"Something to study."
She has mostly utilized the spell in creating small, fragile items that last for an hour, as well as general temperature changes or a mockery of spices in food, but occasionally cleaning muck off of clothing. Rarely has she used it to clean something to the degree of it being handwashed. These thoughts come about as she can smell the sweat from her garments still.
The mage thinks many things as she sits on the bench, slowly getting changed in the redressing area. She knows what her family would think. Part of her wants to approve of it all because of what happened with Ahto, but she can't listen to that; even though it warms her heart. "If I'm committed here, and looking to connect myself with him, this is their way of life, I cannot avoid it. Even if I learned a prestidigitation spell to clean my skin, it would set me apart from the companionship of the nation, and that would go against Abadar's ideals of community. Hmmm"
There is a sigh that comes from her. It is a hard choice to go from your own personal attendants and maids, with your own personal bath, to a group of strangers, co-ed, and no privacy. Pelipe doesn't finish her drink, but does pay for it before leaving and giving word of what she is going to go look for.
Her clothes bear a splotched pattern of mud at their base where her horse had kicked up some onto her boots. With her spell, she will clean what she can and then will head out onto the street.
Once outside, she shields her eyes from the sun and makes strides to ask someone in Sylvan where the nearest tailor for someone her size would be. Once attained, she would head that direction and upon arriving, would observe the outside of the store with curiosity to see what kind of outfits this being has made.
One of the grigs hops forward and whispers to Addy.
"Well, and they wanted to get away from Mather Nithra's gang, just like the rest of us."
Addison hears the grig out. The only difficulty she will have now is that she can’t address the group as ‘ladies.’ So I’ll just call the pixie by name then.
“Well, team fey it is then! The name’s Mrs. Addison Kavinka, but just call me Addy. And ye mind me asking yer names?”
Althea rolls her eyes when Katrine's arrival interrupts the start of her rebuttal.
"Delighted to see you, Miss Tholian," she returns the greeting, putting on her best, overly sweet patrician mien.
Oh, she wants to play, does she? Katrine returns the insincere smile with interest. "It's Thalian, actually. Your mistake is understandable, though. I know most humans outside Cordelon have difficulty pronouncing Elven names." There. Put that in your pipe and smoke it, hussy.
At least Ahto is showing no interest in the Chelaxian's advances. Still... it might be amusing to recruit a few birds or rats for a bit of mischief later on.
Althea purses her lips and narrows her eyes, Katrine's rebuttal eliciting a sour look from the Chelish noblewoman.
She soon returns her attention to Lord Ahto, though.
Since her attempts to set herself up as Baroness of the Greenbelt has failed, you suspect she has constructed a "Plan B" - ingratiating herself with you and become baroness by marriage.
"While you've excelled at attending to internal threats, such as uncovering the Strouds' daughters embedded in your town and striking a peace with the fey, you've done little against external threats," Althea muses. "Then again, there's only so much you can do, at least on your own. The foes arrayed against you have had such a head start to prepare, after all."
When asked what she can offer as consort, a pleased smile crosses her face.
"Have you ever seen a dowry from House Thrune?" she asks coyly. "It is far more than a basket of fruit, head of cattle, or a...set of mason's tools," she says, pointedly.
"Soldiers, servants, coffers of gold, heirloom magic. Such is what my kin back in Cheliax would deliver to commemorate our union. What's more, my colleagues in the Order of the Nail would be more apt to station a contingent to defend Tamlyn if I were its lady rather than its mere servant."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Meanwhile, the grigs introduce themselves as Attis, Chloris, and Spoina.
The pixie introduces themself as Korybantes.
Addison smiles at the pixie. “Please, Korybante, lead the way.” She tells the grigs, ”I ain’t had a massage since Crystalhue. That was me wedding night, and prior to that, me grig friend Tyg was onstage with me playing her harp.
“The women who massaged me wife and I were also musicians. I don’t suppose ye ladies’re performing artists yerselve, are ye?”
The mention of the name ‘Mather Nithra’ seems important to Addy… but it also seems like the sort of topic you discuss after a massage.
|
Ahto continues to maintain a stoic expression as Althea recites the extensive list of aid, both financial and military.
She is not lying, but can I trust that she is telling the entire truth? Are there other strings that come attached to that dowry? Does her hand in marriage come with puppet-strings firmly fixed to my arms and legs, or a knife across my throat, or poison in my wine? Even with these potential dangers, do I have the right to refuse, given Tamlyn's current state? As much as my feelings have grown for Pelipe, can I afford the luxury of putting my own desires before the prosperity and safety of the country? When I took the crown, I swore that I would accept that responsibility as my burden. If Tamlyn is to grow, and not be be swallowed by ambitious interests on our borders, we need the money and soldiers to defend it. This is no small matter. Perhaps it should be put to a vote by the Council. It is a matter of state, after all, not merely my personal life. If only I could pursue Pelipe's affection as an ordinary man. That life ended with my name being affixed to Tamlyn's charter. My life, nor any of my actions will be solely my own again.
"I will not deny that the assets you allege to be part of your dowry would be beneficial to Tamlyn in the short-term. I am skeptical that your hand in marriage is the only condition of the agreement, and even if it were, what would prevent you from arranging an accident for me shortly after our honeymoon? You would immediately rise to power just as surely as if your initial plot had succeeded. And even if you were found to be carrying my child, you would have many years of regency to secure your power, and to inculcate the rightful heir with unconditional loyalty to you."
"Are you sure you are not one of my own countrymen? Speaking with you makes me homesick?" she says with a dreamy, wistful look - although Ahto suspects it's all for show - before her confident demeanor reasserts itself. "Seriously, you think and calculate like a Thrune. I'm impressed, frankly.
"As for assurances, it is very much in my best interest now to keep you alive and well, if only for one very important reason."
Althea pauses to gently flick a finger, sending a splish of water towards Katrine.
"If something were to, hypothetically, happen to you, well...I do not fear reprisal from Abadar himself so much as I fear what your allies would do. Unfettered from your oversight, that high-kicking woman in red and the gnome tinkerer with her hounds would probably hunt me to the ends of Golarion."
|
|
"There is more than one way to assassinate someone. Death of reputation can be just as effective in the right circumstances. I have no doubt that part of such a plan would involve carefully planted evidence of a...what's the Galtan phrase? Coup d'Etat...perpetrated by jealous or ambitious rivals within the Council. Suddenly, they must flee the country ahead of an angry mob that has rallied around the distraught widow."
Ahto pauses a moment, then after gather his resolve rises from the water. He steps out of the pool, and reaches for his towel, neither making an effort to cover himself nor flaunt his nakedness to the woman.
"You see potential in my office. Potential for wealth, power, and prominence for yourself. If I am anything more in your eyes, you have yet to make it known."
He turns and nods politely to Katrine. "Miss Thalian."
Ahto gives a small shrug, wraps the towel around his waist and moves off to the dressing area.
The fey masseuses confess that they are not much of musicians or artists, although Spoina occasionally dabbles in poetry and calligraphy - including helping Seripan print a new handbill once a year.
Korybantes is also described as more of a reader than a writer, but the grigs attest that their pixie comrade is quite athletic.
Althea sighs.
"I didn't expect to win him over right away. In fact, if he were persuaded so easily, I might have to lower my estimation of Lord Ahto."
She pauses and turns to Katrine.
"Appropriate that he should mention Galt, considering that his problems will begin to multiply upon Galt's imminent fall."
Katrine gives the other woman a flat look. "Hurt him, and you won't just have to worry about Vixen and Wonky. I am an excellent tracker, and I know the River Kingdoms far better than you." Slowly, she smiles. For just a moment, the malice of her hag ancestry glitters in the changeling's mismatched eyes.
"You can run, but you can't hide."
Addison smiles. “Ladies’ fashion is my art. Imagine the shock to my system when I met Tyg, for whom it was the norm to wear nothing. She dove into my… materials.” Lingerie, in fact. “She adored the feeling of being clothed.”
Addison removes her robe with a graceful draw of the sash. It falls to her feet.
“And I adore the freedom that’s the norm for the fey. Grass is always greener on the other side, ain’t it?
“Well, work yer wonders ladies.” And to the genderless pixie, she adds, “I dabble in athletics meself. Feel free to tell me your interests while ye work.
“Sometimes it can be relaxing to just… listen.”
Addy will lay down in whatever position she’s told, and she’ll find out what three grigs and a pixie can do.
|
|
Ahto retrieves his Crown, Councilor's Robes, Burden, and coin purse from the attendants. Once dressed, Ahto runs a comb through his hair and settles the Iron Key of Abadar over his heart on the outside of his robes.
He calls his two guardsmen over. "Take this time to bathe yourselves. You are as road-weary and grimy as the rest of us. Do not tarry, though, and return to me once you are cleaned and re-armed."
He calls over one of the bath attendants. "Is there a place on the premises to sit and wait for my comrades? Perhaps request a drink or two?"
Pelipe will have just left as Ahto arrives in the dressing area. There is still a mostly undrunk glass of some sort of liquor on the bench yet to have been cleaned by an attendant. However, the faint smell of her perfume and herbs can be smelled lingering in the air.
|
""No unicorns around here," Cerotious says. "They've all fled the River Kingdoms. I'm not sure why, but when unicorns get into a tizzy, it's usually because someone's got it in their head to hunt them for their horns. Normally such business gets nipped in the bud quickly, either by the unicorns themselves or by their allies. This time, though, it must be someone particularly awful for them to flee rather than fight."
"So," Wonky begins slowly, "there are those who hunt unicorns in order to remove their horns? Must be pretty powerful foes to take on a unicorn, much less remove its horn."
|
|
It occurs to Ahto that with Pelipe having recently left, he could easily pick up her trail. Also, that it wouldn't be prudent for her to wander Uringen alone.
"Let the others know that I have gone to find Miss Lightdriver. She has left the premises alone, and that is potentially unsafe in the unfamiliar environment. No, I do not need your protection. Go bathe yourselves, so that you are presentable when we meet with the Faerie Mayor this evening."
He moves out of the bath house and into the streets, looking for signs as to which direction Pelipe went.
When you step outside to look for Pelipe, you find the passersby unable - or unwilling - to say whether they've seen someone matching Pelipe's description. Based on what you've so far learned about Uringen as a whole, as a place people go to seek privacy and peace, it seems likely that the citizens are hesitant to help someone be found, lest they want to remain hidden.
Of course, your urban tracking skills make up for the deficit of information. Pelipe's footwear is distinctive from that of the residents, so her footprints are easy to pick out among the gravel and moss upon the road.
All the while, the grigs eagerly go on about local gossip: love triangles between artisans, rumors about why this or that person has fled to unstuck Uringen, and debate about who really stole Cerotious' favorite ink pen.
Althea hazards a proud smile, having turned your threat back around.
"But yes, I do count you and the other woman - my rival, I suppose - among Lord Ahto's cadre of dogged allies. I am not eager to find my death by crossing any of you, which should be all the more proof that I'm not trying to arrange some manner of trick or betrayal.
"Ahto needs someone at his side to help rule and protect Tamlyn, and I am the best candidate," she states proudly, as though simply reciting a fact.
|
|
Ahto makes his way to the shop entrance, and steps inside. "Good day," he says giving a respectful nod to the shopkeeper. "Miss Lightdriver, I apologize if this is an imposition on your privacy, but we are in an unfamiliar town, and it is not advisable for any of us to travel alone. The guards have just begun their baths, and the others have not yet completed their respective routines. I am afraid, I am the only one available at the moment."
She has an idea now where to head. As she wanders, Pelipe can't help but wonder at the beauty within the city. Her family held significant grounds, wealth, and power, and even in their decorations, the verdant overreach of their gardens didn't compare to the natural growths seen here.
Upon approaching her destination, she looks at the mannequins that flank the doorway and the clothing upon them.
"A pair of illusionary sleeves would be perfect for this purpose. You could change it to appear as what special item is on sale."
After finishing observing the mannequins, she twists the handle and walks in.
"Greetings! Yes. Hello." Nervously, she explains her condition. "Um...I'm afraid I have been on the road some time. Sadly, I was set upon thieves and before we fought them off, some absconded with my chest of clothing hoping it held gold. Since then, it has just been a rush to get here and now that I'm in society again, I could..." she sighs in despair. ...just use a few changes of simple clothing like this , some traveling clothes, and then an alright-looking dress and shoes for an event this evening."
Upon inquiring of Pelipe for how much she's looking to spend, she answers, "Probably around forty gold in total." This gets a subtle frown from the shopkeeper who was picking up a sense of nobility from Pelipe, but upon the mage producing her coin pouch, he can discern that only about 1/5 of it remains after setting aside payment for her clothing. The shopkeeper comments on the cleanliness of her clothing, upon taking her over to get measured.
Tailors are nothing new to Pelipe. They often would come by to her home to have her fitted for dresses for events coming up, but this experience is new to her in that she has come to him. After measuring, he speaks about how he has some things that will fit her already made and on the shelf. One is a courtesan's outfit with a high slit, deep plunging neckline, and embroidery of dark vines and flowers throughout the material only revealed in certain light. Pelipe blushes at the thought of wearing it as she typically doesn't reveal much.
"Perhaps. What else do you have?" "They really don't give much thought to modesty here." "I would say this dress is more my style though, but you can set it aside," she answers him while gesturing to a floral red dress nearby to distract from the black seductive outfit. The attendant puts both on mannequins for her to eventually try them on.
He has a "travel outfit" that is particularly cheap. Upon seeing it, Pelipe reserves her outward judgment.
"This looks like a slutty barmaid's outfit, but I suppose the top is not toooo bad."
With a revealing frill around the chest and a deeper neckline than she's used to, her "girls" would certainly mostly be on display but not as much as the dress. Still, she considers it.
"That skirt is so short. My butt would be hanging out. I think though, with some new pants and boots it will look smart. My mid-drift will be on display too, but it is low enough to cover my scar."
"I will take this with this." The attendant sets aside her intended purchases. "Okay, next. Have any more traveling gear?"
About 5 more outfits are brought to her that in no way in her mind would be considered "travel gear" as they have too much exposure to elements and insects. It is at that point she understands that the fey doesn't understand what she means as they probably aren't bothered by such things.
"Um...What do your blacksmiths wear? Something with leather and able to handle cooler weather while they work outside?"
He produces a sexy looking blacksmith outfit, but it is completely covered except for the plunging neckline.
"Yes...more like this."
She can tell from the shop owner that this has probably been on his shelf for a while.
Pelipe never even heard the door opening, nor was she attentive enough to have noticed that Ahto had come in. As he approaches, she looks over and can see him coming up to her. Her eyes travel to the skimpy courtesan's outfit still on a mannequin nearby before rapidly flashing back to him.
"Your attentiveness is appreciated," she answers him. "I didn't wish to trouble you. I haven't brought this up on the road, but I've no changes of clothing upon my possession. The rest were taken. I was trying to save some time and get some clothes before you all were finished..." she pauses, "I thought you were going to be in there for hours. I'm surprised you are done. No massage?"
|
|
"The relaxing atmosphere of my bath was...interrupted," Ahto replies, with a slight edge in the last word, "and I have never had a massage. I am not sure that it is something I would try for the first time in such a setting. Bathing is a necessity for health and hygiene. As for having a complete stranger touch my entire body with their hands while I lay naked on a table...well...it is out of my realm of experience, and I am not certain that I would find my first experience with it enjoyable in such a detached, and purely commercial setting. Have you found anything that suits, or are you still browsing and considering?"
"I'm disappointed," Althea replies to you. "You were trained to hunt hags, were you not? If you wanted to employ some especially biting wordplay, you would have compared me to your preferred prey."
Althea hazards a proud smile, having turned your threat back around.
Katrine shrugs. "Eh. You're a conniving, power-hungry devil-worshiper, but you'll have to work a lot harder to be as bad as a hag. At least you're honest about who you are and what you want." She can respect that. She still doesn't trust Althea any farther than she can throw her, but the Chelaxian's openness about her goals is kind of refreshing.
Stretching, the ranger gets up from the tub. "See you around." Much as Katrine would enjoy a massage, if they're going to meet a fey ruler she needs something nicer to wear. Once she's dried off and dressed, she ventures forth into fey Uringen to find a dress shop.
"Well...I am settled on some outfits, and not so much on others. I am looking for a dress still. I think I have some outfits here that I can be comfortable in and get dirty in on the road, but I still need something for tonight."
Getting the feeling her dressing style is not normal for here, it would do a disservice to not dress appropriately for the event. Plus, the other women have been around fey a while now and probably already have outfits for such events with them.
"Do you have something...in between these?" she asks the attendant regarding the two dresses she has chosen to consider. He nods and goes to recover a dress with not quite such a deep, revealing neckline (obviously still deep, just not as much). However, it has an even higher slit. With the stocking that comes with it, Pelipe considers it as it appeals to her. "It is beautiful. Sexy. Distinguished, and most certainly fey-like. If I get it, I will reserve wearing the accessories to give him a bit of surprise tonight." "Hmm...let me try it on."
The fabric seems to be laced with vines and flowers, especially on the accompanying accessories. The dress itself has beautiful embroidery but is not so exquisite to burn a hole in her money pouch. She wonders if that suit at the door was the matching one to this? Perhaps the shopkeeper retrieved this for a reason? Thankfully, so far, the few outfits she's settled on were simple traveler's outfits, leaving the majority of her funds for the dress.
It takes her a bit of time, but eventually, she comes out wearing the green beauty. It makes her pale brown eyes seem almost a different color and lights up her soft features. The chest is a little loose, as it was made for women with larger breasts, but could be fitted to her frame here in the shop in a matter of moments. There is much skin on display for the roving eyes of her potential suitor. Most interestingly, she does not shy away this time and actually seems to be looking for his input.
"Thank you. You are gracious and kind to say so," she replies as her heart flutters at the compliment.
Her politeness does not afford her the luxury of shamelessly hitting on him in such other company, let alone without permission from her parents. Despite this, he can easily see he has gained her favor in a growing way.
"It is certainly comfortable. I think I could dance far longer and better in it than in our normal Brevoy fashions," she answers. There she turns this way and that to look at it in the mirror; running hands down her hips to position the dress to fit her form even better. "I am certain there will be many there tonight wearing far grander clothing than what I can afford here, but I say it does me well. Ahto has a discerning eye for taste too. I don't think he would approve of it if he didn't like it. He would tell me plainly. Maybe...Maybe not?"
"Do you have an outfit for tonight?" she tilts her head in curiosity. He could easily wear what he has on. Perhaps she's asking something more? Such as if he wished to match her? Whether he was tired of wearing traveling clothes? Perhaps it could be that she is also trying to get a feel for how well her companions will be dressed this evening?
She expects there will be no need for a follow-up question. A long story might extend the length of the massage, the masseuses talking might be detrimental to the quality, but no matter: a new feeling and new gossip! What’s a couple o’ gold compared to that?
|
|
"Is this too much?" Ahto replies, gesturing to his robes of office and crown he currently wears. "I thought, it being a diplomatic event, I should dress in my official attire." He continues, his tone genuinely solicitous of her opinion, "I am new to such things, to be honest. I received the Charter from the Lords of Restov while dressed in the same clothes I wore performing an execution that same day."
Pelipe then grins and gestures to the clothing in the room. "I was asking more about tonight, for the performance. At that event, you could wear whatever you would like to. You could perhaps wear something that matches someone you intend to dance with frequently throughout the evening. Some dress the same as someone they intend to arrive with?" she hints subtly. "You can choose an option to not wear your crown or keep it on display so all know who you are. As we don't know the nature of this event, however, I would normally advise caution and just come in normal attire as a simple noble or well-dressed man, without the station of your nation on display."
She takes in a breath and looks again in the mirror, straightening the shoulders of her dress. Every time she adjusts, she looks nobler and well-groomed.
"After all, what if her event is socially unacceptable? Here we are without that knowledge and have no idea of her character. This is why royalty doesn't accept invitations to just any party they are invited to. If the event turns out to be something detrimental to your image, your political enemies can say you were seen at such an event and that you likely support it with all the power of your nation."
Her eyes drift to him sympathetically.
"Such behaviors are common with the backstabbing nations around you. They often have a mentality of 'align with us or we are your enemy', and even with a friendly face, will seek to undermine you to attain what you have been given, or to make you a puppet governor to their nation."
Realizing this is probably a heavy conversation to have in front of the store owner, she will let Ahto think on her words for a moment while she addresses getting certain undergarments for the dress, as well as for the clothes she is buying. If the price is within her range, she will accept and head back to the dressing room to change into one of the new outfits she has bought; one appropriate for the meeting with the mayor. It is an odd feeling that she does not have an outfit of her social standing to wear for this meeting with the mayor.
|
|
"Tailor, could you please take my measurements and design an outfit for me that complements Miss Lightdriver's? Please have it incorporate her colors, as well as the Iron Key of Abadar and the god's colors in the deign."
He turns to Pelipe and smiles. "If it happens that I cannot wear it to tonight's event, due to to political necessity or protocol, perhaps it will be of value for a future event."
"Let us certainly hope so..." she quietly responds with grace.
From the subtle bite on her lower lip, he can clearly see she is flooded with anticipation for what will happen tonight. That same look of excitement he saw on her face once before--when they first met by chance in the wild at the drakes and tower. Now he sees the same glimmer in her eye, but it is of an origin altogether different than before. Then she was happy to find him to meet him. Here she is just purely happy to hear him give affection to her.
"Who would have thought? I should write home again soon, and to Granduncle too . Perhaps I should not change then? He would expect me to represent my station. It might be injurious to Ahto anyway to have the mayor think that he married a commoner at a later date. She may respect this outfit, as well as give us a better chance to have a connection with her people."
The thoughts are interesting ones politically.
"I think I am going to wear this to the mayor's."
Her eyes dart to him to see if he has any opposition. If not, she will deign to go get sorted for the meeting, applying makeup and her accessories while the mirrors are available. As long as the tailor doesn't mind her doing so while Ahto is measured and fitted. This turn of events will ruin the surprise that she intended to put on display for Ahto with the dress, but all is well if it benefits them. Besides, he has already approved of it.
"We always thought Seripan made her up," Spoina adds.
You have never before heard anyone so eagerly launch into gossip, with the grigs practically stepping over themselves - as they step across your back - to fill in pieces of the story.
Seripan and Tyg apparently have a long history as rivals in many areas, particularly music. Once upon a time, they both competed for the favor of the nymph queen who ruled over the court where they performed. The grigs argue about which court this may have been, alternately insisting it was Darkmoon Vale, the Evergrove, or even the Witchmarket.
Their rivalry came to a head when, during a musical duel, a faerie dragon aided Tyg. Again, the grigs argue whether the dragon supplied magical pyrotechnics to enhance Tyg's performance or whether he sabotaged Seripan by magically conjuring flatulence sounds. While no rules were broken (somehow), Seripan was furious and stormed out of the court in a huff - eventually finding her way to Uringen.
"Tyg was the nymph queen's favorite performer - at least for a little while. Pretty soon, she got exiled because of some scandal involving three river otters, a bag of oysters, and an accordion," Chloris says.
"But I heard it was an elephant, a jar of peanuts, and the queen's vanity table," Spoina counters.
"So...you folks have business with the mayor?" the tailor asks, his interest piqued. "If you're shopping here, then besides having good taste, I assume that means you mean Lady Aurelia rather than that dud Mieren. Where might you be visiting from?"
“Ha! Perlavish—he and Tyg were a prankster pair, though I get the feeling that li’l dragon put her up to it.” She wonders how odd it must be to crawl along a giant bare-assed human while talking about fart jokes. “But no surprise there’s two sides to every story. Two sides to me too, so lemme know when to flip o’er so ye can do me front. Oh… but o’ course ye gotta work me thighs and me calves. No rush.”
Addy will gladly let the gossipy grigs lose track of time and keep massaging while they keep talking.
“Tyg played her harp like a pro. I mean no offense to the sprites and the pooka—the band was a joy, and celebrating me goddess’ day on the stage with ’em was an absolute joy! But I’ve no doubt the crowd saw three musicians playing, and one performing. They all put their hearts in it, but yer eyes and ears could spot the difference.
“The Queen favored her. I’ll have to ask her o’ the scandal. I’ve the feeling she did no wrong, and will only ask as a friend. I can respect her wanting to keep her secret, if she prefers.” Addy rests her head on her arms, closing her eyes to better on every sensation, on every syllable of gossip. “I owe her that.
“Tyg opened me eyes to the world o’ the fey, and it’s given me a purpose.”
Me as in Addison Lane Kavinka. The Vixen doles out punishment, but fey relations… that’s the gentler side. Her soul would be lost in the violence if Addy let the Vixen overtake her completely.
|
|
"We are dignitaries," Ahto replies, in a polite, but businesslike tone. "We have an appointment with the Lady Aurelia." Until he gets a better read on the shopkeeper, he doesn't volunteer any more information.
"Will you be able to fulfill our requests?" he asks, changing the subject back to the dress and outfit.
When she emerges, she is a stunning example of nobility. The outfit itself is not worthy of her, as she had not much to spend, but she makes it look very good for what it is. In her hair is a cute red and orange butterfly accessory and on her arms, long-sleeved gloves with brown vines. On her legs, stockings that end in tangerine and pale green flower buds at end her shin and thigh. Her dress sweeps behind her down the side, showing off her legs and figure for the first time.
With Pelipe's poise, it is clear she is a noble, now that she isn't dressed in a mason's outfit. Shadowed makeup adorns her eyes with fey-like whisps turning upward and added autumnal dots of makeup dance up the right side of her face from her eye and up into her hair. Overall, the makeup is lightly added and little is needed.
Pelipe comes back out with her pack in tow, hardly befitting something such a woman should wear. As it is, it is held in her hands rather than on her back. Its weight seems to have her drop it down at her knees. There she stands waiting. With her outfits paid for, she will add the additionally purchased clothing to the pack.
"There...all settled." she mentions to herself concerning the deal. Turning to the store owner, she states in Sylvan "Thank you so much. Your shop is lovely, sir."
Then, with a look to Ahto and her brilliant smile, she asks in a more private tone, "I wonder if the others have something to wear besides travel clothes? I am sure Addison would. I do not think I have seen Katrine or Wonky with anything. Perhaps you know more about her?"
Ahto gets a clear read upon the tailor. While he [i]is[/b] gathering information on you, it is not for any nefarious purpose. He is trying to glean who you are and, perhaps more importantly, how important you are in order to decide whether it is worth his while to form a long-term business relationship.
When Katrine arrives, the tailor's expression briefly brightens, anticipating another customer. However, when he sees how she is dressed and discovers that she is another of your companions, his mood sours as he concludes that you are adventurers rather than aristocrats.
"I was just thinking about you," she answers the changeling. "There was hardly a use for a nice dress in the wild. That was my struggle too! Let's see." Pelipe looks to Katrine with scanning eyes. "You are pale-skinned and have such beautiful eyes and pretty hair. I think a rich blue, emerald green, seafoam green, or even a light salmon-colored dress would look stunning on you. Perhaps something like this one I saw over here. I'm sure he has more if you don't like it," she inquires while gesturing to a nearby gown. Much like hers, there is some skin showing, but it does have ribbons for Katrine's forearms, which for the archer, may feel comfortable considering she usually wears an archery bracer.
The dress itself is covered with floral petals for the gown and fine works of golden filigree and vine work along the waist and stockings. Pelipe has no idea how much money Katrine has, nor how much the dress is worth. She also hasn't seen Katrine out of her animal furs or without her dog, so the mason isn't sure how this meeting will go down.
Pelipe doesn't state why she is dressing up, or why Ahto is purchasing clothing that distinctly matches her own.
Cerotious explains that Mather Nithra is a malevolent grig who makes his lair in a place called Spry's Heart, a deep and tangled portion of the forest somewhere near Uringen.
"Before you ask, I do not know where to find Spry's Heart," the pixie says, sounding bored. "And if I don't know where to find it, then I promise no one else in Uringen does. This is for the best, for the place not only attracts our evil kin, but it seems to corrupt even the good hearted."
He also elaborates that Nithra leads a gang of evil fey, doing battle with the nomadic travelers who live throughout the forest and even raiding Uringen on occasion. He has been trying to rally more fey to his banner, either through threats, bribery, blackmail, or other trickery.
More recently, there have been rumors in both halves of Uringen that he may have taken an interest in gnomes.
"I believe that Mayor Mieren suspects local gnomes of falling in league with Nithra, whilst Lady Aurelia believes they are being victimized rather than recruited. Whatever the truth, our gnomish residents are very guarded about the subject. Defensive even."
Katrine turns bright red at the sight of the dress. The very revealing dress. Clearly city folk have different ideas about what's appropriate to wear in public. "Um. I think that might be a bit... daring... for me. Something that covers my legs would be nice." She starts looking through the racks of dresses, unsure of exactly what she's looking for.
|
|
"Your courtesy to these ladies and attention to their needs will pay dividends for your business, tailor," Ahto says to the shopkeeper in the same businesslike tone. "As I said, we are dignitaries from Tamlyn, and establishing regular trade with the businesses of Uringen is but one of the things we will be discussing with the Lady Mayor."
Pelipe understands the feelings of Katrine. The red dress she had pointed out earlier had a certain shortness to it so she looked for something that at least covered the changeling's knees and shins. She ends up finding a lavender blossom dress tucked away that hangs lower than most dresses sized for humans. It is revealing in its own way, being that it is backless and somewhat see-thru; nothing a backless slip and Katrine's hair down won't fix.
"This, with this?" she holds up the matching dress slip to see what her beautiful friend is wishing to wear.
In her eyes, she flashes an apologetic look briefly to Ahto, feeling quite bad that he is forced into business on Tamlyn's behalf and made to stand there while the girls look through one dress after another. Fortunately for him, they have not been there too long. Since his arrival, Pelipe has sought to expedite the process, even settling on the green dress instead of shopping around mostly for his sake.
"My Lord," she comments toward her companion, "Perhaps the good shopkeeper here can give us insights into the economic struggles and successes here?" "Giving us an advantage in the meeting ahead."
She also specifically refers to him as a superior. It doesn't mean that Ahto is a king, but definitely a mysterious person of power and notability. In a way, it gives enough information to the shopkeeper he should be on his toes and respect them without giving away everything, as she could sense Ahto was apprehensive initially to this.
The top looks a little precarious, but Katrine does like the flower theme. "Well... I'll try it on and see if the top stays put." She takes the gown and slip and heads for a dressing room.
Once dressed, the ranger comes out and does a few stretches, then mimes drawing an arrow and shooting. The skirt is full enough that she can run if need be, and somehow the top manages to stay put even when she does a backbend. Magic, clearly! "Okay, I'll take it. Now I need to find shoes. Something that will stand up to the snow and mud outside." Katrine starts looking around for a nice pair of lavender boots. No dancing slippers, those would be ruined by the winter roads.
Pelipe is a bit confused/stunned as Katrine comes out and starts stretching. She has to fight not to giggle and bites her lip to seal her happiness, but then goes over to explain when her friend starts looking at boots:
"Katrine...noooo...I forbid you!" she whispers dramatically in a sweet way with a chuckle, showing she is not super serious. If the changeling wants boots she can get them, but continuing, "...I mean...this is a nice dress, dear. You have to wear it with dress shoes to an event! You don't bring your bow. You don't need to see how high you can kick in it. You don't wear it on the road. You do not need to stretch to see if it is combat-capable. It is for 'nice things'..." she explains softly with air quotes in a kind, silly way as to a childhood friend who lovingly doesn't understand such niceties. Then, with her hands she gestures twice, "Over here in this group of clothing to wear, all of your fighting gear. Over here, something nice. Something for galas, city-wear, or places you shouldn't need such weaponry or to travel except on well-graveled roads and wooden floors. If you are going to get the boots, fine, but get nice dress shoes for dancing. Don't you want to dance?"
Though spoken in a businesslike tone, Ahto's words nevertheless strike the tailor like a rebuke. He suddenly corrects his own tone and mood, putting on a cordial face to avoid further alienating the potential repeat customers.
"But of course! We treat all our customers especially," the tailor says. Even without Abadaran magic, one can tell he is fibbing like a true salesman.
"Although the bulk of my work is mending clothes or refitting them to be passed down in a family, we still see many locals purchasing outfits for festivals and special occasions each year. Now that I think about it, visitors and new residents are some of our best customers, purchasing clothes as they start new lives nearby. My favorites are the residents of the normal Uringen who sneak off to my shop to purchase something quite unlike the black-and-white items they normally wear."
Katrine frowns. That's an awfully trusting view of things. "You never know when you might need to fight, Pelipe. You're a mage, so you don't need to worry about getting into melee, but I do. I'd rather be safe than sorry." At least she doesn't need to mess with concealing a weapon. Being a changeling comes in handy sometimes. "And how do we get from the inn to Lady Aurelia's place without walking on the roads and getting our feet dirty? I can keep my dress clean by wearing my cloak over it, but you can't wear two pairs of shoes at once." She pauses. "Can you?" A thin pair of dancing slippers might fit under her winter boots, if she doesn't wear her usual thick woolen socks.
|
|
"I am no master of ceremonies and decorum, but there is appropriate attire for specific circumstances. While traveling clothes are better suited for fighting, there is a reason that armed guards are present at official functions: formal attire is not. That being said, there is some sensibility for building function into the form whenever possible," Ahto opines. "Miss Vixen, for example, would likely refuse to wear any attire that would not permit her to kick a man in the throat."