Clothes

Chapter 4: Lessons in Elegance (rough draft v2)

Jacob, now dressed in what he believed to be an epitome of a noblewoman’s attire, awaited the arrival of his tutors. Layers upon layers covered him, his face the only visible part, reminiscent of the women of his homeland.

When the door creaked open, his tutors—a cadre of elegant women, all under-dressed it would seem, tasked with his transformation—paused for a moment, then burst into playful giggles. "Oh, my dear, you’re bundled up like a winter's night in Terranova!" exclaimed Lady Elara, the lead tutor.

"Let us introduce you to Eldralorian elegance," said another, named Sera, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

One by one, the tutors helped Jacob disrobe, each garment peeled away. As they did so, they engaged him in a gentle discourse, not wanting to further embarrass him after their laughter, about the history and purpose of Eldralorian clothing.

"Eldralore has a climate of eternal spring and summer. Our lands are graced by a warm sun and gentle winds throughout the year," Lady Elara began, carefully folding away a piece of his attire. "Therefore, the clothing we wear must be conducive to our climate. Heavy wools and layered textiles would be unbearable."

Sera picked up one of the lighter silk garments he had been wearing, holding it up to the light so Jacob could appreciate its sheer quality. "Silk is favored here, not just for its beauty but for its comfort. It breathes, allowing the skin underneath to do the same. In fact, this particular silk is imported from the Shimmering Isles to the south, a land known for producing the finest of threads."

Another tutor, Mira, held up a piece of gauzy linen, its threads intricately woven. "While silk is for formal occasions, linen often serves for day-to-day wear. Light yet durable, it's practical for the busyness of the Eldralorian lifestyle."

They also showed him a unique fabric, softer and lighter than anything he'd felt before. "Ah, this is made from the fibers of the Aeris plant, found only in the rolling meadows of Eldralore," said Lady Elara. "This fabric is often used for undergarments. It's as close to feeling like you’re wearing nothing at all."

Jacob was handed garments of light shades—pastels that would reflect the Eldralorian sun rather than absorb its heat. "Colors, too, have their purpose," Sera added. "Brighter colors celebrate the sun, while deeper shades are reserved for twilight ceremonies."

As each piece found its place on his body, Jacob felt lighter, almost as if the garments were encouraging him. The tutors took their time, ensuring each piece lay perfectly, each fold falling just so, each accessory enhancing but not overpowering.

"Comfort and elegance in harmony—that’s the essence of Eldralorian dress," concluded Lady Elara. "Do you feel it?"

Jacob nodded, the light fabrics making him feel both physically and symbolically unburdened. The lesson wasn’t just about clothes; it was about a way of being that soaked the land, one he was slowly beginning to understand and appreciate.

"Here, jewelry is not just an accessory; it is an essential part of your dress," Lady Elara informed him. Her hands gracefully navigated through a carefully curated selection of jewelry on a silken cloth.

First, she picked up a delicate bracelet of intertwined silver and gold threads, each metal delicately embossed with subtle runes. "This bracelet is an ancestral design, passed down through generations. The intertwining of gold and silver represents the unity of all elements within Eldralore—masculine, feminine, earth, and sky." She closed the clasp around Jacob's wrist, its subtle weight a gentle reminder of its presence.

Next, she moved to a necklace, its centerpiece a pendant of an opalescent gemstone encased in an intricate silver setting. "Moonstones are especially significant. They are believed to harbor the divine energy of our Moon Goddess, Selenea, who oversees love and emotions." Gently placing it around his neck, she made sure the gemstone rested just at the hollow of his throat—a focal point that drew attention to his face.

Finally, Lady Elara selected a pair of elegantly crafted earrings. The drops consisted of tiny emerald stones, shimmering as they caught the light. "Emeralds signify life and vitality in our culture," she explained as she helped him put them on. He noticed they were not designed to pierce the ears but lightly clip on."They are a symbol of the natural world, drawing attention to the ears, which, in Eldralorian culture, is a mark of wisdom. 'Those who are fist to listen and last to speak are often the ones who share the most wisdom.' These are the ones meant for female scholars in training, we will get your ears pierced and real ones for you when you have completed your lessons with us to our satisfaction."

"As you can see, each piece has its meaning and purpose," Lady Elara said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "They work together to create a narrative—a visual story that tells of tradition, divinity, and wisdom. It's not just about beautifying oneself; it's a form of expression that extends beyond the fabric you wear. Each piece draws the eye intentionally, to places that tell your story and express your role in our society. AS you learn more we will let you pick out which you want to wear and what story to wish to tell."

Jacob looked at himself, adorned in his new Eldralorian attire and jewelry. For the first time, he felt the profound nature of what it meant to prepare for his role.

They also spoke of the tattoos, "An art form that serves as a living tapestry on one's skin." Sera began, tracing her own inked designs that snaked elegantly up her forearm and towards her shoulder. "In Eldralore, tattoos are not mere decoration. They are storytelling ,incarnate, representing your lineage, your status, and even your personal journey."

She guided Jacob over to a large, ornate mirror. With a delicate finger, she traced imaginary lines on his own bare skin. "Imagine here," she said, circling an area on his upper arm, "a design that signifies your royal heritage—a crown or a lion, perhaps, encrusted with intricate patterns that tell of your family's history and their accomplishments."

Moving her finger down towards his wrist, she continued, "And here, a representation of your status as both a prince and soon-to-be princess—a dual symbol that encapsulates the unity of your role. Perhaps a sun and moon intertwined, capturing the essence of your dual nature. Or one of sacrifice and you leave everything you know to save your people? Maybe getting one that encircles it to show your new joy and acceptance of your wedding day?"

Sera's eyes met his through the mirror. "And then, in the years to come, as you forge your path in this new life, you’ll earn more markings—each representing milestones, achievements, or even challenges overcome. They would be added in grand ceremonies, where your skin will become the canvas."

Pausing, she stepped back and looked at him earnestly. "Perhaps in time, you'll have your own intricate designs, telling tales of your own glory and the lineage you’ll continue in Eldralore. Tattoos aren't just ink on skin here; they are soul-deep affirmations of who you are, and who you might become."

When they were done, Jacob looked at his reflection. The garments left much to the imagination but also revealed just enough. Though he felt under-dressed, he also felt a newfound sense of femininity—and found it surprisingly arousing.

"Ah, I see someone is enjoying the lesson," noted Lady Elara, eyeing his flushed state. Instead of reprimanding him, she praised his reaction. "Your body is telling you that you're ready to embrace your new role, to become a true bride for your husband. It's a good sign."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Jacob was led back to his grand bath. This time, a unique alchemical solution was added, one that would permanently remove all his body and facial hair—a feat impossible in Terranova.

Once completed, he was wrapped in a transparent nightgown, made modest only by strategically placed silk patches. He lay on a lavish bed, cushioned by a sea of silk pillows, contemplating the day’s experiences.

It wasn't as bad as he had feared. The idea of becoming someone else, someone so completely different from his past self, felt strangely liberating. He spared a thought for what this process would have been like in the reverse scenario—in his own cold and conservative kingdom, how much harder would and less comfortable it would be. What he would have expected out of Erik already.