Maybe he shouldn't be here...
He has not stopped thinking about Magdalena since the night they met, the image of her face flashing in his mind at even the smallest reminder. Suddenly, every twirling dress, every dark curl might as well be her. It all carries him back to that night, to the most kind and beautiful woman he has ever met. Though as he stands in her workplace, surrounded by endless piles of boxes, he has to pause and rethink his plan. After all, it was only one night.
He is beaming just thinking about it and the promise of another evening in the future, one that is just the two of them getting to know each other better. That is the mission he is on, he reminds himself.
It is possible, of course, that she may not feel the same way. Maybe this isn't the right time to ask her out, but he isn't exactly sure how else to find her. Add to that the way his heart is beating in his chest, and Alaric isn't sure he'll have the confidence to try this again somewhere else.
Should he turn around anyway?
"Oh!" He nearly jumps, turning to face her rather than the impressive wall of shoes. Perhaps not the best start. "Hello," he says, nodding. Alaric almost extends a hand along with his greeting, but catches himself and takes a deep breath instead. "It is good to see you again."
Despite his obvious nerves, his expression brightens impossibly, and following her question, the real reason for his trip is suddenly forgotten. "Oh, yes! Of course. That is... why I came here. Yes. I am looking for... a pair of shoes." It isn't the most specific request, which he seems to notice. "Um... what do you recommend? Mine are looking quite worn out, I think." It takes a moment for him to look away, thoroughly drawn in by her warm eyes.
When he does finally look down, he notices that his shoes are not, in fact, worn out at all, and his cheeks flush at the realization. "Not these... I mean... some I have at home. They look similar. I--they're brown, though. Do you think you might have a similar pair?"