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Standing in front of the town’s record shop, now fully redecorated to appear as though it’s a magic shop, Pearl has started to feel just a bit too out of her element.
She cranes her head awkwardly to the side to read the sign out front, which displays the words ‘ The Crystal Cliffs Emporium’ . Apparently, it’s where she’s supposed to go to find the next key item for her quest— collect three magical stones to unlock the seal on something called…a Rune Blade…?
So, Pearl might not be the best person to LARP with. She wouldn’t say she’s the best at role-playing, but here she is anyway, sunflower crown on her head, dressed in a somehow form-fitting green dress, despite the fact that it’s not a dress she owns, and she’s never seen it before in her life until three hours ago.
“You’re now Queen Pearl from Gilded Helianthia, the foreign kingdom’s most beloved ruler who tends to the sprawling fields and protects her land with her own combat expertise!” Gem gave Pearl the rundown as she handed her the costume. “You’ve been summoned to help in the battle against Xornoth, a demon who has plagued numerous empires with a terrible curse—”
“Are the wings really necessary?” Pearl raised an eyebrow as she inspected the clothes she’s been given, finding a pair of golden wings as an accessory.
Gem looked Pearl dead in the eyes. “Absolutely.”
If Pearl hadn’t been helping Gem with making the props for the whole event, she might’ve thought that this was all a trick to finally get Pearl to wear a dress for a whole day. (It’s not that she doesn’t, mind you, she’s worn dresses from time to time!) When she agreed to help Gem out with designing backdrops and carving out foam swords, she didn’t expect to be roped into it all. Yet, a single invite from Gem and a panicked excuse that she wouldn’t be able to create a whole character in time has got her dragged into it— hook, line, and sinker.
“I’ll get you a character sheet in no time!” Gem grinned, oh so innocent and perfectly aware of how she’s led Pearl into her trap.
And now she’s here. Curse Gem and her pretty smiles.
Well, cluelessly wandering isn’t going to help, so she pushes open the entrance of the record— the Crystal Cliffs Emporium, and heads inside.
The door still chimes when Pearl walks in, but the interior has been disguised as a shop straight out of a fantasy novel. Gone were the vinyl records and band posters, now replaced with fake magical staffs and moody purple lighting.
“Welcome to the Crystal Cliffs Emporium!” Gem greets from behind the cashier counter, donning a full wizard outfit with a violet robe and a pointy hat that might be a little too big on her. ( Don’t tell Gem she said that.)
As Pearl steps closer, her gaze lingers on Gem— the costume is so well made, she’s gotta appreciate the handiwork, alright?
Taking in Pearl’s silence, Gem continues her character’s speech. “It’s a great honour to be graced by a Queen’s presence. To what do I owe the pleasure?”
It’s breathtaking, the makeover on both Gem and what Pearl once knew as a vintage record shop tucked in a street corner.
“You look really pretty in that.” Pearl mumbles out, mind completely blank on whatever scene is actually happening.
Gem pauses in the middle of her rehearsed motion of showing off the magical wares before her, and the practised smile worn on her lips twitches for a moment to be something more.
Uh. Um. That wasn’t meant to be said out loud—
“Y’know, I didn’t take you to be one for flattery, your majesty.” Gem says behind her palm, covering what sounds like a snort and a stay in character, you dork.
“I— Uh, yeah, me neither.” Pearl stammers in a way which she hopes also doubles as a I’m trying, I swear . Having gotten enough pure embarrassment running through her system, Pearl tries to direct her attention to the props laid on the counter.
The sapphire on the table presents itself as a saving grace to Pearl, and she takes the opportunity to change the topic right away.
“I believe you’re in possession of an artefact that I’m searching for?” Pearl says it as a question, because god is she not sure if that’s the actual stone she’s supposed to get , and she’s already made a fool of herself once within a minute of stepping inside the store.
“Indeed!” Gem takes pity on her, then gestures to the sapphire, shining majestically in the purple hue drowning the atmosphere of the shop. “For a thousand gold, you may have your very own soul sapphire!”
Pearl gawks at the stone. “A thousand gold?”
“Mhm!” Gem then leans on the counter, flashing Pearl a smirk. “Surely, royalty such as yourself would be able to pay that with ease?”
Pearl just squints, because no, Gem, I really don’t— especially not when Scar nabbed half the gold I had when I wasn't looking and made a run for it.
Roughly, in her head, she figures that would translate to a dastardly elven archer took advantage of my kindness and stole my riches away on his steed in fantasy speak, but as she looks between Gem and the stone, a spark in her head makes her forgo the original plan of pleading with the wizard.
Mirroring Gem, she leans on the cashier counter, using one arm to prop her head up in a playful tilt.
“Oh, but I have a much better proposition, if you would be so kind as to hear me out.”
Gem hums, furrowing her eyebrows while nodding to let Pearl continue.
“I’d like to exchange it for something far more valuable.” Pearl starts, making sure to keep her eyes on Gem.
“Would a Queen’s hand in marriage suffice?”
Oh, isn’t it a wonderful sight to see Gem frozen still.
Pearl presses even closer, until Gem’s eyes couldn’t be obscured by the brim of her hat. Gem’s mouth is opening and closing, all without saying a coherent sentence, giving Pearl just the right push to carry on.
Reaching for Gem’s hand, she tugs it out of its trance and holds it in her own. It makes Pearl’s own heart soar when she feels the pitter-patter of Gem’s pulse beating a triple-time rhythm.
“And I’ll have you know…” Pearl trails off to dip her head downwards, until the skin on the back of Gem’s hand brushes against her lips. She suppresses the grin forming on her face for a brief moment in order to press a kiss on the hand. “I keep my promises, my dear wizard.”
Satisfied, Pearl straightens her back and admires the view of Gem’s face turning several shades redder.
“I— you—” Gem sputters, gripping onto the brim of her headpiece in an attempt to compose herself. “That’s, hah, a tempting offer, but I’m afraid I can’t accept that trade.”
Completely unaffected by her failure, Pearl maintains a bright smile as she sighs. “That’s a shame.”
Really, a shame that forces Pearl to practically skip back to the store’s front door, snickering cheerily to herself while Gem watches on with a puzzled frown and a blush that hasn’t quite yet faded.
Pearl’s halfway out the door when she turns back to face Gem. “I must say, you should pay more attention to your wares—”
“—never know if someone could give them a quick swipe, after all.” Pearl tosses the sapphire in her palm, catching it once more with ease while she gloats.
From behind the cashier counter, Gem’s eyes widen, and she springs up.
Before Gem can even think of stopping her, Pearl prances out of the shop giggling. Victory is fresh on her lips when she sings, “Bye, Gem!”