Ashley wandered around Golden Crown Mall, window-shopping. Being that is was the largest mall in the area; it was one of her favorite places to shop. This favoritism was probably due to all the luxury item stores, but this shopping spree was going to be different. She wasn't here to buy herself a new dress or some cute decorations for the house. This trip had one goal, buying a birthday present for her girlfriend Rose. This would be the first holiday of sorts that they celebrated together as a couple so it was really important that she find a gift that Rose would love. She had already picked a location for a party and ordered the cake, so all that was left was a gift. Rose was a lot of things that Ashley was not, which she supposed, was why they were perfect for each other. Rose was calm, mature, patient, and most importantly, wise. Ashley on the other hand was very free spirited and childish. A lot of people compared her to Gilda the Good Witch from that musical. She assumed it was because of the blonde hair and pretty pink dresses, but it was more about demeanor. She was excitable and loved having new experiences, but what she really loved was shopping. Coming from a wealthy family she was able to buy pretty much whatever she wanted, within reason. She was definitely daddy's little girl. Ever since she helped her parents design a jewelry line from their gem mining enterprise, she has been getting a cut of all the sales. This was more than enough money to insure her and Rose could live happily ever after.
Ashley came to a mall directory and pondered her next stop. Well. What type of things did Rose like? She wondered. Rose liked to read! The mall had a Noble Nook, which was full of books. Ashley didn't really like to read since she had a hard time focusing on the pages, but Rose would read to her when they were alone at night and that made her happy. A new book would surely make a great present. She browsed the shelves of the Noble Nook trying to pick out a story Rose might enjoy. Rose read those fortune teller books with the weird symbols on the front pages but Ashley didn't know enough about those to buy one. She walked up and down the isles. Action, Romance, Biography, Thriller, How To Guides...? There were so many types of books here she would never be able to pick out the perfect one! She could always just get a gift card but.. that wouldn’t be very special. Ashley frowned, a little defeated. Perhaps she should’ve done a bit more research before headed out on this mission. She did have a tendency to get ahead of herself and not plan ahead. That’s what she had Rose for…to be smart and insightful.
Well if she couldn’t pick out a book she would just have to think of something better. Okay! Think Ashley! What other things does Rose enjoy? They had been living together for a couple months now you'd think she would know this type of stuff in detail. Definitely not clothes. Rose has her own style and likes to shop for herself. Try as she might Ashley hasn't been able to convince Rose to show herself off. She would love to be able to buy her nice dresses or at least a tank top and shorts, but no. She liked to keep herself covered. Her style was conservative but very fashionable. Ashley sighed. She knew underneath all those layers was a lovely woman. Not that she would ever admit though.... Ashley blushed, swatting the invisible thought cloud away. Those types of thoughts will have to wait! Present first. Romance later! She paused and thought harder. Well Rose does have a nice collection of teas. She wasn't really sure if there was a store for that kinda stuff here but it was worth a shot right?
Under the miscellaneous category was the shop called The Black Briar. The name alone sounded very ominous but at the same time perfect for what she was looking for. See, Rose liked to drink tea but she also read tea leaves so perhaps this place would have a tea good for both? Unfortunately that was at the entire other end of the mall so Ashley would have to hoof it. No pun intended. When she arrived at the store she was met with the familiar fragrance of sage and lavender which Ashley associated with Rose's study. The women at the counter was very friendly. Their hair was long and braided and around her neck was a pendant of the sun. Hopefully they would know something about purchasing tea. After a long conversation they were able to pick out a blend Ashley hoped Rose could enjoy herself but also serve to her clients. It was a Raspberry Lychee tea. Apparently that was a type of black tea and was very popular in their community. Being that is was a specialty blend it was on the pricy end but nothing was too good for Rose. While there she also picked up a set of two tea cups. The women recommended them saying they were specially good for leaf reading. Ashley just liked them because they were a soft gold color with white trimming like lace.
Ashley walked out of the store head held high. She found a gift for Rose that she knew Rose would like. However, she wasn’t entirely convinced this was the super special present she wanted to commemorate their first celebration together. If she had her way she would spoil her girlfriend rotten by now. Gods only knew that someone needed to take care of Rose for a change. She was always the one caring for everyone else. Ashley knew Rose had it harder growing up than she had. Ashley was an only child and had parents who were for the most part, both loving. She wasn’t forced to be a proper lady so as not to shame the family name. Rose on the other hand…well that’s her own story to tell. On her way back to the main entrance Ashley passed by a jewelry store, which just so happened to be carrying her family’s line. Well, the line she designed in her family’s name. She decided to stop and look. She hadn’t really seen the finished product on the shelf and wondered how people felt about it. Perhaps not everyone was a fan of her favorite stones or the rose gold theme. Starring down into the glass container; it was a very lovely collection. Then again she was bias. She was shocked when the sales person recognized her as the daughter of the Abbington family. The two struck up a conversation, mostly compliments from the sale clerks, but also about the occasion. Ashley spoke about Rose and how important everything was to her that it was perfect.
The person looked around, as if to inspect if the coast was clear then gestured for Ashley to follow them to the back corner of the store. From behind the counter the neko produced a lovely string of pink pearls. They reminded Ashley of Rose’s hair how soft and silky their color was. The neko spoke in a hushed tone. This was the only necklace of this particular stone in the entire chain. Apparently there was a defect in the shipment of white pearls and they ended up with this one. Being as they weren’t pure pearls they were to be sent back to the distributer as faulty product. But, the neko had a feeling they would be better off in Ashleys hands. They would gladly sell them to her and write it up as a normal pearl purchase. No one would be any the wiser and she would know for sure that they were unique. They were absolutely beautiful. In all her time being around gemstones she had never come across natural pink pearls but these were definitely not altered in any way. They were … perfect. Absolutely ecstatic Ashley agreed to the deal, within a few minutes she was holding a lovely velvet box containing the perfect present. She really hoped Rose liked them. While the tea leaves were a thoughtful gift from the mind, these pearls would be a gift from the heart. Ashley rushed home. There was only 2 days left before Rose’s birthday and there was still things that needed to be done. This was going to be great!
