Lilliana looked upon the chest of bright pinkish-lavender silks baffled as to how she was supposed to wear them. Picking up the edge of a skirt, she draped it over her head and pulled length after length of fabric until she found herself suddenly encased in a tent of silk. Tawna bowed her head to hide her smile. 

She had raised Lilliana since the day she had been found at the nymph’s pool. The Mildians had never considered that she would one day be returning to the world outside of their forests, but now Tawna realized that their little Moon Prince was woefully uneducated. Lilliana knew each plant in the forest, recited the histories, and made medicines as well as she wove baskets, but the ways of the world outside the forest were completely foreign. 

Tawna stepped around the chest and pulled the fabrics off of Lilliana. “Let me help you.” 

As she dressed the girl, she told her about the world and people she would encounter beyond the forest. The dress wasn’t well fitted, it was bought second hand in Holbeck, but they tailored what they could. The skirt was short so they opted for only petticoats underneath instead of the farthingale. The bodice had to be taken in, and the sleeves were just a touch too short, but all things considered, Lilliana was still a stunning young woman with her golden hair and deep brown eyes. She was lean from life in the forest, and her skin was touched by the sun. 

“You certainly don’t look like a proper lady,” Tawna told her when they’d finished, “but you do look gorgeous my darling.” 

“Do I really have to wear this?” 

Tawna chuckled, “I know it’s terribly cumbersome, but that is the world you’re going to be a part of soon. For now, I won’t make you wear it until we get to the edge of the forest. And I’ll let you pack some clothes to wear when you’re in your private chambers at least.” 

Lilliana rolled her eyes, but agreed to the arrangement while Tawna helped undo the lacings to release her from the silken prison. 

Two days later Lilliana found herself again encased in the silk as she stepped out of the woods and onto the road. On one side of her, Tawna carried her personal items in a bindle and on the other side Kokabiel accompanied them. Both of them were still dressed in the comfortable soft leathers and hemp spun fabrics of the forest. 

The townspeople of Holbeck were gathered in the market square, drawn to the festivities put on display by Lord Nico. The troupe of actors and acrobats kept everyone focused while a knight with the crest of the lord approached and bowed deeply, introducing himself as Kristian Gotte.

He escorted them to a carriage that would take Lilliana to the estates, where she cried as Tawna hugged her, promising she would return to the forest. Kokabiel’s eyes also brimmed with tears as he gave her a brief hug, instructing her to stay safe.