Isabel.
It's only six months after Arkarian proposed, and the wedding planning is in full swing. It's going to take place in Athens – which seems only right, really – and it's going to be quite a big deal, from what I can gather. Two of the Named, getting hitched! What a cause for celebration.
Pretty much everyone has got involved in the planning – sometimes this is a blessing, and sometimes a curse. Being more of a tomboy, it was very easy for me to say "Yes, yes, yes" to endless trails of people wanting to do this or that for me. The only thing I absolutely insisted on is picking out my own dress.
So I'm with Neriah, out in the mortal world, shopping for wedding dresses. Arkarian hinted to me that I can basically spend whatever I want, but I feel awkward in the expensive designer labels and have been more drawn to smaller, more personal shops. I've still not found the right dress, though. I sigh as I flick through the rails of the one we're in now.
Neriah turns to me, raising an eyebrow. "Are you absolutely sure you don't want to get someone to design one for you?" I shake my head, exasperated.
"That's the problem, though. I have no idea what I want. I just feel that when I find the right one, I'll know." I'm pretty sure she finds me infuriating. She's a bit more girly than me, though. She probably already knows what she wants.
"I don't, actually." Apparently I didn't guard that last thought. Ooops. "But anyway, Isabel. After this one, there are no more shops. Can I take you to meet some people once we are done here?" She gestures around us. I like this shop, though. It seems nice and homely. Personal. The dresses are really nice, too. Apparently the owner makes them herself, and it is plain to see that she puts a lot of time into each one.
The owner herself pops her head around the door. "Can I help you girls?" I'm about to shake my head no when Neriah waves her in.
"My friend here, Isabel, is getting married in a couple of months. I think we've been to every bridal shop in Australia at this point. Can you help us?"
The owner puts a hand to her chin and walks around me in a circle. She's the first person who hasn't asked what I want in a dress. "Hmmm. Just wait there. I think I have a couple in the back that might suit. New designs." She disappears and I sit down. I'm not expecting much.
"See, asking for help wasn't so hard, was it?" Neriah jokes as she flops down on the seat next to me. We wait only a few moments before the lady bustles back in, several dresses draped over her arm. I was sure she had just said 'a couple'. One by one, she holds them up. I like a couple, but they aren't right. Then she holds up the last dress, and I think my heart stops. "That's it!" I jump to my feet and step over to her, taking the dress. Neriah comes with me to try it on.
"It's like it was made for you, Isabel." She gasps as I slip the dress on. I feel goosebumps raising on my arms as I stare at my reflection. It fits perfectly.
The dress is overlaid with lace and and figure hugging to just below my hips, where it drops down to the floor with a short train. The V neckline emphasises my bust without being revealing, but the plunging back is a little more daring, with a ribbon corset fitting the bottom half tight to my waist. It hugs my figure in all the right places. I put my hands to my chest and Neriah looks like she's about to cry! "Oh Isabel, you look absolutely stunning. You'll knock his socks off in this."
She calls the lady in, who gasps and covers her mouth with her hands. "Perfect, absolutely perfect! You look beautiful, my dear." She fusses with the dress a little, muttering to herself about some minor adjustments. Once she is happy, I change back and hand the dress back to her. We arrange a date to come back and make sure it fits right with her adjustments, and then we are on our way.
After we leave the shop, Neriah gives me a huge hug. "We need to celebrate! Lets go to Veridian for dinner and wine. We can invite the boys and make an evening of it." She claps her hands together, clearly thrilled. I smile at her enthusiasm.
"Sure, Neriah. That sounds great!" She links our arms together and we head away for our evening.
With my dress ordered, it all seems to be becoming real, and I can feel my heart pounding with nervous excitement.