Closed [An Elegant Weave] Two sides of a coin

[Fallon]

19th Summer 513AV

It was summer. And Fallon hated it. The heat had a tendency to make the squire ever so slightly grouchy, and her temper easier to rise up and snap. Of course such a nature could always be pushed down and kept in line through keeping herself hydrated. But such things at present were far from possible, and so left her feeling both parched and potentially explosive if not cared for correctly. She had dressed down from her previous get up. The coat had been abandoned, along with the armour, sash, the broad belt and the padded vest she wore about in the training grounds. Her shirt stuck to her, the cuffs however remained fixed and done up around her wrists and the gloves fixed upon her hands. They were the things that never came off, even in the hottest of climates they never came off, her own sense of security would not allow it.

That and people had a tendency to be prejudice when they see someone walking about with scars on show or a gnosis mark glowing in the light.

Leaning against the wall outside of an Elegant Weave Fallon waited and watched the world go by. She remembered Orion asking to meet her here after his return from his patrol along the Kabrin Road, but why here of all places was beyond her. Was it a good meeting point? Why could it not have been somewhere like the Stallion? Or even the Heralds? At least there she could have gotten a drink, and at least there she would have not looked like a ruffian or a trouble maker. Or simply, plain untidy. Her hands dug about in her pockets. She missed her coat, it could store things in there whilst on the go, and instead she had to make do with cramming what she could into the pockets of her breeches. Which in turn was pretty uncomfortable.

Fallon grimaced. Was he dragging her clothes shopping? She hoped not. It was not a past time she was particularly good at. Wearing fine lace and velvets, dressing oneself up to the nines… no it was not her thing. She was far too practical for that sort of thing. Or more correctly she was not exposed to it. She clicked her neck and brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes. It was just starting to get a bit too long now for her liking. Only just though.

She sighed and tugged at the collar of her shirt, the rattle of her pendant sounding out from underneath it, “Hurry up Orion… it’s way too hot.”
x

[Orion Michaels]

Today was the day that he’d finally meet up with her again. It had been some time, since the middle of last season, since the two squires had really seen one another, and that had been an interesting encounter indeed. Well, that was an understatement if there ever was one. It was passionate, terrifying, and painful. Confusing. But kinda nice, too. And that had made it all the more confusing.

It didn’t help that they hadn’t spoken in so long, It wasn’t avoidance. At least not entirely. Well. It was a little bit. A lot of bit. But he’d gone on that thirty or so day patrol with Dinah on the Kabrin, and of course they couldn’t communicate during all of that. He’d pushed all thoughts of it aside for the most part. There were a lot of things which happened in the time between then and now. Zith. Kyra. Dinah. Camping. Riding. Training. Exhaustion. But all that could be set aside, at least for now.

He was home, and he was off of training for the day. Tomorrow, however, Dinah was ready to run the former physician into the ground. Those worries could be forgotten, though. He’d sent a message for her to meet here at An Elegant Weave with the time and day, and no further information. She’d no doubt figured it out by the location, but by gods, they were going to have some fun while they were together. Orion had a lot planned…

“Oh Fal, do try and look happy to see me,” he said as he approached her, a grin on his face. A few scars, new since last they’d met, painted his face, though he was mostly used to them at this point. “Don’t worry, we’ll deal with those hot clothes soon enough,” he teased, opening the door to the clothier. “I think we can avoid dancing around the subject. We’re going to have a good time today, but you need something better to wear than that if you’re going to be seen with me.” He gave her a playful nudge before moving out of the way and motioning her inside. “Come on, Fal. In you go.” Give her no time for questions and hope that she would cooperate. It was the best Orion could hope for. He’d brought a fair amount of coinage, so he’d be able to get her something nice, despite any protest she may offer. Fallon in a dress? That was a crazy thought.

[Fallon]

Fallon glowered at him, before pushing a smile out from beneath her look of discomfort. She gave him a quick look up and down, eyebrow cocked in a sort of amusement at his quips. Or at least until she managed to get a good look of his new scars.

“What happened to your face?” she stood there, eyes bulging in surprise. Her head titled to one side, a look that told there was a lot of heavy thinking coursing through her mind. Her lips curled into a smile, or more over a smug and satisfied look having plastered itself there whilst she studied her friend.
He looks kind of… Hot? No Fallon. No. No. NO! Definitely no! But…? But…? No! the squire sharply looked away and pushed the thought to side. She was shepherd into the clothier before she could react, the playful nudging of Orion sending her tumbling in. There was no time to object and even if she did she doubted that he would actually listen. Still she managed to just about state her own opinion.
“You know I hate clothes shopping,” she managed to let out a low grumble.

It would be more correct to say that the girl’s knowledge of such past times was rather minimal. She never really needed to wear anything nice. She was a traveller after all, why bring nice articles with you if you are going to be tromping about in the mud a large percentage of the time? Unless of course she wanted unnecessary things designed only to weigh her down there was no need for fancy clothing. Or for that manner anything remotely nice. She was use to wearing practical clothing that fulfilled its task, and most of the time did not care if it looked good or not. As long as it kept her warm in the winter, and cool in the summer her mission was fulfilled.

No sooner had she entered, did the harpies of an Elegant Weave come racing down upon them. The squire herself went rigid, her eyes darting about almost as if she was trying to plan an escape route other than backwards. Eyes drifted across garments, some more ornate than others and then across the bolts of cloth. Nervous habits quickly broke loose after that, her fingers fiddling with her pendant, her shoulders hunching in slightly whilst she chewed at her lip.

“So how can we help you and your… lady for today?” one of the staff asked with her hand gesturing throughout.
“We’re not going out!” Fallon blurted, a moment of pure fluster having commanded her reaction. Her cheeks burned her eyes no longer able to focus upon Orion. In one swift move he had managed to drop her in the deep end, leaving her little more that a girl that had to surrender to his whims. For the moment at least, “No dresses. Definitely no dresses. And no revealing things. And sleeves, must have sleeves.”
x

[Orion Michaels]

Oh right. Those scars. She would ask about them right away, wouldn’t she. “Oh, nothing big. I tripped,” he remarked casually, a small smirk coming to the blue eyed man’s lips. “I suppose there was a Zith’s claw where I landed though. Quite the nasty beasts, and I think that should mean a lot coming from me, wouldn’t you agree?” When she suddenly looked away, Orion could only shake his head slightly and try and make light of what was likely going through her mind. “Jeeze, Fal. I know I’m ugly now, but don’t you think that’s a little harsh?” He brought his hands up to his face in mock shame. “I’m sensitive, you know?”

He continued pushing her through the door despite her resistance. “I know you do. Why else would I make you do it?” Far from a girly-girl, he’d never been able to get the young woman to really dress up for anything. She just didn’t own anything particular nice from what he’d seen, but it also didn’t appear she had any desire to really get any fine clothing either. Functionality over looks, or something like that. Orion never did understand why she couldn’t just get something with both.

Orion stepped in after Fallon, the door coming to a close behind him. Instantly the women swarmed her, which brought nothing but joy to Orion’s expression. She was a lamb surrounded by wolves here, and there was really nowhere to run – Orion was at the door – so their assault she would have to endure. Even better, she reacted with such bravado and emotion to a statement which with the loosest of interpretations could suggest they held a more intimate relationship. He was kind of a messed up person to get joy out of putting someone in the situation, but it would be worth it for both of them in the end.

“Yes, dresses. Absolutely dresses,” he remarked, pulling out his coin purse as to dismiss anything she might say. “Not –too- revealing. Maybe sleeves. And keep it under fifty gold if you can, ladies.” He grinned and leaned against the wall nearest to the door, watching Fallon struggle to do, well, anything. “Come on, cheer up. Everyone should own something nice. Nice things are even better when they’re free, after all.” Orion crossed his arms and watched with amusement. Perhaps he was a bit loose with his money, but what did he really need that much for? Making Fallon uncomfortable was as good of a cause as any...and maybe she would look a lot better than she seemed to think she would.

[Fallon]

Fallon shrunk into herself as the ladies of the Elegant Weave brought her across the room to look at the already made articles and show their knowledge on the fabrics. Mechanically she was moved around, her ignorance on the subjects of fashion and clothing. She was suggested a dress, upon the words of Orion, and guided round further to the other potential ones.
“How about this? It’s a very soft material…” one of them pressed the fabric into the hand of Fallon. She went rigid as she felt it beneath the leather glove, and then was forced to remove one of them when she received a look. Pale fingers rang across the fine cottons.
“Yes… yes… nice…” There was a brief glance back at Orion, her expression torn somewhere between pure terror and being confused about the entire situation. A plead for help almost. She really knew nothing about clothing, accept perhaps the obvious. Buttons did up shirts, chains helped keep things in place, blue was a winter colour, red was a hot colour, everything else… well that was a mystery. His fixed state of amusement however did not help the situation though.

Behind her a seamstress had approached, and the space across her shoulders was measured and the firm words of the seamstress sounded out “Straighten please, keep your chin up.”
“Wait, what?” a firm hand from one of the other women kept her from spinning round on the spot to see what was going on. She gave a shudder when they measured down the length of her back, and tensed, “Must you really do that now? I mean I haven’t picked anything…”
“Well… I think that would look nice…” The seamstress pointed towards a dark dress that was opposite, “It matches what your gentleman friend thought would be appropriate. Now look forward please?”

“But… but… it’s a dress…?” she started, but was never allowed to finish. She was ushered towards the fitting rooms with the dress in tow. She did not really take in what it looked like; her face had simply drained from colour at this point as she was lead away.
“Come come, you’ll look wonderful!” she was given a reassuring pat on the shoulder as one of the assistants went in to make sure it was fitted correctly. Cut off further from the world, Fallon found herself growing more awkward by the moment. The curtain was drawn, and the assistant proceeded to help her “Let’s get started shall we?”
Well petch.
x

[Orion Michaels]

She was a fish out of water, and Orion was going to get his kicks out of it. You would think they'd had no business in seasons by the way they'd surrounded her, but Orion knew this to be far from the truth. Why, only last season he'd made a rather sizable purchase to increase his wardrobe. His living quarters and manner of life didn't allow for much enjoyment of the expensive threads, but he was forcing both their hands on this one. "Yeah, chin up, Fallon," he laughed. She would be so angry at him for this, until she saw how she looked, hopefully.

"Oooh, that one looks nice," he quipped from the safety of his position near the door. No way he was going to put himself in striking range right now. This wasn't worth a new bruise. "Don't worry, Fal, I'll stay back here. I won't peek, I promise." His laughter followed her into the fitting rooms, where she disappeared from his sight.

After a few moments, Orion began to mindlessly wander about the front area, examining clothes, cloths, and other sewing related items, as a few memories began to stir. He'd avoided this place until the Spring Festival of last season, feelings he'd repressed clawing their way back to the surface. Why had he come back here? For this little joke on Fallon? Was it even worth it? Her name was on his lips, but he couldn't quite bring himself to speak them.

When Fallon returned from being tortured, Orion was much less vibrant, the smug look he carried before erased and replaced with one much more somber. He looked up and forced a smile, still managing a comment, of course. "I wish you'd gone a little lower cut in front, but not bad.." The moment of vulnerability was passed, and he was back on the hunt. Or at least that's what he told himself.

[Fallon]

Escorted out of the fitting rooms by one of the ladies it was not long before, she was presented to Orion in a state she would rather not be in. It was uncomfortable, and clung to her in all the wrong places. That and it felt a little big and most definitely unfitted. Even with the reassuring words of them that it suited did very little for the confidence of Fallon. It was hard not to hunch over, or to turn her head away with embarrassment. She was not cut out for this, no two ways about it. And Orion was not helping.

One of the ladies laughed at the comment made by him “Well, good sir she might be wearing it but the final alterations and adjustments have yet to be made. So unless there is something else you prefer…” she gestured to the rest of the articles and flashed a smile “We will begin.” Ushered to one of the tailor stools and left for all to see, Fallon was proceeded to be poked and pricked with pins and the like, and the changes were made. The fabric was tightened, the form that she once kept hidden beneath numerous layers becoming revealed. Things began to cling in some places, whilst others it was loosened, and all the time the alterations were recorded by the seamstress.

And then finally she was allowed to look and register what it was she was wearing.

The fact it was a dress was an obvious one, but as she looked about herself everything finally came to light. It was, at least in the mind of Fallon, nice. And perhaps not as bad as she first thought. Dark would be the best way to describe it at first, near charcoal in colour if it was not for the very subtle shade of blue that rested upon it. She was turned once more, as the long sleeves were turned up so the cuff reached the joint the thumb rested upon, and her pale skin and the gnosis mark escaped into view. Fine, embroidered trimming in a dulled, goldenrod colouring raced around the neck that gently curved down into her upper chest and revealed the neckline with ease. Fallon felt her cheeks burn slightly, and then flinched as a pin caught her off guard.

Her fingers gently pulled at the red lacing that weaved its way up the inside of the forearms, and so brought the material snug against them right down to the wrist. She received a gentle tap on the shoulder from one of the ladies and had a bodice of a red that matched the lacing slipped onto her. The last few adjustments were made, and sheepishly the squire was taken down from the stool once the dress had been taken up so it was not dragging. She gave a nervous blink, and pushed down a smile. Or at least until she remembered what Orion had said.

“Not bad?” Fallon pursed her lips, and turned her head sharply to him, “Only not bad?” She almost seemed to start sulking “I put on a dress and that’s all I get? Think I’ll go back to breeches and a shirt then.” Her head turned sharply away, her arms crossing “Well?” She gave a sigh “If you don’t like it you don’t have to force yourself. Same as if you’re not enjoying yourself.”

Finally, she was back on form. Sort of.
x

[Orion Michaels]

He couldn’t say that he’d expected that reply. She was used to suffering through his teasing. He was used to the mean but not really mean things he’d say. Orion was never quite serious. He was never quite one to react as expected, even if you thought you understood him. Was it just the fact she was uncomfortable in a dress? He could see that, he could accept that. Yet now he had something else to worry about. Was everything going to be different now? Would their every encounter have a shadow of uncertainty hanging over it? Only time would tell, only time would show.

  ”Be offended at a compliment,” he retorted, smirking all the while.

Gods he was an ass.

”I’m afraid breeches and a shirt just aren’t going to cut it, Fallon. Not even a little bit.” He moved away from the wall, taking a few steps towards the young woman in order to get a better view of the dress. It was eloquent, but simple. There was plenty to appreciate about it. He the smirk faded into a genuine smile as he spoke. ”Find something you like, Fallon. You’ll need it for tonight.”  

They needed to relax, they needed to just sit down and talk and have a good time. There was so much work to be done. So much training, so much exhausting training. Rarely did they have a break. Rarely did they have a moment of respite. He’d managed to find a time for both of them, and it wasn’t going to waste.  

”So chop, chop. Gotta have enough time to get ready. I’m certainly not going to be dressed like this, that’s for sure.” He motioned to the women and to the dress. ”Don’t keep me waiting too long.”

[Fallon]

“I’ll chop, chop you in a chime,” came the distinct grumble from Fallon. There was already the fixed blush upon her skin. Although she would not admit to it and her current state of awkwardness. And him smiling did not help the situation any further. She puffed her cheeks, eyes pulling away as she was forced to swallow the little bit of pride she still had left. She hated dresses, she hated being poked with pins and most importantly she hated the awkwardness that Orion had thrusted her into.

Of course, she would laugh about it later. Not that she would admit it. Taken away from the world once more the girl was released from her state of dress and allowed to retreat back into more ‘normal’ attire whilst adjustments were made. Sewing into fabric whilst someone was wearing after all was far from a simple task.

“Time to get ready?” her eyes were watching the seamstress make the adjustments to the fabric, the needles and thread doing the work at binding it, “Wait. What are you planning?” Eyes burned at him, the gentle snipping filling the air for a few long drawn out ticks, before she simply shook her head, “Forget it, I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough. You and your surprises.”

And your ass-like nature, she mused as she continued her study. Giving due to the ladies, they did make steady work of the necessary adjustments and before long the piece was finished. Rather begrudgingly to her knowledge. Still, she could not exactly complain the article was about to be as close as she would have preferred to wear. Practical and simple, with a slight smile of approval from Orion. Fingers rubbed at her brow, and once the piece was finished the squire was shooed off to get ready, with much more ease this time round.

“So, where are we going now?” she gave a yawn as she emerged, “Better be good seeing as you twisted my arm to get me into this? Making me act like a lady, forshame.” There was a tease in her tone, the narrowing of eyes in a mocking judgement, “So, shall we?”
x

[Orion Michaels]

They'd have a good time this evening, but she would have to wait. He wasn't sure what she expected. He'd never done anything quite like this before. Especially with how things had gone last time they were together, it could lead to some interesting conversation. Or maybe awkward would be a better choice of word. Either way, they'd look good doing it.

"Just hurry up and finish up. I'll be happy to tell you my plans once you've ensured me you have everything under control and are actually going to walk out of here with a dress." He nodded to accentuate his point. He would wait patiently for Fallon to finish, giving her an approving wink when she finally appeared.

"It's a strange way of fishing for compliments, Fallon. I didn't think you had it in you." He nudged his friend playfully, turning to face her fully. "No complaints here. You look great, Fal. But I've got to stress this. Don't ruin this until after tonight, at least. You'll be meeting me at our suite at the 21st bell. We're gonna go out and have a little bit of fun tonight. Toss a little make up on, if you're feeling particularly fancy." Grinning playfully, Orion began to back out of the store, leaving his friend without another word.

She needed to loosen up and he had just the opportunity with which to make it happen. She'd better have a good time with him, because he intended to have one regardless of her participation in their good spirits. It would be out of her element, but everyone was expanding these days, right? So she might turn around and walk out right away. She might just call him dumb and leave him alone. But there was that off chance she'd actually have some fun, and that's what he hoped for. He'd do his part in the matter, if nothing else.