As they reached the camp, Derowynn looked in amazement at the site. It reminded her of a carnival or circus perhaps. Large colorful tents were set up, not random willy nilly, but in a well designed order. Banner and flags fluttered in the breeze that made it's way to this opening in the middle of the forest. The outer pickets gave a salute to their king, prince, and other officers as they passed by, and strange looks at Vadik and Derowynn.
Vadik and Derowynn were taken to separate tents. Derowynn watched, a bit concerned, as Vadik and her were separated. As he disappeared into a tent about twenty steps away, two young ladies came out of the tent in front of her and gave Dero a smile and curtsey. Derowynn was not well versed in proper etiquette, especially the etiquette that would be used in the setting of a court, so she simply gave the two ladies in front of her a slight bow at the waist. They two ladies, approximately Derowynn's age gave each other a sideways look and grin as one, who called herself Elizabeth, took Derowynn by the arm slightly about her elbow and led her inside the tent.
Inside the tent, Derowynn saw a tub filled with water that was steaming. Next to the tub was a table with an assortment of jars and flasks containing a variety of colored liquids. “A scout was sent ahead and told of your coming,” said Elizabeth, “so we prepared to receive you.” With a slight grin she continued, “He suggested you would need a bath and change of clothes.” Derowynn looked over to the other girl, whom she later found out was named Marribeth, as she heard her giggle a little at this news.
The two ladies helped Dero out of her clothing and then into the bath. The warm water felt so good on her sore muscles. At first it felt a bit too hot, but in a short time Dero found herself lying back and allowing the two girls wash her body and hair. Once they finished, they took her from the tub and and dried her off. After applying creams and perfumes, they handed Derowynn some underclothing to put on. Marribeth helped Derowynn into a corset, which Dero immediately started to complain about as it was uncomfortable.
Elizabeth then had Derowynn sit down and she took to work fixing Derowynn's hair. It seemed like she took forever to comb and brush through the snarls and after that braid the hair and afix ribbons and bows in it. As they were just about finished, Marribeth brought over a gown for Derowynn to put on, “You must look proper for the banquet with the king and prince,” she said. Derowynn just stared for a moment. She was not one for wearing dresses, but this gown was beautiful. Sh reached out to touch it, allowing the soft fabric to flow between her fingers as her hand moved down.
Elizabeth and Marribeth helped Derowynn into the gown and placed slippers on her feet. When she was done, the two, Who Dero found out were twin sisters, took a step back and admired their work. “It will do,” Elizabeth said with a grin. Marribeth nodded and then said, “We must get her to the banquet tent.”
The ladies took their leave from the tent and as they stepped outside, Vadik was also leaving his tent. Derowynn saw Vadik had also been given a make over and felt her cheeks blush a little. Turning to follow the ladies she gave one more look back to Vadik and then went on her way.