#i have the weirdest mental block against the spelling of namaire aksjdas

[awaylaughing]

Day 3 - Weave

Posting here today because it’s short, but you can find it on AO3 here if you prefer!

Today’s offering is Aurora, Baroness Namaire, and her mother, before the beginning.

Estelle was no great intellect, she knew this about herself and found it no great loss, because she was still far from stupid. Indeed, in many ways she was better off than those with their noses stuck in books. They knew more of the workings of the world. Of numbers and ideas as substantial as air – but Estelle knew of life. Of adventure, and wonder and love.

 Of how love, was a powerful force built on the simplest of foundations.

 “So,” she said, gently pulling the brush through Aurora’s long hair, “the main thing is to not be forward. He’s had a great loss, the Baron has. Being crass and cruel will get you nowhere but the mouths of the worst gossips.”

 “I know, mother,” Aurora said, her eyes fixed on Estelle through the mirror. Despite the patina on the glass making things just a touchy foggy, flatteringly so really, they were sharp and as a green as leaves through glass. So like Aurean’s. So very – Estelle banished the thought as soon as it flit into her mind. “I’m just not certain we can afford to send me to so many salons.”

 “Tosh,” Estelle said, eyeing her work so far and deciding she was done with the brushing and should be onto the braiding. “Of course we can – roads can’t be made without the cost of pavers, and nets can’t be cast without the cost of rope.”

 Still fixed on her, Aurora’s eyes seemed to sharpen all the more -

 ‘Essie, don't you know this isn't a game?’

 - and she asked, “and is this a road, or a net?”

 “Really, it’s what you make of it, dear,” Estelle said. “Now – three braids or six?”