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Chapter Text

The hot sun beats down on them, making their robes shine, almost blindingly, and the cool breeze embraces their stinging skin. The smell of the ever-growing flowers, the freshly-watered dirt, the waves of heat permeating the air, and the hard stone paths under their feet connected everyone to the earth down below, its blossoming youth poking through the ground.

“Mirelle. You know I don’t complain, and I wouldn’t dare. Her Grace was very kind to let us walk through the village, but really, it seems more a… punishment to walk in this heat—not that I’d dare complain, of course.”

Mirelle chuckles, squinting to look at her with the sun in her eyes, “Yes, never a complaint with you, Jaehee. Isn’t it nice, even if it is hot, to feel the breeze? Think about it — the soil smells of life, the bakers toil over their breads, and look! Look at all this green!” She points to the vines trailing along the paths and stone walls.

“Her Grace has green along the sides of The Eternal Palace.”

“But can we see them?”

“And The Verdant Garden has them all over.” She says, matter-of-factly.

“Ha, you know I don’t have time to see the garden.” She bumps into Jaehee’s shoulder to avoid a small girl holding a wooden bird, running away from another young boy, both laughing with joy.

“Right. But now we do. Why didn’t we go to The Verdant Garden instead? It even has benches.” Jaehee, ever the master of self-restraint, continued her noble attempt to not whine—though the sweat clinging to her robes was convincing otherwise, making her calculations on how long she had until she melted into the cobblestone paths all the more flawed.

Chuckling, she shakes her head and pats her arm, “Oh, my poor Jaehee.”

The birds chitter and tweet, the bees buzz around The Square. Merchants argue with their customers—No, I’m not dropping these prices! Then you won’t be getting my money!— and mothers drag their children away from all the distractions. Florists prune their flowers, and the bakers brush flour over their surfaces, ready to knead their dough. Suddenly, a familiar face appears through the crowd.

“Jaehee! Mirelle! Funny seeing you two here.” Hyun pushes through another angry customer to start walking next to the two ladies.

“Funny? How so?” Mirelle questions.

“You two are always so busy in The Eternal Palace.”

“Her Eternal Radiance let us take a break, said we work too hard. Speaking of, you’re always busy, too.” Mirelle lifts her chin up slightly to see his eyes in such close proximity.

“Ahh… that’s true, I suppose. She really only needs me to entertain for guests now, but we all know I’m made for bigger and better!” Hyun looks up to the sky, as if to daydream his grand, blinding future… until the sun quickly reminded him it was not, in fact, his personal spotlight.

“Yes! Everyone deserves to see the magnificence of your talent! You cannot be locked up in The Eternal Palace forever! It only dampens the light that is your beauty!” Jaehee rambles, then looks away, embarrassed, after Mirelle grows a smug grin on her face.

“Thanks, Jaehee. It would be really nice to show off my talent to people who aren’t great Kings or Conquerors.” He gives her a gracious smile, and Mirelle swears she can see Jaehee’s spirit float off into the air.

The smell of delicious grilled meats fills the air as the three pass by a butcher’s shop, and Hyun suddenly realizes how hungry he is.

“I’m so sick of the castle food, honestly. It’s so… healthy. Wanna join me?” He nods his head towards the source of the increasingly delicious smell.

“Ah… I’m not hungry. We had our lunch at The Eternal Palace before our break. Jaehee?” Mirelle gives him a sorry nod before turning to Jaehee.

“Oh, unfortunately, I’m not hungry either. But I would you eat with-- I mean, eat with you every day! Any day. Any other day…! Dinner, lunch, breakfast, just call on me! I mean… uhm…” Jaehee rambles on again, after looking down in embarrassment, once again.

Hyun chuckles, “Alright, I’ll remember that offer. See you ladies later.” He waves them goodbye before heading towards the butcher’s shop.

The central fountain trickles with its glistening water, the movement casting slight glimmers of the sun it catches onto its stone walls. Little children sit on the edge, playing with their wooden birds, small catapults with pebbles, girls lacing each other’s hair with flowers, and boys splashing the water on each other. Their joyful laughter makes Mirelle’s heart at ease, the blissful, childish innocence a relief from the daily mundane of those who’ve outgrown such pleasures. Soon, the source of the children’s joy reveals itself, along with two familiar faces.

“Yoosung! Luciel!” Mirelle waves at them and bounces over to the toy stall laden with a variety of wooden toys: birds, boats, butterflies, among others.

“Oho, and who do we have the pleasure of seeing this beautiful afternoon? The two most beautiful ladies in all the land?” Luciel declares, a teasing tone to his voice and a big smile on his face.

“Don’t you know it!” Mirelle giggles, his smile infectious.

“Hi Jaehee, Mirelle. Out on a walk?” Yoosung places a leaf in his thick book to mark his page and looks up at the two, an innocent smile growing on his face.

“Yes, it’s a beautiful day, after all. Are you studying for something?” Mirelle points to the book resting on the table.

“Sure do! I have this really hard exam coming up, and I really don’t want to fail it!” Yoosung makes a pained expression, as if imagining the consequences of that nightmare.

“Don’t worry, Yoosung. You always pass somehow.” Jaehee reassures him.

“Thanks, Jaehee. My desk at home had been feeling a bit cramped, so I thought I’d sit outside to study. I’m not so sure that was a good idea now…” Yoosung slowly turns his head towards Luciel, as if to accuse him.

“I mean, you came here first!” He puts his hands up in defense.

“Well, you weren’t very accommodating to my dilemma, anyway.” Yoosung crosses his arms stubbornly, like a little child who didn’t get their toy.

“You can always use the Palace Library. You know Her Eternal Radiance wouldn’t mind.” Mirelle reasons.

“Well, sure. I just don’t want to bother her.” Yoosung looks away, a little embarrassed.

“Bother her? That’s impossible! Besides, a lot of people go there.” She assures him.

“Okay. It would be a lot better than listening to whatever Luciel says.” Luciel acts offended, but soon laughs, Mirelle joining in.

“I should go, though. I really need all the time I can get to study! Goodbye!” Yoosung takes his book, waves, and starts walking towards where Mirelle and Jaehee came from.

“Bye Yoosung, good luck!” Luciel calls after him.

As his figure fades into the crowd, Luciel turns back to Mirelle and Jaehee, a playful glint in his eyes.

“So… Luciel. I haven’t seen you in soooo long. What have you been up to? These toys are really nice.” Mirelle asks, looking down at a wooden lion.

“I know! I haven’t seen you two in like, years! I’ve just been working on these toys here, making sure they’re perfect for the little ones.” Luciel shows them a piece of wood he’d been working on, though not clear what it is.

“That’s… actually nice. I never thought you’d do something like this.” Jaehee adds, thoughtfully.

“What did you think I’d do?”

“I don’t know. Build a bridge?” She shrugs.

“Why build a bridge when you can build a tower?” Mirelle jokes.

Luciel’s eyes light up with a familiar, childish glint. “I’d make the biggest tower ever! In all the land! You’d have to climb up for five moons to reach the top!” He spreads his arms out to the side, declaring his ambitious project, and lifts his head as if to imagine the glorious day when confused, concussed birds would admire the greatest architectural wonder in the empire’s history—that is, before hurtling towards it like a lightning bolt to the ground.

“And swing a giant wooden bird down from it?” Mirelle asks, as if in deep, philosophical thought.

“Don’t you know it!” Luciel laughs, mimicking Mirelle’s previous comment.

“If destiny wanted trouble, it sure picked the right deliverers.” Jaehee rolls her eyes, sighing her resignation to letting them roam free like two bees frolicking through an endless sunflower field, already calculating how long it would take for this absurdity to become her problem.

“Sure did!” His eyes light up, and he clears his throat, lowering his tone of voice, “Chaos Bringer Luciel reporting for duty! Ready to bring utter destruction—wait… that can’t be good… Controlled chaos! Yes! Mission Controlled Chaos is a go!

Mirelle fakes a gasp, “Oh, Chaos Bringer Luciel! If we go off on the mission, who would give the children their favorite toys?”

“You’re right…! Then we mustn’t fly too close to the sun!” They laugh once more, until Jaehee realizes how late it has gotten.

“Mirelle, we should get going. Her Grace may need us at this point.” She points out. There’s what Mirelle dreaded—Oh, what I’d give to stay here a moment more, feel myself lift up into the space above our heads— the weight of impending responsibility. Mirelle sighed, reluctant to let go of this kind, inviting warmth in her chest.

“Oh… you’re right. I’ve left my post for too long. I guess we’ll see you around, Luciel?”

“Sure. You know where I’ll be.” He gives them his signature grin before picking up another wooden bird and his awl, likely to begin his next work.

“What is this?” Jaehee points to the bird he holds, “Are you engraving the wings?”

“Oh, yes. Just honing my craft! The artist never rests!” He lifts his awl up, posing like the victor after a war.

“Right.” Jaehee murmurs, “hardly an artist, though…”

“What was that?” Luciel looks at her, accusingly.

“It was nothing—we should get going Mirelle.” She loops her arm in Mirelle’s, slightly pulling her towards the path.

“Okay. Goodbye, Luciel!” Mirelle calls, now significantly down the path, thanks to Jaehee.

“Bye, ladies!” He calls after her, and Mirelle can’t help but notice his eyebags growing slightly. How cute! He continues his carving, his red hair gradually fading into the crowd until it becomes but a speck.

The sun shines a little deeper, the wind slows down as more families return to their homes after a nice day out. The children are called by their mothers to come for supper, the bakers sell their last loaves, and the florists give their plants a last watering for the day. The wind is cooler with the arrival of the evening, the candles in the windows flicker with the swift breeze, and the torches along the entire palace are lit for the night as the two approach the gate.

As they climb the steps through the chill halls, the sound of their soles clacking against the smooth material of the floors, they reach The Empress’ Throne Room. As they enter, they recognize two other figures.

“Oh, Mirelle, Jaehee. How was your walk?” The Empress stands up as welcome the two ladies. Her long, blonde hair gleams in the torchlights, green eyes radiant, smile gracious, the very portrait of a truly kind ruler. The ladies curtsy before approaching further.

“Yes, Your Grace. Our walk was very pleasant, thank you for such an opportunity.” Jaehee thanks her.

“Nonsense! I’m just glad you enjoyed it… A walk on such a lovely night— what could be better?” She shakes her head, a soft smile on her face, “Ladies, you remember Military General Han?” She gestures to the tall, dark man, a helmet at his side.

“Good evening, General Han.” Mirelle smiles, bowing her head. Jaehee does the same.

“Good evening. It is always a pleasure to see you two. How has palace life been treating you?” He slightly bows his head as a response.

“It is comfortable, and Her Grace is very kind,” Jaehee replies cheerfully.

“How are you these days?” Mirelle asks.

“I continue training for the troops, though there is not much else for us to do, a good sign, of course. The Empire remains peaceful. I could not ask for more.” He gives her a small smile.

“Jumin here decided to visit his dear friends this evening.” The Empress explains.

“It’s always nice to see you, Jumin. I’m glad you came.” The Royal Advisor speaks now, his blue hair and eyes especially bright due to the moonlight shining through the windows. His face is graced with a warm, gentle smile.

“I feel I do not do it as often as I should. I have a duty to fulfill now. Having a meal together would be pleasant,” he chuckles lightly, “though time rarely permits such things.”

The three old friends laugh together, likely reminiscing about the past, as old friends should.

“Then, I shall take my leave. I wish you all a fair slumber this eve.” He bows to them before taking a more rigid stance than before, his figure now resembling that of a noble soldier.

“Are you two retiring for the night?” The Royal Advisor, Jihyun, asks. “I hope your walk hasn’t left you exhausted—sleep will be kind to you two.

“Today’s walk certainly has our legs in an ache,” Mirelle laughs, “I will escort Jaehee to her chambers.” She bows her head before looping her arms through Jaehee’s, the two wishing them a good night.

The Empress’ warm kindness lingers in their hearts as the cool palace air brushes against their faces. The moonlight shines through the open windows as the two walk towards the Sleeping Quarters. They talk of small things, complaints about their work the next morning, or walk with each other’s warm silence. As they approach Jaehee’s room, Mirelle gives her a smile, softly giggling when she notices her ever-growing eyebags, knowing Jaehee would still be working through the night. How endearing, she thought.

After wishing Jaehee a good night and finally reaching her own room, she changes into her sleeping robes before finally plopping down on her bed, a contented sigh escaping her lips. Her heart warms, the conversations with all her friends throughout the day making sure her break was just perfect. Taking a moment to finally relish in the peaceful silence of her own thoughts, she takes a deep breath, letting the cool night air coming in from her balcony fill her lungs, the floor bathing in the sky’s moonlight. Familiar hands carving wood, the morning’s birds waking all, and the distant, lively hum of the village filter into her ears. Her mind drifts to thoughts of Luciel actually climbing for five days on his tower. She scoffs, shaking her head. What a ridiculous man. Letting a soft smile grow on her face, she sinks into her soft quilts, letting her eyes drift closed.

Sleep embraces her softly, carrying her far past the night sky.

Chapter Text

The birds chirp early in the morning, a sign of spring’s arrival. Mirelle wakes up with the birds, as always, though not with difficulty. Her calves still ache with the memory of all the walking she did the day before, and somehow her arms ache as well. A lingering, fluttery feeling stirs in her stomach from the night before—unfamiliar, unplaceable. Or perhaps it’s just hunger.

She gets up off her bed to change into her normal healer robes, making sure to take a deep breath of the morning air as she does. She ties her hair with a long, rectangular piece of silk Jaehee once gave her as a gift, braiding it to ensure it stays. Before leaving her chamber, she takes a swift look out onto The Verdant Garden from her balcony. Mirelle considers herself lucky to have such a beautiful view, especially whenever rain touches the dirt down below and wafts quite a nostalgic smell up to her room. Taking one last look, she takes her satchel and makes her way out into the hall.

Soon, she stands in front of Jaehee’s door and knocks gently, “Jaehee?”

Suddenly, the door swings open, revealing a room similar to Mirelle’s, strewn with fabrics as Jaehee pulls her inside.

“Mirelle, I realized—last night—I have a commission due today. If Her Grace doesn’t get her new gown by this evening, I will be nothing but bird feed!” Jaehee shakes Mirelle back and forth until she finally suggests a solution.

“Jaehee, take a deep breath. Her Eternal Radiance would never do that. If anything, she might give you an extension on the gown.”

“I’ve never been late, Mirelle. Ever! What if she was testing me by letting me take a walk? What if she wanted to check where my priorities lie?”

“Please. Jaehee, you know better than anyone how sweet she is.” Mirelle ponders, however, as she can’t just let Jaehee panic-sew for the rest of the day.

Her face lights up with a gasp, “Jaehee! What if you had an assistant? Someone to help you sew your commissions, get more fabric for you, all of it?”

“Oh, no. I couldn’t ask you for such a thing.” Jaehee looks offended at the suggestion.

“Not me, silly. I’m not talented at this at all, like you are, and I have to work in the infirmary, anyway. I meant, you could ask Her Eternal Radiance to find you one.” She giggles a bit at the miscommunication.

“How could I bother Her Grace with such a trivial matter? Besides. She’ll think I’m incompetent!” Jaehee flops heavily into her chair, where the makings of a gown lie on a table, a dejected sigh leaving her.

“Jaehee, she really won’t think that. She never has. She’s always loved the work you’ve done. Look—since that matters so much to you, I’ll find an assistant for you instead.”

Jaehee initially opens her mouth to object, but realizing her desperation, accepts, jumping off of her chair, “Oh, Mirelle… How can I ever repay you?” Jaehee hugs Mirelle gratefully.

“Don’t do work for a day.” She jokes.

“Very funny.” Jaehee deadpans.

Laughing, Mirelle lets Jaehee go back to her work, doing whatever she can, alone, as she closes her door and makes her way to the throne room.

The throne room is regally decorated: marble floors, big, open windows, pillars that look to hold up the roof, gorgeous plants lining the walkway, and engravings on the ceiling, marvelous depictions of nature.

Mirelle curtsies, “Good morning, Your Eternal Radiance. How are you feeling this morning?”

“Ah, good morning, Mirelle! I’m feeling quite well, actually. The morning air helps my mind clear up a little. Thank you for checking in on me every day.” The Empress bows her head in greeting, a warm smile growing on her lips.

Mirelle finds it kind to thank her for her daily check-ups, even though that is her job as Royal Healer. “It’s my pleasure, Your Eternal Radiance. Please eat the breakfast that I have detailed to the Royal Kitchen, and try not to skip meals, even when you are so busy.”

“You take such good care of me. Don’t you skip meals either, alright?” Mirelle smiles at her constant care, and looking at her beautiful smile, she can tell the empress has slept well.

Mirelle smiles, “Of course, Your Eternal Radiance. Then, I shall leave for the infirmary.” She curtsies once more and turns for the large throne room doors, but not without noticing that her Royal Advisor is not yet here. Perhaps he hasn’t awoken yet, Mirelle thinks. His absence is unusual…but surely nothing of concern. She brushes the thought away as she steps past the throne room doors.

Before heading to the infirmary after finishing her duties in the throne room, she makes a quick stop at the herbarium for some medicinal herbs. There, she spots Yoosung and his thick book, talking to the herbalist.

“Thanks, Elyssia. Oh? Yoosung? What brings you here?” Mirelle asks as she receives her order.

She notices a slight flush grow on his face, “Oh! Mirelle. Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I always get my herbs here?” She cocks her head to the side in confusion.

“Hahaha. Right,” he laughs nervously, “I just came here to learn more about these medicinal herbs because my exam is actually on them. Effects and uses and such.”

Sensing there was a bit more to those words, she looks over the counter at her herbalist friend, noticing that she is quite pretty. She feels a smug grin travel across her face.

“Ah, for your exam, huh?” Mirelle tilts her head, a knowing, teasing smile creeping onto her lips, “Nothing else catching your interest, of course.”

Elyssia giggled, joining Mirelle in her teasing, “Of course not! Yoosung here is just very interested in these herbs. He’s been coming here for weeks, right, Yoosung?” She adjusts the delicate sprigs of lavender on the counter, her hands steady while a similar grin to Mirelle’s spreads on her face.

If his face weren’t already as red as a tomato, it surely was now. “I—well…!” Yoosung shifts awkwardly, clutching his book a little tighter as if to shield himself from the teasing.

“Relax, Yoosung. We’re just teasing. You know, if you ever want to see these herbs be used, you can always stop by the infirmary.” Mirelle places her hand on his shoulder to calm him.

“Oh, really? Thank you! That would be so helpful!” There’s that innocent Yoosung we know and love , Mirelle thinks.

“Anytime. I should get going, though. Bye, Elyssia, Yoosung.” She nods her head in goodbye, ensuring she doesn’t step on one of the numerous plants on the floor.

Luckily, the infirmary isn’t too far from the herbarium. The beautiful flowers that line the path towards the infirmary sway gently in the breeze, warming up to the soft morning light. With the streets so quiet and most of its inhabitants still getting used to the new day, Mirelle takes a moment to admire the serenity of the village. The faint aroma of jasmine and gardenias lingers in the air as she walks, her satchel filled with fresh herbs. Before long, the familiar sight of the infirmary’s arched doorway comes into view, a welcoming entrance for all who need anything—comfort, medicine, care.

Mirelle opens the doors to the infirmary, officially declaring to the village that the healers are in. She’s not alone, however, with the numerous patients who had spent the night for their ailments, and her colleagues, of course.

“Mirelle. Good morning.” Amara turns around, her long, old Royal Healer robes swaying with her long braid.

“Good morning, Mistress. I brought the herbs.” Mirelle takes her satchel into the medicine room in the back, where all their tools are stored.

“Did you rest well? I need some Lunethium here.” She places her hand to a patient’s forehead.

Mirelle takes the valeroot and mint, crushing it with some water. Pouring it into a vial, she brings it to Amara.

“It’s always comfortable in the Palace—How are you feeling, good soul?— I don’t know why you ever left.” Mirelle keeps her voice hushed as most of the patients still sleep.

Amara pours some of the thick liquid onto her fingers, spreading it lightly over the patient’s forehead. She hums, “Oh, please—This will alleviate your headache, good soul—I have you in the palace, so I might as well relax here.”

Mirelle watches as the paste works its magic, the patient’s furrowed brows calming, his headache evidently disappearing, and a grateful smile spreading across his face. Seeing Amara spread the paste with her practiced ease, Mirelle couldn’t help but admire the subtle grace in her mentor’s movements, even after all these years. She hoped her hand would carry that same confidence and knowledge, someday.

Making her way over to the front counter, Mirelle lays her satchel over the back of the chair. She bends down, opening a cupboard to find the infirmary’s record book. Picking the most recent one, she places it on the counter and brings out some ink and a quill, preparing for new patients.

As if reading her mind, a well-dressed lady walks into the infirmary.

“Good morning, good soul. How can I assist—”

"Oh, this is just dreadful. Goodness. Just looking at you is making my head ache. I came here for an upset stomach, but I suppose you should treat my eyes as well. Just looking at you… ugh.”

Not knowing what to say, Mirelle clears her throat, picks up her quill, and writes stomachache. Well that wasn’t very kind… Do I look that bad? “Your name?”

“Xenaris, Isolde. You really need some color on those robes.”

Xenaris, Isolde - Stomachache, Mirelle takes down the record, unsure whether to take her comments about a headache and eye ailment seriously as well.

“Is it only pain? How long has it lasted? How are your moveme—”

“Were your robes sewn in the dark?”

Mirelle is taken aback, “What? I—no!” She hushes her own voice, “Please, good soul. Tell me your condition.”

“Ugh, well, it’s been about four days. Just pain. My mother-in-law has been bringing these dandelions for me to eat, says it gives me a better chance to… well, you know. Disgusting, those things, really. The woman doesn’t know how to cook!” Isolde places her hand over her forehead and closes her eyes, rambling on about her mother-in-law. Mirelle has to urge her to keep it down for the rest of the patients.

“Stop eating the dandelions. The healer’s orders. If the pain persists, please come back.” Mirelle writes a small note, explaining same orders.

“You know, a nice red might go well with those robes—matches your eyes.” Isolde comments, calmer now, taking the small slip from Mirelle.

Suddenly, Mirelle gets one of those ‘Eureka!’ moments.

“Wait! Madam Xenaris. Are you perhaps interested in tailoring? Dressmaking?”

Taking a closer look, Isolde isn’t too much older than Mirelle, and the dress she wears is quite glamorous, nothing like what most family women wear.

Mirelle saw her eyes sparkle, “Why, yes. Actually, I made this dress myself, you see. I wanted to open a tailoring shop since I was a young maiden. Then I got married. It’s all that wretched, old woman’s fault, you see!” She cried, noticing there was no need to be quiet anymore as almost all the patients were waking up.

Taking her free hand in her own, Mirelle’s heart softens for her dilemma. “My dear friend is a seamstress. If you wish, I believe she would love your help. That dress is truly beautiful. I have no doubt she would appreciate your work.”

Her face flushes, “Oh my, well… I suppose it wouldn’t hurt…to try.”

“Once your mother-in-law sees all the beautiful dresses you make and the important work you do, I’m sure she’ll understand your passion.” Mirelle patted her hand.

“Thank you…”

“Mirelle.”

“…Mirelle. Well, then. Won’t you take me to your friend?”

. . .

“YOUR FRIEND IS THE ROYAL SEAMSTRESS?” Isolde almost shattered the glass of water Jaehee was holding. She holds her hands to her cheeks, like a very famous portrait of a shrieking man.

Pulling her aside, Jaehee whispers to Mirelle, “Did you bring a lunatic? Who is this woman?”

“Please, trust me. I found this talented woman at the infirmary, and I assure you. Just give her a chance, and you will not be disappointed.” Mirelle reasons.

She sighs, looking back at Isolde, grimacing at her… frenzied excitement, “Okay… Only because you’re my friend. If my head has fallen off my neck by tomorrow morning, I’m coming for yours, too.”

Jaehee studied Isolde for a moment, her brows furrowed, “Ahem. So… Isolde. How are you with a needle? Running errands?”

“Been doing it since I was a girl! What do you need me to do?”

“I’ve run out of this fabric. Please go to the stall and buy me some more.” Jaehee hands Isolde a fabric sample and a small pouch of coins.

As Isolde almost jumps to do her errand, Mirelle nods to Jaehee, “You won’t be disappointed~” She sings, as she turns for the door.

. . .

As the sun starts its descent, Mirelle crushes the last of the herbs into their respective medicines. Amara tends to the cured patients, giving them instructions for the next few days, and Mirelle tends to the new patients, those with a more serious ailment. She wishes them a good sleep before blowing out the lamps throughout the infirmary and taking the last, clean plates of dinner into the kitchen.

“Here, I will wash these.” Amara takes the rag from Mirelle and dips the plates in the big bowl of washing water.

The mutual silence between the two comforts Mirelle, a familiar feeling. Amara is like a second mother to her. She’s taught her the ways of royal medicine since she was a young scholar, and Mirelle always looked up to her. Now, the ends of her braid turn grey, the edges of her robes, still regal, yet are more faded. Mirelle looks up at her, watching her peaceful, concentrated expression as she scrubs the plates.

“Why do you stare at me so?” Amara catches her glance.

Letting a silence hang before she speaks, Mirelle “Did you truly leave the palace solely because you knew I would be taking care of your duties there? Or… is there another reason?”

Amara’s shoulders stiffen only the slightest bit, but still, Mirelle could sense it.

“It is always what I have told you before, Mirelle. Focus on your studies, focus on your healing. Do not worry about my reasons.”

Drying her hands, Amara stands up from her squat and walks over to her own satchel. Digging through it, she pulls out a book and hands it to Mirelle.

“Read this book. It helped me when I was a young Royal Healer.”

Unfortunately, the infirmary was much too dark to read the title. Nevertheless, Mirelle gratefully accepted the book.

“Thank you, Mistress.” She tucked the book into her satchel. “I should get going. The moon is almost up.”

“Goodbye, Mirelle. May your dreams bring clarity.”

. . .

Before turning into her chambers, Mirelle checks on Jaehee.

She knocks gently, “Jaehee?”

Suddenly, the door swings open, revealing a surprisingly clean room, and well-kempt Jaehee, and one beautiful gown in the center on a reed mannequin.

“Mirelle! That woman— Isolde! Oh, she’s a genius! A genius, I tell you! Thank you so much!” Jaehee hugs Mirelle gratefully, once again.

Struggling for air, Mirelle huffs out, “It’s no problem. Speaking of— where is Isolde?”

“She went home for dinner. Oh, Mirelle! Look at this gown! She got me that fabric, then she showed me this stitch I’d never seen in all my years of tailoring! And see this?” She points to a line of rosettes along the waist trim, “Her idea. Genius— Genius, I say!”

“Haha, I’m afraid she’s already married,” Mirelle jokes, “I’m glad she was so helpful. I take it the dress is done now?”

“Yes, I’m going to take it to Her Grace now. I don’t suppose you want to join me?” She said, picking up the gown delicately, letting out a sigh of relief as she looks admiringly at the gown.

Mirelle shook her head, “No, I have some reading to do.” She patted the book in her satchel.

“That’s nice. Can never get your nose out of those books, hm? Well, enjoy your reading. I hope Her Grace likes this!”

“I’m sure she will. Sleep well tonight, Jaehee. You hear me? Sleep. ” She opens the door for Jaehee. “Oh, and I don’t suppose you could add some color to these healing robes?” She adds sheepishly, thinking back to Isolde’s first comments.

“Yes, yes, no problem.” She replies, absent-mindedly. “Fair dreams!” She rushes down the corridor towards the Empress’ chambers.

With a humored hum, Mirelle closes the door and walks to her own room.

Breathing in the smell of her own room, she pulls out the book Amara gave her and places it on her bedside table. After changing into her sleeping robes and taking out her braid, she lights her candle and curls into her bed with the book. Remedies of a Healer , it reads. She starts from the first page, flipping every so often when she finishes a spread. Her fingers brush the worn edges of the pages. She wonders if the book might hold the answer to questions she’s too afraid to ask, looking onward into the star-filled sky. She doesn’t know how much time has passed. All she understands is the faint, feathery feeling on her lips and her body ascending past the stars.