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A quietly dressed woman approached them. “Good morning. May I be of assistance, ladies?”

“We’re looking for a couple of ballgowns,” announced Alla with her friendliest smile.

“Ah, well you’re certainly in the right place. My name is Rosaer. If you’ll follow me?” She led the two women through a delicate curtain into the real showroom, and Maelin echoed Alla’s gasp.

“Ooohhh...” she breathed. “These are...exquisite.”

Several gloriously coloured gowns were displayed on mannequins, but instead of the usual pseudo-human looking ones, these were pure white representations of the female form. Nothing at all distracted from the gown itself.

“So many wonderful shades,” murmured Alla. “And the fabric...” She carefully touched a ruffle as she glanced at Rosaer. “Is this silk?”

“It is,” the woman nodded. “But from a special source. We’re fortunate enough to have access to a limited supply. Nothing is too special for our clients.”

Alla and Maelin wandered, spellbound and silent in appreciation.

“May I ask if there’s a specific event you’re shopping for?”

Maelin nodded. “Yes. This weekend...” she winced, “short notice, I know, but my...my family has arranged for a sort of welcome-home ball. I’ve been away from Caelemar for some time.” She huffed out a snort. “Just got back two days ago, and already...a ball. I’d forgotten Caelemar’s ways.”

Rosaer tapped her lips with one finger. “Would I be correct in assuming you are Lady Maelin of Theryn? Newly returned from Tidehold Conservatory?”

“You would indeed.” Maelin looked at her, slightly unnerved. “Your assumption is surprisingly accurate.”

Rosaer smiled. “In this business we have to know who might be looking for what and for when.”

“You have good sources, then,” said Alla, coming to Maelin’s side.

“We do.” She nodded. “We also believe we have outstanding gowns. Why not look around?”

“I have to agree with you on that,” sighed Alla. “Some of these are beyond magnificent.” She paused. “Also beyond my allowance.”

Maelin touched her arm. “That won’t be a concern, Alla. My gift to you.” She chuckled. “I missed several occasions over the last year. This will make amends.”

Alla’s eyes lit up. “Really?”

“Truly.”

“You are...” Alla threw her arms around Maelin and hugged her tightly. “You are the best friend ever.”

“I know,” chuckled Maelin. “Now let’s find our gowns, shall we?”

It didn’t take Alla long at all to disappear into one of the comfortable fitting rooms with an armful of silks.

Maelin exchanged amused glances with Rosaer at some of the obviously enthusiastic ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’ emanating from the room.

Finally the door swung open and Alla made a dramatic entrance.

“Oh yessss,” nodded Rosaer. “That one is made for you, Miss Alla.”

Maelin just blinked.

The colour was...well, she couldn’t find a word to describe it, since it changed beneath the lights, shifting from the green of a new leaf to a gold-kissed green that could have doubled as sunlight shining on a forest pond.

The waist defined Alla’s curves with ruched silk in the same shades, and her abundant bosom was framed with glittering gold lace, delicate enough to be barely visible unless the lights caught it at the right angle. There was no stiff, corseted bodice, no buttons marching up the front of the gown, only the shimmering silk gathered into a floating frill at the shoulders.

“Alla,” breathed Maelin. “That dress was absolutely made for you. I don’t care whatever else you have in the fitting room, this is the one. Besides the fact it does things for your bosom that I’m incredibly jealous of, it sets your hair on fire...”

Alla herself was unusually quiet, just staring at her reflection. Finally, she turned to Maelin and nodded. “It’s as if every dream I ever had about a ballgown finally came to fruition.”