In the flower garden of the Siorus manor, where flowers erupted in a riot of colors, Bliss stood out even amidst the spectacle. Her long orange hair fell in vibrant waves, echoing the fiery hues of the sunset, and her red eyes sparkled with mischief. The blue maid's dress she wore, a contrast against her fiery palette, rustled as she moved with a dancer's grace, wielding her curious ax-shaped razor. It danced perilously close to Eli's neck, the blade teasing the thin line between a daring haircut and a close shave of another kind.

  "Easy there," Eli quipped, "A bit closer and you'd turn this haircut into a head-ectomy."

  Bliss chuckled, "Oh, come now. Without your head, you might actually become bearable."

  Eli feigned shock, "Ouch! Direct hit. But tell me, is this the 'less head, more charm' style you're going for?"

  Bliss smirked, her orange hair swaying like flames, "Oh, no, this is the 'let's hope his personality matches his new haircut' style. A drastic improvement, I hope."

  Eli laughed, touching his neck, "You know, I've heard legends of a magical stylist in this garden. But they left out the part where she was so delightfully cheeky."

  She winked, "It's all part of the Bliss experience. Besides, legends also say there was a man who'd talk less if his hair was shorter. Maybe that's you?"

  Eli grinned. "Well, it's hard to talk less with such an... engaging stylist. But I'll take my legendary status, cheek and all."

  Bliss laughed, setting down her razor. "All finished. I even refrained from taking your head for real at the end."

  "I didn't even realize I was so close to death," Eli giggled. "So what are your thoughts? Did you succeed in improving me at all?"

  "Look at you trying to fish for compliments from a cute girl. How embarrassing," she responded playfully.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  "Ha, jokes on you. I'm not even capable of getting embarrassed."

  "You want to put that to the test, young man?"

  Eli blushed. "Well, um, no."

  "Thought so." Taking a careful look at him, she said, "Your haircut is definitely a step in the right direction. Now, your thoughts? How do I look?" Her fiery orange hair cascaded around her as she twirled, catching the sunlight.

  Eli raised an eyebrow, caught off-guard.

  If I say she looks good she'll black mail me won't she, she'll probably tell my parents I was sexually harassing her. Relax, I just need to proceed with caution.

  "You're setting me up, aren't you? I say something nice, and you'll tease me about it for weeks."

  She winked, "Maybe, or maybe I'm just curious."

  Nothing that can be misconstrued, try to think about what you are saying.

  "In a purely platonic, and might I add, monk-like perspective," Eli began with a smirk, "you look radiant. Ethereal even."

  She chuckled, tilting her head coyly, "And my figure?"

  I can't say she looks hot, I mean she is but..

  "From the very same monk-like perspective, it's... well, it's a work of art." Eli fumbled, cursing himself internally for being so candid.

  Bliss laughed heartily, "Well, aren't you bold today! Good thing I've no intention of chasing after younger men, monk or not."

  Eli sighed in relief, "I need to keep my guard up with you. Anyway, I have a duel with Demetrius soon. I need to clear my head of any... distractions."

  She smirked, "Another duel? Did he challenge you, or was it the other way around this time?"

  Eli ruffled his freshly-trimmed hair, trying to dispel his apprehension. "You know, I’ve squared off with Demetrius again. I reckon I'm inching closer to a win. But it's like there's an invisible wall. And him besting me without magic? It's like a splinter in my pride."

  Bliss, twirling a strand of her fiery hair, smirked. "Oh, Eli. You're younger, faster, and let's face it, have a better barber. He's had a head start, but you're practically breathing down his neck now. Probably has him checking over his shoulder every now and then."

  Eli feigned shock, "Are you suggesting my dear brother is losing sleep over me?"

  Bliss shot him a cheeky grin, "Among other things. But remember, some have the gift of the gab, others the gift of the jab. Demetrius might be a maestro of the mind, but well... sometimes I think he could get lost in a corridor."

  Eli chuckled, "So, if he’s a wizard with words, I might stand a chance as the knight with a blade?"

  Bliss winked, “Exactly! Also, for what it's worth, your life musings? Far more enlightening than any philosophical book I've ever 'borrowed' from the manor's library.”

  Eli leaned in, “Stealing books now, are we? And here I thought you were just imparting sage advice. Perhaps you should challenge my father for the title of 'Wisest in Pembroke'.”

  With a playful gasp, Bliss retorted, “Borrowed, not stolen. And your father's reputation? I wouldn’t dare. But I will say, his wisdom shines in you, for your age.”

  Eli smirked, “A touching sentiment. But isn’t it said that youths these days are all fire and defiance?”

  Bliss shrugged, “Maybe. But then, there's fire that destroys, and fire that forges. You? Definitely the latter.”

  Eli laughed, “Now that’s a compliment. Though sometimes I wonder if some parents secretly root for the fiery destruction just to get a break.”

  Bliss chuckled, “Ah, the age-old ‘kick them from the nest to see if they fly’ approach. I'm not too worried about you, you'll learn to fly on your own. But seriously, you've got a golden setup.”

  “Except for the nagging feeling of being Demetrius’ shadow,” Eli sighed.

  Bliss nudged him, “Soon, he might just be known as 'Eli's elder brother'. Just don't let it go to your head.”

  Eli raised an eyebrow, “Literally or figuratively?”

  “Both,” Bliss laughed, “Now, off you go, Go clear that muddled monk brain of anything but swordplay."