Fairweather Fashion - Lolli - 10/05/2022

   It’s early in the morning, Lolli wakes up to a bright new day feeling super excited. She hops out of bed with new energy. She looks at herself in the mirror. She stretches, throws her hands up in the air and says excitedly out loud “Yes, today is the day… and it’s going to be amazing. We’re going to do great”.

She smiles and quickly gets dressed and packs up her things. She has a super busy day ahead of her. She rushes to get some breakfast, carrot cake oatmeal her favourite. She eats it fast, she can hear her mum in her mind telling her to slow down. But she can’t today! “I will eat slower next time I promise”, she thinks stuffing a mouthful of oatmeal in her mouth as she chews fast. Once she’s done, she washes up her dishes, grabs her things and then she hops out the door to start her prep for the ball later. She literally can’t believe that today is the day. All her planning and all her hard work, everything is happening today. She jumps with excitement and she literally hops out the door to the exciting new day. As she’s skipping down the street, she thinks back to asking Tassle’s who helps with the Feylights Garden Theatre about her plan to do this fundraiser. How he loved the idea and it went over really well, how she made all the fliers and put them up all over town inviting everyone to come to the ball later.
It’s been a busy few weeks. She hopes the children will have fun. She can’t believe the day is finally here. That today is the amazing days for the Fashion Ball for Thia’s Refuge. She really hopes people show up. Lolli feels extra excited as today is the day she is also going to show all of the Dawnlands her latest collection of outfits she’s been working on. What will they think? She really hopes they like them. Plus she had made an extra special dress for herself, which she hasn’t done in a while. She just needs to do a few more alterations to it and then it’s ready. She immediately thinks of Glade. She’s definitely going to ask for her help with some flowers. Another item for her checklist and she pulls out and adds it to her list for the day. Speaking of Glade, Lolli immediately gets a brief flash of the dress she had been working on for her over the last few days. Glade had commissioned it from her for the ball and Lolli felt so lucky to make something so special for a friend. How could she say no? Lolli really hopes Glade likes it. Lolli continues smiling as she hops down the street and she waves to everyone she passes.

Today, she doesn’t want anything to go wrong but she has quite a lot to get through before the ball. She looks down to her checklist, yes everything here. She just needs a few more helpers. Lolli takes a few deep breaths and looks to her list of friends who were available for the day and able to help out. Lolli smiles gratefully for their help. But now she’s on a mission to find them quick. The first person she managed to find was Pipper, followed by Lucky, then Beets and lastly Glade. Lolli gets everyone to follow her to Fitzgrove Fashionables. The shop she works at regularly and the place she’s left all the outfits. More importantly where her dress and Glade’s are being kept. Lolli is on a tight schedule and starts hopping around the shop. Annabella and Brendan are both there. They seem concerned for Lolli, they can tell she’s even more energetic than normal. They offer to help bring some of the outfits over to the ball later. After much protest, Lolli caves and allows the Fitzgroves to help her. She smiles and thanks them kindly for their offer. However, Lolli grabs both dresses for her and Glade and they all head out the door.

Lolli brings everyone over to the Feylight Garden Theatre. She’s so excited to be back here. This place makes her feel like she’s back home. Plus it was made by Lolli’s favourite person, Queen Merla. She wonders if she might meet her today. But dismisses it, thinking a Queen wouldn’t have time for Fashion Balls.

Tassel comes out to greet everyone and he takes Lolli’s hand and kisses it, “Miss Conttontail, so pleased your back”. He guides the group to where the ball will be taking place later on. A small blush washes over Lolli’s face, she’s never had anyone greet her that way. It was very elegant.

As Lolli and the others get brought to the room, she is taken over by the beauty of the place. The whole place is breath-taking. Lolli smiles to herself. Tassel gives a brief run down of the event and what needs to happen beforehand. Lolli is quick, she takes out her checklist to match up what he’s saying.

They need volunteers to go collect the children from the orphanage, Beets and Pipper volunteer to do that. Lolli smiles thinking the children couldn’t be in better hands.

They need some more people to come to the show. Lucky mentions he has some contacts he can use and he heads of. 

Then volunteers were needed to help fill the water into the large pond they had set up for the event. Lolli had told Tassle’s in advance that she had a feather token which turned into a swan boat. Tassel’s loved the idea and mentions that everyone will model the outfits on it later. Glade volunteers to help fill the wate

Lastly, Tassel mentioned that was still lots of sowing and outfits to be finished off. Lolli smiles and happily volunteers. Sowing was her speciality. She hops over to the sowing area and gets to work. Glade comes and joins her after a while. Glade graciously helped Lolli with some beautiful flowers which she starts sowing into her dress last minute.

Hours later, Lolli is still sowing away and she’s nearly got everything finished. It’s nearly time for everyone to see her outfits, her own creation and what her friends will be wearing.

The children come back and Lolli asks for volunteers to wear her outfits. She gets a lot of hands. She smiles and does some last-minute alterations for each of the outfits on the children. Then she decided it was time for everyone to get a brief run-through of walking on a catwalk. Lolli decided she wanted to go with the children on stage as she can help them out if anything goes wrong.

Lolli decides she wants to do a reveal of her dress in the middle of the show for more wow factor. She hopes it goes down well. Lolli does one last look over her checklist to makes sure everything is complete. She has her hair and makeup done. She ticks everything off and she smiles happily. It has been a lot of work. But the outfits are ready, the children and here, everyone looks happy. Just normal nerves before something like this but everything is ready to go. She looks around the room and sees everyone looking amazing. There is lots of excitement and nervous energy.

Then suddenly there’s an unusual noise that comes through the crowd. Nothing has started yet, so Lolli gets confused about what’s happening. She looks to the others who also look equally confused. Everyone peaks their face through the curtain to see what’s happening. There clear as day, is the one and only Ulorian walking up the crowd towards a seat in the front row. The crowd is not pleased with his presence. He wasn’t supposed to be here but he turned up anyway. He heads towards the front row towards the private booths to take a seat. As he gets closer he sits down beside a familiar person Lolli knows very well, Queen Merla. Lolli is in complete shock. Not in her wildest dreams did she ever think she’d get to meet Merla, the amazing Queen Merla. Her mouth drops open and her hearts starts racing. She looks to the others. Glade looks equally shocked and nervous and she does. Suddenly Queen Merla and Ulorian get into a small row. Merla's trying to make sure he’s on his best behaviour. Lolli starts to get super panicky now. She isn’t sure if she needs to cancel the whole event or interfere. However, the others convince her to continue on as normal. She does some deep breathes and nods. She tells everyone to start the show then and the fashion show begins...


First up was Pipper, who looked amazing in her blue dress. There was lots of intricate details all on it and Pipper zipped down the runway on her rollerblades. Lolli can’t help thinking how cool she looks.

Next up was Beets, Lolli was hopeful that their chat beforehand helped Beets. Beets didn’t want to even come or dress up due to a bad previous event. But Lolli tried to help her. Now suddenly Beets had a new attitude. She went on stage and revealed her fabulous new outfit which looked amazing on her. It was a red, blank and white polka dot dress. It suited her very well and Beets did an amazing tap dance number to finish it off.

Next up was Lolli, she came out with the children all in the outfits she had made. Lolli along with the help of a few others cast some spells around and they decided to do a musical number to the famous song “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beastie. In the middle of the number, the children ran around her and she quickly revealed her new dress. Her dress was pink with glitter, flowers and candy pieces sown into the dress. She never felt more like herself then now. As she got to the end of the stage, she gave a small bow to Queen Merla. She smiles happily and walks off the stage with the rest of the children.


Glade was next and she was stunning in her new dress. It was green which hugged her waist just right and had beautiful purple flowers sown onto the dress. She came out and you could tell she was a little bit nervous. But she did great. She did an illusion and cast a deer to run around the room around the room.

Last up was Lucky. He came out in an amazing suit with flowers and a cape. It suited him so well. Lolli was in awe of it. It was so stunning. He came out modelled and then did a poetry reading. He told a story which resulted in Ulorian looking like the good guy and the kids demanding presents off him. Ulorian sighs and caved. He summoned lots of shells that when touched opened up to reveal some interesting trinkets in them.

That was the end of the show and everyone was so exhausted afterwards. It was announced that over 500 gold was raised and going straight to Thai’s refugee. Lolli smiles happily knowing it was all for such a good cause. She goes around, starts talking to people who are still about and then goes back to look at her outfit collection. 



It's getting late in the evening, Lolli is still chatting with everyone backstage. Thanking everyone for their help and saying how amazing they did. Then suddenly she spots Merla in the corner of her eye line. She gasps loudly and she tries to hide behind the person she's currently talking to. Trying to be subtle, but it's very obviously not. She keeps glancing over and starts to get extremely nervous. She debates in her head if she should approach Merla or not. Eventually the person she's talking to leaves and she's left alone for a brief moment. Lolli takes a deep breath and nervously walks over to Merla. Her heart is racing a million miles an hour. Lolli has always dreamed of meeting Merla in person but she never thought she'd actually... one day get to. As she's walking she keeps thinking to herself to remain cool, but so many thoughts cross her mind. Eventually, she makes her way to Merla and she is standing there in front of Merla. Lolli's eyes look up to Merla and she stares stunned for a moment, in complete shock. Unsure what to say.

She eventually starts speaking but her voice sounds shaky. 

"Omg you're Merla. Sorry... Queen Merla. Oh my gumdrop, yo-ooooo-uuuu'reeeeee actually here. Oh where are my manners", sounding very startled.

She gives a bow with her dress and then looks again at Merla. She gets so nervous she starts talking very fast to the point it almost sounds like one sentence.

"My name is Jennifur Cottontail but most people call me Lolli thank you so much for letting me put on this event tonight in your amazing theatre it was sooo amazing of you to let me do that... thank you thank you so much it's always been a dream of mine to meet you in person and omg I just can't believe you're here".

She starts blushing at the end and hopes Merla understood any of that and puts her hands to her face. Lolli is visibly nervous.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Jennifur -- or would you prefer for me to call you Lolli?" Merla asks smiling.

"I'm always happy to have people use the theatre for performances, it is what it is here for. The children of Thia's Refuge are also near and dear to me, I'm glad to see our ties are still strong. As for meeting me, I am very flattered. How long have you been making clothes?"

Lolli quickly drops her hands from her face and she nervously holds her hands down by her side. She takes another deep breath and this time when she speaks it’s more at a normal pace.

“Oh please you can call me Lolli. That’s what all my friends call me anyway”, giving a big smile.
“And yes I wanted to do more for Thia’s Refuge but I think we got a good turnout. Which is a massive one thanks to you. Also, I’m sorry about… what happened. I didn’t know who was going to end up on the guest list”. 

“Oh Ulorian? That is not anything you could have predicted. It was unexpected to everyone but you kept going! That shows a professionalism few can boast”, Merla winks.

Lolli blushes and smiles. “But ohh, to answer your previous question I love making outfits. I’ve been doing it for a few years. Ever since I was young. I love making unique pieces for people. And ohh guess what, I’m studying under the amazing help of Brendan and Annabelle Fitzgrove… just like you did”.

Then she’ll look around to see where they are. Once she spots them she’ll indicate to Merla where they are and wave over with a smile “There they are”.

The Queen smiles warmly and waves to the Fitzgroves, both of them blushing, Annabelle waving a bit more enthusiastically than her husband, but both delightedly.
“Annabelle is a good teacher. I focused my studies more on tapestry weaving but she is a master of many techniques.”
Merla turns back to Lolli. “I take it then you are from the Summer Lands if you knew I studied under her.”

Lolli blushes with the compliment but smiles. Her nervous energy is calming but still there.

“Annabelle and Brendan are super awesome and very kind. Yes very talented indeed. I’m learning so much. I couldn’t believe my luck to learn that you had been there”.

Lolli smiles widely

“And yes you’re right. I am also from the summer lands, one of the smaller areas. I have to say it’s so different being here. But I like it. I write letters to my parents to keep them updated on how things are going and my adventures. How did you find your time between the two places? Do you have any tips for all the travel between Dawnlands and Feywild? Oh, if you don’t mind me asking what it’s like being Queen now. Are you super busy now? Are you super happy?”. Lolli looks up to Merla with excited curiosity.

Merla chuckles at all of the questions.

"Let's see. Time moves differently between the Planes, which your parents hopefully warned you about. My suggestion is to always be prepared to be spending more time where you are than where you're going. A day here can be mere hours back home, but there is no exact way to measure it. As for being Queen," She brings up her hands and starts ticking things off like a list as she replies by counting on her fingers.
"Yes, I am always busy, but I am also very happy. There are many things I thought I knew would happen when I was given my own Court, and some of them came true. But there have been several hundred other things that were definitely and completely unexpected. That's why it's important to always be on your toes!"

The queen suddenly lifts up her skirts and does a short sequence of quick dance steps, finishing with a twirl.

"And what about you Lolli? What are some of your favourite places you've been since coming here?"

Lolli looks puzzled for a moment “I don’t… recall them telling me about time moving differently. But ohhh thank you for letting me know. I really appreciate that”. Lolli looks graciously to Merla. Then her face shifts to amazed as Merla does a quick dance. She does a loud ‘gasp’ sound then she giggles, claps her hands and smiles. “Wow that was amazing. And you’re so graceful. You are so good”.

She can’t believe Merla is dancing in front of her.

She goes to think “Ohhh my favourite places. I recently came across this cocktail bar called Fiore Popolare. Leona Autumn runs it and she does absolutely amazing drinks. Have you heard of it? I would highly recommend going there if you haven’t. And oh I love the Dawnlands market. I love just finding stuff I can add to my creations and also trying some yummy treats too. Oh I absolutely love your theatre as well. The decorations are spectacular here”.

Lolli starts to smile even more than before “I mean everything here is sooooo pretty. It’s amazing. This whole day feels like a dream. I get to be here and all my friends have helped. They were fantastic. I feel like the luckiest Harengon right now”. She does a small giggle after and puts her hand to her mouth.

“I have heard of the Fiore Popolare, but I have not met the owner. Perhaps I’ll swing by some time.”

The Queen smiles down at Lolli. “Creating joy and opportunity for others happiness is a gift worth sharing. You have done a wonderful thing here today, Lolli. You should be proud.”

Lolli beams “Yes definitely check it out”. And then smiles graciously at the compliment from Merla. And starts to blush again. “Thank you Merla, I mean your highness”.

Then she thinks nervously. She gets fidgety. She twirls her fingers and then looks up to Merla “Would you mind answering a question for me, I have always wondered what you would say if I ever got to talk to you in person. Sometimes I think to myself W.W.Q.M.D. in situations, ‘What Would Queen Merla Do’? But I am no where as gracefully as you”. Lolli smiles hoping she doesn’t sound too crazy to Merla. “So, what do you do when times are tough? Do you have a saying or phase that helps? What gives you strength to keep going even when it’s hard?”

Forget-me-not blue eyes study Lolli closely, as she asks her questions. With the last one asked, the Queen of Virtue and Virtuosity looks up to the stained glass window above, the gold ring around her pupil catching the golden hour light. Eyes distant in their thinking, Lolli cannot help but think she really does look like the fairy queens of old.

"Grace comes with understanding, from living your life as true to who you are as you possibly can. One person's grace will be different from another's for we each experience life differently. It comes to us in waves, sometimes expected, other times not, but it happens none the less whether we are ready or not."

So turns her gaze down to Lolli and the warmth emanating from her is carried on soft unknown music, so subtly there that the young harengon hardly notices it.

"I have done many deeds, some great, some small, but with each one that I do, I remember those who stand beside me, who support me, and who protect me as I protect them. Their love gives me strength."

She smiles and the music seems to rise to a quiet crescendo.

"Trust Love. It has seen me through the darkest of times and has helped me protect the ones I care about most."

Lolli stares at Merla with awe. The words really hit her. She smiles and looks at Merla with such admiration.

"'Trust Love'. Ohh wow! That's soooo.... inspiring. Wooooow", Lolli drifts off thinking about Merla's words. Then she brings herself back into reality and she looks to Merla more focused "I will do my best to always do that your highness. That's exactly how I want to live. I really hope to do you justice". Lolli smiles happily and beams happiness out.

Then suddenly something strikes her "Ohhhh my... gumdrop. I umm.... could I ask one favour of you Queen Merla? I know you've been so amazing and I know you're super busy. Would you emmm.... would you mind signing my spell book? I would love to have proof that I got to meet Queen Merla. My friends back home would absolutely freak out if they find out"

Merla’s eyebrows raise a little.
“Are you asking for my autograph?” she asks, a mischievous smile curling her lips.

“YES”, Lolli burst out excitedly. “But only if it’s ok with you?”.

"I would be delighted. But," Merla stops dramatically, holding up a finger. "in exchange for signing your spell book I require you to make three outfits, each inspired by something or someone or somewhere you love. I do not need them completed right away but say, within a year and a day, they can be presented to me. How does that sound?"

Lolli gets out a loud ‘gasp’.

“You… want… me… to make outfits… for you?”, Lolli’s eyes go wide and she looks shocked. Her hands go up to her face. She focuses all her energy to remain calm in the moment but she’s struggling. She takes a deep breath and her voice is shaky “Also to clarify, who are the outfits intended for? Will you be wearing them?”

"Maker's choice. But they must be inspired by something, someone, or somewhere you love." She leans down capturing Lolli's eyes with hers. "And I have to feel it when I see it. Think you can do it, Lolli Cottontail?"

“Can I… I… I do that…?”, Lolli repeats nervously trying to contain the massive amount of excitement building. But it doesn’t last long. Suddenly, she bursts with happiness, clearly visible on her face.

“Omg. Yes. Yes, I can most certainly do that. For you, of course! I get the Honour of making some dress for YOU. For Queen Merla. O.M.G. YES”.

She immediately and quickly reaches for her spellbook which she has tucked away in a pocket she has hidden in her dress that’s not obvious at all. She pulls it out. The outside of her spellbook is covered in pink glitter, with lots of bows, candies and sequins in lots of different colours sown all over it. It’s an explosion of colour. She flips to a blank page and holds her spell book up to Merla along with a pink feathered quill.

The Queen takes the quill and with an elegant precision signs Lolli’s spell book. As the last scratch is made there is a chord of beautiful, harmonious music and a flutter of butterfly wings as some burst forth from the page, carrying the sudden music on their wings.

“Done”, Queen Merla holds the quill out to Lolli.


Lolli takes her spellbook back, looks at the name signed in her spell book now and she 'gasps' again. She closes the book, hugs it tight and with a massive smile on her face she looks to Merla "Thank you! Thank you sooo much. Honestly this is the best day E V E R !". She's practically jumping on the spot. "I won't keep you any longer, your majesty. But I will see you again with those outfits".

She does a bow before she leaves "Thank you, you've been so amazing. I will remember this day FOREVER". She waves goodbye with a massive smile on her face. Then she hops away trying to find her friends so she can tell them her news.

---

Thank you Riah for the wonderful Hook Game for Lolli and the RP at the end with the fabulous Merla