68 The Boutique

Haelan took the pastries Madam Eleanor gave her. She cried ugly in the arms of a mere stranger. For a while, Haelan found comfort in silence through the warmth of Eleanor's hands. She then quickly went to the warriors' chambers as she pass by the corridors quickly. Not wanting to be seen with her eyes that have turned red from too much crying, she kept her head low avoiding the others.

Haelan sat on her bed by the window. Staring at the moon peeking from the clouds, she hoped the aches that her heart keeps soon subside. As her mind wander, she heard some knights and scholars rushing out to Agora for the Ren Fair. She even heard Atrius and Jacomus joining the other men for some fun under the fine cold weather.

Instead of sulking, Haelan decided to step out for some fresh air. A trip to Agora to see the fair might help her think straight and mend her grief-stricken feeling. Wearing a dark blue tabard and a black surcoat, Haelan traveled on foot for her first ever festival.

From being gloomy the other day, to becoming lively and vibrant today, Agora surprised Haelan with all the lanterns hanging around. Garlands and bunting flags of different colors decoratively completed a festive facade.

The night turned to day as the townspeople's smiles brightened the small town. Haelan thought that the festival is just a form of diversion to keep people out of their anxiety because of the attacks. Given that more warriors arrived in their civilian clothing, the people felt at ease to have at least one night without fears and worries.

Haelan walked through the alleys and noticed the bells are still hung up each door as she pass by. There were also white papers with written spells pasted on the windows, probably an additional protection. As she pass through a familiar boutique, a young lad in brown vest and brown beret greeted her as he wave his hand.

"Hello! Have I seen you before??", the queer man said as he squinted his eyes at Haelan from head to toe. Recognizing the fine stitches and explicit fabric of Haelan's clothes, he walked around her with his fingers on his sharp chin. "Right! You're Lady Freya's friend!! How could I not recognize my remarkable pieces of work and… those gray eyes!!", he said excitingly as he cling on Haelan's arm.

Haelan smiled at the tailor who was certain that he made her sets of men's clothes. As she look at the boutique, it was then she realized it was where Freya brought her in to buy her clothes and teach her about some masculine lessons.

"Would you like to try on some of our dresses? We have everything on markdown", one of the tailor's assistants said.

"Oh no..", Haelan refused as she shook her head but the assertiveness of the two were so strong, they pushed Haelan in the boutique to fit some of their creations.

The pair let Haelan try on a bunch of dresses. At first, Haelan was hesitant that she feel embarassed to take part on something she thought a total waste of time for the pair and dressing up is certainly unneccesary. However, when she realized how the two seemed genuinely happy to dress people, Haelan eventually abide. Haelan envied the passion burning in their eyes as the two take turns on looking the right fit for her. From cumbersome layers of gowns, to sheer and silky fabric, Haelan put on a wide selection of clothing to find the dress the would perfectly fit her body.

None of the two's preferences fit to Haelan's liking until she contributed her thoughts in choosing what suits her comfortability based on her favorites. Haelan mentioned she prefers clothes not too thin for the cold weather, not too short and revealing to show her legs, and not too bright and eye-catching for unneccesary attention.

After digging in the piles of clothes, the pair have finally found the perfect gown for Haelan. "They won't call me Martin, as the best dresser in town for nothing", the tailor said as he fix the floor lenght gray off-shoulder lantern long sleeves on Haelan. "Remember last time when you were here? I wanted to ask Ms. Freya if she made a mistake ordering men's clothes for a beautiful woman like you..", Martine said as he let Haelan sit on a stool. "I was so heartbroken because deep down to my bones, you should wear the prettiest gowns to surface the beauty hiding in the unfitting pieces of men's clothes.", he added as he put lightly puffed a thin layer of powder on Haelan's face with a brush. "She even made you cut your beautiful hair", Martine put a little blush on her cheeks and let Haelan wear a long wavy black wig. "And now, it's time for you to see who you really are", Martine said as he face Haelan towards to mirror. Haelan looked at her reflection and felt a sting in her chest. She bit her lip and grazed her cheeks in disbelief, unrecognizing who the girl on the mirror is.

"Whoa! You are so beautiful!", Martine's assistant said in so much delight as she clap her hands.

"Leave your things here, go around and have some fun! Come back for your clothes once you're done", Martine said as he held Haelan's hands.

"Thank you", Haelan said as she smile sweetly.

"Enjoy my lady!", Martine said as they encourage Haelan to explore the town in her new look.

Haelan walked out in long strides. When she caught a glimpse of how she walk, she cringed on how it was unlady-like. She has been trapped in the world of men acting like one for a long time that she already forgot her feminine side. She breathe deeply and placed her hands together as she watch other ladies walk and act. Moments after, she mimicked them in a more gentle manner.

Haelan followed where the people are going. She smiled for this is how she remember Agora. Once again, the children's laughter filled the atmosphere as they run around chasing each other. Most women in pretty gowns walk hand in hand with their men, while some ladies have their men's arms wrapped around their shoulders. Suddenly she thought of something, "Does it mean that Stellan prefers women and not men?".