Early one evening, not long after the sun has set, Eveline leaves her new home hoping to find a number of things from its still secret stores. She had thought of asking Ludecke to accompany her, but decided she wants to surprise him instead.
Heading for the part of town where most stores lie cramped together, she scans each and every building up and down, still quite new to this lovely town. Her first stop is a dress store, and by the name of
it, "Garcia's dresses and tailoring", Eveline sighs in relief knowing she might not have to settle for something off the rack. While not rich in any way, she had saved quite a sum before leaving for her new country (most meant to go to an establishment of sorts, but the masquerade feels like an important enough occasion), so a tailored dress won't be too much to expect for the night in question. As long as the tailor can make the alterations in time, of course. She hopes she can convince him to make the effort, and snickers.
A small bell gives her entrance away, and she quickly sees a head pop up over a counter at the far end. A diminutive older man shuffles past the counter and over to Eveline. A head shorter than her, she gets the chance to be the one looking down for once. He smiles and asks:
"Now what could I ever get for such a pretty little lady?", his tone implying her beauty far surpasses his craftsmanship. It is merely pleasantries, but she likes it nevertheless.
"Well, you see, I need a dress for a rather special party, and merely by the looks from your window exhibits, I am convinced you are the man for the task. I can't wear just about anything, though, so I'd probably need to make a number of adjustments. Nothing you won't find doable, of that I'm sure." Eveline starts perusing his store, noticing he immediately begins eyeing her, clearly taking skilled mental measurements without even thinking about it.
She points to different parts of different dresses she likes, mentioning the adjustments they'd still require as she goes. Not a tailor herself, she still knows what she wants and how to describe it.
The tailor, mister Garcia, follows her closely, nodding approvingly at some of her requests, and at others seeming rather baffled or even strangely curious. At the more alien ideas, he asks many questions, not dismissing them at all, and making sure Eveline understands the limitations of the craft.
They go back and forth for a while, finally landing on a design she seems very happy with. And then, to the matter of time not being altogether on their side, he frowns with a serious look, clearly questioning if that's even nearly enough time, given all his other commitments.
Eveline then looks him in his eyes, putting one hand on his and (activates
Awe: 4 successess) implores him to help her:
"When I saw your dresses in the window, I knew it had to be you creating my vision. You do not know me yet, but believe me when I say that I will become a woman of great importance in this town. So imagine what it would mean for your own reputation if I'd only use dresses made by you."She sees it in his eyes, spreading quickly over his face - his own will's capitulation, defenseless against her seductive attack.
"Forgive me, I....of course! I didn't realise how urgent it was. The others surely wouldn't mind if I tend to the plights of such a beautiful young woman before finishing their orders. How could they not?" This time his complement is no longer mere pleasantries - his devotion is hers.
Knowing her "effect" on him will wear off, she makes sure they write down a receipt, with a set sum and date for pick-up. When finished she gives him a genuine look of thankfulness, kissing his cheeks three times before turning around and go. She stops suddenly, remembering:
"Do you happen to know where I can find masks? Appropriate for finer parties?"He thinks for a moment, blurting out many words at the same time - regains some semblance of focus - and then tells her there is another tailor down the street who also carries masks.
Eveline thanks him with a blown kiss and a twittering "au revoir".
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She concludes her business there relatively quickly, immediately spotting the mask she wants. It is the strangest mask she has ever seen. Eveline approaches the wall carrying it (and many more masks, but they might as well not exist as far as Eveline is concerned) almost entranced. It hangs on the wall behind the shopkeeper's counter, so she stops there, never letting her eyes off this wonderous thing.
The shopkeeper, a somewhat hunched man in his early forties, approaches Eveline, trying to catch her attention. It is not until he stands right next to her and taps her on her shoulder that she snaps out of it.
"Forgive me, I did not mean to startle you, miss." He follows her gaze and adds
"I see you have found one of my latest additions". She looks at him, saying nothing, her expression still revealing so much more than paultry words could begin to describe. While deeply taken by her reaction, he goes past her, around the counter and takes the mask from its place. Slowly approaching her again, he offers her the mask to hold and says:
"Before you ask - yes, you can see through it. It merely gives the illusion of being a blind mask." He pauses for a couple of seconds and asks
"Will you try it on?"Eveline finally talks.
"Yes. Yes, I believe I must." Had she breathed, she'd taken a deep breath at this moment, but then she puts it on. She realises you can indeed see without much problem, as the intricate brasslike details blur this close before her eyes.
The man attending the store helps her to fasten it around her head and then shows her to a large mirror.
Eveline feels herself starting to lose to the mask, but pulls together.
"I...I need it." she states calmly.
He smiles, saying
"You have an intriguing taste, miss." Allowing himself to correct her hair some, he adds
"I'd be happy to lend it to you for a night, and should you like it, you can purchase it when you return it. What do you say?" "That sounds great. Thank you." Her voice is still - some might describe it as devoid of emotion, but they would never feel as Eveline can - and she removes the mask, almost with great difficulty.
The shopkeeper packs it up in a fine bag and finally introduces himself as Jacques. Eveline answers.
Outside again, Eveline starts reclaiming herself, becoming more and more excited as her steps steer towards her home. Halfway she stops, though, and changes direction. Moving again, she is soon at Ludecke's door, knocking eagerly.
