Day at the Market pt3

Grace ventured back to the small stall where she found the dragon pendant, hoping it was still there. But to her disappointment, someone had already taken it.

Stall Keeper: "Sorry. But someone already bought it. Said they were gettin' it for a friend. But you know what I think? I think he was gettin' it for his lover."

Grace: "Oh..."

Stall Keeper: *gestures to the merch* "But hey, there's plenty of other treasures here, miss. You might find something else that catches your eye."

Grace: "No thank you."

Stall Keeper: *shrugs* "Well, if you change your mind, I'll be here. Can't say if anything else will speak to you like that pendant did, though."

Grace gave the stall keeper a faint smile and walked away, her mind still on the missing pendant. She couldn't shake the feeling that something important had slipped through her fingers, and she couldn't quite explain why.

As Grace rounded a corner, she caught sight of Jasmine, Linda, and Charlotte in the distance, laughing and chatting. The normalcy of their conversation was a comfort, but the spark of curiosity still lingered in Grace's chest.

She approached them, her mood a little lighter now that she wasn't alone with her thoughts.

Linda: : *noticing Grace's return* "Find anything interesting?"

Grace: *shrugs* "Not really. I had my eye on something... but it's already gone."

Jasmine: *raising an eyebrow* "Something shiny, I bet."

Grace: *smiles softly* "Yeah, it was a dragon pendant."

Linda and Jasmine: "Ooooh!"

Grace: "Yes and I wanted it."

Charlotte: "Is it still at the stall? How many gems is it?" *pulls out her pouch of gems*

Grace: "No...some guy already bought it for his girlfriend or his wife...or whatever. But that's okay! I saw something else shiny at one of the other stalls. Forgot what it was, but it looked so pretty!"

Linda: "Well, if it was shiny, there's no way you'll stay disappointed for long. I'm sure we'll find something else to catch your eye."

Jasmine: *teases* "You're like a magpie, Grace. Anything shiny and you're immediately drawn to it."

Grace: *laughs softly* "I guess I can't help it. It's like they call to me."

Charlotte: *playfully* "I'll say! You and your shiny things are a perfect match."

Linda: *thoughtfully* "Maybe next time we come, we'll find something even more amazing. You know, I think there's a stall farther down that sells jewelry with all sorts of precious stones. We can check it out before we leave."

Grace: "That sounds like a good plan."

Jasmine: "I think the market still has plenty of surprises for you, Grace. Who knows? You might stumble upon something even more special."

Grace: *nods* "Yeah. I'll keep an open mind. And who knows? Maybe that pendant was never meant to be mine."

Linda: *playfully* "I think it was meant for someone with better taste in shiny things, like you!"

Charlotte: *chuckling* "Well, whatever it was meant to be, I'm sure it's already found its rightful owner."

Jasmine: "Hey, we should go see how far Laura has gotten on making Grace's dress."

Charlotte: "Oh yes! We should!"

Linda: "It's gonna look so pretty!"

Grace: "What if she's not finished with it?"

Linda: "It'll still look bea-utiful!"

Jasmine: "Besides, it'll be nice to see how it's coming along. I'm sure Laura is working her magic on it, even if it's not done yet."

Charlotte: *cheerfully* "And if it's not finished, we can always see if she's made any new dresses for the market!"

Grace: *shrugs* "Alright, let's go see. I guess I'm curious."

Linda: *grinning* "Of course you are! You've been talking about that fabric non-stop!"

Jasmine: "Correction, you have."

Linda: "I'm sure it'll look amazing on you."

As they walked toward Laura's shop, the excitement in the air grew.

Jasmine: *glances at Grace* "It's going to be stunning. You'll see."

Grace felt a flutter of nerves but also a sense of excitement. Even if she was still unsure about wearing something so grand, she trusted Laura's skill and couldn't help but wonder how the fabric would look once it was transformed into a dress.

The sound of the bell chiming as they entered the shop signaled their arrival, and Laura looked up from her work.

Laura: "Well, look who's here! I was wondering when you'd come check in! Would you like to see your dress so far?" *gestures to Grace* "Come, take a look!"

The dress before Grace was indeed a sight to behold, even though it was only halfway completed. The emerald green fabric shimmered softly in the light, its rich color almost glowing as it caught the sun's rays filtering through the windows. The fabric draped elegantly on the workbench, already shaped into a flowing, graceful design.

The bodice was still being worked on, with delicate stitching along the edges. The design wasn't too ornate, but it had a quiet elegance to it, with a modest neckline that framed the shoulders beautifully. The skirt was gently flared, with soft pleats that would allow Grace to move freely while still maintaining an air of sophistication.

Laura had begun adding subtle details: tiny beads here and there, catching the light like droplets of morning dew.

Grace: *eyes wide* "It's... it's beautiful, Laura."

Laura: *smiles warmly* "I'm glad you like it, Grace. It's still a work in progress, but I think it'll be ready soon. The fabric is lovely to work with, and I'm sure it'll turn out perfectly once everything is finished."

Linda: "I knew it! You look great even with just half of it done!"

Jasmine: *softly* "It's stunning, Grace. I can't wait to see it finished."

Charlotte: *cheerfully* "You'll be the prettiest one at any gathering you attend, that's for sure!"

Grace: "Thank you, Laura."

Laura: "Of course! It's an honor to make it for you. I'm sure it'll be perfect when it's done. But I'm glad to hear you like it so far!"