Closed Black Swans and Magnolia Trees (Adrienna)

[Scaea Paille]

Fall 17th, 514 AV Scaea was dressed as any proper Dynast should in a stroll through the park: a dark green, brocade silk dress with long, black lace sleeves, perfect for both showing off her wealth while keeping her arms relatively cool. The entire thing was fitted over a plain silk corset, ramie chemise, and ramie stockings, making for almost three layers of clothing. At least the temperature was most pleasant in the fall. Her face was powdered, her lips painted, and her cheeks rouged, giving her an even rosier appearance than usual, and her hair was pulled back into its usual fishtail braid. Scaea held the hem of the dress in her hand, attempting to keep it from the dirt. In her other hand was a small loaf of slightly stale bread. Occasionally she would drop her hem and break off a piece of bread, throwing it to the swans. None of the other Dynasts or even well-to-do freeborns in the park had caught her interest, which was a shame. She was prepared to leave soon, her loaf of bread almost 3/4ths of the way gone. There was a light breeze, and the air smelt much like a strange combination of pond and magnolia. Scaea herself had scented herself with few drops of rose perfume on the wrists and neck. She casually walked towards a nearby bench, situated under the shade of a sweetgum tree, careful to keep her dress clean as she sat down.