Crystaline Origins

Linda enters the dining hall where Jasmine and Grace were sitting. Linda smiles proudly as she watches Jasmine teach Grace manners.

Linda: "How's her progress?"

Jasmine: "She's getting there. She just needs to work on her posture."

Grace: *quickly sits up straight*

Linda: "Do you mind if I join you for some tea?"

Jasmine: "How could I say no to the future queen?"

Linda takes a seat at the table with a friendly smile. Jasmine pours out tea into teacup for Linda.

Linda: *accepts the teacup* "Thank you, Jasmine."

Jasmine: *forces a smile* "You're welcome. How's the day been for you, Linda?"

Linda: "Oh, quite busy. Lots of preparations for the upcoming events."

Grace: *nervously* "Do you have to be the queen, Linda?"

Linda: *gently* "It's a big responsibility, but it's part of the role. I'm looking forward to it."

Jasmine: *sighs internally, then speaks* "Well, I suppose you'll be great at it. It's important to set a good example."

Linda: "I hope so. Speaking of which, how's Grace handling her lessons?"

Jasmine: *glances at Grace* "She's doing well. Still working on perfecting her manners, but she's improving."

Grace: *nervously* "I'm trying my best."

Linda: *smiles reassuringly* "That's all anyone can ask for. Keep it up, Grace."

Jasmine: *mutters* "Yeah, keep it up."

Linda: "And Jasmine, you're doing a wonderful job teaching her."

Jasmine: *nods, but her smile doesn't reach her eyes* "Thanks, Linda."

Linda: *clears her throat* "There's going to be a royal ball in a few days. If you want Grace to be there with you, you need to teach her how to act...and buy her a proper dress for the ball if you will."

Grace's eyes widened and she looks at Jasmine with begging eyes.

Jasmine: *rolls her eyes* "Very well." *she looks at Grace* "The ball is in a few days, meaning you only have a few days to learn proper behavior."

Linda: *smiles* "Great! I'm sure Grace will be a wonderful addition to the ball."

Jasmine: *sighs* "Yes, well, we'll make sure she's prepared."

Grace: *nervously* "What should I do to get ready?"

Jasmine: *looks at Grace seriously* "You need to master your manners, learn how to dance, and choose a suitable dress. It's important to look and act the part."

Linda: "And don't worry about the dress. I'm sure Jasmine can help you find something perfect."

Jasmine: *nods* "I'll take care of the dress shopping. As for the rest, we'll need to practice daily."

Grace: *kicks her legs happily* "I'll do my absolute best!"

Jasmine: "Good. We'll start tomorrow. For now, enjoy your tea and cookies."

Linda: *finishes her tea* "I'll leave you two to it. See you soon."

Linda stands, gives a friendly wave, and exits the dining hall, leaving Jasmine and Grace to focus on the upcoming preparations.

The next day...

Jasmine gets out of bed, careful not to step on Grace who was sleeping on the floor.

Jasmine: *grabs a brush off her dresser and throws it at Grace*

Grace: "Ow!" *sits up rubbing her head*

Jasmine: "Get dressed and brush your hair. Today we're going to Laura's to find a dress for you and then I'll teach you how to dance." *stares at Grace* "Hurry up. We don't have all day."

Grace: *yawns and stretches* "Okay, okay."

Jasmine: "We need to leave in fifteen minutes. Make sure you're ready."

Grace quickly gets dressed and brushes her hair as Jasmine instructed. Jasmine and Grace make their way to Laura's boutique.

Laura: "Jasmine! Grace! What a pleasure to see you both."

Jasmine: *nods* "Laura. We're here to find a dress for Grace. She needs something perfect for the royal ball."

Laura: *smiles warmly* "Of course. I've got just the thing in mind."

Laura leads Grace and Jasmine into the boutique. Grace looks at the racks of beautiful gowns with wide eyes, clearly overwhelmed. Laura quickly gets to work, picking out a variety of dresses for Grace to try on.

I really wish i could put pictures here

Anyways,

One was a tight pink dress with laces.

Laura thought it was pretty. Grace hated the texture. Jasmine just hated it.

The second was a shiny green dress with emeralds.

Laura and Grace loved it. Grace begged Jasmine for it. But Jasmine said "no".

The last one was a soft midnight blue dress.

They all loved it.

Laura: "That would be thirty crystals."

Jasmine: *takes out her pouch* "While we're on the subject of dresses, have you made yours yet?"

Laura: "It's a work in progress."

Jasmine: "I'm sure it will be beautiful. You always have such a talent for design."

Laura: *smiling* "Thank you, Jasmine. I'm excited to see how it turns out."

Jasmine: *glancing at Grace* "We'll need to focus on practicing dance moves next. Grace needs to be ready for the ball."

Grace: *nervously* "I hope I can get it right."

Laura: "Don't worry, Grace. Jasmine's a great teacher. You'll do just fine."

Jasmine: *nodding* "I'll make sure of it."

Jasmine pays Laura and they go back to the castle.

Jasmine: "Start with your feet together. When you move, lead with your left foot and follow with your right. Keep your movements smooth and steady."

Grace: *attempting the steps* "Like this?"

Jasmine: *nodding* "Exactly. Try to stay relaxed and keep your posture straight. It might feel awkward at first, but you'll get the hang of it."

Grace: *taking a deep breath* "Okay. What if I get clumsy and lose my balance while I'm dancing?"

Jasmine: "Don't worry about it. The Ballroom will be filled with other people. No one will notice your mistakes."

Grace: "So why do my dance moves have to be perfect?"

Jasmine: "In case someone outside the castle asks you to dance with them."

Grace: "Oh, I see. But what if I still mess up?"

Jasmine: "If you do, just keep going. Confidence is key. If you act like you know what you're doing, most people won't notice a slip-up."

Flint enters the Ballroom walking and talking with one of the guards. 

Flint: *notices Jasmine* "Ah, Princess Jasmine, I see you are preparing your friend for her first day at the royal ball, yes?"

Jasmine: "She does better dancing than she does using her manners."

Guard: *chuckles* "Well, it's always good to have some practice. Especially with all the eyes that will be on her at the ball."

Flint: *raises an eyebrow* "Indeed. The ball is an important occasion. I'm sure Grace will do just fine."

Jasmine: *giving Flint a knowing look* "Yes, I'm sure she will. We're working on it."

Guard: *looking around* "Just make sure everything goes smoothly. We wouldn't want any... surprises."

Jasmine: *slightly puzzled* "Surprises? What do you mean?"

Guard: *smiling innocently* "Oh, nothing. Just that the night should be perfect. After all, it is a royal affair."

Flint: *quickly changing the subject* "Anyway, Jasmine, I wanted to discuss something with you about the preparations. Perhaps later?"

Jasmine: "I can't. I'm busy."

The guard gives an understanding nod and exits the Ballroom. Jasmine watches him leave.

Grace: *looks at Jasmine* "I thought you said nobody would be watching me."

Jasmine: "You're beautiful, Grace. The eyes of the people always look at the ones who are most beautiful."

Flint watches the guard leave and then turns his attention back to Jasmine and Grace.

Jasmine: "The guard seemed rather concerned about something. I hope it's nothing serious."

Flint: *shrugs* "I'm sure it's nothing."

Grace: *nervously* "Do you think something might go wrong?"

Flint: "It's possible, but we'll deal with it if it happens." *smiles at Grace reassuringly* "I'm confident you'll do well, Grace. And Jasmine, I trust you'll handle any unexpected issues that arise."

Jasmine: "Yes, we'll be ready."

With that, Flint nods to Jasmine and leaves the Ballroom, his expression thoughtful. Jasmine and Grace continue practicing.