IceAndWave/HaberdasheryForBeginners
Haberdashery for Beginners
In which models are interesting, cats are useful, and criminals are honest...
The 7th Day of Descending Fire, Realm Year 763
Aia stretches herself awake as Sian enters her room. "Hi..." she smiles lazily.
Sian wiggles his fingers at her, and settles onto the bed next to her, leaning down to give her a kiss. "Hi."
"What time is it?"
"After lunch."
"Oh... I guess I was more tired than I thought, after yesterday..."
"I don't blame you. Glad you were able to sleep, actually." He stretches out next to her, relaxing a little.
Aia curls around him, resting her chin on his shoulder, "It took a while, but I did fall asleep eventually."
Sian nods slightly at this, not yet embracing her. "Good."
"What do you want to do?" Aia wonders, "I'm awake now..."
"Apologize, first. Just... for everything." He looks down at her.
"It's not necessary... but accepted." Aia smiles and kisses Sian softly.
"Tis necessary..." He would speak more, but a catgirl is kissing him.
She stops eventually, and smiles wider, her cheeks a little flushed.
Sian offers her a half-smile, but it fades. "I'd never... do that. To you, or anyone, ever again. You know that, right?"
Aia nods, "I know."
Sian nods back, accepting. "Thank you."
"So," she cocks her head to one side, "What do you want to do now?"
"Hm... Do you feel up to going out?" He rubs her side a little. "I have to get Venia a present, and I'm bad enough at picking out clothing for myself... I'd have no idea what to get her."
"For Venia? What kind of clothes are we talking about?" she smiles impishly.
Sian manages to redden a little. "Well, I need a whole outfit... I have something special in mind for her. I'd prefer it if it wasn't like the stuff she normally wears. You know, actually covers something." He smiles back.
Aia chuckles, "I'll help you. I could even be your model, except Venia has a bit more..." she cups her breasts demonstratively.
"True. I think I prefer yours, though." He showers said breasts with kisses.
"Ooooh!" Aia coos happily, moaning slightly before reluctantly pushing Sian away, "If we want to get out before the shops close we should go now."
Sian agrees with this, albeit with a regretful look at her sleep-tousled self.
Aia rolls out of bed and pulls some clothes on, practical trousers and a loose top making her look almost like one of the locals, except for the ears and the tail. "How much do you want to spend on her?" Aia asks after hooking her arm through Sian's.
"Not too much, but I don't want to be cheap. Fine quality clothing."
"OK," Aia nods, "I know a place that can help." She smiles again, her ears twitching, "I think you'll like it..."
Sian lifts an eyebrow. "Been exploring while I've been away, have we? Should I be worried?"
"If anyone is going to be worried, it's me." Aia leads Sian out of the inn and into the streets of Tideholme.
Sian is thoroughly led!
The streets that Aia leads Sian down are quiet, and in one of the better parts of the city. She stops outside an unmarked door, the windows next to it blacked out, "I found out about this place by accident, I just haven't been able to afford any surprises for you from it." She opens the door and walks into the dark interior.
Sian is not so sure he likes the idea of 'surprises', but he is not going to say not to her. He follows behind quietly.
Inside is a large dark room, lit by lanterns hanging from the ceiling. Opposite the door a counter is occupied by an attractive-looking older woman who smiles when she sees Aia. "And you must be Sian," she says, "Aia has told me about you."
Sian bows slightly to the woman. "Ah... it is nice to meet you, miss...?"
"Julena," she curtseys back, "Proprietor of this exclusive little clothes shop." She smiles as if at a secret joke, "Who did you want out, Aia? Rose again?"
"No, Julena. Can you send Unia out for us?"
Sian is too much of a diplomat to let himself look worried, though he is slightly underneath.
Julena nods, and head into the back of the store. A few seconds later a stunningly beautiful and completely naked woman walks out from between the curtains and stands in the middle of the room. She smiles at Aia, who says, "This is Unia. She'll be our model while you and Julena design the clothes. She looks about Venia's... size, doesn't she?" She grins at Sian.
Sian blinks, but recovers well. "Ah... just about, yes." He offers a weak smile at the woman.
Unia smiles back, and Julena emerges from the curtains holding a basket filled with the paraphenalia of dressmaking. "So, Sian, what did you want me to make?"
"I had a few ideas, but... I don't know the specifics." He outlines the basic plan, studiously not looking at the naked Unia.
Julena nods, listening carefully, before she says, "I have found it better if I can see what my customers want." She passes a soft wax pastel to Sian, "Show me," and points to Unia.
Sian blinks again, and looks to Aia.
"It's OK. I knew about this place, remember. I also have a design or two I drew on Rose, for when you buy me something..." She pouts half-mockingly.
Sian manages to look put-upon, as he steps forward, starting to slowly (and very carefully) draw the patterns he had in mind.
Julena looks them over, making sketches on slate as she walks around the naked woman. "I can do these for you." She smiles at Sian's obvious uncomfortableness before saying to Aia, "He's nice. I like him."
Sian shakes his head a little in wonderment.
When Sian is done, Unia turns around slowly to let Julena get a good look at the designs Sian drew on her skin. "You have a good eye for design, Sian. These should work out nicely," she shoos Unia back behind the curtain, with a note to get cleaned up now. As she disappears through the curtains there are the muffled sounds of giggles.
Sian rubs his neck, a little embarassed despite himself.
"Now. What kinds of fabric were you looking for?" Julena finishes her sketches, and looks up at the slightly flushed young diplomat.
"I am not very knowledgeable in this area, I'm afraid... silk is the finest material I know."
She nods, "How about colour?"
"Green... she is a Wood aspect. A light green, if you could."
"We have a number of shades, I'm sure I can pick the right one for you." Julena makes a note on her slate, "And the underthings, anything special about them?" She winks slyly.
"Maybe when I buy them for my companion here." He gives Aia a mock-threatening look. "Otherwise... I just want them to be comfortable for her."
"Of course," Julena smiles, "Well, I can get started on this now. I can have it ready in two days."
"That would be most appreciated." He bows deeply.
"Now," she sighs, "The money..."
"I can pay it now, if you wish."
"I will need some money up-front, for materials and the like," Julena says, "The whole thing will cost 4 obols, but I only need one for now. You can pay the rest when you recieve the clothes."
Sian nods slightly, and fishes the appropriate amount of coinage out of his pouch.
Julena smiles and pockets it, "It will be ready in two days. Would you like to see it on Unia before taking it, or do you just want it wrapped?"
"I will see it on her, if you don't mind."
"Of course," she curtseys to Sian and then smiles at Aia, "I shall see you then."
Sian bows once more. "Thank you." And he follows Aia out!
Aia smiles impishly, "Well, what did you think?"
"I think you are a very naughty catgirl." He gives her a rather strong kiss.
Aia kisses back, pressing up against Sian, "I can tell you liked it, though."
"Mhrm. Kept imagining it was you, though."
"Liar," she grins, "If you did that you would have been doing to her what you're doing with your hands now." She wriggles appreciatively, despite the apparent outrage.
"Hrm, true." He just kisses her more.
Aia sighs happily, then blushes, "Julena asked me if I'd like to work for her, you know. I said I didn't think I could because we travel so much."
Sian nods slightly. "I don't know how much we'll be travelling in future, though. The Syndics and I..." He spreads his hands helplessly.
"You should go back soon, Sian," Aia looks down, "Having powerful gods angry at you is bad. I know." She finishes in a small voice.
Sian closes his arms back around her again. "Sorry. I don't think they're mad at me, but... I don't trust them anymore."
Aia nods, "I understand. It's just that... gods aren't like people. They did what they did for a reason. You should know what that is before deciding to never go back to Whitewall."
"I intend to go back. To sort everything out. But I don't know what will happen after that."
Aia nods, "Do you want me to come with you, when you go?"
"Yes. Very much so."
Aia kisses Sian again, pressing tightly up against him, "I love you Sian, you know that."
"I do. So long as you know that I love you too."
She smiles happily, truly so for the first time in what seems like forever, and walks back down the street with Sian, the pair hand-in-hand.
Sian is also content.
Two days later, and back inside Julena's discreet clothing establishment Sian and Aia look at Unia, who came out from behind the curtains wearing the outfit that he had designed as a birthday present for Venia. The beautiful young woman turns around slowly, posing for the Dragon-Blood. Aia watches him with amusement.
Sian just lifts his eyebrow at her, and goes back to studying the outfit, nodding once when he's seen enough. "It's very good... thank you. I think this will suit her just fine."
Julena smiles, "Excellent. I am glad you approve." She gestures at Unia who immediately, but carefully, begins to remove the clothes. She folds the pieces precisely and places them in a box for Sian, before carrying them back to him.
Sian thanks her for this, managing to hold the box in a way that blocks out most of the view. He gestures to Aia, who has his money pouch. "And the rest of the payment."
Julena nods politely as Aia passes her the remaining coinage, "Thank you for your custom, Sian." She winks to Aia, "My offer is still open," and then leaves with Unia, who imparts a little wiggle to her walk as she disappears through the curtains.
Sian shakes his head a little to clear it, before starting to walk out with Aia. "You have interesting friends."
"I like to explore," Aia smiles, "Sometimes I find interesting things." She looks down Sian's body a little, "I don't see you complaining." A chuckle.
"Well, that's certainly true." He grins. "We'd better get back. I imagine that cat is getting restless."
"Oh, yes," Aia nods, "We don't want it to burn things down."
Sian agrees muchly, and back they go! To that small area outside the city, where he has asked the kuznimi to wait. He rather strongly suspects that it's not actually there, but a man can hope.
The area is empty, the circle of scorched land showing where Sian summoned the creature, but leaving no trace of its current whereabouts. Movement catches the corner of Aia's eye and she looks, immediately beginning to giggle as she points. The kuznimi is chasing butterflies over the rolling plain.
Sian sighs, and brushes his hair back, but can't quite help a smile. He just waits patiently for it to notice that he's there.
The kuznimi plays for a few minutes longer, its six legs meaning that it readily catches the low-flying butterflies but has difficulty jumping for the higher ones, before it suddenly realises it is being watched. It stops running around then and pads in a dignified manner over to Sian and Aia, managing a polite bow, "Greetings again, Chosen."
Sian bows back, hiding a grin. "Kuznimi. I hope you were not too bored with waiting?"
"The time was passed tolerably," it sniffs.
"Indeed." He takes the lid off the box, and displays the clothing. "The items I have been waiting for have arrived, so we will start, if you are ready."
"I am prepared," the elemental nods, and gets up onto its legs, stretching slightly first.
Sian places the box in the centre of the scorched circle, since it's as good a workspace as any, and stands on one edge of the area.
The kuznimi concentrates, standing stock still, and waves of palpable heat begin to wash away from it, distorting the air around the cat-like elemental.
Sian begins the ritual incantation, chanting them in a low, steady tone. At each hour, he names one of the Dragons, invoking their blessing onto the item. With each invocation the elemental focuses its Essence into the clothes, the ritual of Sian's spell weaving its power into the silk.
Sian chants Hesiesh's name last, the name echoing oddly in the morning air. Heat rises as the spells continues, and then sudden cold, as the warmth is drawn out of the air and into the clothing, with an almost-visible shimmering. The heat from the elemental has visibly reduced, and parts of its body seem to solidify slightly, before the skin breaks up and is absorbed by the liquid fire that makes it up. "It is done," it says with some satisfaction.
Sian nods slightly, and neatly ties together the strands of the spell, taking a step back so that his flaring anima doesn't damage the item. "Thank you."
It preens a little, "You are more gracious than many of your kind, Chosen of Danaa'd."
"I merely try to be polite." He bows, and gestures. "Now, your payment... gold and silver, yes?"
"Yes. Unworked, as we agreed."
Sian retrieves the metals, placing it on the ground when the contrasting of elements between them causes steam to rise. The elemental seems to eat the metals, an impression strengthened by the way it starts to clean itself afterward. "Have you any further need of me, Prince of the Earth?"
"Not for the moment, but perhaps in future? You have been a very valuable ally."
"Perhaps," the kuznimi nods, preening again at Sian's words.
Sian smiles, and bows. "Then I shall hopefully see you again."
The elemental nods and, it's service done, disappears in a flash of incandescent flame.
"Done." He looks at Aia. "Mind testing it out? I just need to make sure I got it all."
"Sure," Aia nods and reaches out to touch the dress, smiling as it warms up noticeably. "You did it."
Sian sighs, relieved. "Hope Venia appreciates it."
The 8th Day of Descending Fire, Realm Year 763
The search for a discreet pawnshop led Cassia into parts of Tideholme that she hasn't had call to enter before, her role as a messenger for Asura usually kept her in the better parts of town. This shop is definitely not within those places, and eyes watch the girl from windows and doorways as she walks along the grimy streets.
Cassia ignores the stares, padding through the streets, casting her eyes about for the shop she sought. If there wasn't one here ...
On a small, black painted door, set back from the street and almost hidden beneath a layer of dirt, the three gold-painted circles that signify what she is looking for gleam in the murky sunlight.
Cassia slips inside, letting the magic fade from her as she leaves sight of the door, looking around the grubby little shop for an owner.
A middle-aged man with long dirty silver-coloured hair nods to the girl as she enters his shop, "Can I help you?"
"I think you might be able to, yes." she says softly. "I have certain things I would like to sell..."
"Well, that's why I here, young lady," the proprietor smiles, one tooth glinting, "Let me see what you have."
Cassia offers the jewel she is most sure of the value of, to see what kind of a price she will get offered for the small ruby at first.
"Not bad," he picks the jewel up and retrives a loup from a pocket to examine it closely, "Not bad at all. Five dinars."
"Five dinars? It's worth at least twice that to you, and we both know that."
"That's true," he puts the loup down and returns the jewel to the table, "But if you wanted a better price you would have gone to a shop more concerned with the provenance of such lovelies as this," he taps the ruby with a finger.
Cassia gives a small nod to concede this fact. "Never the less, I'm sure you can offer me a little more of its true worth."
He nods slowly, "Hmm... eight, then."
"Nine and maybe I'll offer some of the other things I have for sale."
"You have more?"
Cassia spreads the various jewels before him.
"Impressive, particularly for one so young..." he examines the gemstones closely before looking up at Cassia, "And pretty."
"Which is why I do not wish to be short-changed." she says evenly.
He examines the stones for several minutes, before naming a price. It is low, but there isn't a sense of finality to his words.
Cassia offers a counter to him with a small smile, a considerably higher offer, one that pushes at the boundaries of acceptable.
The owner smiles slightly, "Now that the ridiculous has been explored, how about a more reasonable amount?" The price he offers is, as expected, lower than could be had from a legitimate jeweller, but it is still a substantial amount of money.
Cassia considers the amount. Well, not as much as she expected... but it would cover the dress, maybe even more. She makes a more reasonable counteroffer, haggling around that price.
After a few minutes of good-natured haggling a final price is reached, a substantial increase in the young Dragon-Blood's fortunes, if nothing else. "Deal?" the proprietor spits into his palm and proffers his hand.
Cassia spits into her own hand and shakes. "Deal."
The jewels are swept into a small pouch, and secreted somewhere on his person. The sound of falling silver fills the small room, punctuated with a loud *clink!* when he places the leather pouch filled with coins on the table. Cassia picks the coin bag up, weighing it in her hands with a light bob, that sends another clink through the shop.
Cassia nods to him with a warm smile on her face "It was a pleasure to do business with you."
"Likewise, I'm sure."
Cassia slips the bag into her clothing, then slips out of the shop, the concealing magic wrapped around her once more, telling people not care, to look away.
The streets are busy, but not overly so, and while Cassia is jostled a few times, no-one pays any mind to the pouch of silver jingling on her hip.
Cassia first visits her small room in the city, changing into clothing of more quality, concealing the bulk of the money around the room in a number of small hiding places, just bringing enough with her to pay for what she will need.
The better parts of Tideholme are far more familiar to Cassia and so she is aware of several shops that can make what she needs - some of that is, no doubt, Asura's influence on otherwise staid Northerners. This particular clothier is one that has a reputation for excellence amongst the upper tier of the city's society.
Cassia considers the shop... she actually has the money to shop here now, which was something of a novelty for her. She steps inside, curious.
The room beyond is dark, lit only by a few lanterns and with black curtains hanging in front of the walls. A bell rings as the door opens and woman in her middle years, emerges from behind a curtain to stand at the counter in the corner. "Hello. Can I help you?"
"Hello! I'd like to get a dress for myself, please."
The woman smiles attractively, "And that is what we do here." She comes out from behind the counter, wearing a smock with a series of full pouches, and gives Cassia a calculating look, "Anything in particular?"
"I'm not sure." she tilts her head as she thinks "I thought perhaps fire butterflies, stitched together to make the form of the dress..."
The woman nods, and smiles, "And as for the design..." she clicks her fingers twice and calls out, "Rose! Could you come out please?"
The curtains part and an extremely attractive, and totally naked, young woman walks out from behind the curtain. She smiles at the owner, and nods politely at Cassia before standing in the middle of the room. The owner reaches into a pouch and passes a soft was pastel to Cassia. "My name is Julena, by the way," she smiles warmly.
Cassia manages to conceal the look of surprise on her face as the naked girl walks in, limiting herself to looking the girl the up and down then returning the nod. "What's this for, Julena?" she asks curious, glancing over to the girl again.
Julena winks, "Why, you draw the design you want on Rose." She fishes a piece of paper and a stick of charcoal out from a pouch, "I have found that it is much easier for my customers if they can actually show me what they want. And Rose is the girl I have who is closest to your size."
"Ah." she blinks "I see." She considers Rose as she thinks about where she wants the dress to go.
Rose stretches her arms out to her sides, while Julena stands back. "When you're done I can sketch it out here and turn that into the design," she indicates the pad in her hand.
Cassia nods, then starts to draw on Rose, starting over the left shoulder and going down and across, coming above her breasts then looping around to rejoin the line at the top of the shoulder. Another loop joins it to provide the strap that will hold the dress up. Two scoped out sections down her side are added, and then the hemline part of the way down her thigh.
Julena sketches away as Cassia draws on the skin of her employee, "What sort of fit are you looking for?"
"Quite tight, I think."
"Fire butterflies, you said? Many of them, stitched together?" The charcoal scratches away at the paper.
"If that would work, yes!"
Julena uses a few pastels on the paper and holds up a drawing of a butterfly in red and gold, "Something like that?"
Cassia nods, "yes!"
"Presumably you would like them to cover up all the... ah, usual areas?" Julena smiles broadly.
Cassia considers this, then nods.
"How sheer do you want the butterflies to be?"
"Sheer enough to hint, but not to reveal..."
Julena nods, "I think I can do what you want." Her face becomes serious, "It won't be cheap, though. Six obols."
Cassia suppresses the wince. She can afford that now, after all. "Very well."
"And I will need two up front," Julena says, "The material will be expensive."
"Of course." She reaches inside to her money pouch, getting out the silver to make up the value of 2 obols.
"I will need one more thing," Julena says after pocketing the coins, and smiles, "Your name."
"Cassia."
"Well, Cassia, I should be able to finish your dress in three days." She shrugs apologetically, "It would normally take less, but the butterflies will add to the time, I'm afraid."
"I ... That won't be possible ... I need it to wear to a party in two days time." she explains, apologetically.
"Ah..." Julena nods, "It is an important party, I take it?"
Cassia glances round to the window and up to the Iceflower Palace on the hill, before back to Julena, "My mentor will be there, and several other people ... and this is the first time I've bought my own dress..."
Julena nods again, "I'll do it in two days, then. If I have to work all night, it will be done." She smiles at Cassia, "If it's that important, it will be done." She turns and looks at the naked woman in the room, "Rose, get yourself cleaned off, girl. You look frozen."
"Cassia, if you are here in two days, you dress will be ready. I promise."
Cassia gives Julena a very wide smile, "Thank you so much! And thank you Rose!"
"It will be an interesting challenge, this dress," Julena smiles back. "I hope it turns out in a way you like."
Cassia smiles, just a touch nervously "I'll see you in two days then! Goodbye Julena."
"Goodbye, Cassia." She bows and leaves through the curtains at the back of the room.
Cassia walks out of the shop, a little nervous, but pleased. Her own dress! With her own ... well, earned cash.
Cassia decides to buy Venia's present now, starting to hunt about for a candle shop.
While several places of business in the city sell candles, only one specialises, selling candles in a variety of shapes and sizes, colours and scents. Through the small windows a bewildering display of lights are visible, many of them lit.
Cassia ducks into the building, looking around her with a small shiver at all the flames.
"Yes? Can I help you?" a high-pitched voice emanates from behind a wall of lit candles, and a thin, effete man appears.
Cassia starts to look around at the various candles, drawing in the scents of each one. "I'm just looking at the moment, thank you."
There is a nod in return, and the shopkeep returns behind the display of candles.
Cassia continues around the shop, taking careful note of the scent and colour of the candles as she does, comparing them all and also holding her fingertips briefly above the flames to see how hot they burn...
The keeper emerges from behind the wall of light with a line of transparent candles in a little display. The wicks seem to hang in mid-air almost as he places them on the already packed surfaces that fill the shop.
Cassia lets out a little gasp of delight as she sees the transparent candles.
He turns, smiling, "Do you like them?"
"They're beautiful ... just flames hanging in the air.."
"I thought so, too," he beams, "It took a lot of work to get the was just right, though... and, sadly, the transparency is only when the wax is cold and solid."
"That is a shame, though they're still beautiful... I might have to buy some just for myself..."
"Well, you would be the first in all of Tideholme to do so," he gestures expansively, the movements of his hands setting a thousand flames to guttering, "I only got this batch in this morning."
Cassia seems torn. Venia first.
Cassia picks out a selection of candles that should have pleasant scents when mixed together, as well as a progression of burning temperatures. "And if you could wrap those up in some tissue paper please."
He nods politely, wrapping the candles up as requested and handing them over, "A mere five dinars to for the pretty girl."
Cassia fishes 5 dinars from her purse "And then 4 of the transparent ones, please."
The candles are wrapped up, and he adds a fifth to the bundle, "For the first customer." He smiles widely.
"Thank you!" she pays for the transparent candles too, and then walks happily from the shop.
It is getting late in the day, the clouds in the sky darkening and threatening a summer rain. Cassia hurries home, not wanting the tissue paper wrapping the candles to get wet.
Two days later and Cassia returns to Julena's shop, hoping to see her dress. The small, dark room is the same as it was before and the older woman smiles broadly as the young Dragon-Blood arrives, "Cassia, dear! You have arrived just in time."
"I have!? It's ready? Really?" Cassia's voice full of excitement.
"Yes. I finished the final stitches only 10 minutes ago," she nods, "It's still on Rose at the moment. Do you want to see it?"
"Yes, yes please!"
"Rose!" she calls, and a few seconds later the girl that Cassia has previously only seen naked emerges from behind the curtains, clad in the dress that Cassia had designed. She turns slowly, showing off both it and herself.
"... It's beautiful! Thank you so much!" she beams at Julena
"I'm glad you like it," the clothier smiles back. She gestures to Rose who begins to carefully strip out of the dress, folding it up and placing it in a box. The box is presented to Cassia by the nude girl with a soft smile. "It was an interesting design, I enjoyed making it," Julena says.
Cassia watches her as she undresses, then accepts the dress from the girl with a, "Thank you, Rose." She turns back to Julena, "I'm glad you did. I'll be sure to come back here next time I need a dress, Julena."
"I shall look forward to it."
"Thank you so much once again." She gets out the four obols, this time in the real coinage, having had some time to change some of her coin over to jade, and a little more for the speed with which she produced the dress.
Julena accepts the coins graciously, bows, and retreats into the back of her shop.
Cassia hurries out of the shop and up to the palace, where she would bathe, have her hair done and change. Then it was just a short walk to the inn...
