Nasira’s laugh is low and pleasant when Alys reacts with surprise to Merlin’s station, and she remarks, “You are not the only one to express such a sentiment, my Lady. His rule is new and…some say tenuous. His connection to Amber makes him suspect to some within the Courts.”
She seems rather outspoken about her liege, all things considering, and it causes Alys to wonder if Nasira is not your typical servant.
She helps Alys out of the tub, dries her with the softest towel she has ever known, and then wraps her in a fluffy robe that feels more like a cloud than an article of clothing.
She disappears briefly and Alys can hear her murmuring to someone out in the hallway. Moments later she returns with her arms full of clothing. A willowy, pale, dark haired woman follows her and drops an armload of various styles of boots and shoes at the foot of the bed. She turns and leaves without ever giving even a glance toward Alys. Nasira sighs, sounding slightly put out.
She spreads the various selections of clothing upon the bed. Surprisingly they all appear to be just about the right size for Alys. A simple dove grey gown of taffeta with elegant pearl buttons, a lilac colored chiffon dress that is of a more youthful cut, a pair of grey slacks and a mulberry colored silk shirt with tiny silver clasps, and a pair of jeans with a lightweight purple and grey argyle sweater are displayed before her. Alys notices that they are all long sleeved. Perhaps Nasira did notice the injuries to her arms after all.
Nasira nods approvingly as she murmurs, “Merlin’s colors. That should help.”
She gestures toward the clothes and says, “If these do not suit you, simply describe what you want, and I shall see that you receive it post haste.”
After helping Alys get dressed, she sits the woman down and begins gently brushing her hair out. Alys notices that her fingernails are quite long and sharp. They glitter almost like diamonds.
Sitting before the mirror, Alys sees the slightly concerned expression on Nasira's face as she says, “Your presence here may not be taken well by certain parties within the Courts. For that reason, King Merlin has requested that you stay in your quarters for the time being. Is there anything I can get you to make your stay more comfortable? Some food and drink perhaps? Books? Whatever your wish, my Lady.”