Second Opinion

Writers: Eimi, Paula
Date Posted: 23rd October 2009

Characters: Honalyse, U'das
Description: Honalyse asks an old bronzerider's fashion advice, and offers a little in return.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 5, day 14 of Turn 5

Honalyse looked in the dusty mirror the crafter had set up in the corner, twisting at the waist ever so slightly so as to see how the dress might swish around her ankles. It flowed quite prettily. The only thing she didn't like looking into the mirror was the wheyrhide boots peaking out from under the crimson folds. The neckline was swooping, giving just enough of a peek at her cleavage to grab a man's attention. She ran a finger down the neckline. Unlike some women, she rather liked it when a man seemed to talk to her breasts as much as to her. She had heard women complain 'He just couldn't look me in the eye, all he could do was stare!'. Well, what was there to complain about! It was flattering, really. It meant you were attractive. It meant you were wanted.

She was almost convinced to buy it. After all, there would be a Hatching before too long. This might just be the perfect dress for her, and the perfect time to buy it! As soon as the first Egg was laid on the Sands, the dress would go up in price by a quarter mark at the very least! But she wanted to try it out first. She looked over her shoulder trying to find someone - anyone - except the tailor. He's say anything to make a sale. "Excuse me," she said, seeing an old bald man looking through a pile of shirts in the corner. "May I ask your opinion on something?"

"Of course you can," U'das replied and left the shirts alone for a while. He really need new one for the Hatching, but beautiful young ladies took precedence. "How can I help you?"

"I need a second opinion," the greenrider said as she swished her way towards him. "I like this dress, but I'm not sure it suits me."

"Well, aren't you a lucky one, I happen to have plenty of experience on womens dresses," U'das said with roguish grin. He eyed her up and down, his gaze falling into the cleavage. "The cut is perfect for you, but the colour is perhaps little too dark for your skin tone," was his judgement.

She smoothed the dress down over her hips, watching exactly where his eyes were drawn to. "What color would you suggest?"

"A lighter shade of same colour," U'das replied and turned to the Weaver. "Do you have the same dress in paler shade for the lady?" he asked.

"I believe we have," the man replied. He selected another dress from the rack and brought it over.

Honalyse was a little taken aback by just how quickly he seemed to take charge of the situation. "I..." Shards,she had _liked_ the color. She had just wanted to know if the neckline was low enough for Faranth's sake!But what could she say? "All right. I'll try it."

"It highlights your eyes," U'das remarked.

The greenrider tried smile tolerantly, but she had wanted a dress that highlighted her chest, not her eyes!Still, when the crafter returned with a very similar dress but in a lighter shade, she took it and obediently tried it on. **The nerve of that old man!** She thought rebelliously as she stepped out of her first dress. **Why is it old people only hear half of what you say? I wanted to know if the _dress_ suited me, not the sharding color!Though... The color on this one... really does bring out my eyes.** Honalyse stopped in front of the mirror,examining reflection critically.

"Much better," U'das said admiringly.

"Yes, it is very pretty," she nodded, glancing at him in the mirror. Shards, he just couldn't stop staring. For Faranth's sake, he was three times her age, at least! Had she made a mistake showing him the dress? Was he really that lonely? "Well, thank you for your help. I think I'll go ahead and buy this one."

"You're welcome," U'das nodded and with admiring glance, returned to select himself the shirt.

Honalyse pulled out her bag of marks and discussed the price with the craftsman. After they had settled on an agreeable arrangement she handed him a few coins and while the tailor made change she glanced over her shoulder at the older gentleman still browsing the shirts. Something about his profile looked familiar. She felt she know him somehow...

Suddenly it all fit. The way he had taken charge. The authority in his voice. And the nose should have been a dead give away. "You know, you look taller when you're not on your bronze, Wingleader."

"Well, thank you, greenrider," U'das replied and pulled out a shirt. It was white with dark golden pipings. It should go well with his trousers.

"What's the matter? Afraid of a little color in your own wardrobe?" Honalyse asked with a disapproving glance at the rather boring white shirt.

"White goes well with a bronze, " U'das replied.

She sighed, rolling her eyes. His eyes must be failing. "It's not the _only_ color." Walking over to the pile of shirts, she found a powder blue and turned to hold it up against him. "See, look at that. This color brings out_your_ eyes."

"Thank you," U'das graciously accepted the shirt from her and gave a little bow.

"You're welcome," she said with a slight shrug of her shoulder before walking back to claim her change from the tailor.

"Well, she is certainly worth of getting to know little better," he murmured very quietly to himself and his gaze followed her swaying hips.

Last updated on the November 15th 2009

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Second Opinion