Complicated Dressing Procedures

[Daya...Diana]

Last night was a blast, but I went to bed early because I was tired.

It was morning now, and I'd just woken up. Honestly, I wasn't used to the comfort provided by the beds here in Levelia: so I woke up earlier than expected.

I got up and stumbled on my way to the bathroom. Once I reached it, I began to freshen up. I didn't know what to wear, and I wouldn't want to disturb Devia, so I browsed through the contents of the walk-in closet.

I picked a cute yellow and orange gown embroidered with floral patterns. I took another look in the closet for some accessories and chose a pair of yellow crystal earrings; shaped into beautiful flowers.

I also chose a pair of orange heels with a similar design to the gown I picked out. Satisfied with my choice, I changed into the dress and accessories I picked. However, I soon realized that I would need a lot of undergarments that I had no idea how to put on. So, I just winged it and put on the underwear first before wearing the gown.

However, that was a bad idea. The gown puffed out and made me look rotund. I began to panic, so I tried to fix it, but it only made it look worse. So, I left the bathroom and headed to Devia's quarters.

~o0o~

"Oh my," Devia gasped.

"Yeah... I didn't know what to do," I reasoned.

"Alright, let's get you fixed," Devia motioned me to enter the room, and I followed.

"What were you trying to do, m'lady?" She asked.

"I wanted to change my clothes without any help, but it seems I didn't have enough knowledge of Levelian clothes," I answered.

Devia sighed and said, "Well, take this as an opportunity to learn."

She took me to the bathroom and began to undress me. I was much more comfortable with Devia undressing me now, but I still needed to get used to it.

"First, the shift stays on," Devia started.

"The what?" I asked.

"The garment you're currently wearing is the shift," She explained.

"Oh-h-h-h-h," I responded.

"Now, the first undergarment you put on are the stockings," She held up a pair of silk stockings and continued, "Once you've put these on, comes this petticoat. We call it the 'lower petticoat.'"

"Alright, just give me a second," I said; while I struggled to put on the stockings.

Once I got the stockings on, it was time for the petticoat (which was relatively easy to put on).

"Good, now comes the gown skirt," Devia said as she separated the gown into two.

"That seems heavy..." I noted worriedly.

"Don't worry; it's very light," She assured.

"Ok..." I took the skirt from her hands and was surprised by how light it was.

"It is light! Wow..." I was amazed by the weight of the skirt.

"Told you so," Devia grinned.

With the help of Devia, I put on the skirt, and we were one step closer to completing the outfit.

"The final part of this outfit is the bodice and the corset," Devia said.

She presented the bodice and the richly decorated corset.

"What do I put on first?" I asked.

"The bodice comes first, then: the corset," Devia responded.

"Shouldn't the corset be worn first?" I asked, perplexed by the order.

"Do Crusavians not wear corsets?" Devia asked.

"For formal occasions, yes, but we wear it beneath the bodice," I answered.

"Ah, I see..." She thought momentarily, then spoke, "Well, you'll have to get used to it, m'lady."

"Alright..." I replied.

I slipped the bodice on, and Devia helped secure the corset. As Devia clasped the corset on, I was surprised by how snug and breathable it was.

"Are corsets supposed to be this loose?" I asked.

"Levelian corsets do have a practical use, but their main use is as a status symbol," Devia explained.

I examined the corset, its white, silken exterior, and the gold which lined it. Then, I noticed the embroidery. In the middle was emblazoned the crest of House Levochtoch. Aside from that, stitched around it are beautiful yellow; silk flowers that seem to glow.

"What are the flowers depicted here?" I asked Devia.

"Hm?" She paused, "Oh, those are silk Lum'Kantischt. The actual flower is native to Walu Murkear; the natives use it as a light source to guide them through the dense forests of the planet."

"Anyways, now that you're ready, please wait for me in the parlor. I'll freshen up, then we'll head down to the grand dining hall for breakfast," Devia requested.

"Alright, thanks for helping me," I answered.

"You're welcome, m'lady," Devia bowed.

I exited Devia's quarters and made my way to the parlor. Darkness engulfed the room, not too dark, but it was dim. However, as I reached the dark room, the crystals which lined the room slowly lit up and illuminated the parlor.

I sat down on one of its luxurious couches and waited for Devia.

My mind wandered for a moment. I thought of all that had happened and how amenable and quickly I adapted to Levelian culture and society. Was this Mother's plan all along? Was this the reason she taught me all those things when I was small? Did she know I would inevitably be drawn to Levelia?

A hand tapped my shoulder, and I was pulled out of my thoughts.

"M'lady?" Devia called.

"Yes, yes, I'm ready. How about you?" I replied.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Devia smiled.

"Alright, lead the way," I replied.