sranks | we are the cursed we came from fire and ice

[The ball is tonight, and needless to say, Garreg Mach has been teeming with a gaggle of nervous teenagers. Everyone is doing everything they can to get their affairs in order, or ensure that they can get their last minute cosmetics and the like from friends. Everyone wants to make sure that they look perfect. It's almost strange to see, but Camilla has seen plenty of it; Hilda's been going from the market to her room and back several times for different kinds of make-up (and she just saw Hilda dragging Marianne in for some...and Lysithea seems to be waiting for her turn. Cute.), Dorothea seems to be out and about with her outfit of choice and she looks as radiant as ever...

Really, there's so much to keep track of, and the ball hasn't even begun. Camilla's amused, really, that they're all treating this as such an important event, but she finds that she can't exactly complain. After all, she has gone into town herself to pick up some last minute touches for Lord Lorenz; he asked her to do so, and she's back with everything he could possibly need and then some. She's sure that he'll find some very suitable dancing partners once he's all gussied up.

Camilla isn't worried about herself in the slightest. Sure, it's been an awkward time attempting to even adjust to the idea of going to a ball after all that's happened, but her primary job is going to be looking after her lord and making sure that he's all prepared. She's just going to go to the ball in her school uniform and stand off to the side. As far as she's concerned, that's all she needs to do. Someone like her could never possibly get so dolled up for a ball, even if she did have someone she wanted to impress.

No, her first priority was ensuring her lord and brother was safe. And Once Camilla gets to Lord Lorenz's door and knocks that familiar, melodic knock, she speaks up.]

My lord, I'm back from the market! I was able to procure all that you needed--they were running quite low, so I suppose I was lucky...

[Surely, this night won't go stupidly at all.]

[It seems a little strange to be getting ready for a ball just after Camilla's return. But this is the time of year that the ball is usually held, and it would be even more bizarre for the Officers Academy to change their traditions all because of one student. So the best thing to do is to embrace it and have fun - Lorenz knows Camilla would be angry if he didn't at least try to enjoy himself a bit tonight. He should be busy looking for a suitable spouse, but it's not like Lorenz really cares about that after his father's actions (or lack thereof).

Still, he's a bit excited anyway, even if his thoughts aren't on securing political connections. He's already mostly dressed, though his jacket is off while he fusses with his hair. It wouldn't do to allow himself to look anything less than perfect tonight, after all!

The knock on the door isn't really a surprise, and he ushers Camilla inside quickly.]

Ah, thank you so much, Camilla! I'm having such a difficult time keeping my hair looking sleek today...

[He pauses when he takes note of her outfit, frowning as he shuts the door behind her.]

You aren't dressed for the ball yet?

[If the noises from outside are any indication, most people are done running around and are presumably dressed and prepared by now... Maybe Camilla doesn't need very much time, but still, this is a bit odd.]

It's no trouble at all, Lord Lorenz.

[She waits until he's shut the door, before setting everything he needs down at his desk carefully. Camilla knows he'll likely need some assistance, and Camilla is nothing if not here to provide such things if he needs it. That suit he's picked out does look rather nice, after all!

...Of course, Lorenz's question does get her to quirk her brow a bit, hands clasped in front of her.]

I'm all dressed for the ball, brother dear, you needn't worry. Once you're all prepared for the ball, we can proceed to head there. I'm sure you'll catch plenty of attention with such a nice ensemble.

[Camilla's got this, it's fine! It's not like a servant like her needs to get gussied up anyway.]

[It's true, his outfit is nice; he's opted for white and shades of purple, with the former as the primary color so as not to overwhelm with too much of the same shade. The vest he has on is patterned in purple roses, much to no one's surprise.]

Nonsense! This is our one chance to dress up and enjoy ourselves for a bit, so attending in your school uniform would hardly be fitting!

[Lorenz sighs, resting a hand in his hair before realizing he needs to... not mess with his hair any further...]

Don't worry, sister. I've already planned for such a thing!

[He knows Camilla all too well, and he figured this might happen. So of course, Lorenz went out of his way to find a dress for her. He heads over to his closet and throws it open to reveal said dress, hanging neatly in the closet.]

Please, at least consider wearing it. I'm sure it will look lovely.

[His smile is soft as he says it; he knows Camilla's still finding all of this difficult to process. But maybe she can leave all that behind her for just one night.]

Brother, please, such a thing is hardly necessary. I don't have the same need for--

[Camilla's look is only slightly dismayed and more...exasperated than anything. The idea of dressing up has never crossed Camilla's at all; it wasn't like she ever had to dress up before. She wasn't a noble of any kind now, so she really didn't see the need for it...

(That, and her school uniform has been a bit of a godsend in hiding most of her scars, and she's worried that dressing up would expose them and her to questioning she's pretty sure would drive her into a crying fit, and she's been doing everything to avoid those.)

Maybe she should have thought that through more. Of course, Lorenz seems to have prepared for such a thing, and as much as Camilla wants to insist that he shouldn't have bothered, that it's fine, that she doesn't really want to dress up anyway...]

...Oh, my, this is...

[Camilla is perhaps surprisingly captivated by the dress he shows her; on one hand she was slightly worried he'd go for one of two colors (purple, which...would have probably made her cry and also worried that people would think they were related, or white, which would have been a straight up crying fit), but on the other, the color he did choose is striking. It's a beautiful red gown with black detailing all throughout, it covers everything on her that would be a concern, and...quite frankly, it's gothic as all hell in a way Camilla wasn't expecting Lorenz to know she likes.

Camilla blinks once, twice, three times, and...]

It's...it's beautiful. How on earth did you know I liked red? [Camilla isn't sure if she told him? ...But then again, she does like roses almost as much as he does, so maybe she shouldn't be so surprised.] ...Well, I would be utterly remiss not to wear it since you've gone so far out of your way. That isn't the only reason, of course, but I...

[...Just give her a second to get herself put together.]

I'll gladly wear this. Thank you.

[...]

I do admit, I've...never actually worn something like this before. If this does prove troublesome to get on, would you mind too terribly if I asked for some assistance?

[help. help she's never been this feminine before, she's gonna die]

[He watches her reaction carefully; the dress was hand-picked and he considered all possible angles he could think of, but in truth he still doesn't know how she'll take it. It is a bit much, after all. As far as he can remember, Camilla has never attended any of the dances his father held, and she wasn't taken to any of the other nobles' dances either.

But thankfully it looks as though his assumption paid off. Lorenz can't help but beam at her words.]

You've always been particularly fond of roses, and I thought a style like this would suit you.

[There's no polite way to say "you're goth as hell, sis" so he'll just leave it at that. He's glad that red is a safe color. He had assumed purple might upset her and white obviously is out of the question. Black would be entirely too much as well, so red seemed like the best bet.]

Oh of course! Please, feel free to change in here if you'd like; I can step out into the hallway for a moment and if you need help, I'll return to assist you.

[He wouldn't want Camilla to feel uncomfortable while trying to get dressed, but getting the zipper up the back of that should prove to be fairly tricky on her own...]

I'm very pleased you like it. I'm sure you'll look amazing in it, my dear sister.

[Listen, she knows what she's about, the callout is more than well earned. Camilla's smile is warm as she keeps looking at the dress, and she winds up looking back at Lorenz when he brings up why he chose it. That's the sweetest godsforsaken thing???]

You're so very kind to me, my dearest brother...thank you. It looks perfect.

[Camilla is actually gonna go over and hug Lorenz briefly, if he doesn't mind--she'll separate quickly enough and...quickly fix his outfit because listen, she's a mother hen.]

I do feel bad for driving you out of your own room...but I do think that would be for the best, unless you terribly mind if I change in your closet. It would simply be for the best.

[The last thing she wants is for anyone to see the scarring on her. He'll likely see when he helps her with the zipper, but it's still pretty Yikes.]

[The fussing gets a brief laugh out of him, and he allows her to do it with no complaints.]

Nonsense, please take the room! I'll be right outside if you need anything.

[And with that he'll head out into the hallway, pulling the door shut behind him and hanging out in front of it to prevent anyone from entering. Not that he thinks anyone will be trying to pester him right now, anyway. Not even Claude would be enough of a pain to bother him right before the ball!]

Thank you kindly.

[Alright, let's get this bad boy on--it'll definitely take a bit since while this is about as long as Camilla's normal skirt she wears with her uniform, it's certainly a lot rufflier underneath. She's just gotta make sure she's got everything on right, and...

...Well, she's going to try struggling a bit on her own with the zipper before eventually sighing and walking to the door, opening it a crack so she can get his attention.]

Lord Lorenz? I need a little bit of help with this zipper. Honestly, I don't understand how they expect women to be able to reach behind them like that...

[It's a minor complaint, at any rate. Please help?? She doesn't even mind if he sees the scarring, she just can't twist herself like that.]

[It gets a soft chuckle out of him and he motions for her to return to the room. He follows her in and shuts the door behind him.

Of course, he does see the scarring and that... Well, he isn't going to focus on it. He's quick to pull the zipper up and ensure that it'll stay.]

There we are! I'm not entirely sure why they're designed like this, though I imagine they expect noble women to have servants to help them into their dresses. Still, it's quite annoying to have to struggle with an outfit so!

[He moves around to get a look at her from the front.]

Ah, it looks as though I was correct - you look beautiful, sister.

[His expression is soft as he says it; obviously Lorenz means it. It's just really nice to see Camilla dressed up - she's sure to stun everyone like this.]

[Bless you, Lorenz. You truly are a godsforsaken blessing in these trying times, and Camilla breathes a sigh of relief once it's up.]

I suppose that is the case, but really, they could stand to design such dresses with a common woman in mind...perhaps even an independent noble woman would wish for such things to be made easier.

[Camilla's eyes had shut in annoyance, but they open when Lorenz comes around to see her from the front, and she can't help but smile softly in kind, giving him a curtsy.]

You know me so well, my dear, sweet brother. I truly cannot thank you enough--this is the most beautiful I believe I have ever felt.

[It should sure turn some heads, to say the least, and Camilla comes back up easily.]

Is there anything else that needs to be taken care of before you leave?

I'm certain you'll turn every head when you enter.

[He's proud of his choice of dress, certainly, but he's far more proud of her. Camilla seems to be doing okay, and she's willing to wear the dress so that's definitely a step in the right direction as far as he's concerned.

At her question, he nods.]

I have everything I need to finish up in here, but I must request that you find Hilda. She'll be able to do your makeup - and I'm certain she'll be restrained if you ask her. I believe she was planning on doing Marianne's as well... So I'm certain she'll make it look spectacular.

[Makeup isn't exactly essential, but why not go all out today? He certainly is! Which is why he's trying to send Camilla off so he can apply his own makeup in peace okay, don't judge.]

Ah, of course. I'll be certain to go and find her, then. Do take care!

[With one last little bow, Camilla will leave to let him finish up what he needs to. Make-up...Camilla has never really used it before, though she's certainly seen Lady Hilda wear it often and wear it well. She knows how to bring up the charming parts of herself all too well, and she supposes Lorenz has a point; if there were anyone she was going to trust to do her make-up for the first time, Hilda would be that girl.

Camilla really can't help but be a little giddy, and she's already thinking of what sort of favors she could do for Hilda in kind when she goes to knock on the girl's door.]

Excuse me, Lady Hilda? Do you have a moment?

[May as well be polite about it!]

Coming~!

[The almost sing-song word comes from within, and a few moments later, the door opens. Hilda's dressed already in a cute pink and white gown. It looks like she's already done with her own makeup, and probably with most of the other girls' who have dropped by for help. She beams when she gets a good look at Camilla's dress.]

Well, look at you! What a flattering dress! Not really my style, but it definitely fits you, Camilla.

[we all know camilla is a goth, okay.]

So, what can I do for you?

[how did all of y'all discover camilla's budding talent in goth style before she did!!]

Oh my, thank you so very much! [Camilla hides a light giggle behind her hand, but the smile on her face is genuinely delighted.] My lord picked something simply divine, didn't he? I quite like it, I must admit. It's utterly beautiful. You look quite darling yourself, Lady Hilda; you'll turn plenty of heads at the ball.

[Camilla eases, though clasping her hands in front of her.]

I was wondering if I might be able to ask you for some help with make-up, if it is not too much trouble? I'm afraid I've never actually used any before, and he suggested that I come to you...and I would truly love to bring this all together and truly turn heads.

Would that be quite fine with you? I would be more than willing to repay you for this.

[anyone who wears their hair over one eye is goth, that's just how it goes!!!]

Did he pick that out? Wow, I guess Lorenz is doing better than I thought! [She giggles, waving a hand.] Just teasing. Anyway, yeah! Come on in!

[She holds the door open so Camilla can enter, and swings it shut behind her. Hilda's desk has been turned into a makeshift vanity, with a large mirror sitting in the center. She gestures to the chair for Camilla to sit.]

And don't worry too much about repaying me. I've got plenty of makeup and I'm going to be bored until the ball starts, so it's no problem!

[Also it's kind of fun to do everyone's makeup... And Camilla has helped her out a ton in the past, so this is definitely not something she's going to hold over Camilla's head. Not that she'd do anything like that in the first place, of course!]

Let me guess: you don't want anything too obvious, right? Just something that'll bring out your natural beauty without going overboard?

[She's already opening up her desk drawers and... oh goddess that is definitely a lot of makeup, just how many people has she worked on today??]

[Camilla at least chuckles when Hilda says she was joking about the remark, but she comes in easily and takes the seat that Hilda gestures for her to take. Camilla is honestly teeming with excitement, even if she is trying to hold it back underneath her usual elegant demeanor; she does have to maintain some form of dignity, after all.]

Thank you kindly, Lady Hilda. I am truly excited for this; this is the first time I've ever worn makeup...

[Of course, Camilla's eyes do dart to the desk drawer and...good lord, that is a lot of makeup? How does she have so much??? Honestly, it's overwhelming, but Hilda's suggestion gets a nod out of Camilla.]

Yes, that would be quite nice. As tempting as red lipstick would be with this, I imagine that it would be perhaps a little too much red...that, and I do believe the dress will do most of the show-stealing. So, that sounds perfect to me.

[Make her a star, Hilda!! At this point Camilla's honestly excited to see how cute the rest of the girls are gonna look if Hilda's actually been that busy...]

Your first time wearing it, huh? I can teach you some tips if you decide you ever want to start wearing it casually! Makeup can be easy to apply and works so well even with just your everyday look!

[Hilda hums to herself as she fishes some things out of her drawers, considering a few colors close to Camilla's dress before deciding on exactly what she wants.]

Yeah, red lipstick's super bold. It can work really well, but I think you'll want to draw attention to the dress tonight! Though you would be real cute with red lipstick!

[She laughs and sets to work; it's clear Hilda does know what she's doing, and she's remarkably quick about it too. She instructs Camilla to turn her head here and there, and close her eyes at certain points, but once she's done she steps back and gestures to the mirror.]

There you go, that should do it!

[True to her word, none of the makeup is overwhelming or too bold; it definitely highlights Camilla's already impressive beauty.]

You look gorgeous, you're going to knock 'em dead!

I may just take you up on that...

[It would be nice to focus on her own beauty, for once. Camilla never really lavished herself even before the experiments happened; indulging in something like this was unheard of for her, when she could be spending that time on Lord Lorenz. Even so, Camilla has always been curious about it, and just how she could possibly look. Maybe as if she were a noble, for even a night...

Camilla does as Hilda asks her to do, gladly letting Hilda get to work, and when Camilla looks into the mirror, she's...

...Well, she's taken aback at first, because she's pretty. Like, for once, Camilla sees herself as beautiful; she never had any problems with her appearance beforehand, but with the experiments, she didn't like any part of herself anymore. With this...she actually feels like she should again. She feels pretty, and as she should, and...

Well. She's going to be utilizing this a fair bit more.]

...You're right, I do look gorgeous! [Camilla's smile is bright when she sees herself, and she looks more than ready to go to the ball and steal the show.] Oh, you did amazing work, Lady Hilda! Truly, I cannot thank you enough; you did wonderful work, and I'm incredibly happy.

Such glowing praise! I'm just happy that you're so pleased with it!

[That much is certainly true; it feels like Camilla hasn't been able to be happy since returning. So helping her have even one night where she can forget everything that happened to her is wonderful, even if it does require a little extra effort.

Not that applying makeup is really all that much extra effort, anyway.]

Drop on by sometime and I can teach you how to do just a little bit to help out for everyday looks! But for now you're good to go!

I shall gladly; I would very happy to do so. [Camilla happily gives Hilda a curtsy.] But I will be off, then. Do have fun at the ball!

[Camilla will gladly be off, then; she's not sure if her lord is already out and about by now, but she will check his room first if he isn't already outside and waiting for her...

Let her just knock quickly, if she doesn't see him outside already--]

Lord Lorenz? Hilda has just gotten finished with me...

[He's still inside, and he'll get the door shortly to allow Camilla back inside. It looks like he's done with his own makeup as well (it's very limited, just the smallest bit to make him look nice) and he beams at her.]

I just knew asking Hilda was the right idea. Look at you, sister! You're simply stunning!

[He's also got his jacket on by now and his hair has finally been fixed, so it looks like he's ready to head out soon.]

[Camilla will gladly step back inside, then! Lorenz really does look nice with a little makeup himself, but Camilla winds up chuckling a bit behind her hand when he calls her stunning.]

Oh, dear brother... [Camilla doesn't modestly deflect, though, easily settling her arms back in front of her.] Thank you for suggesting that I go to her. I haven't felt this beautiful in...forever. It's such a nice feeling, and I'm truly looking forward to this ball now.

[There's confidence in Camilla's expression that usually isn't there, and she can't help but be pleased.]

You look wonderful as well, however. You're certain to turn many a head once we're there!

Are you almost ready?

[Is there anything I can assist with is an unspoken question here, because listen. Camilla is here to help if needed, that's just how she be!!]

[It's so wonderful to see her so confident. It's been in short supply since she returned, for understandable reasons. But seeing her like this now...

It's almost overwhelming. There aren't any words to describe just how happy he is to see her like this.]

Thank you, I certainly hope so!

[Not because he's searching for a future wife, and not because he feels the need to rub elbows with those who can help House Gloucester. No, tonight he wants to turn heads simply because he's able to. It doesn't have to be anything more than that.]

Ah, actually, there is something you can help me with...

[He knows the unspoken question, and he likewise knows that Camilla wants to remain useful, so he has something for her to help with. There's a rose on his desk, and he picks it up now and hands it to her.]

I've never quite mastered getting the rose to stay on with anything other than my usual uniform. Can you help me?

[Camilla smiles all too easily when he gives her something to do--she knew he was missing something, after all, and Camilla goes to pick the rose up easily.]

I would be very happy to assist you with that. Hold still for a moment, now...

[It does take some doing, on Camilla's part--she's careful to ensure that the rose is still it's beautiful and pristine self once she gets it to stay on his jacket, beautiful and blooming brightly against the cascading purple of Lorenz's wardrobe.]

There you are. I knew you were missing something...your outfit simply wouldn't be complete without something as precious as a rose. They simply suit you so very well, my dear brother.

[Camilla smiles a bit, though she'll let him get a look at it in case he needs to adjust it. It should be fine, though.]

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