The Shadows of Tragedy

Chapter 28

The next night before turning in for the day, Gray brought down a few trunks from the attic which contained all the clothes from the 18th century. One by one each of the members of the house hold picked out something to wear. The women made their choices first and they were all impressed by how beautifully designed the gowns and dresses were. It wasn't everyday that they saw dresses like this. So elegant and exquisite.

"I like this one." Lucy holding up the peach colored dress with a trimmed neckline, cuffs and hem. "Do you think it would fit me?"

"It might need some hemming to fit your figure." Erza said studying the garment. "But I'd say that you could wear it."

"I think that it would look breath taking on you." Juvia said.

"You really think so?" Lucy asked.

"Yes." 

"In that case I'm wearing this one."

"Which dress do you think you'll wear Erza?" Juvia asked.

"I don't know." The red head said looking through the trunk. "I want to wear something that will match the necklace I'll be wearing that night. Something like...This."

She had chosen a simple but elegant sky blue gown with short sleeves and a lining that would flatter the figure of any woman who wore it. Erza especially liked the color because it would not only match the necklace but it would also make an excellent contrast to her red hair.

"Oh I think that one is perfect for you Erza." Juvia said.

"Yeah." Lucy agreed. "Not too extravagant but still so very lovely."

"Alright." She laid the dress next to the one Lucy had chosen. "Have you picked out anything to wear yet Juvia?"

"No. I've never really had the privilege of picking out a beautiful dress."

"Never?"

"No. And it's not as easy as I thought it would be. They're all just so pretty it's almost impossible for me to pick one."

"Well I'm sure you'll find something."

She combed through some the various dresses and garments that were in the trunk while taking the time to admire the beauty of each of one. So many choices, she wondered how women back then could decide on what to wear for the day. She was tempted to give up when she found one that was at the very bottom of one of the trunks. It was an ivory chiffon and organza gown that was empire-waisted with sheer long sleeves and a short train.

She carefully lifted the gown from the trunk and held it to her body while looking into a nearby mirror. It was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen and it looked like it would fit her perfectly.

"That's pretty." Lucy said when she saw it.

"I think it's the prettiest one in the whole trunk." Juvia said.

"Funny it doesn't look like it needs any alterations." Erza observed. "In fact it's just your size."

"Do you think Gray would mind if I wore this?"

"Sure. Why wouldn't he?" Lucy said. "I mean he did say we could wear anything we picked out."

"Yes but I think at least one or two of these dresses might have some sentimental value. In other words maybe he just wants one of these preserved. So before I wear it I'm going to ask him if it's okay."

"Alright now all we have to do is wait for Cana and the boys to pick out their costumes and I'll call to make alterations." Erza said. "In the mean time you two try on your dresses and let me know how well they fit."