Chapter 83 – Dress that Impresses
Vivienne didn’t have to wait long before Rava emerged from the leatherworking shop, accompanied by a small, wiry goblin. The goblin's sharp eyes darted around the street before locking onto Vivienne, who had sprawled out on the ground with her head lifted, panting with her tongue hanging out in what could only be described as exaggerated canine bliss.
“You want a harness for that?” the goblin asked, her voice tinged with disbelief as she gestured toward the massive shadowy wolf.
“Yes,” Rava replied simply, her tone calm and matter-of-fact.
The goblin blinked, clearly at a loss. “Is it… tamed?”
Rava smirked, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Very tame. Aren’t you, Viv?”
Vivienne tilted her massive head to the side, the picture of canine confusion.
Rava stepped closer, holding out her paw. “Viv, shake.”
A low growl rumbled in Vivienne’s chest—not a threatening one, but enough to make the goblin flinch. After a long, theatrical pause, she huffed and raised her massive paw, placing it delicately into Rava’s outstretched one.
“See?” Rava said, her smirk widening as she shook the paw with exaggerated enthusiasm. “Very well-trained. She’s such a good girl.” Her voice dropped into a coo, the words dripping with patronizing affection.
The compliment hit Vivienne like a lightning bolt, sending an uncomfortable warmth rippling through her. Worse yet, her traitorous tail began thumping against the ground with an audible whap-whap-whap, entirely betraying her indignation.
Vivienne growled softly again, her dark eyes narrowing at Rava, but it lacked any real menace. If anything, the effect was entirely undermined by the fact that her tail refused to stop wagging.
“I… see,” the goblin said hesitantly, scratching the back of her head. She glanced between Rava and Vivienne, her bewilderment growing. “Never thought I’d see the day someone trained one of those beasts. Let me… uh, get some measurements.” She approached cautiously, her tools clinking as she moved.
Vivienne let her head droop to the ground with a dramatic sigh, still panting lazily but watching the goblin intently with her dark eyes. If the goblin hesitated for even a moment, Vivienne made sure to flick her tail or shift slightly, sending the poor leatherworker into another round of nervous muttering.
By the time the goblin finished measuring and sketching out designs, she looked thoroughly frazzled, her hands shaking slightly as she tucked her tools away. “Alright, I’ll get started on it. Rush order, yeah? Should be ready by tomorrow,” she said, backing away as if afraid Vivienne might pounce at any moment.
Rava gave a polite nod. “Thank you. Your work is appreciated.”
The goblin gave a jerky nod in return before scurrying back into the shop, casting one last wary glance at Vivienne.
As the door shut behind her, Rava turned to the enormous wolf, arms crossed and a smug grin playing on her lips. “Good girl.”
Vivienne let out a theatrical groan and flopped onto her side in defeat, her tail giving one last wag despite her best efforts to control it.
"Now, I believe you had a tailor to check in on?” Rava asked, arching an eyebrow as she glanced down at Vivienne.
Vivienne gave a short, enthusiastic nod, her tail swishing behind her in agreement. The excitement was clear in her eyes; the idea of finally having some real clothing that would fit her was appealing, to say the least.
“While we’re in town, let’s see the progress,” Rava continued, her voice steady and practical. She glanced at Vivienne, assessing her once more. “I agree that you need some actual clothing.”
Vivienne let out a low, happy bark, a sound that might have been considered an excited affirmation. She was looking forward to finally having something more appropriate than a ragged sheet to drape over her form, and the thought of clothing that wouldn't fall apart every time she shifted made her tail wag more energetically.
Vivienne walked beside Rava, her massive wolf form effortlessly parting the crowds as they moved through the busy streets. The usual bustle of merchants and townsfolk stilled momentarily as Vivienne passed, some people shrinking back, casting wary glances at her looming presence. Her pitch black eyes and the shadowy aura that radiated from her were enough to make anyone take notice, even if they hadn’t seen her before. The occasional whisper or nervous chuckle echoed through the air, but Vivienne paid them little mind. She was more focused on her surroundings, her sharp senses picking up on every subtle shift in the atmosphere, every change in the crowd’s energy.
A group of guards stationed at a nearby corner suddenly took notice of her, their hands reaching for their weapons in a swift, practiced motion. Steel glinted in the sunlight as several of them drew their swords, eyes trained on Vivienne with suspicion and caution. The tension was palpable, and for a brief moment, Vivienne stopped, her posture unwavering, the air around her thick with potential danger.
Before things could escalate further, Rava stepped forward, her presence alone enough to command attention. Her voice cut through the tense silence with quiet authority. “Hold,” she said firmly, and the guards froze mid-motion, their weapons still raised but hesitation creeping into their postures. Eyes darted between Rava and the hulking shadowy form of Vivienne, uncertainty written across their faces.
Rava’s expression remained composed, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos brewing in the air. “There’s no threat here,” she continued, her tone measured but unyielding. She gestured toward Vivienne, who remained still, her glowing eyes staring at the scene with an unreadable expression. “Viv here is a very good girl.”
Vivienne’s ears flattened against her head as she shifted her massive paws uneasily. She could feel the weight of every gaze on her, a mix of fear and disbelief radiating from the crowd. The words echoed in her mind: a very good girl. The humiliation was instant and sharp, like a claw dragging across her pride. She had faced terrors that would make these guards crumble, had clawed her way through challenges far beyond their comprehension. And now, she was being compared to a pet.
Her tail betrayed her, twitching in annoyance before thumping once against the ground. The guards exchanged uncertain glances, their grips on their weapons loosening slightly, but the tension in the air remained thick.
“Stand down,” Rava commanded, her tone brooking no argument. The guards hesitated a moment longer before reluctantly lowering their weapons. “She’s under my protection,” Rava added, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. “You have nothing to fear.”
As the guards stepped back, their expressions a mix of confusion and lingering wariness, Vivienne shifted uncomfortably. She resisted the urge to growl, knowing it would only make things worse. Instead, she looked away, her dark eyes flickering with a mix of frustration and resignation.
Rava turned back to her, an amused glint in her eyes that only made the humiliation sting more. “Come,” she said simply, her tone betraying nothing of the teasing that had just transpired.
With a heavy sigh, Vivienne followed, her pride bruised but her resolve intact. She would endure this, just as she had endured everything else. But she silently vowed that the next time someone called her a “good girl,” they’d regret it.
They arrived at Ardyn’s shop, the quaint storefront adorned with colorful, flowing fabric displays that shimmered in the sunlight. Vivienne gestured subtly with her massive head toward the crumpled sheet still clutched in Rava’s paw. Her silent plea for dignity hung in the air like a storm cloud.
Rava stopped just outside the shop’s door, turning slightly to glance at the sheet in her paw. She held it there for a moment, her gaze lingering on it as if deliberating. Time seemed to stretch, each second dragging on with agonizing slowness. Vivienne’s glowing eyes narrowed slightly, a silent warning.
But Rava, ever the picture of composure, betrayed no emotion save for the faintest twitch of amusement at the corner of her lips. It was as though she was holding Vivienne’s dignity hostage, weighing her options. Would she return it, or would she add another notch to her growing list of indignities inflicted upon her “very good girl”?
Vivienne’s tail thumped against the ground once more, the motion slower this time, brimming with restrained irritation. The dull tremor it caused was enough to elicit a soft, knowing chuckle from Rava. “You’ve been a bit of a handful today,” she said, her tone casual, as though remarking on the weather.
Without waiting for a reply, Rava raised the sheet, holding it between two claws like an offering. Her posture was deliberately exaggerated, her expression painted with mock reverence, as if she were bestowing a royal gift upon Vivienne.
Vivienne rolled her glowing eyes, the intensity of her gaze dimming slightly as tendrils of shadow curled around her, condensing her massive form into her preferred humanoid shape. The shift was quick, seamless, and deliberately calculated to minimize exposure. With a sharp motion, she snatched the sheet from Rava’s claws, wrapping it tightly around herself before the prying eyes of any passerby could catch a glimpse of her uncovered form.
Her glare was nothing short of venomous, though the faint pink hue creeping up her cheeks betrayed her flustered state. “You’re enjoying this far too much,” she muttered, her voice low and edged with frustration.
Rava’s smirk deepened, her calm, composed demeanor bordering on smug. “Am I? Or is it that you’ve been enjoying all the attention today, Viv?” she teased, her tone light but deliberate.
Vivienne’s eyes narrowed, her lips pulling into a tight line as a low growl rumbled in her throat. She didn’t dignify the remark with a verbal reply, instead turning sharply on her heel and stalking toward the tailor’s shop. Shadows flickered subtly around her form as she moved, her displeasure practically radiating off her. For most, the expression she wore would have been nothing short of terrifying, a promise of wrath should they dare to stand in her way.
Rava followed closely behind, unbothered, her paws moving with deliberate ease as though she were merely out for a leisurely stroll. As they approached the door, the bell above it jingled softly, signaling their arrival.
From somewhere in the back of the shop came a voice that seemed to wrap itself around the room like silk, smooth and melodious. “Just a moment, darlings!” Ardyn’s sing-song tone carried with it an effortless charm, transforming even the mundane phrase into an irresistible invitation. The sound seemed to soothe the air, dispelling the lingering tension Vivienne carried.
They didn’t have to wait long. A moment later, the curtain separating the shopfront from the workshop parted gracefully, and Ardyn stepped through with their usual effortless elegance. The siren’s slight smile was warm yet sly, as though they were privy to secrets no one else could fathom. Their keen, shimmering eyes swept over Vivienne and Rava before they spoke.
“Ah, Vivienne,” Ardyn purred, their voice as entrancing as ever, “come to see the fruits of my labor, I presume? Or perhaps,” they added with a playful tilt of their head, “you’ve finally decided to stop terrorizing the populace?”
Vivienne’s expression cooled, her jaw tightening slightly. She brushed past the comment with practiced indifference, nodding curtly. “Yes. I’m leaving on an expedition in the next day or two and wanted to know if it would be done in time. I don’t exactly relish the thought of parading around in someone’s bedsheet indefinitely.”
Ardyn’s smile widened, their sharp teeth gleaming faintly in the shop's soft light. “Oh, perish the thought, my dear. You’re far too striking for such indignities.” They turned with a graceful flourish, gesturing for Vivienne and Rava to follow as they made their way deeper into the shop. “Come, let me show you what I’ve been working on. I think you’ll find it worth the wait. I am actually far ahead on schedule. I couldn’t resist putting my all in!”
The trio moved toward a small display area near the back, where several garments hung on polished racks. Ardyn swept an arm dramatically toward a mannequin at the center, adorned in dark, finely tailored attire that seemed to blend form and function seamlessly. The fabric shimmered faintly in the light, its hue shifting subtly between black and deep indigo. Intricate embroidery traced patterns of twisting vines and coiling serpents along the edges, lending the piece an otherworldly elegance.
Vivienne’s eyes narrowed as she studied the outfit, her fingers twitching slightly as though itching to touch the material. “That’s... more ornate than I expected.”
Ardyn’s expression turned almost mischievous. “Darling, you didn’t come to me for ordinary. You came to me for perfection. Functional, yes, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice flair. The fabric is reinforced—a blend of aether-woven silk and shadowweave. Durable, flexible, and quite resistant to wear and tear. I daresay it will hold up even against your... more enthusiastic transformations.”
Rava tilted her head, inspecting the craftsmanship with a more practical eye. “It looks sturdy enough,” she remarked. “But how well does it move?”
Ardyn beamed, their eyes glinting with a mix of pride and anticipation. “Exquisitely, of course! Try it on, Vivienne. You’ll find it far more accommodating than a sheet, I assure you.”
Without hesitation, Vivienne shrugged off her makeshift toga, letting it fall to the ground in a crumpled heap. The motion was fluid and unbothered, though Rava turned her gaze momentarily to offer Vivienne a measure of privacy from prying eyes. Ardyn, however, seemed entirely unfazed, stepping forward with their usual graceful precision.
“Hold still, darling,” Ardyn instructed, their nimble hands working swiftly yet carefully as they removed the garment from the mannequin. The dress seemed to shimmer and ripple like liquid shadow as it left its display, its supple fabric folding perfectly into Ardyn’s grasp. They moved toward Vivienne with the reverence of a craftsman presenting their magnum opus.
“Arms up,” Ardyn directed smoothly, their melodic voice carrying an almost hypnotic quality. Vivienne obliged, raising her arms as Ardyn slipped the garment over her head with practiced ease. The fabric felt impossibly light yet sturdy as it slid over her skin, contouring to her form like a second layer of shadow. Her arms slipped in effortlessly, her elbow spines fitting perfectly into dedicated holes for them.
Ardyn stepped back and clapped their hands together lightly, their eyes alight with excitement. “Magnificent!” they exclaimed, circling Vivienne to inspect their work. “It fits perfectly, as expected. Move around a bit, dear—let’s see how it handles.”
Vivienne rolled her shoulders experimentally, then stretched her arms. The material stretched with her, fluid and unrestrictive. She crouched low, testing the flexibility further, then rose with a graceful twist. The fabric shifted effortlessly with her movements, never pulling or tightening in the wrong places. She ran a claw along the hem, marveling at the delicate embroidery that danced with hidden patterns under the light.
Vivienne took a moment to examine the dress in the soft glow of the shop’s lighting. The fabric shimmered like dark, liquid scales, the faint pattern of overlapping textures giving it an almost serpentine quality. The plunging neckline was daring, revealing a generous amount of cleavage without crossing the line into vulgarity, striking a balance between allure and intimidation. The material hugged her curves like a second skin, perfectly tailored to accentuate her figure while allowing freedom of movement. A subtle slit along the side allowed for easy strides, and the back featured extra room to accommodate her thick tail, the design seamlessly integrating both function and style. The effect was mesmerizing—both predatory and refined, like a creature of the shadows brought to life in silk and thread.
“It’s... good,” Vivienne admitted grudgingly, though her tone carried an edge of genuine approval.
“Good? Good?” Ardyn placed a hand dramatically over their chest, feigning offense. “Darling, that is the understatement of the century. You look positively divine. Deadly yet elegant—just as I intended. This is one of my masterpieces!”
Vivienne rolled her eyes, though a small smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "It’ll do," she muttered, her voice betraying a hint of approval.
Ardyn didn’t acknowledge the comment, too focused on her craft. "It’s not just the style, darling," they began, eyes twinkling with pride. "I’ve woven several enchantments into it." Vivienne's brows arched in interest as Ardyn enumerated the features. "First, the fabric has self-repairing properties, so minor damage will be no issue. It also cleans itself, so you won't have to worry about dirt or stains. I’ve woven in protective enchantments that grant you added defense against physical blows, as well as temperature regulation for comfort in any climate. The dress is also designed to shift and adapt depending on your form." Vivienne’s gaze softened slightly as she ran a claw down the embroidered hem, admiring the intricacies of the work. "It’s also designed for seamless movement; it moves with you, whether you’re fighting or dancing. You’ll never have to worry about it hindering your motions."
Vivienne blinked slowly, genuinely impressed. "Okay, that’s... actually pretty impressive." She spun around to face Rava. “So how do I look?”
Rava stood by the door, her eyes fixed on Vivienne, but her expression remained unreadable. She didn’t speak immediately, only watched as Vivienne spun once more, the fabric shifting with her movements. Her mouth hung slightly open, her gaze focused entirely on the sight before her. There was a noticeable pause as she took in the details, but she didn’t comment.
Vivienne tilted her head, her smirk playing at the edges of her lips. “Rava? Are you going to say something?”
Rava blinked, her mouth snapping shut. She cleared her throat and gave a small nod. “Yes. Good. You look good.”
Ardyn, who had been quietly watching the interaction, leaned in with a grin. “I think she means to say you look amazing.”
Rava didn’t respond. Instead, she shifted slightly, her gaze lingering on Vivienne, though she kept her posture relaxed. The words seemed to hang in the air, and she glanced away for a moment, as though regaining composure.
Ardyn, not missing the moment, smiled. “But that’s not all. Step outside, I have more to show you. Or rather, for you to show us.”
Vivienne raised an eyebrow but couldn’t quite suppress the pleased look on her face as she stepped toward the door, the fabric of the dress flowing smoothly with her every step. Rava followed, her attention still drawn to Vivienne, though she masked it with an air of indifference as they made their way outside.
Behind the shop, in the small garden that seemed tucked away from the busy streets, Ardyn instructed Vivienne to stand in the middle. The area was peaceful, a contrast to the bustle of the town, and the perfect place for what Ardyn had in mind. "Okay, darling, I want you to change into one of your other forms," they said with a flourish, their voice rich with anticipation.
Vivienne raised an eyebrow at the request but didn’t argue. She stood still for a moment, considering. The thought of destroying the dress crossed her mind, but soon after, her curiosity won out. With a deep breath, she shifted into her greater wolf form. As her body transformed, the dress seemed to dissolve into a dark mist, swirling around her as she grew. It moved with her, gradually shaping into a scaled collar that rested around her neck, its intricate design gleaming in the sunlight.
Ardyn clapped their hands together, delight dancing in their eyes. "Perfection! I really have outdone myself. Do another."
Vivienne gave a nod, a slight smirk crossing her features. She shifted again, this time into her hydra form. The collar shimmered once more, dissipating into shadowy mist before reforming into a series of rings that adorned each of her six necks. She twisted and bobbed her heads experimentally, watching in fascination as the rings moved with her, never impeding her fluid motion. They were perfectly in sync with each of her movements, adding a touch of elegance to her monstrous form.
Next, Vivienne shifted into her colossus form. Towering over Ardyn, her enormous presence would have been enough to make most take a step back in fear. But the dress—no longer a simple gown—seemed to transform with her, exaggerating the power in her form while somehow highlighting a strange, eerie beauty that hadn’t been there before. Vivienne felt the weight of the eyes upon her, and as a scream echoed from a distance, she couldn’t help but grin. The dress had somehow made even this grotesque form feel more... majestic.
With a sense of satisfaction, she shifted back into her prime form, her grin widening as she took a few steps toward Ardyn, her movements light and giddy. “Okay, okay, this dress is incredible. You are magnificent!” Vivienne exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. Before Ardyn could even respond, she rushed forward, sweeping the siren into a hug, her strength more than a little surprising.
Ardyn, taken off guard, let out a small wheeze as they were pulled tightly against Vivienne’s chest. They patted Vivienne’s head gently, clearly trying to breathe, though their voice still held a hint of amusement. “I’m glad I could help, darling,” they wheezed, their face flushed from the unexpected squeeze, “but do you think you could let me breathe?”