Formidable

Serenica got some spare clothes from the Dreamer. She would have to look much different for the occasion once they would enter the museum, though, and spare clothes were the ones she usually had. She had to ask Essieca for a dress.

"You don't have to return it," the woman said, but from the detailed embroidery and the delicate lace of the dress it was apparent that she hoped to get it back in good condition, especially as her eyes looked a little bit too wet.

"I'll buy you a new one if something happens," Serenica promised. "Does it have emotional value? Or only monetary value?"

"No emotional value whatsoever," Essieca admitted. "I would be glad to get a nicer one, but you don't have to do anything."

"You know what?" Serenica put on the dress. Its rose red fabric slid over her body, hugging her more tightly than she would have liked. "This is my dress now. I'll buy you one that is seven times as expensive."