Soot stared back into Ruz’s face, leaning forward unknowingly as the Grand Vizier cupped her chin, stumbling when the hand was removed. Stammering and returning upright with a shake of the head, when had that happened, had they gotten quite so close… She waited nervously as the note was written, and didn’t dare open her mouth as Ruz’s orders continued. She followed alone, face slightly red and staring at the ground in such a manner the onlooking servants likely assumed a punishment was in progress.

Soot had never been one for ‘extra curriculars’ silly events after work that a patron demands you attend, to eat up more of those precious few personal hours. Especially for Soot, who spent the evening hours perfecting her craft and seeking out new inspirations. 

But she was unable to protest, trodding along at the Grand Vizier's heels. ‘It is relatively early in the day’ and ‘We are in the middle of business negotiations, so I couldn't leave now.’  She told herself. Heart still pounding in her chest. 

After a walk that felt like eternity through the halls of the palace Soot had never seen, she was led into a grand room. Twice the size of her studio and seemingly just for clothing. A handful of attendants perk up as Ruz storms in, Soot in tow.

It takes only a few simple instructions from Ruz, before the Maidens descend upon Soot like a Swarm. The Painter voicing muffled protests, soft screams and a multitude of yelps as her Palatial uniform is stripped from her. The exposed Soot rapidly being worked over by the tailoring maids in a flurry of silk and gold. 
 
Her previous clothes were already not her own, blue and gold silken robes, with light sarouel. The outfit tied together by excessive jewelry and a fine face covering. Dressed every morning when she arrived at the Palace, her waist length hair tamed by a half-hour of servant labour. She needed to look fitting for a palace worker, decorated like any other piece of décor. Ensuring that she wouldn’t look out of place if a dignitary or royal happened to see the painter by accident.

But the new outfit was on another level entirely. Her hair had been brushed out and re-braided into a complex network of hair, golden threads and bows; the sections maintained by jeweled rings. Her tired eyes highlighted by complex makeup, heavy black and gold making her look bright and awake. The normally obscuring layers Soot wore to hide herself stripped clean, and replaced with delicate almost translucent clothes, with revealing cuts and ethereal fabrics giving a delicate volume to her lanky form. The previous jewelry, originally intended to show the wealth of Soot's employer had been replaced, finer bangles and rings that helped draw the eye across her form.  

The attendants back away from the flustered Soot, presenting the girl for Ruz’s approval with self assured smiles. Previously a fine-dressed workman, Soot's form was now almost that of a high-class dancer delicate and refined, but dripping with luxury. The girl looked down, blushing and grumbling.