"Is this really necessary?" Trixie gasped as Zeke tightened the corset on the gown she was wearing. "Surely, there must be something more comfortable."
"My dear Trixie," He grunted as he fought with the strings, "This is a tea party! One simply does not show up to a tea party in any old outfit! Particularly not when the guest list includes a number of wealthy merchant's wives and noblewomen! You must look your best!"
"I'm pretty sure I'd look better if I don't go blue in the face!" She gasped. "Does it really need to be this tight?!"
"It is the style darling!" Zeke exclaimed. "And besides, that is what make up is for!"
"Fashion is truly frightening," Trixie grumbled. Uncomfortable as it was, she had to admire the dress Zeke had selected for her. It was made from a slick black fabric embellished with amber lace and detailing which accentuated her eyes nicely. She wasn't a fan of the bell-like skirt, or the bustles and petticoats that came with them, but the style looked nice on her nonetheless. As Zeke worked on her gown, the twins were doing her hair and makeup.
"Indeed," Eosphoros said. At least, she thought it was Eosphoros. It was one of those days where the pair were dressed exactly the same, down to the high heels, so it was hard to be sure. Their hair was even parted on the same side.
"Haven't we always said as much?" The one she believed to be Etoile added.
"Is it almost over?" Trixie questioned. "I feel like a clown."
"You don't look like one," Eosphoros replied.
"Quite the opposite in fact," Etoile agreed.
"Even a clown would appreciate this gown more than you do," Zeke grumbled.
"I love you guys, but maybe it's a good thing you aren't here more often," Trixie sighed. It was the first time any of them had visited in a while. She was certainly happy to see them, but why had they decided to visit today of all days?
"That's just the corset talking," Etoile grinned.
"You know you love us," Eosphoros teased.
"I'm just about done," Zeke said with some effort. She felt one last pull, then heard him let out a breath as he finished tying the corset. "Ah, there we go."
"I don't think I ever want to go to one of these things again!" Trixie gasped. It didn't help that she was already sore and exhausted from the training regimen that Emerick had started her own. Daily, he had her up at the crack of dawn exercising, alternating between strength and cardio. After that, she was drilled ruthlessly by both Emerick and Jacoby in etiquette and grace, two things she had never seen much need for in her life and was now struggling to grasp. If that weren't bad enough, Emerick promised her training would only intensify in the weeks to follow.
"Should have thought about that before you entangled yourself with a noble bastard," Zeke said, sliding the gown over her head and finishing up the last of his touch ups. "For the record though, you're probably the most beautiful goblin in the world right now, and my dress is only about 25% responsible."
"Maybe 30," Eosphoros shrugged.
"More like 5," Etoile disagreed.
Trixie staggered over to the mirror as they argued numbers. Indeed, she looked far more elegant that she had ever previously, but she wasn't sure if she was a fan of how small the corset made her look. Sure, it shrunk her already miniscule stomach, but it also made her chest look far flatter than it actually was.
"Are you ready?" Emerick poked his head into the room, causing all to turn. She had hoped that all her pain would at the very least dazzle him, but as his eyes fell on her he frowned. The reaction didn't seem to sit well with Zeke either.
"Is it not to your liking?" He questioned. "Have I erred in some way?"
"The gown is beautiful…" Emerick commented, "but the corset she's wearing underneath it is a little over the top, don't you think?"
"But it is the style!" Zeke gasped. "Everyone who's anyone wears them!"
"That's not entirely true," Emerick shook his head. "Yes, an outer corset has fallen in to something of a trend, but it's meant to contrast a loose and flowy top, and that's more popular at the brothels and other similar establishments. An inner corset is only ever worn by those who wish to alter the appearance of their figure. Trixie is already stunning as she is, no?"
"That is true…" Zeke sulked.
"Besides, it makes the dress look too big for her. The fabric is far too loose where the corset has pulled her waist in," Emerick observed.
"By the gods, you're right!" Zeke gasped. "I must fix this at once!"
Trixie breathed in relief as Zeke quickly fixed the state of her attire, and the corset was removed. As Emerick had suggested, the dress fit much better without it, and she was pleased to once again have modestly enticing cleavage. Twirling in the gown, now able to breath freely, she idly wondered if it was a prerequisite to wear dresses that looked so much like tea cups to attend a tea party.
"That's much better," Emerick said with a wide smile, pulling her against him and dipping her dramatically. "While I prefer your normal clothes, I really like you dressed up like a doll as well my dear. I can't wait to take it all off."
"You better not tear even a single bit of my masterpiece!" Zeke interrupted before Trixie could reply. "Regent's son or no, I will have your head if you damage that dress in any way!"
"If I ruin it, how could I appreciate her in it later?" Emerick questioned. "And what do you take me for? Some barbarian?"
"Worse, you're an unmarried adolescent dragon!" Zeke replied gravely. Emercik could only laugh in response. "While I am reluctant to leave, I must see to it that Titus and Rathus have managed to find their way into their new tuxedos as well," he sighed. "Adieu for now!"
The four of them watched as Zeke hurried out of the room and down the hall. Based on the fanatical ranting, he was already planning Trixie's next dress, and several more after that. She had to hope that she wouldn't need them and that the young man wouldn't get too carried away.
"My, my," Emerick chuckled. "He's quite bombastic for a twelve-year-old… though I suppose I should expect as much from Silvy's apprentice."
"Wait… Silvy?" Trixie stared at him blankly. "Like, the lady we saw on our first date? THAT's Zeke's master? Actually, that explains a lot."
"Indeed," Emerick nodded.
"Do you think the other two will need our assistance?" Eosphoros questioned.
"Certainly with the hair," Etoile confirmed. "I doubt their usual look would be appropriate."
"Perhaps we can sneak in a bit of make up as well," Eosphoros grinned wickedly.
"We'll never know until we try," Etoile agreed.
Emerick and Trixie stepped aside as the twins rushed out after Zeke, armed with cases for makeup and styling. Once they were a fair distance away, Emerick began guiding her out. She felt a little wobbly in the heels Zeke had brought that went with her gown, but having Emerick to hold made it easy enough to walk without tripping.
"Do you think we should intervene?" He wondered. "I doubt your brothers would appreciate what they have in mind."
"They're big boys," Trixie replied. "They can take care of themselves… or so you keep telling me."
"You really do know how to get me going," Emerick kissed her on the cheek. "I'll be relieved when the event is over and we can dress down… among other things."
"You really like me in this dress, don't you?" Trixie fluttered her eyelashes. At least, she tried. She was getting better, but compared to Emerick her efforts were still slow and clumsy. He laughed and kissed her again.
They continued to joke back and forth as they made their way to the gardens where the party was to be hosted. To her surprise, the scene was far more elegant and luxurious than she had anticipated. A number of intricate tables had been assembled with matching chairs set carefully around them. At each table were delicate yet lovely looking tea sets. A larger table against a hedge contained a number of bite sized refreshments that had Trixie's mouthwatering. She couldn't wait to sample them.
"Our guests should be arriving shortly," Emerick commented. "Are you ready to receive them?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," Trixie chuckled nervously. Somehow, the idea of facing off against the snobbish upper-class women they had invited was even more terrifying than the thought of having to fight Saw. At least she had an idea of what she was doing in a fight. This was so far out of her comfort zone, Trixie wondered if making a fool of herself was the least of her worries.
"Thank you for coming," Emerick said softly. "It really means a lot that you asked to come with me."
"What kind of big sister would I be if I didn't show up to support my hopeless brothers in their first business venture?" She questioned. "Besides, it's not often I get to see you in a shirt any more. You aren't the only one looking forward to doing some undressing when everything's said and done."
"I'm glad to hear it," Emerick grinned.
About that time, Rathus and Titus stepped into the garden. Trixie was amused to note that, while it was tastefully applied, the twins had indeed succeeded in getting makeup on the orcs, and the two were clearly very grumpy about it. Rathus was sporting some eyeliner and a little eyeshadow to give his eyelids a smoky effect, and Titus was wearing blush that emphasized his high cheek bones. Both had their hair pulled back in low ponytails, though Rathus had a few strands of loose curls that had fallen out to frame his face. Both looked quick dashing, though uncomfortable, in their new suits
Following them were Sullivan and Jacoby, carrying crates of perfumes and a few of the music boxes. These were placed beside another table, and the four quickly set to work arranging the products on displays. At some point, Liron materialized, wearing a rather dapper blue suit that contrasted nicely with his red hair and foxlike features. Trixie wasn't surprised to see him take charge, ensuring everything was placed perfectly to maximize visual appeal. Between the five of them, they finished within moments. Just in time for the guests to arrive.
"Here they come," Emerick steadied Trixie and ushered the orcs closer. "Let's show them what we're made of."