Porcelain Doll (Howl X Reader)

Chapter 1

The streets of Market Chipping were bustling about. People visiting shops, buying stuff they would admire but never use. 

One store seemed to be very busy, yet popular with mainly the ladies. The sign was high above the heads of those waiting in the line, the words "The Golden Needle" inscribed in the wood. 

In the window passerbyers could see beautiful designs for women's dresses. They each maintained their own style, yet also stayed into the standard of outfits women would wear.

At the front desk sat a young woman, around the age of twenty, a sketchbook in hand as a woman stood before her, listing off the wants and don't wants for her dress. After completing a rough sketch she shows the lady, continuing the process with each customer until there were none.

An elderly woman had closed the door, locking it and switching the sign to close. Clasping her hands together she looks around at the elderly women sitting at a sewing machine.

"Alright lady's, we have our requests for dresses for the day. Have these due by tomorrow night as most women feel the need to tell us at the last minute." The elderly woman approaches the youngest one there, patting her on the back.

"You got this (Y/N). Hand them the dresses for them to work on, then start working yourself" Nodding her head the h/c girl begins to hand out the sketches she was given before returning to her own seat.

The sun had just begun to rise as the seamstresses started their work. (Y/N) sat at her own table, farther away from the group deep in focus. 

Huffing at the hair which fell in her face she sloppily ties it back, standing and using measurements against the mannequin by her desk. 

A few of the older ladies stood up, stopping in their works. Hushed whispers filled the workshop, as the elderly ladies stared out the windows.

"It's Howls Castle" A lady whispers, catching (Y/N)'s attention. She glances out the window to in fact find Howl's castle not far from. It didn't look quite like a castle, rather to her it seemed like a big house, floating in the sky, and moving along. It was quite magical.

Shaking her head (Y/N) brings her focus back to her work, outlining the pattern she would need for the dress. She sketches out pockets big enough for the customer to carry any essential needs. Pulling out the fabric colors she tunes into the whispers of her coworkers.

"Do you think Howl is in town?" A lady in a slightly poofy dress than normal whispers, all still huddled around the window.

"Probably," Another whispers, her droopy hat blocking her vision partially "He's probably looking for a new young ladies heart"

"Deary me, thankfully we all mustn't worry, as we are too old and married" Another laughs as the others join, though it quickly falls silent.

Without turning around (Y/N) could feel their stares burning into her back.

"There is no need to worry about me, I barely go out enough to interact with men" She states, cutting out the shapes she needed. "Plus I bet I do not fall under his category of women whose hearts to steal"

"That's nonsense! You're a beautiful young woman" The hat lady states.

"Plus you know how to sew, cook, clean, and care for children" The other lady states, listing each word off with her fingers.

"I honestly don't understand how a man hasn't come along and stolen you away from us by now, darling" The poofy dress woman states. (Y/N) tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear shrugging her shoulders.

"I prioritize my work before men" She simply states.

"Maybe you'd get more suitors if you wore less….revealing clothes" The lady states, pushing up her droopy hat as she eyes the girl working before her.