"Possibilities" (Rose)
I am thankful for the light change in conversation saving me from looking like a fool any further. Fixing his hair... What was I thinking?! I can tell you, I surely wasn't thinking at all. I was acting on impulse, and it was stupid. I avert my mind from these thoughts to deal with the present problem. "I am not positive on how to handle my wardrobe issue," I say honestly.
"Leave it to me," Merlin points upward, "I have a knack for this sort of thing."
"Getting girls' clothes?" I say with a false suspicion.
"Ah," a soft pink blush now accentuates his high cheekbones, "That did not come out right."
"It's okay, Merlin," I giggle, "I won't jump to conclusions, and you needn't explain yourself to me."
He squirms a bit before saying, "Alright," he heads for the door. "I will be back with a dress for the lovely lady," he smiles and disappears through the door. I laugh to myself.
"What a character," I say in hushed voice for only myself to hear.
It is not long before Merlin reappears in the bedroom doorway. "I'm back," he beams.
"So I see," I grin, "Welcome back."
"Thanks," he steps in, "And this," he brings his hands out from behind his back, revealing a pale pink plainclothes dress, "Is for you."
I smile instinctively, "It is lovely."
"I thought so," he holds it up to himself. "I also thought that the color would compliment your hair and skin well."
"I don't know about that," I put on a fake skeptic face, "I think it may suit you more than it does me." We laugh as he hands me the dress. "Where did you get this?" I ask while surveying the gown.
"Oh, you know," he makes a funny motion with his hands.
"No, I don't," I shake my head, "That would be why I asked." He doesn't say anything further. He is acting like he's hiding something. To me, he is transparent. "Merlin," I say in a warning tone, implying that he had better tell me and be straight about it.
He sighs, mouth open, and then closes it. He opens it once more to say, "I ... bought it."
"Merlin!" I say, quite shocked, "You didn't have to do that! I feel terrible to have put you out like that."
"No, no," he waves his hands at me, "Don't feel terrible or any kind of bad or negative emotion about it. It was my pleasure." I look down at it, still unsure if I should even accept it, or have him attempt to get his money back for it. "Plus," he adds, "It was my fault that the arm of your other dress was torn in the first place. I can fix it for you, but I need time. Please, if you can't take it for any other reason, take it to ease my guilty conscience."
I can't really do anything but yield, "Alright, Merlin," I nod, "Have it your way."
He smiles, "I'll give you a moment then," and he walks back through the door.
I change from my satin nightgown, slip the dress, which is made of a heavier, cotton material (not the stiff kind, but the kind that is easy to move in, and far more comfortable) to keep me warm, over my head, and pull it down accordingly. I pull my necklace off, and turn the charm around to see its reflective back. I can see myself faintly on the surface. In my reflection, seeing this simple yet flattering gown, I see it. I see the possibilities that lie within my grasp. Maybe I was right in thinking I could make a life for myself here. Maybe my father was right in that dream in saying that I would find something in Merlin, whether it be friendship or maybe more. Even if none of my people survived for me to govern, perhaps a peasant's life is what I am meant for. Maybe average is what I have always been intended to be.
"Beyond Compare" (Merlin)
She opens the door behind me, "You can come in now." I turn around, step in the room, and am astounded by what I see. Even in the simplest of clothes, she looks absolutely amazing. I smile out of reflex, not seeing the point in stopping myself, especially since she looks unsure of her new look.
"I know it's not the most extravagant of gowns, but it seemed comfortable enough and fitting for the weather," I state. "However, despite its lack of glamour, you make it look great."
She blushes innocently, "Thank you, Merlin. I must say, you sure know how to treat a girl."
Now, I'm blushing, "Well, I don't know about that."
"I do," she says sincerely, causing my head to spin from her light, airy voice, "I have never met someone so capable of changing the color of my countenance with a few words, or of making me feel comfortable in a completely foreign environment."
"I am glad you find me a fitting acquaintance," I bow forward a bit.
"I do not. I find you a caring friend, no less," she says firmly.
I really don't know how much more of this madness I can take. It is a very profitable thing that I have a skill for keeping my most valuable secrets exactly as they are- secrets. For here, standing before me, is a girl who possesses a beauty, inside and out, so entrancing, that, to me, is strictly beyond compare.