The Tiger Within

The small garden table was nested in a small grove of trees toward the center of the training grounds . From it"s dark wood chairs a casual observer could survey not only every man, woman and child honing their skill, but the luscious forests that surrounded the castle itself . Hot Flame Blossom tea filled the air with its rich, almost spicy fragrance while the three royals took their seats . A pair a servants stood near by to tend to the family of three .

Kyera smiled brightly at Raina, noting the dress she was wearing with pride . Unlike Clovis who seemed a bit distracted by the complicated laces, she knew exactly what this dress meant . "You look amazing in your new fashion . A beautiful cla.s.sic . " Kyera offered, lavishing praise on her daughter . Though she knew the chances that the child had anything other than praise since they were gone was slim, but she felt it was her duty to lift the child up more . Plus, it was completely true . The dress seemed to bring out her confidence and that was something Kyera wanted to encourage .

"Thank you, Mother . Your dress is also interesting . " Raina replied, having noticed the fur details . The delicate embroidery was fantastically done, and reminded Raina of the wind swirling about back home . A soft dimness appeared in her eyes, but she tried her best not to show it .
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"Your dress is quite interesting, it"s a marvel you even got it on . " Clovis chuckled though he was serious . All the laces seemed to be tightened differently and tied at different places . It made for a beautifully unique aesthetic but also a confusing one .

"Oh, but once the dress is fitted to you, you only have to worry about the side lacing . I rather like it compared to all the layers that have to be tied and slipped on for a normal dress . " Raina voiced her option a bit bashfully, but without fear . It was obvious she was more comfortable with having a opinion now .

"Oh? I see . Why are there so many laces then?" He asked curiously . Honestly, he didn"t care . He just wanted to listen to her speak more . Being so far away had been hard on him .

"The dress is very old . So many have had the privilege of wearing it and it has to fit different body types and grow with you . It has already had to be let out twice . " Raina boasted, there was so much pride in her face but Clovis chuckled, honestly rather lost . He looked at Kyera for help, but found his wife was glowing with pride .

"That is fantastic, baby girl . " Kyera praised, her voice bubbling over with happiness .

"Guess which laces?" Raina challenged and Kyera placed a delicate finger to her lips . After seeming to think hard she gave Raina the hand single of spinning around . With a mischievous grin Raina raised her arms above her head, linking her hands before spinning in a elegant circle . Kyera laughed .

"You have been working on dancing as well, haven"t you?" Kyera accused with a playful smirk . The girl nodded giggling as well . "I would say, arms and waist . Your hips haven"t been adjusted yet but may need it soon . Who has been doing your lacing? I would think it would be Uncle Mordrini?" She asks with a bit of concentration on her face . Clovis looked her daughter over and noticed she was right . His daughter"s waist, though still elegant and smooth like a child had filled out and seemed to have more shape to it . It was as though the muscles beneath now knew what they were and defined themselves .

"Yes on all accounts . Mommy is the best . " Raina cheered with that same childlike excitement that Kyera knew and loved . It was her warming, hearing the child so full of vigor .

"If you let me, I will adjust the dress a bit more . Mordrin is fantastic with a blade but delicate laces are not his forte . " Kyera offered as her daughter sat back down at the table . Clovis was pleased to find Raina"s posture had improved greatly . She sat straight and elegantly, her head wasn"t bowed or submissive . She appeared confident and most of all happy .

"So . Forgive me for my ignorance, but what have you been up to?" Clovis finally asked, wanting to know the source of the changes . Kyera tensed slightly, a bit worried of how he will respond .

"I have been training with Lazren to be one of Kyera"s students . I want to be a well rounded princess, not a dolly on the shelf . Though… I do like dollies now . " Raina offered with a bit of a nervous  chuckle . Clovis quickly realized his first reaction was over protective, and had to take a moment to think this through . His daughter"s newfound confidence depended on his reaction right here, right now… and he had no idea what to say .