Meet the Mage

Suddenly the doors swung open. Lauren and the servants looked to see a woman wearing a red robe marching towards them. She carried a staff in her hand and had reddish brown hair. Lauren could not place her age, definitely a bit older, though a remarkable beauty in her own right.

The two servants ceased their scrubbing and bowed. The woman entering waved them away dismissively. Meanwhile Lauren, blushing at being seen nude by a third woman, sank lower in the tub, concealing her body under the water with her arms.

"I'm the mage Marla," The woman said with a bow. "Would you please stand up? I need to verify you are in fact the sacred child.

Lauren sank even deeper in the water, shaking her head.

"Lady, there's no way I'm getting out of this tub!" Lauren said defiantly.

The mage sighed and shook her head.

"Then please forgive the intrusion..."