Talon's of Life & Death

30

*Trigger Warning: Explicit Language Used*

***

"Kessa..." I didn't know where to begin.

"Do you like it!" She jumps up and down, holding the ball gown in her arms. I was almost tempted to snatch it away from her, just so she couldn't damage the masterpiece. Not like she could. She made it.

"How did you...?" I was baffled, completely starstruck as she steps out of my rooms doorway and approaches the window. She hangs the gown up on the metal railing, steps back and widens her arms in glee.

"I knew you wouldn't have a dress, and the ball is way too short notice to go into the capital to buy a dress... even though after the tournament we definitely have to go, its amaz—"

"Kessa," I shake my head, approaching the dress.

I watched lots of girls in Falor receive dresses, I even used to look in through some boutiques windows to watch the tailors fit their customers with their dream gowns. I didn't think that style suited me, but I had never really gotten the chance to experience that. Especially not with Ivan. I probably would have given him a heart attack if he found out I bought a dress. It was bad enough I spent my coin on pencils and paper.

"Why did you do this for me?" I ask, my fingers skimming the fabric.

She tilts her head, her eyes crinkling. "Your my friend. Why wouldn't I?"

Tears rim my eyelids, I could only assume it was because I was entering that time of the month but either way, I was grateful. "Thank you."

She smiles, shaking her head. "I love making clothes, it's my hobby. I couldn't resist staying up all night making this, after I sobered up, that is." Her cheeks flush pink and I let out a loud laugh.

"The fabric..." I glitter my fingers across the black silk, rich like shadow but cool like the night sky.

"I've had it for a while, I didn't know what to use it for... it was this or red. And I knew you'd hate that!"

I laugh. I definitely couldn't pull off a red dress. "Red is more your colour anyway." I smirk.

She shrugs, matching me. "I've had a dress ready for weeks."

"Of course you have," I shake my head. "I've never worn anything like this before." I confess, feeling lighter having admitted.

"That's okay," She blinks, reaching up and unhooking the gown. "Neither have I really, I've made them but never worn them."

I nod. "I'm glad your coming."

"Me too. We can look badass together." She juts her hip against mine, playfully. "Let's try it on, I want to make sure I got your measurements."

"How did you even—"

"I may or may not have snuck in here last night when you were sleeping and measured your suit."

She blinks and I blink back.

"I hadn't even heard you."

She smirks. "I know, perks of the affinity."

I breath another laugh and undress before her, somehow quite comfortable with the notion as she helps me step into the gown. It fitted me like a glove, in all the right places. The hemline was rather low but the sleeves were nice and long. I felt comfortable. And when Kessa pushed me towards a mirror, I couldn't believe what I was seeing.