The voice of reason had conveniently shut up, though he was sure he heard a few minor irritating squeaks from the deeper corners of his mind. He was tempted to throw the fool thing off an even higher cliff, but resisted the urge. For the time being.

In return for a halfhearted wave, he got a strained smile, and also saw that she wasn't alone - Claire, Gryff 5th, was with her. Claire's presence was reassuring in a way - familiar face and all that, so he could at least try to crack a joke without fears of it falling completely flat - but confusing, too, because now this extra person was added into the equation he just couldn't, for the life of him, think of what to say or do next.

So, understandably, there was a rush of relief, momentary if that, when she herded his Betrothed (Yes, he told himself, get used to that word, because you'll be hearing it a lot soon.) towards the changing rooms.

In the meantime, he walked over, slow as slow can be, to the main counter and asked for which area the newer dress robes were to be found, hoping that it would be far enough away from this corner of the shop.

'Right thataway - wait, better I show you,' said the assistant.

Thataway, unfortunately, happened to be the way he had been keenly intent on avoiding. Doubly unfortunately, the assistant's enthusiasm was not to be denied.

I could just walk out of here now. I should just walk out of here now.

Why didn't he? That question would be better left to the fates. And irrational human impulse.