Nicole woke up early to go to the market as had received a letter that Clarice was in town and wanted to visit her. Not wanting to waste any time she got herself ready making sure she was warm and secure with a sheepskin cloak that Jasper had given her, a woolen hat, and a mitten with a simple dress. She couldn't understand what his intentions were, she had a feeling she would be doing more than just painting.
Making sure she had her pouch secure with her bag of coins she rode in a carriage to the market where Clarice said she would be for the time being. Since Noah had some affairs to tend to while they were on their trip he wasn't going to be able to spend a lot of time together due to his work. Though Clarice didn't mind not having him around it only meant more time with her friend Nicole.
Once Nicole made it to the market she saw Clarice outside waiting for her by the entrance. Not wanting to waste any more time she got out of the carriage walking towards Clarice. Only for her to run up to Nicole to hug her, She couldn't remember the last time they had spoken to each other. They would send letters occasionally but nothing could be a few gatherings between friends.
They began to walk deeper into the marketplace as it wasn't crowded as it normally is making it easier to walk without bumping into people. Clarice started to speak in their native language as Nicole did the same, people began to look with disgust as if they weren't meant to be there. They had tried to see what a woman was selling in her booth only to be declined harshly. Clarice took Nicole's hand and found a boutique that specializes in dresses which she did need.
Entering inside the store they were greeted by an Old woman who had smiled at them widely as the two people that were behind her bowed their heads.
"How can I help you today ladies," The old lady said in a cheerful voice.
Clarice smiled" I need help picking out a dress for my friend here, the ball is soon approaching. She needs one desperately; I know you'll take good care of her here."
"Yes, I will make sure your friend has the perfect dress. Tom take her measurements we will need an accurate size. Susan picks out a dress for her once Tom finishes. Please do sit down ma'am while we take her measurements. "
Clarice sat in the chair as Nicole followed Tom as he guided her where to stand. Stretching her arms out as he began to take measurements. Dresses came out one by one as he shouted out to Susan what type of dresses would look best on Nicole. She couldn't help but look at the beautiful gowns that were full of ruffles as well as its fabric.
Though she worried that the gowns were too fancy, she didn't want to be the main attraction as it was just a ball festival one that comes around every couple of years. As it was more of a special occasion for her, she was never invited to a ball as it was the first time for her. To be out where people can look and judge her solely based on her people not what talent she had to offer. Clarice eyes lit up as the dresses that were shown to Nicole were lined up one by one. Some had a hint of gold while others had ruffles and ribbons.
There was one dress that caught Nicole's eye, it was gorgeous she couldn't help but touch and feel the material as it was something she had hoped for in a dress in such a long time. The dress was off-shoulder with a layer of ruffles with a unique design that was pure gold, with a ribbon on the back of the dress and waist. It was purple all around with a lavender color in a few spots. Susan even showed her a piece of jewelry that came with the dress as it would make a great addition.
While Susan took Nicole to a dressing room, Clarice talked to the old woman whose name was Kosa. She could tell right away that she was from their tribe as they usually would have a secret mark that is given during their early stages of life. Clarice couldn't help but wonder more about her back story, Kosa glanced over to see Nicole in the dress she picked her eyes beaming with joy as Clarice did the same.
Kosa smiled"Ah It looks beautiful on you, it is truly one of a kind. Lord Jasper must have told you to come here."
Nicole nodded as she blushed slightly"Yes he did, this dress is so beautiful but I don't think I would be able to afford it based on the gold alone in this piece."
She hummed at Nicole's choice of words as Clarice looked slightly worried " Dear child you are of the Cheyenne, I made these dresses with my bare hands as my kids Tom and Susan have helped me. The dress is only twenty hundred pieces of gold. It may seem like a lot but it is worth the money I promise you that much."
Nicole smiled at the woman softly" I will surely have enough to pay for this dress ma'am"
"Good, Susan will help you get out of the dress while me and Tom prepare the bill for you."
Kosa and Tom bowed as they took prepping a box to put the dress in Susan helped Nicole get out of the dress making sure she didn't damage the dress she wanted to be as careful as possible. Once Nicole gets out of the dress, Clairce waits for her by the desk as Tom gently folds the dress along with the jewel that came with it. Nicole paid for her dress as they bowed their heads deeply thanking her for the coins.
Clarice and Nicole helped out the store as they screamed with excitement, Nicole couldn't wait to show off her dress as it was truly one of a kind. As they began to make their way out of the market, Nicole noticed Jasper having a conversation with Noah their face held such intensity she could sense there was something wrong as Calrice felt the same. All this war wasn't good as the number of deaths began to increase almost daily. It was frightening to think about. Once they made their way toward Jasper and Noah they both greeted them.
Jasper looked at Nicole's box that was wrapped nicely as she made sure to hold it tightly" I see you went to the place I recommended to you, how lovely is that Noah."
Clarice made a small laugh " You should have seen her face milord, she couldn't stop smiling."
"I see, we should get going a blizzard will come soon.'
Clarice bowed her head "Have a safe journey back home you two."
Clarice gave Nicole hugs as she did the same when you had walked next to Jasper as they were heading towards the carriage that waited for them. She could tell that Jasper was warming up to Nicole bit by bit, though he hated humans he started to grow some compassion for her. Noah placed his arm around Clarice's shoulder as she looked at the carriage riding away to Jasper Manor.