6 or 7, and i still hate that ending, because i knew what it meant... for most kids, its just "what happens next?" but i was obsessed with dinosaurs... i knew what happened next... Extinction
So yeah, that was a thing...
@Darkakuahebi Amazing if they did it after 2000. It seems to have left a mark
Also, it sort of suggests that you were ahead the curve of knowledge relative to the target audience. As well as the attachment to the characters
Though, in Petra's case I'd hope for more variety with that sort of gag, like, there are lots of ways to misname somebody, be it the wording or the timing
@Quesa I was so obsessed with that particular topic, that I watched a certain horror film (carnosaur) at five and cried when they killed the dinosaur... and could actually pronounce things such as Qutzelcoatlus, Struthiomimus, and Ankylosaurus. So yeah, I was WAY more knowledgeable about the subject matter... still, they did an entire episode about Sexual Harassment, in a late 80s-early 90s show targeted at children... they certainly couldn't get away with that NOW.
Still...The baby hitting his dad with a frying pan will never get old... and honestly, the show still kinda holds up today. (Apparently, it was a joint venture between Disney and CBS. And aired on three channels, CBS on Saturday mornings, ABC on Saturday mornings, and Disney, early in the morning. At different times, obviously.)
If you get a chance, check it out... it's an interesting little time capsule, that may have slightly traumatized me. That and that horror film. Poor Rex, it only wanted to eat... and they killed it with construction equipment. Sad.
@Darkakuahebi I remember Dinosaurs. I was never a big fan of it, but caught quite a few episodes and I remember the ending very well. I was impressed they went there.
@Domoviye yeah. Just giving five year Olds existential dread... the worst part is, that wasn't supposed to be the end, there was apparently one more, partially finished episode, but the producers said no... and I was possibly traumatized.
Can you imagine, sitting in a dark room, holding your family, Knowing you are doomed and waiting to die?
In a children's show. I've said it before, I'll probably say it again, but WTF DISNEY!