A Cure For Boredom

Ch.2

The sun shined through the windows of Paris and Helen’s while a young woman of about 16 years sat in front of her loom. She was slim and a bit tall for her age, but her body was well proportioned. She had an olive complexion with black hair and sea-green eyes. Her hands worked quickly and skillfully on the tapestry in front of her. The picture was of a city. People were haggling at the market while the army practiced one their usual drills.

Suddenly, the doors of the chamber beside her opened. Prince Paris walked out of the room and looked at the girl with a kind smile.

“Awake so early Aerellya? Why don’t you stop your weaving and go back to sleep for another hour?” Paris asked now standing behind the girl.

“I have no desire to sleep my lord,” answered Aerellya, not stopping her work.

“Then walk through the gardens or go to the market. I’m sure you can find some other place to be instead of being in this dreary palace,” urged the prince.

“I must be here for Lady Helen wakes up and--” Aerellya was cut off by a figure at the door.

“I am awake already so don’t worry. Help me get dressed and then you’re free to do as you wish until mid-day,” said Helen, who was still in her sleeping gown.

“Well, I’m off to the armoury. I need to get ready for battle.”

Paris kissed Helen slightly on the forehead and patted Aerellya’s shoulder. He walked away quickly, hearing the men’s swords clanking against each other as men suited up for another long day.

Aerellya walked with Helen to the awaiting bath. She helped the woman undress and handed her a towel when she was done with her bath. The two walked back to Helen’s chambers where Aerellya helped Helen dress. Helen had picked out a royal blue silk gown that greatly brought out her blue eyes and golden hair. Aerellya had always thought that she looked like a goddess and Helen’s appearance today only deepened those thoughts.

Helen’s creamy, soft hands worked their way through her hair as she decided what she wanted to do with it. Finally, she decided to just bring parts of it from the front and tie them loosely at the back of her head. Aerellya handed her the silver brooch that accompanied the dress and Helen stepped in front of a nearby mirror.

“How do I look?” asked Helen turning to face Aerellya.

“Like a goddess,” replied Aerellya truthfully.

“My dear Aerellya, you flatter me too much! You are like a daughter to me and I will not have any daughter of mine cooped up in this palace weaving. Go out to the market and buy yourself something nice,” Helen remarked handing Aerellya a couple of coins.

“Where will you be, my lady?” asked the girl looking at the gold in awe.

“I will be with Hector’s wife, Lady Andromache, and her son Astyanax. She said he has started counting!”

Aerellya did a slight bow and walked to her room, which was a few paces away. She slipped on her worn leather sandals and put her coins in her coin purse. She looked out the window and knew exactly where she would go.