The Morning of the Moths (Sosicly)

[Poison]

Summer 1, 513 AV

It was the first day of summer. All of Kalinor was filled with an air of anticipation. The Symenestra had spent most of spring weaving tapestries for the weaving contest that would take place that day. Those that didn’t take part in the contest, were getting ready for the Ranekissra coccoon harvest. The small stall at the Orchard Market that sold cosmetics had been empty for days, and the Weft and Warp had so many orders for gowns that they couldn’t fullfill them all. Almost every unmarried female Symenestra between the age of fourteen and twenty-five secretly dreamed of being the one, the Moth Queen.

The last two years had been exciting. Selaria Anice, the Moth Queen of 511 AV, had been poisoned, and in 512 AV Kalinor had had two Moth Queens, Soraya Orchid and Nissabella Rose, a dancer that had gained a certain amount of popularity due to her performances in the Cobweb. Everybody was wondering what 513 AV would bring. Would there be three Moth Queens? No Moth Queen? Would the daughter of the ruling couple get the title this time? Or maybe one of the children of the Ivy Web?

It was the first day of summer, early in the morning, as Sosicly Magnolia heard a knock on her door. If she opened the door she would see … Avarys Anthurium, one of the owners of the Weft and Warp standing there, looking at her enigmatically. He was a handsome man, if you didn’t mind your men skinny and a little feminine, with long black hair, full lips and large violet eyes. He was dressed in a fine silk robe that matched the color of his eyes on top of his exoskeleton armor.

„Ah … Sosicly!“ he greeted her and smiled, a smile that had already melted the heart of more than one woman in Kalinor. There had been rumours that both Nissabella Rose and Soraya Orchid had been infatuated him, and that Soraya Orchid had threatened to do something very bad if he didn’t give in to her advances. People said that was why he had disappeared for a while at the end of 512 AV. „You are without a doubt wondering why I’m here. I assure you my dear cousin and I are content with your work. My visit doesn’t have anything to do with it. I have a surprise for you. May I come in?“

[Sosicly Magnolia]

The Magonlia Web was mostly empty, only Sosicly and her father were left, her father was late to everything, even the first day of Summer! Sosicly had long since been up, she had attempted to complete a piece for the weaving contest but she had not been able to finish but had been unable to sleep. She had ended up getting a few scant bells of sleep, and had woken in a flurry to get ready for the day, and double check at the Weft and Warp that she had properly put away her supplies. She had nearly been out the door when she heard the knock, freezing in surprise at seeing Avary’s. He had not been to the Weft and Warp for a while and she had not even realized he had come back and stayed after his disappearance. Smiling in response to his smile she realized she needed to actually answer and nodded quickly, waving her hand for him to follow. She pulled aside the cloth to her makeshift kitchen and gestured for him to sit, then held up a finger. All her writing supplies were still set scattered on the table and she moved them, jumping in surprise when her father appeared behind her. “I’m was leaving, should I stay?” She shook her head, then waited curiously for him to finish, “I will save room for you with your mother.” The man gave Avary a smile but his eyes were hard, he knew the man was a flirt and knew his daughter well enough that she would play along in return for whatever the other would give her. He glared at his daughter in warning then slipped out. Sosicly flushed at the exchange, and then scribbled out quickly on her book before sliding it towards Avary. If I left a mess at the Weft I will clean it. I assumed I had done it but I was tired when I left.

[Poison]

As Avarys noticed Sosicly’s father, he frowned a little – he had not expected to see one of her parents, and he wasn’t sure if he liked that either - but after a few moments the frown was replaced by a brilliant smile. „Good day, Sir!“ he exclaimed, and then he lowered his voice to a more normal pitch. „It is obvious that your daughter got her looks from her parents! I assure you that Sosicly will be completely safe with me.“

He gave the older man his most harmless, innocent smile (that didn’t really look particularly innocent). As Sosicly’s father left the room, he made a small pushing motion with his hands behind the man‘s back, and then he turned to Sosicly again, waiting for what she would say … or write. Unfortunately the girl seemed convinced that she had done somethng wrong despite the fact that he had already assured her that he was content with her work when he had come in.

He sighed. He really hoped that she wouldn’t think this was all some kind of joke (although it would have been a good one).

„There’s no mess, my dear“, he informed her. „And if there were, the others would clean it. I hope you aren’t tired now. You have a big day ahead of you. They have decided that you will be Moth Queen. Or rather, they couldn’t decide between three girls. One of them turned out to have a few skeletons in her closet – not real ones, of course, just metaphorical ones – and the other two … well, let’s just say, they thought you’d be a much better Moth Queen in the end even though you can’t speak.“

„Except for Vass Vervein, but he is just a grumpy old man with no sense of humor who doesn’t really appreciate a pretty girl. I do of course. So are you ready to go?“

[Sosicly Magnolia]

Some people shouldn’t speak. Her words were slanted sharply but she made no smile or face of displeasure. She did not believe him entirely but it could be possible for the previous year they had two queens. Why shouldn’t she be chosen? She gave him a hard look, she was no one’s second choice but she was pleased she had been considered at all. After a chime of silence she continued writing, I’m not tired, I am anxious. I was not able to finish my cloth for this year, so I will try again next year.

She finally gave a small true smile at the comment to the nature of their head of Ochya, and nodded. Carefully she repacked her things but not before writing one last comment, You appreciate the pretty girl or the lack of humor?

If it was a joke whoever was involved would find themselves in an unpleasant clothing predicament at the very least. It was amazing what you could sew into the silk. But the thought of it being a public joke made her chest tighten in a way that had nothing to do with her illness.

Allowing him a moment to read while she packed away an ink vial and a few quills, Sosicly swept everything into her knapsack then turned to head towards the exit. She waited at the entrance for him to follow her, not sure exactly where they were headed but ready to follow him for now. Once they were both ready Sosicly kept up close behind him, at a slow pace. Though she was mentally wide awake it seemed her body was a tad weary, her palms sweaty on the cords. By the time they reached her destination, she swayed a bit at landing, her bag throwing her off balance for a second.

[Poison]

„What does that mean?“ Avarys asked, a little confused as Sosicly wrote that some people shouldn’t speak. „Do I talk too much? Most peple quite like it when I talk.“ The weaver did indeed have a very pleasant voice. „Anyway, it won’t be a problem that you haven’t finished your cloth. Everything that you need will be provided to you – including a most magnificent gown that my cousin and I have made. Well, we actually made three gowns. They are all magnificent, and you will be allowed to choose one of them!“

„The pretty girl of course!“ he replied and pouted a little. „Do I look like some kind of pervert who is into humourless old men like Vass Vervein? You are quite pretty, Sosicly Magnolia. You were actually one of my top choices. I wanted to set a sign, you know?“

„We’ll go to the Gathering Hall“, he informed her while she packed her things. „They’ll expect the new Moth Queen to be escorted by Vass Vervein, so when they see the two of us, they’ll think we are just two weavers going for a walk.“

~~~

Once Sosicly was ready, Avarys followed her out of the house. He took a look around to make sure nobody was spying on them, and then he gestured for her to follow him. When Vass Vervein had escorted the previous year’s real Moth Queen – Nissabella Rose – to the Gathering Hall, they had taken a detour through half of Kalinor to confuse people, but Avarys didn’t think it would be necessary in this case. Besides, he kind of liked being seen. Avarys Anthurium unfortunately was a very vain man.

Once they had reached the Gathering Hall Avarys opened the big wooden door at the very top of the building, bowed to Sosicly as if she were some kind of noble lady and gestured for her to step inside in front of him. He took her through a hallway that was decorated with precious tapestries that had been made for the weaving contests of the past years (this year’s tapestries were exhibited in the main area of th Gathering Hall).

Finally they entered a small chamber. Its walls were decorated with cloth in brilliant jewel tones, and a thick, soft carpet that had been imported from the surface covered the floor. Opalogems that were attached to the ceiling filled the room with light. A small couch had been placed against one of the walls in case Sosicly wanted to rest a bit. There was also a table that was filled with different kinds of food, sweets, fruit, juices and a bowl full of freshly made, delicious smelling Bruka.

Three large chests stood on the floor. „Do you want to take a break and eat a bit before I show you the dresses?“ Avarys asked. „In a few chimes a girl that will help you get dressed should arrive. Oh, and before I forget it, are there any people who you want to play the part of your Moths?“ As Sosicly probably knew, the Moths were supposed to help the Moth Queen with her duties.

[Sosicly Magnolia]

Sosicly had managed to shove any worries bout the strange happening to the back of her mind. Amused at Avarys treatment, and slightly flattered but tired she took her seat and looked around the room properly. Being the Moth Queen meant she was known but she doubted it was because she was well liked everywhere. Shrugging to herself she decided it didn’t matter. She would do it and enjoy it and that was all there was to it. Pulling out her supplies as she got more comfortable Sosicly decided swiftly she enjoyed having someone seeming to wait on her. May I eat while you show me the dresses? It would be quicker. It would also give her a second to catch her breath. She frowned at his next question, a few names flitted through her head but there was none she was very close too or that were currently in the city. Feeling a tad awkward she shook her head no in answer to the Moths. Whoever would like to is a fine choice for the Moths. Sosicly stood to mask her discomfort and get a bowl of the Bruka. Her mother rarely made Bruka, and she had never been able to get the spices quite right. Do you always escort the Moth Queen secretly? She asked after resettling herself in the couch comfortably. Or is it because you wanted to ‘set a sign’? She hadn’t forgotten that bit from earlier, and she was curious. While Avarys face was not always an uncommon one, she spoke to him rarely, if at all. Picking up the bowl again she sipped a bit, and rubbed her bare feet along the plush carpet while she waited. Sosicly thought it was much like waiting for her first dancing dress her mother hand given her, although considering how that ended it was not a pleasant comparison.

[Poison]

„Yes, of course“, Avarys replied as Sosicly asked him whether she could eat while he showed her the dresses. „Although we still have a bit of time before you are presented to the people of Kalinor. You should try the Bruka. It looks absolutely delicious.“

While Sosicly got something to eat, Avarys went to the door where a couple of large boxes stood. He opened them and began to show Sosicly the different dresses. The first dress was made of golden silk. It was floor length, sleeveless and decorated with gems that reflected the light. The second dress was made of deep crimson silk and had long sleeves. The third dress was black, with a lot of complicated, colourful embroidery on it. The fourth dress was made of white and silver silk and had a wide skirt. A veil came with it. And finally the fifth dress looked just like the first dress, but it was a beautiful shade of violet.

„If you ask me“, Avarys said even though Sosicly hadn’t asked him. „You will look beautiful in all of the dresses, although the black might make you look a little pale. But then we all look a little pale, don’t we?“ He laughed softly. „The Moth Queen is always escorted to the Gathering Hall secretly of course. It increases the surprise effect, you know? Nobody will know who the lucky girl is untilt he doors of the Gathering Hall are opened.“

„But I don’t usually take care of her. Vass Vervein was supposed to escort you just like he escorted Nissabella last year, but as I told you he is a grumpy old man and wasn’t interested this time.“ He briefly stopped his lengthy speech as she informed him that whoever would like to would be a fine choice for the Moths. He frowned a little. „So a pretty girl like you doesn‘t have any friends? Usually the Moths are the best friends of the Moth Queen.“

[Sosicly Magnolia]

Sosicly was fond of bright colors, like most of her people, but she had always been particularly fond of bright yellows, greens, and golds. Today was no exception. Though she politely looked at the other dresses the moment she had seen the shimmering silk, she was taken in. Avarys advice also helped narrow down the choice. Purple would be as bad as black she supposed, the white was too plain, and the crimson would take away from her eyes. She set aside the now finished bowl of bruka, surprised by how hungry she had been, and plucking up one of the sweeter fruits from the table. Striding towards Avarys she pointed to the gold dress with a little smile. Returning to her seat, she retrieved her book and jotted down a few sentences, feeling more and more invested into the idea of being Moth queen as time went on. I dislike surprises. But I suppose it would not be the same if everyone knew the Moth Queen ahead of time. Sosicly smiled a bit as she reread the next part, remembering her quest below Kalinor with Vass, I don't think he cares for my company much. As for his last question, she contemplated it. Trying to think of a name to dredge up. At last, entirely exasperated, she wrote and showed him the notebook. The words weren't angry, just factual as if she had explained this many times. And she had. To her mother. I have acquaintances. They would enjoy it. But I don't have friends, and pretty has nothing do with the rest of me. Walking away Sosicly plopped back onto the couch. She refused to admit to sulking but she grabbed another sweet, avoiding the healthy foods in favor of binging on anything with sugar. Deciding it no longer mattered and she didn't wish to discuss her lack of actual friends, Sosicly scrawled out the first names she could think of. Alyssa Orphine and Neliana Peony. She didn't truly know either of the girls well enough but she doubted they would decline the offer. So why not? Pulling out the page she waved it out for Avarys to grab.

[Poison]

„I doubt that there is anybody whose company Vass really cares for“, Avarys remarked. „He probably doesn’t even like his own family. He does his work as the head of the Ochya well though.“ He looked at the golden dress that Sosicly had chosen and nodded approvingly. „You’ll look spectacular in that dress“, he told her. „Are you finished with your Bruka? I wonder where Sonara is …“ He looked towards the door. He had asked the girl to help Sosicly get dressed as the new Moth Queen probably wouldn’t appreciate it if he tried to undress and dress her. Women were strange that way.

„No friends?“ he repeated incredulously. „That’s … odd, really, really odd. Why don’t you have any friends? You are pretty, you seem intelligent, and you can communicate well despite being mute.“ He plopped onto the couch as well and grabbed some sweets because he really needed some now. How come the Moth Queen didn’t have friends? Did she have some kind of deep, dark and dirty secret that made people stay away from here? Even Soraya Orchid had friends, even though that pretty head of hers was completely empty.

„I’ll tell the two girls to come here then“, he said as Sosicly finally gave him two names and smiled. It was just then that somebody knocked on the door. Avarys stood up, walked over to it and opened it a crack to see who was outside, hoping that it wasn’t some kind of spy that wanted to find out who the Moth Queen was ahead of time.

„Ah, Sonara“, he said and opened the door a little further. Sosicly could see a young woman with golden eyes and long black hair. „I’ve been waiting for you. Sosicly, this is Sonara Aconite. She’ll help you with your dress. Sonara, this is Sosicly Magnolia, our new Moth Queen. Please help her into the dress, and do her hair while I try to get her Moths here.“

Sonara looked at Sosicly and gasped. She had obviously not expected her to be the new Moth Queen.

[Sosicly Magnolia]

Sosicly rolled her eyes, growing more comfortable as Avary’s sat, and wrote out a longer than intended reply, How long can you put up with reading this? How much easier is it to talk to someone who can talk? And I cannot do much either, I have physical limits as well. People cannot stand my company for long, and I do not always need theirs. When the door opened, she jumped a bit, her eyes narrowed at the gasp but she stood with a bright smile and waved her arms exuberantly. The book had dropped to the couch and when Avarys left to get the woman she requested Sosicly picked it up and turned to her standard greeting on the first page, unsure of what to do with herself. I’m Sosicly Magnolia, it is a pleasure to meet you. Then she flipped to another page, wrote, and held it out once more, Would you prefer I change first or my hair? I do not know how to proceed, Krova. After she was sure the other woman read the book, she placed it on the couch and went to the box the held the dress she had fancied. Delicately she picked it up, and held it out to Sonara inquiringly. Then making the decision for the young woman she began to disrobe with false ease. Sonara had given her the reaction she expected from the populace in general, and it made her jerk out of the garments oddly.