"Then, you had better made the dancing outfit extra specially fitted for me!"
Turning his attention from the princess (who seems to have a good idea of what she's looking for) to the succubus, the elven tailor comments, "Well, if you enjoy something as low-cut as that dress then clearly there is little sense in suggesting any outfits that use more fabric..."
He thinks for a moment contemplating what might interest such a woman. "As firm as you are, what about something that adds a bit more... play to your form? Perhaps something with coin or beaded trim that rustles when you move, something iridescent to add movement and draw attention to your curves, something cool for when you turn up the heat..."
Laithoron motions with his head to a mannequin that bears a gilt and gauzy outfit crafted from shimmering silks and dark translucent muslin. It was seemingly inspired by the belly-dance outfits of the desert folk, but contains hints of his elvish stylings as well. He drapes the dark muslin over Lureene's creamy skin to illustrate how its movement allows hints of pale curves to show thru while the more solid silks bits have the fire of black diamonds aflame with red. Its trim, comprised of tiny spheres of copper and gold, sounds like a cross between the rain of a thousand tiny cymbals and the hiss of a serpent when it moves.
While Lureene looks on eyes wide, he appraises her physique as if his very eyes were a measuring tape. 36,24,36... this— "will fit you like a glove." There isn't the slightest hint of doubt or arrogance in his voice, merely the statement of fact.
I would like to look like an angel, for real."[/b]
"If, on the other hand, you want to look like an angel," he begins, "I recommend pearlescent white and gold. In this case, instead of sheer and tight, we go for loose-fitting with a lot of drape. We could also add a hair-pin with a persistent disguise effect to make your wings take on the appearance of white feathers. The more expensive option being a special pair of rings I devised. One that actually alters your shape, and another that prevents any further changes to your form until removed."
"If, on the other hand, you want to look like an angel," he begins, "I recommend pearlescent white and gold. In this case, instead of sheer and tight, we go for loose-fitting with a lot of drape. We could also add a hair-pin with a persistent disguise effect to make your wings take on the appearance of white feathers. The more expensive option being a special pair of rings I devised. One that actually alters your shape, and another that prevents any further changes to your form until removed."
Lureene is struck sppechless by his proclamation. After a moment, she murmers in a barely audible voice,"I...I don't know what to say...I cannot afford this...this...". She looks to Alis for help, a look of pleading her eyes.
...something cool for when you turn up the heat..."
Laithoron motions with his head to a mannequin that bears a gilt and gauzy outfit crafted from shimmering silks and dark translucent muslin. It was seemingly inspired by the belly-dance outfits of the desert folk, but contains hints of his elvish stylings as well. He drapes the dark muslin over Lureene's creamy skin to illustrate how its movement allows hints of pale curves to show thru while the more solid silks bits have the fire of black diamonds aflame with red. Its trim, comprised of tiny spheres of copper and gold, sounds like a cross between the rain of a thousand tiny cymbals and the hiss of a serpent when it moves.
Hearing the stylish elf's comment, Rath feels compelled to speak first seriously, "This is lovely couture, would I think be very... suiting to her." Then, with mock seriousness, "But please, Mistress Lureene does not need more heat, already is incendiary. Perhaps outfit to turn heat DOWN in order. Otherwise, many men die." He mimics a heart attack. "Just to consider."
Then, with mock seriousness, "But please, Mistress Lureene does not need more heat, already is incendiary. Perhaps outfit to turn heat DOWN in order. Otherwise, many men die." He mimics a heart attack. "Just to consider."
Lureene turns to Rath-hun on hearing that and turns a smoldering gaze on him. "Well, Rath-hun, I thought Pali-monks went through special training to increase their stamina! Maybe you should practice with Suny for a while, and make sure your stamina level is high enough for me."
Then, with mock seriousness, "But please, Mistress Lureene does not need more heat, already is incendiary. Perhaps outfit to turn heat DOWN in order. Otherwise, many men die." He mimics a heart attack. "Just to consider."Lureene turns to Rath-hun on hearing that and turns a smoldering gaze on him. "Well, Rath-hun, I thought Pali-monks went through special training to increase their stamina! Maybe you should practice with Suny for a while, and make sure your stamina level is high enough for me."
"Oh, Meri Devi, did not say I die. Was speaking of normal men. Or, if I estimate wrong and I do die *shrug* would be pleasant way to go." He smiles and then adds seriously, "But that Devi hm Angel outfit would be very suiting to you too. Take both if Miss Alis doesn't mind."
she murmers in a barely audible voice,"I...I don't know what to say...I cannot afford this...this...". She looks to Alis for help, a look of pleading her eyes.
Hearing Lureene squeak like a mournful kitten, causes Alis to get a sad puppy dog look in her eyes and her lips quiver a little, "If that's what you have your heart set on..." She smiles gently and Lureene hears a faint whisper in her ears...
Havelock looks over the suit again. "This is a fine suit. How durable is it, if you don't mind my asking?"
"Well if you are asking if it is as durable as chainmail, that would add a considerable surcharge, but then that is something any enchanter worth their salt could add later. Regardless, the method I use to construct my seams is quite sturdy indeed and I guarantee my workmanship for life... and keep in mind this is an elf saying he guarantees his workmanship for life. For best results I would recommend cleaning it via prestidigitation so that the material itself will retain its luster. There are numerous such "dry" cleaners through out larger cities such as this one."
Havelock looks over the suit again. "This is a fine suit. How durable is it, if you don't mind my asking?""Well if you are asking if it is as durable as chainmail, that would add a considerable surcharge, but then that is something any enchanter worth their salt could add later. Regardless, the method I use to construct my seams is quite sturdy indeed and I guarantee my workmanship for life... and keep in mind this is an elf saying he guarantees his workmanship for life. For best results I would recommend cleaning it via prestidigitation so that the material itself will retain its luster. There are numerous such "dry" cleaners through out larger cities such as this one."
"Good to know it won't need repairs unless someone comes at me with a knife. I'm glad your workmanship is as good as they say."
Take both if Miss Alis doesn't mind."
Lureene sighs in rapture on hearing the answer from Alis, and returns the favor.
Whisper, Alis or Perception DC 20
She says to Laithoron, "I will take both outfits, please, kind sir!" She then cursties for him as a gesture of thanks.
"Good to know it won't need repairs unless someone comes at me with a knife. I'm glad your workmanship is as good as they say."
The elf simply smiles and looks in Alis' direction, "What can I say, I want customers to come back because they want new creations — not because they are upset with the ones they already own..."
She says to Laithoron, "I will take both outfits, please, kind sir!" She then cursties for him as a gesture of thanks.
Laithoron acknowledges your curtsy and bows deeply in return saying, "As you wish..."
Rath gravitates back towards the Suny center of his universe. . Passing Alis he says quietly, "Owe you another debt now, Rajkumari Alis. By way, special wine was not necessary. Only needed Suny to be interested. I maybe shy, but not cowardly."
** Ravarath spoiler **
Rath's moves to speak with Laithoron, eyes never leaving the dress, "How much?"
Lureene hears Rath-hun ask "How much?" and sees him staring at a gown, just perfect for Suny to wear. She knew right then and there, she will do anything to get him that dress.
Rath's moves to speak with Laithoron, eyes never leaving the dress, "How much?"
He replies discretely, "Why it's priceless of course! Just between you and me, Alissariel already informed me that she will aid another on your purchases. My only advice? Don't let on that you realize you didn't pay the full cost of anything. Doing so would only make her think that you and the others see her not as a friend but as a patron." He gives a somewhat melancholy sigh even as he gazes upon her playful exuberance with the other women. "She may not look it, but you might be surprised by how lonely it is being in a a royal's shoes."
Brightening a bit, he asks, "So have you considered what new fashion you might don to delight the winsome lass who has your eye?"
"Master Laithoron" Rath says candidly and quietly...
Lureene tries to overhear the conversation between the tailor, and Rath-hun, but can only pick up snatches. She turns a questioning eye to Rath-hun, and asks with a look of concern on her face, "Everything ok, Rath-hun?"
Rath turns to Lureene, while waiting to hear Laithoron's response, "Oh, yes, Meri Devi, with you in those beautiful outfits, all is right. We are simply price haggling. Vudrani are good at this. Think I may get hm discount for being ill-dressed country bumpkin. If work out right, my outfit may be more revealing than yours!" He laughs.
Rath starts humming to himself an old poem by a Vudrani master:
I MADE my song a coat
Covered with embroideries
Out of old mythologies
From heel to throat;
But the fools caught it,
Wore it in the world's eyes
As though they'd wrought it.
Song, let them take it,
For there's more enterprise
In walking naked.
Lureene laughs at the poems ending, a merry chuckle indeed. "Well rath-hun, I would hope to think you won't let anything like, say, lack of funding ruin this enchanting day! As for whose outfit would be more revealing..." she arches an eyebrow, perfectly imitating Suny, and asks, "Is this a challenge, Sir Knight Rath-hun?"
He raises his hands in defeat. "I don't challenge! If nude, I am larger so more skin showing because have more skin to show. I win! But if beauty is the standard... well, with clothes on or clothes off - you win! 'Sides, you've already seen me - remember bath?" He quickly adds, "Not the misunderstanding before we became Devi and Rath-hun but just BEFORE then. I think you caught eye-full."
Over at the large display of jewelry Suny is completely engrossed in looking, pointing and making a collection of things upon a large velvet pillowed display 'shelf'.
"Uh-huh, an' that one...an' that one." She continues to shift along, pointing and indicating. "Also them two....yup, an' that piece there." As she continues to add bits and pieces to the amount that the assistant is laying upon the tray, she occasionally rises up on her toes to peer at some of the higher mounted pieces upon the wall. Or bend over to look closer at those things under glass beneath the counter.
Rath leaves Laithoron to consider his offer and stealthily slides over to catch, just a quick look, at what Suny has placed in her mounting pile of 'shineys'.
He raises his hands in defeat. "I don't challenge! If nude, I am larger so more skin showing because have more skin to show. I win! But if beauty is the standard... well, with clothes on or clothes off - you win! 'Sides, you've already seen me - remember bath?" He quickly adds, "Not the misunderstanding before we became Devi and Rath-hun but just BEFORE then. I think you caught eye-full."
A slow blush crawls up Lureene's face as she recalls seeing Rath-hun fine physical form earlier, Well, that was certainly a pleasant memory.
"I also have you beat when it comes to skin showing as well, Rath-hun. Or have you already forgotten my angel wings?", She replies to him, while giving him another wink.
She sidles over to the jewelry case where suny seems intent on depopulating the contents all by herself. I think she has the shopping part down pat.
"Suny, what do you think would look good on me?"
The large sample tray is covered in chains and bangles, bracelets and tiaras, necklaces and rings, arm bands and charms. The assistant behind the counter who is helping Suny glances at Ravarath and just shrugs, the girl has no idea as to what this strange brown Elf is looking for or doing.
The items literally cover pretty much very type of jewelry that could possibly be available. With the materials they are made ranging from gold and silver to copper and bronze up to the more exotic things such as jade, platinum or mythril.
"Oh! An' that one!" Suny doubles almost in two as she peers at something on the very lowest counter shelf, her short blue dress flicking up dangerously as she does so.
Rath discounts those with a shrug, "Those are little wings but quite pretty." He winks.
Rath, about to make another comment to Lureene, stops mid-word as he watches Suny's dress rise... and rise... and of a sudden he feels the need to see if Laithoron has made a decision yet. He fans himself with his gi flap as he moves past Lureene. self control... self control... be as still as a pond... be as tranquil as a...
She sidles over to the jewelry case where suny seems intent on depopulating the contents all by herself. "Suny, what do you think would look good on me?"
Suny just twists her head and simply looks up at Lureene,
"Lookin' good fer whut though? D'ye mean?" The brown skinned Elf asks innocently. Then she straightens, skirt dropping and bouncing.
"An' are ye talkin' about th' fabric." She points to some of the items on the display figures, "Or th' shineys?" She indicates the tray on the counter.
Suny just twists her head and simply looks up at Lureene,
"Lookin' good fer whut though? D'ye mean?" The brown skinned Elf asks innocently. Then she straightens, skirt dropping and bouncing.
"An' are ye talkin' about th' fabric." She points to some of the items on the display figures, "Or th' shineys?" She indicates the tray on the counter.
Poor Rath-hun! He has the control of a golem, i swear
"Suny, I have never worn shineys before, and I don't know what looks good on my skin. Can you help me out?"
Poor Rath-hun! He has the control of a golem, i swear
"Suny, I have never worn shineys before, and I don't know what looks good on my skin. Can you help me out?"
Suny grins,
"Sure!" She exclaims, though the loud but polite cough the assistant gives them as Suny reaches to undo the dress Lureene is wearing has Lureene pointing out the 'change' rooms to the bubbly, bouncy Elf.
With the help of the assistant, the pair and the tray of items are moved away from general view.
Warning
"Geeze, some times I do envy yerself." Suny frowns and pouts, then reaches out and 'supports' Lureenes' figure in each hand. "I mean, there's just so much more o' ye t' be swishin' and swinign aroun' in'a fabric. Ye gets t' feel so much more'n me." Now Suny sighs as she bounces her own self. "Whut's th' term fer th' difference t'ween us? Comfort asides Athletic?" Suny continues to pout unhappily at how nature has visited the pair of them seemingly so unevenly.
Rath speculates idly on what perzactly might be happening in the fitting room... and decides it is better to not know. Instead he tries to gather up the tattered remnants of his zen calm hoping to create something vaguely monk-like about his thoughts. Unfortunately, his head keeps returning to eclairs, rising dresses, snuggling, snatches of caring conversations, a smudge of chocolate just below her jawline, and the wonderful etherealness of Suny... And then the kernel of a VERY un-monk-like idea starts to form. The same seed that germinated into the secret admirer. Rath gives the idea full rein for awhile and he likes where it may lead...
Suny grins,
"Sure!" She exclaims, though the loud but polite cough the assistant gives them as Suny reaches to undo the dress Lureene is wearing has Lureene pointing out the 'change' rooms to the bubbly, bouncy Elf.
With the help of the assistant, the pair and the tray of items are moved away from general view.
Warning** spoiler omitted **
Lureene whispers in her ear,
Whisper
"I dun't un'erstand ye? Why would I not want Rav t' be enjoyin' yer company?" She reaches out and wraps he arms around Lureene reassuringly.
"I swear I in't never goin' t' un'erstand all you folks." She sighs against Lureene. "Back home we's gots no problems wi' people bein' friends, nor peoples bein' special friends wi' people, nor even..." Her voice trails off as she searches for a common word to express the meaning that she's thinking, absently snugging Lureene as her mind drifts off getting further lost in thought.
In the Change Room
"Aye, 'ats a neat idea, luv! I wus gon'a ask Alis t' be helpin' me wi' th' translation o' Elvish in't people speakin', but t' heck wi' it! Lets all o' us get t'gether an' nut th' problem out, hey?" She bounces and giggles with glee. (^_^)
"Now then, about this lil' item...ye put it on like this..." Suny fiddles adjusts an item of jewelry at Lureenes' waist.
In the Change Room
The thrills of a new suit are beginning to wear off for Havelock, and he turns to Alis. "I wonder what's taking them so long in there anyway."
Sunys' hands continue their ministrations as the two women gently shift into each others embraces.
Soon, both women are sharing a personal, private moment.
In the Change Room
Eventually Suny comes waltzing and twirling out to re-join every one else. At certain people glances Suny just smiles, skipping over to Ravarath.
"That were fun." She grins, though there seems to be no additional jewelry about her frame what so ever. At Rav's questioning look Suny smiles. "Whut? I done knew whut I wanted t' be gettin' t' wear even afore I got a good look at whut was over there. I just wanted t' know whut all'a different things felt like, so I tried 'em all on." She explains simply, as if her way of thinking should make sense to every one.
Lureene steps out of the fitting room, a moment after Suny, and immediately walks over to Rath-hun, the clicking of her heels sounding louid on the marble floor, taking the other side Suny is on. She whispers in his ear, her breath hot and the perfume smell still lingering "Thanks for waiting for us, Rath-hun. I promise you, we will make it up to you later." She then walks back over to Alis, waiting for her to finish her business with Laithoron.
Rath-hun notices she is now wearing a choker around her neck, and also a silvery bracelet on her right ankle calf, lying over the strapp of her sandal, and finally one arm bracelet, this one of gold on her left arm.
Rath is not a genius, but he is a listener, a watcher, and highly observant with all of his faculties. Musk is apparent. So are many other things. He also knows when things aren't right and is wise enough to put two and two together. He does so now - stitching together the appearance of the women from the changing room, the length of time spent, the looks or non-looks of the other folks, the hue of their cheeks, other tell-tale signs, and the conversations and half-conversations he has had with each of them. He knows what has happened. Ahhh, always another life lesson.
Ignoring Suny and Lureene, Rath hops down from the table he was sitting on and approaches Laithoron. "Thanks to you for your time and kindly offers, sir, but it looks like I won't be the gown buyer."
Rath swivels and approaches Havelock, "Was pleasure meeting you, sir. Will be going now, leaving ladies in your care for rest of... evening."
He heads to the lift. On his way there, he stops to speak with Alis.
He gives her a sad smile, "Rajkumari Alis, you have always been nice and generous to me. You are very special. I thank you for all that you done... even if some things did not turn out well for me. I think, maybe, I will take Pathfinder mission with your sister on boat. She is also very kind. To repay your kindnesses, I will keep her safe, to my last breath." He's about to leave and then stops, and says something very quietly to Alis, and she was never quite sure if what he said was a calculated final twist of a knife or the act of a decent man trying to not cause more upset than his current choice already would. He said, "Tell them not to spend time trying find me, I won't be going back to Limbo tonight. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe not. Please have a very good evening, Rajkumari. Hope I haven't ruined your date."
Without another word, he enters the lift, shuts the door preventing anyone else from entering, and leaves.
"Master Laithoron" Rath says candidly and quietly...
The tailor smiles gently and replies,
"As for the shirt off your back, only if you will accept one of mine in return. It's bad form for a tailor and clothier to send a patron home with less clothing than when they arrived."
Havelock looks on, befuddled at this turn of events. He soon turns to the women. "Alright, what were you two doing in there and why did he take it that badly?"
The thrills of a new suit are beginning to wear off for Havelock, and he turns to Alis. "I wonder what's taking them so long in there anyway."
"Who to the what?" Alis looks up from what she was looking at and listens more closely.
Shrugging her shoulders and waving a hand nonchalantly she answers, "Who knows, probably posing in front of the angled mirrors or something. There's all sorts of thoughts to D-stract a girl when trying out new outfits..."
Havelock looks on, befuddled at this turn of events. He soon turns to the women. "Alright, what were you two doing in there and why did he take it that badly?"
Suny looks at Havelock completely innocently and nonplussed at his question.
"Is somat wrong?" She asks. She looks to Lureene and Alis, large blue eyes blinking in befuddlement.
At Rath's approach, Alis looks up from the conversations she and Havelock were having about picking out some cuff-links, pocket scarves, and whether to go for silk or lace at the throat of his debonair ensemble.
"Rajkumari Alis, you have always been nice and generous to me. You are very special. I thank you for all that you done... even if some things did not turn out well for me. I think, maybe, I will take Pathfinder mission with your sister on boat. She is also very kind. To repay your kindnesses, I will keep her safe, to my last breath."
Alis smiles at the monk's unexpected words and replies, "Thank you Rath, it's good to know that someone from our classes will be be with her. It's better still that it's someone as patient, grounded and competent as you."
"Tell them not to spend time trying find me, I won't be going back to Limbo tonight. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe not. Please have a very good evening, Rajkumari. Hope I haven't ruined your date."
"Oh, but the ship doesn't leave for another week yet—" A quizzical look contorts Alis' expression but the monk is gone before she can get another word in. Turning back to Havelock, she raises her hand and remarks, "Do you guess he's getting a head start maybe?"
"Well, Rav just left you three in my care, so something has to be bothering him. Also, you still haven't answered my first question."
"Oh, but the ship doesn't leave for another week yet—" A quizzical look contorts Alis' expression but the monk is gone before she can get another word in. Turning back to Havelock, she raises her hand and remarks, "Do you guess he's getting a head start maybe?"
"Unless he's got a galleon hidden away somewhere I doubt he could get an early start on her voyage. No, something's definitely bothering him, and maybe they have an idea what it is."
"Well, Rav just left you three in my care, so something has to be bothering him. Also, you still haven't answered my first question."
"I wus tryin' all'a shiney on an' Lureene were tryin' all'a shineys on as well." Suny frowns as she replies to Havelicks question "Wait..."She looks to the closed moving room, "Are ye sayin' Rav's leavin'?" She blinks again, one blond eyebrow arching. She looks to Alis and Lureene,
"I dunt un'ner stand whut's goin' on..." She says as her frown deepens to a scowl.