WinterField

Chapter 15 - Gifts

Ash woke the next morning and lazily climbed out of bed. She went to her vanity and threw her hair into a ponytail, then went downstairs. Sophia and Sage were seated at the kitchen table discussing horses.

"It's more fun to ride bareback. You really get the feeling of what it's like to be on a horse." Sophia stated.

"But it's more painful. If you have a saddle, you won't be sore the next day." Sage argued.

"I personally prefer riding with a saddle." Ash said.

"Ash!"

Sophia sprang from her chair and gave Ash a bear hug.

"Hi Sophia!" Ash giggled. "You know you've only been gone for not even two days."

"But I have so much to tell you."

"Well, why don't you tell me on the way to Malachi's." Ash said.

"Who's Malachi?" Sage asked.

"He's a dress maker. He made dresses for Melonie and me, and he said to pick them up this morning. Would you like to come?" Ash asked.

"Of course!" Sophia said.

"I'll stay back and wait for the others to wake up." Sage said.

"Perfect. Let me change first, then we can go."

Ash ran upstairs and threw on a long, olive green dress that was shorter in the front than in the back. She fixed her ponytail so it was neater, and slipped on some Birkenstocks, then went back downstairs.

"Ready?" Sophia asked.

Ash nodded.

"We'll be back soon." Sophia called over her shoulder as she walked out the door.

Ash and Sophia strolled down the street and chatted about EmberMoon, and all the things happening over there.

When they arrived at the boutique, the door was propped open with a piece of wood. Ash and Sophia walked inside and saw Malachi in the back room, finishing up some dresses.

"Hello Malachi!" Ash said cheerfully.

"Bonjour Mademoiselle! I see you have brought a new friend with you, no?" Malachi said.

"Yes, this is Sophia. She just got back from a trip." Ash replied.

"Well, you seemed like you would have more friends, so I made and extra outfit." Malachi said.

"You're too sweet. At least let me pay for this one. It wouldn't be fair for you to make three dresses on the house."

"No. You do so much for the village. The dress will be paid for by me." Malachi stated.

"Fine." Ash said.

Malachi led them to the back room to show off the masterpieces he had created.

Ash's dress was stunning. She couldn't believe Malachi had made this out of the plain dress she had seen yesterday.

Melonie's dress was just the way she had left it yesterday, but Malachi has created a headpiece to match the dress, and he had added a gray belt.

Sophia's outfit was a baby blue jumpsuit with lace ombré starting with white at the top, and ending with black at the bottom near mid-shins. Two pockets had been sewn in near her hips, and Malachi had made a baby blue cloth barrette for her hair.

"They're beautiful!" Sophia exclaimed.

"Magnificent." Ash whispered under her breath.

"I'm so glad you enjoy them! Here, you can take them now." He said, taking the outfits off the mannequins.