Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 36

The bell above the door chimed softly as Vagatha stepped into the haberdashery, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. The vibrant colors and textures that surrounded her were intoxicating, and she felt a thrill at the possibilities that lay ahead. She remembered Heinrich's words and the five gold coins tucked safely in her pocket, a small fortune that could change her evening dramatically.

The shop wasn't as busy as it normally was. Probably because most of the people by now were on their way to the Yuletide Ball at the Pentious's estate. She found the owners, Baxter and Natasha just putting the finishing touches on their ensembles.

"Good evening!" Baxter greeted her, his voice cheerful. "What brings you in at this hour? We're just about to close up for the ball."

"Um, hello," Vagatha replied, her voice slightly shaky. "I'm here because... well, Heinrich sent me."

Natasha's eyes lit up with recognition. "Heinrich? Oh, well why didn't you say so. What can we do for you?"

Vagatha hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of the coins in her pocket. "He... he wanted me to pick out a dress for the ball. He said I should tell you he sent me to his place."

Baxter exchanged a glance with Natasha, both of them smiling knowingly. "Ah, Heinrich. He's not one for social gatherings, that's for sure," Baxter said with a chuckle. "Come, let's find you something special."

Natasha led Vagatha through the shop, her fingers brushing against the luxurious fabrics as she pointed out various gowns. "What kind of style do you prefer? We have everything from elegant ball gowns to more playful designs."

Vagatha looked around, her eyes wide with wonder. "I... I don't know. I've never really had the chance to wear something fancy before."

"Well, let's change that!" Natasha exclaimed, her enthusiasm infectious. "How about we start with something that makes you feel like a queen?"

Natasha gifted Vagatha a gown she had meticulously crafted. She poured her heart into every aspect of its creation, from designing the intricate pattern to adding beautiful embellishments and expertly stitching it all together.

The garment featured a graceful silhouette, showcasing a fitted bodice that seamlessly transitioned into a wide, flared skirt that cascaded elegantly to the floor. Crafted from luxurious linen, the fabric boasted deep hues of green, blue, and purple, reminiscent of the northern lights, interwoven with vibrant sleeves that captured an ethereal glow.

"It's beautiful," Vagatha said, her fingers tracing the bodice.

Baxter stepped closer, a warm smile on his face. "It's one of our finest creations. I think it would suit you perfectly, especially with your complexion."

Natasha nodded in agreement. "You must try it on! I can already envision how stunning you'll look in it."

With a mix of excitement and trepidation, Vagatha followed Natasha to the fitting room. As she slipped into the gown, she felt a wave of transformation wash over her. The fabric hugged her in all the right places, and the skirt flowed around her like a gentle breeze. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and gasped.

"It's perfect," she murmured, turning slightly to see how the gown moved with her.

"Now, let's finish your look," Natasha said, leading her to a mirror adorned with various accessories. "A dress like this deserves the perfect finishing touches."

She began styling Vagatha's hair, enhancing her look with turquoise earrings and cascading chains of gold embellished with sparkling crystals. A beautifully draped shawl completed the ensemble, topped off with an exquisite kokoshnik tiara.