The Art of the Corset (2017)

Chapter Eight- Paris

Exiting the home of Marth's sister after gracious statements of appreciation, Evelyn and Marth turned towards the streets and noticed the beautiful area that had surrounded them. Beautiful bushes of pastel colors illuminated the walkways while lamps of unlit torches hung overhead in stunning carved metal poles. Cobblestone laid underneath their feet, leading from one end to the town to the next. The buildings that made up the town were all in compliment of their neighbors and there was not a single resident who did not hold a smile upon their face. While producing distance ahead, Marth pulled her into a nearby shop where there had been an overwhelming smell of lavender and vanilla.

Upon entering, a young woman emerged from an unseen location and welcomed them before allowing them to look around. The shop consisted of several thousands of phials filled with colored liquids that varied from light to dark. Along the counter where consumers would pay for their items rested a set of flowers that were unlike any she had seen before. Pure in color, the petals of the flowers calmed her as she reached out and became at ease with the consistency.

"We shall take Lavamint and two of your finest white stems." Marth spoke before withdrawing several coins and placing them on the wooden surface in front of them. Realizing what he had purchased, Evelyn attempted to insist on voiding the sale, before being persuaded to accept or it would offend him. Emerging from the shop, she withdrew the perfume from its case and used the long applicator to place it along her wrists. Breathing it in as she brought her hands to her nose, she closed her eyes and let out a pleased groan.

"Whatever is that glorious scent!" She spoke with a great level of amazement before he pulled her wrist underneath his own nose and closed his own eyes, but remained silent. Eventually, when parting to another side of the street, he began to explain.

"It comes from a plant that grows in the gardens only here. Sparked from legend, it is created by mixing the natural lava seeds along with the calming mint, it is also supposed to aid with nightmares."

"You truly did not have to purchase anything for me..."

"You deserve to be covered in gifts, especially as a proper woman." Not realizing the kindness of his comment, he continued forward before coming to another shop; this one consisting of dresses and large hats that looked too heavy to even withdraw from a tabletop.

"Choose whichever one you desire."

Her eyes went wide as she immediately turned and shook her head. "I could never! Marth, you have-"

"Become greatly offended by your rejection of my kindness. I can see you have not owned anything without age and it allows me to enjoy life knowing I contributed to a smile such as yours."

"Is there anything you wish in return?" For the first time, she hoped he would withdraw his charm and pull her into the closest corner and desire sexual favors for what he was offering, but instead, he shook his head and spoke of her smile being reason enough. Feeling genuinely disappointed but touched, she had made her way to a far dress sparkled with long purple stripes that wrapped to a large bow near the butt of the dress. Another was a white with lace underneath the chest, coming out along the arms, and wrapping into the skirt. The other incorporated fabric had been a silk of a pearl color that appeared similar to twirled curtains as opposed to an average plain skirt.

"This is breathtaking." She said as she slid her finger upon the fabric and gained chills from the soft exterior.

"We will purchase this one." He spoke to the shop owner before the woman walked Evelyn towards a large divider where she could change. After giving the coin, he then waited near the divider for her and spoke of the charm of the current city they were located in, along with the uncomfortable nature of him standing in a store of dresses aside from more manly shops. It appeared to take a long chunk of time as he called out to her to be sure everything had been alright.