Closed [The Craft Gallery] Butting Heads (Eilea)

[Lander]

513 AV, 71st Day of Spring "Be careful with those bolts of cloth, they're worth more than you are!" Evie screeched at him from her perch high on the ladder above. Lander worked for one of the most shallow and annoying women in all of Wind Reach, as a tailor. As head seamstress, she felt she had the right to continuously yell his ears off day after day. But work was work, so he usually took it like a champ. They were in the back room of their work area where most of their fabrics were stored. It was a small but well organized alcove, filled from floor to ceiling by hundreds of colorful textiles. Their main room, which branched off from the Craft Gallery's common room, was thankfully considerably larger. He wasn't sure how long he could tolerate Evie if they were cramped together into a small area like this all day. Maybe he would push her off the Edge of the World. Just thinking about it made Lander grin. "What are you smiling at? I'm being serious, you oaf! Don't carry too many or you're bound to drop them, then you'll be sorry." They were both gathering materials for a large order which had come in from a family of Chiet. Evie was grabbing a few bolts from closer to the ceiling while Lander had a large armful from ground level. "Yes, ma'am. I've got everything we need from down here, I'll take these into the other room and sort them out." For a moment he imagined kicking over the ladder and seeing if she'd survive the fall. He could still hear her grumbling when he walked back into the main work area. Lander smiled as he unceremoniously and loudly dropped the rolls of cloth onto their long counter, counting in his head the heartbeats before he heard another screech from Evie. It was a new record. Only two ticks passed before she yelled from the storage room, "What the petch did you do this time?!" More carefully now so she couldn't criticize his organization skills, he piled the rolls in three different stacks, sorted by color. Shades of red, blue, and then the neutrals. "It was nothing, don't worry. My hip just bumped a chair as I passed it." Lander could practically hear her thinking of a snide remark to jab at him. The gears in her pretty little head needed oiled. "Well, straighten the chair back up and sort those bolts into three piles!" He rolled his eyes and mouthed along with her as she prattled on, "Reds, blues, and neutrals!" "Yes, ma'am. I'll get right on that." Right after I knock you off your ladder. It had been a long day so far, dealing with that woman. His feet drug in a shuffle as he went to get the paper listing all the sizes for the family, and a sharp pair of scissors. All the children on the list wanted the reds and blues, so he went to work on those first. There were four different shades of red, ranging everywhere from a burnt orange to rose. They obviously had horrendous tastes, the lot of them. Lander rolled a bolt of persimmon colored fabric down the counter, measuring out the length needed for the first child. Why they needed so many different articles of clothing was a mystery to him. Lander wore the same outfit every day, and it couldn't even be called an outfit. Just a bryda and some sandals. When it was cooler he might wear his shirt, but any other time he was scarcely clothed. He shook his head as he cut the required length off and rolled the rest back up, returning it to the pile before moving on to the next. It was a mauve taupe, a color he would actually wear. At least one of the Yasi in this bunch wouldn't be hideous. The family obviously bred like rabbits, because they were making over six youth sized bryda and even a few little shirts, though Yasi rarely wore the latter in good weather.

[Eilea]

Eilea was used to going to places all over Wind Reach for commissioned jobs. She had been to the Craft Gallery multiple times to help people out with various projects. Carving was her "expertise" and though she was still learning, many people asked for her services time and time again. So walking through the corridors of the crafty place was just one of the things she liked to do. The girl liked watching people as they worked. She liked learning what others were up to. And she liked helping them when it came down to it. This time, however, she was in the gallery to find someone to make her some new clothes. For whatever reason, the place was busy. There were so many people walking around, getting their things done. The last couple of days had been horrific. Work the last day had resulted in her previously long hair being cut short and cropped. Her nicest clothing had been ruined by tree sap and then torn in half out of an angry rage about everything that had happened leading up to that point. But there was no way she would admit that to anyone. The Vantha had asked around to find who was the best person to go to for clothing. Someone had directed her to this certain spot. So she wandered in, moving between different colors of fabric. Eilea had a way of getting herself into situations because she didn't think. First of all, she probably SHOULD have asked permission before wandering in and around the loose material and clothing area. "Any chance you think this can be fixed?" She spoke to the woman in common as she held up the vinati ripped completely in half. The look on the Seamstress' face made the Vantha frown. She immediately burst out into an explanation. "Well, see I tried to clean it off, the tree sap, but in the end I accidentally ripped the material. And then I got even madder about the whole situation and suddenly I had two pieces of cloth. I really do not quite know how it happened." She bit her lip and looked back and forth between the two pieces she held in both hands. Embarrassed by her lack of planning what to say, the girl turned her head to the side and caught sight of a man. She stumbled to the side, lowering her arms to her sides and just stared for a couple seconds. "Let me guess, he'll be the one to help me out?" He's not even wearing a shirt! She thought to herself and smiled and looked back at the woman with bright yellow eyes. She really hoped that this would be a quick ordeal and within a few days she'd have some new clothes. "What do I need to do to get sized for a couple new outfits?"

[Lander]

Evie sauntered out of the storage room loaded down with some rolls of fine cloth. She always kept the more expensive materials toward the ceiling, and refused to let Lander handle them. Not that he cared. She carefully laid the bolts out with his three piles, making a real show of sorting and stacking. Lander refused to look at her though, and give her any satisfaction of thinking he was worried about her opinion. She clicked her tongue in disapproval over something, but didn't make any comments. "I guess that will have to do. Tell me when you're done and I'll finish the others." He nodded, still not looking up. She bustled off and he heard her flop into her overly stuffed chair armchair. He always liked to think of it as her hag nest from where she watched him like a harpy and spat orders every now and again. It continued on like that for a while, eerily quiet. The longer she went without making a snide remark toward his work, the more uneasy he got. But she was silent behind him, likely buried in her bright fluffy pillows, though he could feel her eyes on his back. He was a little grateful with a young woman came in, carefully picking through the maze of their equipment and scrap materials. Evie was on her feet in a flash, crossing the small open area to the cluttered entrance. Her business face was already slapped on and she was flashing a megawatt smile. It faltered a little when she caught sight of the customer's ragged clothing and listened to the explanation behind their condition. "No, I'm afraid these can't be repaired. It would cost far more to refurbish what you have than it would be to just make a completely new wardrobe. And believe me, I can make you far better clothing than this here. Do not worry!" Evie's common was not the smoothest; her accent was thick even though she knew the words well. Lander had a sneaking suspicion she did it on purpose just to seem more exotic to foreigners. He finally turned around when he was actually mentioned, and he cocked an eyebrow, crossing his arms over his bare chest. He was not a personal fan of non-Inartans, at least when they tried living in Inartan society. Evie hurried on, trying to cover the lapse in her employee's manners. "Yes, he will be measuring you! I need to go and order some more gray silk, though, so I will be back to help in no time." She smiled over at Lander, but her eyes were like glaciers. The message in them was clear. Behave or I will skin you alive and feed you to the Eagles. He nodded curtly, still not exactly smiling. She knew he wasn't a lover of outsiders. With that, she left the two of them alone in the shop, weighted down by a heavy silence. But Lander didn't let it stretch too long. He crossed the large rug separating them and took the ruined clothing from her hands, tossing it straight into a scrap basket. "Sizing you will not take long. I need you to come stand in the middle of the parlor so I can take the measurements. Then I will need a description of what you want." His accent was less obvious than Evie's, because he actually tried to speak Common properly, though he didn't know as many words as her. He motioned to the ruined clothing lying at the top of the scrap pile. "How did that happen?" Lander took a moment to scrutinize their newest customer. She was surprisingly shorter by over half a foot, with tightly braided black hair, showing hints of red and possibly purple. Her skin looked like it hadn't seen sun for a while, unlike his, which was quite a few shades darker. Her eyes were... yellow? Lander was a little perturbed by that, but he didn't comment. Yet.

[Eilea]

oocSorry for the wait, I thought for sure I had responded to this but I guess I hadn't! Eek! Forgive me! The Vantha smiled at the seamstress's accented comments. Eilea didn't feel bad about not speaking as well. “Yes, of course, thank you.” She said and made her way over to the man. Shyly, she looked at him then, a bit intimidated by being alone and close to a half dressed man. The awkward silence made things even worse. She felt unwelcome and uncomfortable. Finally he spoke. “Hello sir, my name is Eilea.” She spoke a broken combination of Nari and common, trying to adjust to the Inartan's way the best she could. “Would you be willing to measure me for size?” The girl knew he had already been asked to, but she thought she was being polite by asking, herself. As she moved to the middle and stood, following the man with her eyes. The girl had to admit that he was a handsome man, a mysterious man, but handsome nonetheless. “Well, I had a little run in with an Endal.” She said simply, not wanting to explain the whole situation. “But, besides that, it was time I got some new clothing.” “I guess, I'd definitely like a couple lightweight tops... What are they called?” She bit her lip and looked up, trying to remember. “Oh right... Vinati?” She nodded to herself. “Yes, Vinati, I'd like them to be the lightest material you have.” There was good reason for this. As the Summer season approached, the Vantha would have more problems than the Inarta because of the heat. Being marked by Morwen meant that she was highly sensitive to heat. The girl touched the gnosis mark behind her ear nervously. “And one a pair of free flowing Bryda would be nice.” She added. The Avora had the pinions to use, so she figured she might as well stock up. “Okay, make that two. Maybe matching the top. I mean, it doesn't have to be anything fancy, simple and useful will work.” She smiled kindly at the man, still feeling strange about his composure for some reason. What ever it was, she couldn't place it. Her eyes changed to a relaxed green-blue shade. “Actually, do you think a dress could be made?” She asked, placing her hands on her hips. The girl didn't know the proper protocol of being measured for clothing, or even ordering clothing, or anything of the such. When she lived in Avanthal, relatives would provide her with what she needed. “What do you need me to do?” “And oh I'm rude... what's your name?” As she looked to the man, her eyes changed to a green shade.

[Lander]

OOCDon't worry about it! I considered PMing you, but I get distracted with my other PCs so I'm understanding when it comes to forgetting or replying late.

Sir? Lander had to force himself not to smile. He's never been called sir before. This girl was going to be a riot. It didn't go unnoticed how she eyed him. She was shy, that was clear. Wasn't she used to seeing Inartan men traipsing around with just a bryda? Well she could feel uncomfortable all she wanted, he wasn't putting a shirt on. Let her squirm. It was by accident that he even noticed her eyes. He hadn't been paying very close attention, but as his eyes flickered to her face, he watched them change color. "Of course, I am measuring you. Evie will skin me alive if you leave displeased by our service." Lander was very curious about this Endal encounter, but she didn't elaborate. So she wasn't one of those jabbering foreigners that shoved their life story down his throat. Good.

And even though she wasn't so sure of Inartan clothing, she got it right. He nodded assurance, showing he understood. "I can measure you for two complete outfits, with matching Vinati and Bryda. Dresses I can also do. I like to add a color scheme, and not have a person wear one single shade. Makes them look...," Lander paused, trying to think of a good word in Common, but couldn't think of anything fancy. "Plain," he concluded with. "We will decide on colors later, let me go fetch materials to show you. Wait here."

He held up both hands, like he was telling some skittish animal to stay. Lander jogged back into their material room, and she would likely here him banging around, pulling bolts of cloth from the walls. Evie would have a stroke if she saw how he man handled her precious fabrics when she wasn't around. But he found it ridiculous how she babied the materials, like they could feel pain. They were fine, but she wouldn't think they were. Lander called from inside the other room, shouting since its high ceiling echoed so badly. "I can make dresses too. We have a few styles we specialize in because not many are ordered, but I can do anything you like, given time. I will bring you some examples later." Some more banging then, and a sharp curse as he dropped the end of a half empty spool of fabric on his toe.

He cleared his throat, blinking back tears of pain. Petching gravity. Good thing she couldn't see him. "My name is Lander, by the way," he called, sounding gravelly. He had a good armload now of several different fibers. This should be good. He wobbled back into the room, limping a little from his smarting toe and trying to stay balanced piled high with textiles. He couldn't even see over the top. Thankfully Lander knew this room better than his own apartment. His hip bumped a table on the way back to the center of room, and he cursed again. Maybe not better than his apartment, but close.

Lander stopped awkwardly, thinking of how to set these down. If Evie comes back in and these are the floor, she'll throw me into Thunder Bay. "Come," he ordered, backing back toward the table he'd bumped. It was littered with paperwork and sketches of designs, but nothing else. He dumped the armload on top, scattering some papers onto the floor. I'll get those later. Quickly, he arranged all the rolls of various sizes in a halfway organized display. "These are our natural fibers. There are more colors, but I want you to feel." He motioned to the table, raising his eyebrows. "Feel, now."

He started to go down the row, pointing to each. "Cashmere, from goats. Very soft, light, and silky." Then the next. "Cotton, a very popular fabric. It is breathable, absorbent, durable, and very easy to care for. But it wrinkles and shrinks." The third. "Linen has an excellent luster. It is comfortable and absorbent like cotton, but also wrinkles and shrinks. But it is twice as strong as cotton, even if it does have poor elasticity." And the final fabric he retrieved. "Ramie is sometimes confused with linen. It is stiffer and more brittle, and honestly is a lower quality. But on the plus, it is even stronger than linen, more absorbent, and lustrous." Lander motioned to all of the fabrics. "Pick which you like best. Or several. I can give you a general price range, but Evie decides that in the end."

He really needed to work on his Common. He sounded so stiff and formal, because he didn't understand contraction words. It was the main reason he didn't like talking to foreigners. A lot of the time they had to find a middle ground, and that middle ground was usually Common.

Lander watched Eilea look over the materials. He felt comfortable examining her more closely now that she was distracted. She was very small, even compared to an Inartan woman. She looked fragile, like a barn swallow. Her skin was smooth and pale, with bright plump lips. Exotic compared to the women he was around on a daily basis. "You are Vantha?" he ventured, feeling a little awkward. He didn't like that he found her exceptionally attractive. Damn his testosterone.

x

[Harrier]

Hello adventurer, I'm Harrier, one of the Wind Reach AS's and I've been looking through your character sheet and noticed a few issues.

• Make sure you turn in your job threads for wages and seasonal XP, Eilea. Once you do that, I can give you your grade.

Once you've fixed these issues, I'll remove the intervention. If you have any questions about the above, feel free to PM me and I'll be happy to assist!

Fly On ~Harrier

(c) Abstract