Ruby Shimmer (re-write)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Several minutes passed by uneventfully until we had finally made it back to my room, after which, the petite blonde maid immediately led me back into the walk-in closet. She then proceeded to free me from my confining dress before wrapping my body in the same silken robe she had earlier that evening.

Though, I was confused about why she didn't unwind my hair as well.

After doing this, she guided me towards the bathroom once more, then opened a small cabinet built into the wall, pulling out a wicker basket filled with various bottles of creams and scrubs. She also removed a fluffy white hand towel before handing each of these items to me.

"What's all this for?" I asked, staring back at her curiously.

And she answered my question by pointing out each item's use one by one.

"This one is a powerful makeup remover. And this small jar holds several cotton balls that are gentle on the skin. Finally, these bottles here contain high-end face scrubs and rich moisturizers to keep your skin clear and plump. Though they all do have a collection of assorted scents, they still have the same strength and effect, so please feel free to use whichever ones you like. And if there are any of them you absolutely do not like, then please let me know immediately and I shall have them replaced."

Feeling reassured by her thorough explanation, I spent a few extra minutes trying out each and every scent, keeping any that I did not like off to one side, while the ones I did like off to the other.

Once I had them all sorted out, I followed her unspoken direction by walking over to the nearby sink with the newly refilled basket in my hands and the hand towel flung over my shoulder.

Then, under the watchful eye of Ava, I started by using the cotton balls and makeup remover to take off as much as I could. After which, I wet my face with warm water before gently rubbing one of my chosen face scrubs into my skin, an orange-scented one that had quickly become one of my favorites from the second I smelled it. Lastly, I carefully rinsed my face off with more warm water before patting it dry with the towel.

I then amazed even myself when I began to peel the robe off my body without hesitation, especially since Ava was still watching my every move.

Following this action, I massaged several dollops of cherry-scented moisturizers onto my entire body, though my new attendant did have to help me with my back.

Finally finished with all that, I redressed in my robe before Ava led me back into the closet afterwards.

She then gestured towards the vanity stool off in the corner, to which I immediately sat back down without question. Ava herself then began the careful task of unraveling my elaborate hairstyle and removing bobby pins until my dark brown locks were back to their usual loose waves.

While I quickly ran my fingers through my hair and happily scratched the subtle itching that had been bugging me all through dinner, Ava had walked away yet again.

But unlike the other times she had done the same thing, she was back after only a few minutes. And she was now carrying another set of silk pajamas almost identical to the set that I had woken up in, the only difference being that this set was colored a deep ocean blue instead of simple cream. She had even brought me a pair of fluffy white slippers.

Once I was dressed in the much more comfortable clothes, the blonde maid picked up the brush and tenderly ran it through my hair. And this ended up being a wonderfully relaxing act after having such a hard and exhausting day.

In fact, it was so relaxing that I was unable to stop the deep yawn from escaping past my lips.

"Sorry, Ava." I said sheepishly, feeling embarrassed. "I must be more exhausted than I thought."

But thankfully, she simply gave me another of her understanding smiles as she placed the brush on the vanity table.

"Think nothing of it, young miss. With all you've been through today, it's no wonder you're tired. We should probably get you into bed, anyway. It's already quite late and you will need the sleep. You have a lot of hard work ahead of you from tomorrow on."

"I do?" I questioned her in confusion.

"Oh, were you not told at dinner? How odd. I just assumed. Well, either way, now that you have been officially introduced to the Elders, you will be expected to immediately start training to master your new power. You will also be required to start studying the entire series of research journals and notes collected by the members of both the original and the re-founded League.

There will also be lessons on ways to protect yourself and provide strong defense against all manner of dangerous situations. Not to mention, the lessons on languages, proper etiquette, and various types of cultural traditions when it comes to interacting with the different clans from all across the world."

Not knowing now to respond, I could only nod my head as I let out another yawn and gave a slight stretch. Afterwards, I stood up and exited the closet, making an immediate beeline for the nice soft bed that was currently calling out my name.

I then dragged myself up the small amount of steps that led the way up, though I did mentally curse them for my having to climb them when I realized that even this minor effort was causing me to grow all the more exhausted.

But, I finally made it past the last step, I happily crawled onto the plush mattress before snuggling underneath the thick blanket.

"Pleasant dreams, young miss."

"Good night, Ava." I said in a heavy voice as I already felt my eyes beginning to close. "Thanks for being my friend."

"Of...Of course, young miss." she answered back with what I noticed was a bit of hesitation.

However, I was so tired that I decided to merely ignore that fact for now, as she had already turned off the light and I was left dozing in the dark.

But right before I drifted off to sleep, I was almost sure that I heard her say, "A friend, huh?"