The Makeover, part 9, final by DeuceXMachina, literature
Literature
The Makeover, part 9, final
"So, I think I just have one question before I go."
"What be that?"
Petra shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "... How do I get this thing off?"
It was a perfectly valid question, as the mage's outfit was essentially a one-piece made of cloth and mesh without any apparent method of getting into or out of it.
The outfit's creator, Solyra Minx, gave Petra a little grin. "Dark magic, o' course. Normally I be takin' it off o' you myself, since the soulcloth still be bonded t' my will, but since this be a gift, best you be knowin' how to use it, ey? Can't be runnin' back here every time you wanna be undressed, after all."
The m
The blackness faded after a few moments, Petra blinking rapidly to restore her vision.
Solyra stepped forward and took the little crystal object out from underneath the mage, nodding appreciatively. "This one be a good take, no need t' redo. Here, take a look," she added, holding the crystal up for examination.
Petra took the gem-like object carefully in one hand, the image springing into existence above it as soon as she touched it. It was her, of course, though not as I've ever seen myself before, the mage mused as she gazed upon the image, turning it this way and that to see it from all angles.
The image floating over the little crys
Several long moments passed while Petra moved over to the stone platform and took a seat on the lowest tier, staring off at nothing. I... seem to have crossed a line today, she thought to herself, ever so slowly, but deliberately nevertheless. There's so much I need to learn, so much to discover... but if I can no longer trust what I've been taught, how can I trust someone to show me what's actually true?
The mage raised her hands in front of her face, looking at her nails and the way they shimmered, the black flames seeming to dance. Something as simple as this... kindness and care from an unexpected source, better treatment from the Dar
"Well, your clothes be done," Solyra declared, helping the mage into a pair of black knee-high traveler's boots. "All that's left is t' put on your war paint, ey?"
Petra shifted, rather enjoying the feel of her new outfit against her skin - and the considerable freedom of movement it provided compared to her blue robe. "... Makeup, right?"
"Yah," came the fashion designer's reply, as she gestured to a backless chair in front of a small table. "You be lucky to have a pretty face, toasty girl! Not gonna be much work t' make it match your clothes."
The mage blushed a soft pink yet again, and gracefully took her seat. "You think so?"
Sol
Petra looked up at the nameplate. Solyra Minx... I wonder what she'll be like? Someone like Vivian, or more like what I'd normally expect a Darksider to be? Cautiously, she placed her hand on the doorknob, twisted, and pulled...
... and was treated to the sight of Salon DYAL's fashion designer - tall, tan, and lovely - in a loose-fitting and short-sleeved purple blouse, black cutoff shorts, and bright white sandals. Her brown eyes seemed perpetually half-lidded, but her voice was warm and rich. "So toasty girl arrives at last, ey? C'mon in so we can getcha all dressed up."
Petra blinked, mildly confused. "Um, 'toasty'?"
"Yah, 'swhat
The better part of an hour passed without incident, Petra content to lie there thoughtfully and Vivian equally content to maintain the silence while poking, filing, smoothing, and polishing her nails, then massaging her hands and feet. At last the technician finished her work, and started wiping off the mask with a warm, wet cloth.
Petra opened her eyes after a moment, and then widened them further, shocked by the change in Vivian's face in the dim light; the white star on her eyepatch had turned transparent, or maybe opened, revealing a luminous green - but apparently still human - iris that contrasted quite sharply with her other brown ey
"All done!" Vivian exclaimed, rinsing the conditioner out of Petra's hair. "Now it's off to next door for your face and nails, and then I can send you off to Solyra for your new outfit."
Guess that means I have to get up and out of this somehow, the mage didn't say. Her technician did something behind her, making a soft mechanical clink, and the hot water around her began to drain out.
"There's a towel on the wall to your left, and a bathrobe next to the door here with some slippers for you," Vivian explained, walking over to the tray of Petra's clothing and lifting it off the floor. "I'll step out again so you can dry off and change whi
The Makeover (WT), part 2 by DeuceXMachina, literature
Literature
The Makeover (WT), part 2
"Petra?" the receptionist's quiet voice called out, momentarily slicing through the low buzz of chatter. "Your technician is ready."
Light save me, the mage thought reflexively. Though from what, exactly, I'm not sure... She got to her feet, slowly, since the couch was so comfortable - surely another of this place's traps - and stepped over to the counter.
Andi smiled sedately, gesturing to a double door so artfully disguised as an innocuous section of wall that Petra hadn't noticed it until she pointed it out. "Just through there, dear. Vivian's waiting for you."
"Thank you," Petra returned with a deferent nod, having regained some o
The Makeover (working title), part 1 by DeuceXMachina, literature
Literature
The Makeover (working title), part 1
From the outside, she had gazed up a little fearfully at the dark gray stone building, the sign over the door proclaiming it "Salon DYAL" in graceful gold lettering, with "Dark, Yet Always Lovely" in similar but much smaller lettering underneath.
She had delicately pressed at the door for a moment, with no effect. Then she gathered her wits and pulled on the handle instead, which worked much better, and slid in through the small gap she had created.
It was nothing like she had imagined.
The waiting room - really more of a socialization room, from the look of things - held an astonishing array of customers on its equally astonishing array o
Might as well post something since it's been a few years. 2013 is a long time ago now.
I moved most of my attention to Tumblr just because I like the platform a little better, so I have two since the content of each is intended to be separate from the other. If you know them then you know what's on them; if you don't, don't worry about it.
Life has gone interesting directions. I write code now, in addition to fiction. Who would have guessed? Not me.
I don't really use dA too much any more. I'm considering changing that and putting some more stuff on here. We'll see how long that lasts, though. Just updated my ID and the thought came to mind that it's a really well-made place and I should probably give it some love.
Life has been busy and remains so. Haven't been writing regularly (so much for that last journal), not in the traditional sense at least. Lots of time wasted, some of it at least in an enjoyable way, so that's not so bad.
I seem to be at the point of having to wait for a lot of things to finish before I can go anywhere. I should see what I can do in the meantime instea
Trying to feel my way around more writing. My one resolution this year was to write something every week, and that hasn't worked out very well so far, but I'll keep at it.
Anakh chapter 3 is my current project. When it's done, it'll be posted. (It would've been done last week if I could find my groove.)
I'm sure you'll make an adorable quantum cat. I do attend on occasion, but I'm overseas at the moment. (Not exactly a good time.) I'll try to get to one after I get back.