Entralling Bloom

23.) Change of Plans

Albedo

Albedo stared forward at Rosalind's paralyzed personage. He could see Lisa's words slowly taking their toll on her.

Although Lisa and Alouette seemed to be awaiting her response, Ros stood- stiff as a statue.

Figures, he thought. She's an anxious person for sure. 

From what I've witnessed the past two days, whether it's moments where she doesn't expect to meet someone, has to start a new conversation, or, in this case, needs to decide on a dress for a first impression, Rosalind seems to want to have all her ducks in a row. Sudden changes of plan seem to rattle her.

Alouette picked up on Ros' panic as well, quickly rushing forward and taking Ros' limp hand in her own.

Albedo watched the seamstress's haughty demeanor tactically morph into a more consoling persona.

"Oh dear," Alouette said without her previous pump and circumstance, " there's no need to panic. I guarantee you, I can have you dressed in time for your soirée, despite this little hiccup in your preparations."

As Alouette tried to turn Ros' misfortune into a business opportunity, Albedo noticed that Rosalind didn't seem all there. Standing behind her, Albedo could see her shoulder blades going rigid with dread. Her unmoving figure and lowered head told him her eyes remained fixed on the floor despite Alouette's attempts to put her mind at ease.

...Perhaps I should intervene, Albedo thought. The situation shows no signs of improving.

Albedo extended a hand to grasp Rosalind's shoulder in support.

Though before Albedo could reach her, Rosalind took a deep breath and let out an audible exhale.

"It serves me right for putting off shopping till the last minute," Ros said, collecting herself. "What are you proposing Ms. Alouette?"

She recovered quickly... Albedo thought, retracting his outstretched hand. It's just like when I questioned her about her origins... Guess she wouldn't have made it this far if she let her nerves take control of her completely. She's managed to catch Lisa's attention and unwittingly steal herself a spot within the Knights of Favonius after being found haggard in the forest. She's shy but hardy.

Alouette gave a quick spiel of her plan: She could cut out some of the effort of designing a custom dress if Rosalind chose a display mockup for Alouette to modify.

"I'll just need to take your measurements... And, as a bonus, I can even make minor changes to the design so long as it doesn't drastically change the original mockup!" Alouette haggled.

"Sounds good to me," Rosalind said, though Albedo got the feeling she was just settling for what seemed like her best, and perhaps only, option.

With that Rosalind was measured and ushered into a room in the back to view the formal evening gown designs in Alouette's collection, and Albedo took the opportunity to take his leave.

He told Lisa he'd go check on Klee, once they were left alone in the foyer of Alouette's shop.

" I'll wait here," Lisa said, " I still need to pay for my order. It seems Alouette forgot to ring me up in her excitement over a sale. I'm also quite curious as to which one of Alouette's designs will tickle little Rozy's fancy."

Albedo nodded and tried not to look too eager to leave as he headed back outside to meet up with Klee and Amber.

To some extent, he wondered about Rosalind's dress too. The room they were in was plastered in lingerie and the dress Lisa herself ordered touted a low-cut bust line and slit skirt as well.