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Cebba, young harpy and Shamira's lady-in-waiting
Shamira, princess and friend of Cebba
Alard, young nobleman
(Mostly was notes for me)
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Featherless
Part 1
Shamira, princess and friend of Cebba
Alard, young nobleman
(Mostly was notes for me)
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Featherless
Part 1
The young harpy brushed the long silky locks of the princess. Cebba sighs quietly, deep in her thoughts. It was another day that Shamira's father would hold a ball at the palace. Ever sense she was of age to marry, her father held a ball every month or two so the princess could find a potential husband. Shamira couldn't catch a break, at least, in the eyes of Cebba. Or perhaps, she is projecting her struggles upon the young princess. As a harpy, a being that is half-human half-bird, humans often seen her as revolting. Dreadfully, she had to attend each ball, being the princess's lady-in-waiting. Every time she stepped into the ball room, she could feel the heavy weight of judging eyes staring down at her. She had it rough, but thankfully, she had people who genuinely cared for her, Shamira and her father. Shamira and Cebba have been friends as long as she could remember, and now forever by her side. Cebba kept thinking every night about how lucky she was to even be taken in by them. The sweetest humans she ever met, unlike the ones at the ball.
Soon Cebba was done brushing, glancing up at the vanity in front of them both. The princess sat in her chair, looking in the mirror with a smile. "How is it?" Cebba asked, looking at her through the reflection. "What were you thinking about?" The princess asked curiously. "Huh?" the harpy stared with confusion, "I. It was nothing important." "Oh really? You say that every time and it is usually important. Come on, Ceb. You can talk to me, you know?" Cebba thinks on it for a moment in silence, "Hm. It's just there has been so many parties and it is a load of anxiety each time." Shamira ponders for a moment, "Could just not go." "I'm your lady-in-waiting, I can't just not go." She spouts in a huff. Slowly the princess stands and heads to the closet. Cebba follows and opens the closet doors open for her. "Hm, true. Eheh, I am not so helpful," she replied with a hint of awkwardness. "Now should I wear pink or blue," she mumbled mostly to herself. Cebba soon faces the closet, picking out only pink and blue dresses for Shamira. "I mostly don't want to deal with Alard," the harpy continued, "he is like the worst. One of the only ones who speak to me, only to mock me!" The harpy spoke with a sour tone, being frustrated and dreading her and Alard's encounter. She soon was interrupted by a knock on the door. "The guest are arriving now. Is lady Shamira ready?" A voice of a servant spoke from the other side of the door. "Oh! We'll be out in a second!" Shamira says as she quickly picks an elegant blue dress. "This will have to do. Quick, find some nice sapphire earrings!" Cebba nodded and went to do so.
After a few minutes, the princess rushes through the halls, not wanting to keep the people waiting any longer. Cebba struggled to keep up, "Slow down, my lady!" She called out. She was so tempted to fly after her, but surely would be reminded not to. The king didn't want her to accidently frighten people. Cebba is small for a harpy, but her wings can make her look big and intimating. She finally caught up to Shamira as she was just about to walk down the stair case that lead to the ball room. Pillars lined the sides of the ball room, as well as small fountains built into the elegantly detailed walls, pouring down like sparkly waterfalls. A few chandeliers were places upon the high ceiling, smaller ones and large one in the middle of the room, sparkling in it's own light. The tilted floors shined in the light of the chandeliers, almost reflecting a clear image of those who walked on them. Cebba observed the crowd of nobles and royals as she walked beside the princess down the staircase. She almost instantly spotted Alard, hoping to stay far away from him for once. But, soon all eyes were on Shamira and her. Alard gave Cebba a distasteful look, then gazed at Shamira like she was an angel coming down from the heavens. Cebba kept a straight face and focused on Shamira. She was more important than a rude nobleman.
Songs began to play moments later and people began to dance around the room gracefully. Shamira had many come up to her to talk, give her flowers and gifts, as well as offering her to dance. Cebba quietly watches as she near her. Didn't dare speak unless spoken to because she knew if she did, she would get more unwanted attention. The nervous harpy kept thinking, can time go any faster? She anxiously glances around. So many people.. She didn't even realize Shamira went to dance with a noble, looking over to find nothing but the air at her side. With slight panic, Cebba looked around until spotted the princess, dancing with much joy and elegance with a handsome noble. Ah... She is fine. That is all that matters. Quietly she watched. Sadly, peacefully watching didn't last to long. "What is the little monster doing all alone?" Cebba knew that voice, looking over at Alard who stared down at her. He had a smirk, "The princess finally ditched you? I wouldn't blame her. Someone of such beauty and status shouldn't have to look at an ugly monster all day." Cebba sighs, "Well, sure as heck she wouldn't ditch me for someone so scummy like you," she mumbled. "Eh? What was that, pip squeak?" His smirk went away. "You heard me," she replied, looking him in the eyes. "Tch. Some nerve to speak like that to a noble." She said nothing, soon looking away. Cebba goes back to watching the princess dance, making Alard annoyed until he noticed what she was watching. "Don't you look away from me. I am talking-" Alard stares, slightly glaring at the noble who was dancing with Shamira. "See. She wouldn't ever pick you. You noticed that right?" Alard looks back at Cebba, slowly getting enraged. "Why you little..." He storms off, Cebba smiling a little as she hears his footsteps grow distant. It wouldn't last, as after a few minutes of peace, she was suddenly is hit with eggs. Noble's children threw them at her, prompted to by Alard out of anger. Cebba tries to back away, but tripping over her feathered tail and falling over. Everyone around soon noticed, staring at the panicked harpy. Slowly, they all laughed. Cebba was frozen in embarrassment. Couldn't udder a word if she wanted to. Alard stepped over to her with a grin. He leans down and whispers, "I thought maybe at least your children could give you company." She slowly looks at him, teary-eyed. "Cebba!" Shamira rushed over to her and helped her up. Alard gave a confused looked and stepped back. Quickly it went silent. Cebba shakily stood, and soon fled the ball room with ears in her eyes. All the nobles glanced around awkwardly and went back to what they were doing. Alard watched her run off, satisfied. Though, confused at why the princess soon ran after her. "Wasting your time on a harpy.."
Cebba didn't know where to go, other than the princess's room. It was where she felt safe. No one stare. No one to laugh at her. No judgment. She sat onto the floor near the bed and sobbed, feeling so humiliated. He hates harpies that much..? She hugged her knees and buried her face into them. Eventually Shamira entered the room, quietly. She looked over at her, walking over and sitting beside her. Gently she would wipe off the egg with a handkerchief. The sudden touch startled Cebba slightly, making her lift up her head and look at her. She didn't say a word and let her continue. Shamira looked at her, wiping her tears away with a hand. "I'm so sorry that happened, Ceb.." The young harpy looked down at the ground, shaking her head, "No.. Don't be. It isn't your fault." She spoke with much sorrow in her voice. "It was Alard.." Was a small pause. "Am I truly a hideous monster..? Do I deserve this..?" " No! Absolutely not. You're not a hideous monster, nor deserve this treatment." Shamira spoke genuinely, which helped a bit. "But, I am a harpy.. Hated. Told I am ugly. I wish I wasn't a harpy.." The princess keeps her gaze on her saddened friend. She thinks for a bit, and takes a breath, beginning to focus. Cebba looked at her, slightly confused at what she was doing. A magical sparkling light appeared, quickly it spun around her. "W-What is going on?" Cebba was slightly panicked. She had seen magic but didn't know the princess was studying any. The light continued to go around her, gradually changing her appearance. She stared at herself in shock as the feathers and wings disappeared, making her look completely human. It was soon complete, the light going away. Shamira smiled, holding out her hand. Cebba gently takes it, helped up and soon guided to the vanity. She stares into the mirror, seeing her featherless reflection. It felt like a dream, but she was awake and truly seeing this. "I.. I look beautiful." Shamira giggles a little, "You were always beautiful." Cebba kept her gazes fixed on her reflection. "This is amazing." She slowly smiles. "Can finally have my life be a bit easier," looks at Shamira. "Eheh, well. For a week," the princess says with nervous smile. "What do you mean?" Cebba tilts her head. "I'm not that good at magic, so it is only temporary. The best I can do is a week. Though, I had a brilliant plan to make up for it!" She seemed unsure and now a tad disappointed but willing to listen to her. " So! We make Alard fall in love with you." Shamira seemed so proud of her idea, but Cebba was so confused. "I'm sorry, what?" "Alard doesn't like harpies. So if he fell in love with you, it would be the perfect revenge to watch him get horrified when you turn back into a bird!" She stared, looking very unsure. Cebba sighs, "Alright I guess. How will this go?" Shamira thinks for a moment. Didn't have that all planned out? "Hmm. Maybe could give you a different name and say you're one of my noble friends that is staying over for a bit?" Cebba shrugs, "Sure?" "Alright! Cool! You are now, hm. Carmi!" Cebba wasn't too thrilled with the whole idea but kept going along with it. "Okay?" This can't possibly work. "Where to even begin? How will this all work?" Shamira seemed unsure. "Really? If you have a plan that is limited to a week then maybe should think it out more!" Cebba huffs, frustrated. "Eheh, don't worry. I'll think of something. Promise. Let's worry about it tomorrow morning. You should have some rest after today." Hard to argue with that. Sure has been a long day. "Guess I'll head to my room. Goodnight." Cebba walks out the Shamira's room. "Goodnight! Sweet dreams!" How on earth will this work..?
Soon Cebba was done brushing, glancing up at the vanity in front of them both. The princess sat in her chair, looking in the mirror with a smile. "How is it?" Cebba asked, looking at her through the reflection. "What were you thinking about?" The princess asked curiously. "Huh?" the harpy stared with confusion, "I. It was nothing important." "Oh really? You say that every time and it is usually important. Come on, Ceb. You can talk to me, you know?" Cebba thinks on it for a moment in silence, "Hm. It's just there has been so many parties and it is a load of anxiety each time." Shamira ponders for a moment, "Could just not go." "I'm your lady-in-waiting, I can't just not go." She spouts in a huff. Slowly the princess stands and heads to the closet. Cebba follows and opens the closet doors open for her. "Hm, true. Eheh, I am not so helpful," she replied with a hint of awkwardness. "Now should I wear pink or blue," she mumbled mostly to herself. Cebba soon faces the closet, picking out only pink and blue dresses for Shamira. "I mostly don't want to deal with Alard," the harpy continued, "he is like the worst. One of the only ones who speak to me, only to mock me!" The harpy spoke with a sour tone, being frustrated and dreading her and Alard's encounter. She soon was interrupted by a knock on the door. "The guest are arriving now. Is lady Shamira ready?" A voice of a servant spoke from the other side of the door. "Oh! We'll be out in a second!" Shamira says as she quickly picks an elegant blue dress. "This will have to do. Quick, find some nice sapphire earrings!" Cebba nodded and went to do so.
After a few minutes, the princess rushes through the halls, not wanting to keep the people waiting any longer. Cebba struggled to keep up, "Slow down, my lady!" She called out. She was so tempted to fly after her, but surely would be reminded not to. The king didn't want her to accidently frighten people. Cebba is small for a harpy, but her wings can make her look big and intimating. She finally caught up to Shamira as she was just about to walk down the stair case that lead to the ball room. Pillars lined the sides of the ball room, as well as small fountains built into the elegantly detailed walls, pouring down like sparkly waterfalls. A few chandeliers were places upon the high ceiling, smaller ones and large one in the middle of the room, sparkling in it's own light. The tilted floors shined in the light of the chandeliers, almost reflecting a clear image of those who walked on them. Cebba observed the crowd of nobles and royals as she walked beside the princess down the staircase. She almost instantly spotted Alard, hoping to stay far away from him for once. But, soon all eyes were on Shamira and her. Alard gave Cebba a distasteful look, then gazed at Shamira like she was an angel coming down from the heavens. Cebba kept a straight face and focused on Shamira. She was more important than a rude nobleman.
Songs began to play moments later and people began to dance around the room gracefully. Shamira had many come up to her to talk, give her flowers and gifts, as well as offering her to dance. Cebba quietly watches as she near her. Didn't dare speak unless spoken to because she knew if she did, she would get more unwanted attention. The nervous harpy kept thinking, can time go any faster? She anxiously glances around. So many people.. She didn't even realize Shamira went to dance with a noble, looking over to find nothing but the air at her side. With slight panic, Cebba looked around until spotted the princess, dancing with much joy and elegance with a handsome noble. Ah... She is fine. That is all that matters. Quietly she watched. Sadly, peacefully watching didn't last to long. "What is the little monster doing all alone?" Cebba knew that voice, looking over at Alard who stared down at her. He had a smirk, "The princess finally ditched you? I wouldn't blame her. Someone of such beauty and status shouldn't have to look at an ugly monster all day." Cebba sighs, "Well, sure as heck she wouldn't ditch me for someone so scummy like you," she mumbled. "Eh? What was that, pip squeak?" His smirk went away. "You heard me," she replied, looking him in the eyes. "Tch. Some nerve to speak like that to a noble." She said nothing, soon looking away. Cebba goes back to watching the princess dance, making Alard annoyed until he noticed what she was watching. "Don't you look away from me. I am talking-" Alard stares, slightly glaring at the noble who was dancing with Shamira. "See. She wouldn't ever pick you. You noticed that right?" Alard looks back at Cebba, slowly getting enraged. "Why you little..." He storms off, Cebba smiling a little as she hears his footsteps grow distant. It wouldn't last, as after a few minutes of peace, she was suddenly is hit with eggs. Noble's children threw them at her, prompted to by Alard out of anger. Cebba tries to back away, but tripping over her feathered tail and falling over. Everyone around soon noticed, staring at the panicked harpy. Slowly, they all laughed. Cebba was frozen in embarrassment. Couldn't udder a word if she wanted to. Alard stepped over to her with a grin. He leans down and whispers, "I thought maybe at least your children could give you company." She slowly looks at him, teary-eyed. "Cebba!" Shamira rushed over to her and helped her up. Alard gave a confused looked and stepped back. Quickly it went silent. Cebba shakily stood, and soon fled the ball room with ears in her eyes. All the nobles glanced around awkwardly and went back to what they were doing. Alard watched her run off, satisfied. Though, confused at why the princess soon ran after her. "Wasting your time on a harpy.."
Cebba didn't know where to go, other than the princess's room. It was where she felt safe. No one stare. No one to laugh at her. No judgment. She sat onto the floor near the bed and sobbed, feeling so humiliated. He hates harpies that much..? She hugged her knees and buried her face into them. Eventually Shamira entered the room, quietly. She looked over at her, walking over and sitting beside her. Gently she would wipe off the egg with a handkerchief. The sudden touch startled Cebba slightly, making her lift up her head and look at her. She didn't say a word and let her continue. Shamira looked at her, wiping her tears away with a hand. "I'm so sorry that happened, Ceb.." The young harpy looked down at the ground, shaking her head, "No.. Don't be. It isn't your fault." She spoke with much sorrow in her voice. "It was Alard.." Was a small pause. "Am I truly a hideous monster..? Do I deserve this..?" " No! Absolutely not. You're not a hideous monster, nor deserve this treatment." Shamira spoke genuinely, which helped a bit. "But, I am a harpy.. Hated. Told I am ugly. I wish I wasn't a harpy.." The princess keeps her gaze on her saddened friend. She thinks for a bit, and takes a breath, beginning to focus. Cebba looked at her, slightly confused at what she was doing. A magical sparkling light appeared, quickly it spun around her. "W-What is going on?" Cebba was slightly panicked. She had seen magic but didn't know the princess was studying any. The light continued to go around her, gradually changing her appearance. She stared at herself in shock as the feathers and wings disappeared, making her look completely human. It was soon complete, the light going away. Shamira smiled, holding out her hand. Cebba gently takes it, helped up and soon guided to the vanity. She stares into the mirror, seeing her featherless reflection. It felt like a dream, but she was awake and truly seeing this. "I.. I look beautiful." Shamira giggles a little, "You were always beautiful." Cebba kept her gazes fixed on her reflection. "This is amazing." She slowly smiles. "Can finally have my life be a bit easier," looks at Shamira. "Eheh, well. For a week," the princess says with nervous smile. "What do you mean?" Cebba tilts her head. "I'm not that good at magic, so it is only temporary. The best I can do is a week. Though, I had a brilliant plan to make up for it!" She seemed unsure and now a tad disappointed but willing to listen to her. " So! We make Alard fall in love with you." Shamira seemed so proud of her idea, but Cebba was so confused. "I'm sorry, what?" "Alard doesn't like harpies. So if he fell in love with you, it would be the perfect revenge to watch him get horrified when you turn back into a bird!" She stared, looking very unsure. Cebba sighs, "Alright I guess. How will this go?" Shamira thinks for a moment. Didn't have that all planned out? "Hmm. Maybe could give you a different name and say you're one of my noble friends that is staying over for a bit?" Cebba shrugs, "Sure?" "Alright! Cool! You are now, hm. Carmi!" Cebba wasn't too thrilled with the whole idea but kept going along with it. "Okay?" This can't possibly work. "Where to even begin? How will this all work?" Shamira seemed unsure. "Really? If you have a plan that is limited to a week then maybe should think it out more!" Cebba huffs, frustrated. "Eheh, don't worry. I'll think of something. Promise. Let's worry about it tomorrow morning. You should have some rest after today." Hard to argue with that. Sure has been a long day. "Guess I'll head to my room. Goodnight." Cebba walks out the Shamira's room. "Goodnight! Sweet dreams!" How on earth will this work..?
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