"Just put the money into the safe and I'll collect it tomorrow," I ordered Dean. I looked at my list that Alvin had written for me before he left for work. "I have to go look at wedding dresses in Marksburg and buy a dress for my engagement party. I don't have time to stop by."
Dean sighed. "Alright, alright."
"Thank you, Dean," I hung up my GHS and groaned. There was a loud knock on the door and I groaned again. "Lord Maxwell give me strength," I opened the door and in popped an excited Leia and a smiling Rowan.
"Ready to do some dress shopping?" Leia squealed.
"The appointment is with a dress shop in Marksburg," I told them. "We better get going."
"Alvin explained that you needed a dress for the engagement party as well?" Rowan hummed, stroking his beard.
"Yes," I nodded. "He said that it needed to be somewhat fancy."
"His family is nobility so, it would make sense," Leia shrugged and jumped out into the hallway. "Come on! Let's get going!"
Rowan and I laughed, closing the door behind us. I made sure it was locked and we were off. Leia skipping ahead of us. I was kind of excited too, although, I don't think I should be wearing a white dress. Alvin had told me that white dresses were traditional. I had to at least try to find one that I liked. I would feel bad if I couldn't find a wedding dress that I liked just because of the color white.
"Have you been thinking about what kind of dress you would like?" Rowan snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Well, no. Not really," I mumbled, scratching the back of my head. "Alvin told me that wedding dresses were white and I just... don't think that the Great Spirit of Darkness should be wearing the color white."
"Traditionally, wedding dresses are white," Rowan nodded. "However, you can find different colors. Champagne is a common color for wedding dresses."
"I don't know," I groaned. "I don't even know what dress to get for the engagement party. Why does it have to be fancy? Why can't it just be comfortable since I'm going to be wearing it all night."
"We'll find something, Achlys," Leia chirped. "Don't worry so much about it!"
As we walked into the shop, I was overwhelmed by the enormous amount of dresses of every type. There were cocktail dresses. Gowns. Wedding dresses. Day dresses. Lace dresses. Florals. I feel more afraid now in this dress shop, than I was when I was about to die last year at the hands of Maxwell. There were even boxes upon boxes of different dress shoes in the back near the mirrors. Rowan rang the bell on the counter and a woman popped out from a door in the back.
"Hello! Do you have an appointment?" She asked, rushing up to the counter.
"Y-Yes," I stuttered, still flabbergasted by the amount of dresses there. "It's under 'Svent'."
"Oh my! A Svent is getting married! How wonderful!" The lady cheered, jumping up to one foot. "My name is Kayla. Who did you bring with you?"
"I'm Leia! One of her bridesmaids!" The teenager boasted, putting both hands on her hips proudly.
"And I'm one of the groomsmen, Rowan," The old man bowed his head.
"It's very nice to meet you all," Kayla smiled and ushered us to the back of the store. "So, you're fiancé said that you are looking for a wedding dress and an engagement party dress."
"Yes, that's correct," I nodded, becoming more and more nervous with every word that was spoken.
"Let's start with the engagement dress. That'll be easy," She winked and cocked her head. "What kind of dresses do you normally wear?"
"Well, in my line of work, I don't really get to wear dresses," I explained to her. "So, I've never worn a dress before."
"Well, what colors do you like?" She asked.
"I tend to like... dark colors," I shrugged, giving a small smile. "My fiancé also said that it needed to be fancy."
"Of course! You're becoming a Svent!" She laughed, holding on to her stomach. "I'll be back with a couple of dresses. I'm guessing you're a size six?"
"Y-Yes," I spluttered. Not sure how she knew that, but it was fine.
"You don't have to be nervous," Leia whispered. "She's a professional and it seems like she knows what Alvin's family is expecting."
I sighed and looked at my feet. "I need to find some heels for the party as well."
"You'll need some earrings and a nice necklace to go along with the outfit," Rowan stated.
I pursed my lips, grabbing a hold of the necklace that Wingul had gotten me. "I guess I can't wear a necklace to my engagement party that another man got for me, huh?"
"Well, not exactly," Rowan quickly added. "I think Alvin's family is looking for a little more-"
"Glam!" Leia exclaimed, cutting Rowan off.
"Oh! Well, then that's fine," I confessed.
Kayla came back with a bunch of dresses on one arm and gestured me into the fitting room. "We'll be right back!" She told the crew and closed the door.
I took off my clothes and neatly set them aside. I had never been nervous about being naked in front of people. Well, maybe with Wingul, but that was more of a shock than nervousness. She helped me step into the first gown, zipping it up for me. Before stepping out to show Rowan and Leia, I looked in the mirror at myself. The dress was a navy blue lace with short sleeves and a crew neckline and a straight skirt. I don't know. I didn't mind it, but I think I could find something better. I decided to step out anyway and show my friends.
Rowan shook his head wth a frown on his face. "I think you need a dress that is more... upscale."
"Upscale?" I grimaced at the word.
"More glitzy!" Leia exclaimed.
"Glitzy?" Even worse.
"Hm, I agree!" The woman nodded and pulled me back into the changing room.
She yanked me out of the dress and put me into a light colored dress that was way more glitzy than I had ever imagined a dress could be. The dress was bright enough, but the gems reflected the actual lights, making the dress appear brighter than it was. It was well fitted however, with a sway back, a crew neckline and short sleeves. I didn't like this one either, but again, decided to show the crew.
"Whoa! Way too bright!" Leia announced.
"I don't think the neckline suites you," Rowan added.
"Worth a shot," Kayla shrugged and dragged me back into the changing room.
"Now, I don't know how you feel about short dresses," She started, pulling the dress off and putting the next one on. "But, I think it's upscale enough for the Svent's."
This one was a bit above my knees, which I really didn't like. I felt kind of... naked if I didn't have something covering my legs. I don't mind being naked in front of people, but these people were judging me. The color was a metallic navy blue with a beaded, crew neckline. The skirt was just a little poofy, which I didn't like either. The woman pushed me out of the changing room to show my friends.
"I don't like the neckline, again," Rowan breathed, shaking his head.
"It's a little too short," Leia frowned.
"I agree," I nodded and went straight back into the changing room.
"Now this one," Kayla held up the next dress while I got out of the current one. "This one is not... glitzy, as your friend would say, but it is very much upscale."
Putting it on, I felt like I was in actually underwear. This dress was lacy and showed off way too much skin. Not to mention, it was a low cut neckline and my breasts were about to pop out. The only thing about it that I liked was the the color; black. Should I really show this to Rowan and Leia? Oh! She's pushing me out. Okay, well, I guess I'm showing it to them!
"Teepo would love that dress!" Leia's laughter boomed along with Rowan's.
"I think Alvin would like that dress. Alvin's family however...," Rowan trailed off to suppress any further laughing.
"Thank you guys for being so polite," I teased and charged back into the changing room.
"Okay! I am sure you'll love this dress!" Kayla exclaimed, yanking me out of the current dress and helping me step into the last dress.
My eyes widened as I smoothed the dress down at my waist. She was right. I did love it! It was glitzy and red, but it fit so well! And the neck line was off the shoulder and it showed just a little cleavage. The skirt was straight but gathered up in the back. I didn't think I would ever wear anything like this in my life. I stepped out of the dressing room and twirled twice for my audience.
"Someone likes what they're in!" Leia cheered, applauding my little performance.
"Oh! I like it as well," Rowan gave a nod and a wink.
"Let's find a nice pair of heels and some earrings to match," Kayla scurried over to the shoe selection. "What size are you?"
"Eight."
"A nice, plain black heel should do," Kayle dropped the five inch black heels at my feet and went over to the jewelry case. She picked out a pair of diamond hoop earrings and put them in my ears. "There!"
"You're so pretty Achlys!" Leia cried, her eyes glistening.
"I'll go get a couple of weddings gowns to try on," Kayla bowed and headed back through the store.
"Would you be able to hold on to the earrings and the heels? I'm going to go wait in the changing room," I pointed to the door with my thumb.
Leia stuck out her hands. "Gladly!"
I handed the earrings to the girl and stepped out of my heels, putting them next to her. I waltzed into the dressing room and slid off the dress, being careful not to tear it, and put it on the hanger. As I waited for Kayla to come back with who knows what kinds of dresses, I took out my GHS to check if I had any messages.
[Text from Jude] When you get the chance, either today or tomorrow, could stop by Helioborg?
[Text to Jude] Sure thing! I don't think I'm going to make it today, but I'll stop by tomorrow right after work.
[Text from Al] Hey sweetness! Just wanted to check in. Make sure everything is alright! I know this wedding thing is all new to you, but everything will be fine! I promise!
[Text to Al] Everything is fine. The dress shop owner is very spunky. I finally found a dress for tomorrow's party. Now, I'm just trying on wedding dresses.
[Text from Jess] Dean gave me the payment. Just thought I'd let you know.
[Text to Jess] Thanks for letting me know. I'll be back at work tomorrow.
"Alright!" Kayla exclaimed, shutting the door to the room. "I have three dresses for you to try. I just want you to try on different styles and then I'll go back out and try to find dresses of the same style for you."
"O-Okay," I muttered, chewing my cheek.
I tried on each style. They were all plain, white dresses. One was a, what they call a sheath, another a mermaid, and the last was a ball gown. In the mermaid dress, I felt like I couldn't even move my legs. How was I supposed to walk? I didn't understand. Even though I tend to take short strides, it was hard. The ball gown, geez I felt like I was drowning in the dress. It was just so puffy.
"I'll stick with the sheath," I told Kayla.
"Okay, I'll be right back!" She bowed and left the room again.
I chewed at the inner part of my cheek and checked my GHS.
[Text from Al] That's great! Yurgen and I are just finishing up and I'll be on my way home. Do you want tofu miso soup tonight?
[Text to Al] Of course!
"Alright," Kayla came in with just one gown, but it was beautiful.
It was a satin gown, with a flower, sequin design all up the front of the dress, and the design went all the way around my neck to hold the gown up. I slid the dress on and immediately felt like myself in it. It wasn't a pure white. It was more of like a champagne color, which was better for me as the Great Spirit of Darkness. It felt so light on my body, like I wasn't wearing anything at all. It was soft to the touch and I just wanted to squeal with joy. I happily walked out of the room with a big, goofy ass smile on my face.
"You look amazing, Achlys," Leia said in awe.
"You're black hair really compliments the color," Kayla announced. "Let me get you some heels and some earrings," She went to the shoe display and rustled through the shoes. She dumped on the floor near my feet a crystal embellished high heel platform. I slipped them on my feet, making sure to get my balance. "The great thing about that dress is, is that it fits you perfectly! You don't even need a second fitting!"
"I thought I would never find a wedding dress that I like," I murmured, smoothing down the dress.
"I can find a dress for anyone, sweetheart," Kayla laughed, putting in crystal drop earrings. "Are you sure you don't want to try on any other dresses?"
I shook my head. "No. I'd rather just stick with this one."
"Rowan?" Leia blinked at the old man. "Are you... crying?"
"No, just tearing up a bit," Rowan sniffled. "It's just a happy event worth happy tears."
"Oh Rowan," I stifled a giggle. "The wedding is in a few months though."
"I understand," He wiped a tear from under his eye and smiled. "You should get dressed."
"Yes, good idea," I went back into the changing room and slid off the dress.
Kayla came in and took both dresses, my shoes and the earrings, and left me to put my regular clothes on. I hummed a happy little tune while I got dressed. It's funny how I was so nervous at first, just walking into the store made me want to vomit, but now I was happy as a clam. I opened my GHS with a new message.
[Text from Al] Getting the soup ready right now. You almost done?
[Text to Al] Just paying and I'll be home shortly.
I walked out of the changing room and to the counter where my dresses were covered, shoes were in a box and earrings in another. Kayla rang me up and I handed her the gald. It was pretty expensive I have to say, but thankfully, I have a successful business and can afford to spend money here and there. Well, with this wedding, it would seem that I would be spending a lot more than just here and there.
"We'll help you home," Rowan spoke, picking up the two dresses from the counter.
"Alvin is not allowed to see the dresses! I have to make sure he doesn't sneak a peak when we come in!" Leia grinned from ear to ear, picking up the box with the shoes.
"Thank you guys," I bowed my head to them and then to Kayla. "Thank you so much for your help today!"
"It was my pleasure to help a future Svent!" Kayla squealed, waving at us as we headed out of the shop.
"For a second there, I thought you would never find a party dress!" Leia laughed.
"I didn't either," I concurred. "With you saying more glitzy and Rowan saying more upscale, I was really worried. As you can probably tell, I don't really like glitzy or upscale things."
"You like that necklace that Wingul got you," Rowan pointed out.
"You got me there," I giggled, taking a gentle hold of the necklace. "Oh shoot. We forgot to pick out necklaces."
"I bet it's alright," Leia assured me. "It matches everything. I bet they won't even ask about it."
I sighed and let go of the necklace. "I-I feel bad whenever I wear it."
"Why? It's pretty," Leia said.
"It's just...," I closed my eyes tightly, trying not to let a tear escape. "Whenever I wear it, I think that Alvin remembers that moment in our relationship. That moment that still pains him to this day. I love this necklace, I really do, but another man gave it to me that I had... relations with. Is that not selfish of me? Is that not abusive?"
"I don't think Alvin sees that when you wear it," Rowan assured me. "Maybe sometimes or maybe at first, but he's matured and he has reaped what he has sowed."
"And, if you are happy wearing it then I'm sure Alvin is happy," Leia agreed. "He loves you and all he wants is to see you happy."
"Thank you guys for reassuring me," I let go of the necklace and took a breath. "I can always count on my friends."
"More like you can always count on your family!" Leia exclaimed.
I laughed at the girl. "Yes, yes. You're right. I can always count on my family."
I unlocked the door to my apartment and opened it to the smell of tofu miso soup. It smelled... just a little burnt this time. I obviously wouldn't say anything to Alvin. He's trying his best to learn how to cook without my help all the time.
"Hey! You're back!" Alvin jumped off the couch to greet us. "Ah! You found a wedding dress!"
"No looking!" Leia blocked him from coming any closer. "You can't see any of the dresses!"
"Not even the one for the party?" Alvin pouted.
"Nope!" Leia shook her head.
"I'll put these in your closet," Rowan bowed his head and went into our bedroom.
I glanced at the stove and noticed that it was still on. "Alvin, you know the stove is still on, right?"
"Yeah, I was keeping it hot for you," Alvin said proudly.
"It's at a boil. If you want to keep things hot without burning them, turn it down to a simmer," I stated, turning the dial down.
"Oh, I hope I didn't burn it," Alvin blushed with his head tilted towards the ground.
"Well, everything is in order," Rowan effused, coming out of the bedroom. "Leia, may I escort you home?"
"Actually, I'm staying at the Trigleph inn," She replied.
"I'll escort you there then," Rowan gave a smile. "We'll see you two tomorrow night at the engagement party."
"Alright," Alvin gave that lousy salute of his while I waved them off. "See ya."
"Thanks for helping today!" I shouted to them.
"It was no problem!" Leia gave me a thumbs up and shut the door behind her.
"Shall we eat? I'm starving!" I licked my lips and got two bowls out.
"We can, but," Alvin twirled me around and surprised me with a kiss. "I have to kiss my lovely lady first."
"Well," I pulled at his scarf gently. "We can kiss and do other things after we eat. What do you think?"
Alvin gave his signature smirk. "I think that is a great idea."
