Other Side of the Pond

by **Shurezza Lotus** on March 31st, 2014, 12:04 pm

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7, Spring, 514 AV

Sprawled out peacefully on tattered linen sheets of a hostel bed lie Shurezza, the young adventuring Symenestra maiden. She was clad in little more than pink-dyed silken undergarments and lace, her hair covering her shoulders and much of her body like a smooth blanket of silver threads. The sheets were scrunched, tucked under her neatly and a moderately large pillow sat where her head rested. Light slowly filled the room from the small window at the far end of the room, bringing a soft glow to her ghostly porcelain skin and adding a whole new, surreal, layer to her appearance.

Her breath caught and quickly the girl rose from the bed. A hand lifted to the back of her head, rubbing against her neck which was still a bit sore from... Lords know what. In fact, she didn't remember what happened. She had no recollection of anything that transpired between falling out and waking up at that very bedroom. She blinked several times to clear the fog from her eyes and gave a quick look around the foreign room. Her body writhed over to the end of the bed, slowly sliding off and gently stumbling to a stand. As the girl's vision cleared, a quick scan of the floor about her revealed no sign of activity or loose clothes. Everything seemed immaculate at first glance. A soft moan escaped Rezzie as she slowly paced to the night table only a few feet away. She pondered for a second, wondering where she was or how she got there. If there was any clues to be found, she deduced that the ideal place to look first was any draw or desk in sight. Her hand gently gripped the round knob of the table... gave a gentle pull... indigo eyes slowly peered inside in anticipation. Nothing. That was when she noticed something else of interest.

There were no notes to be found, no formal clues or signs. By the window sill was an elegant little cloak. It was nicely fluffed and tucked in itself, almost as if something lie inside it. Slowly peeling back the layers of folded cloth with the tips of her long nails, Rezzie finally revealed a small wooden case wrapped inside. Hmm... she pondered, could this be... mine? There was obviously no one else in the room, no signs of life beside herself immediately present unless one counted the flies on the wall. In all likelihood, they knew even more than she did at that time. Gently shifting through its slides and compartments, she pulled away at and inspected every last inch for any sliver of evidence to her situation. It was... a hair kit? She could not remember having one, nor anything that looked so fresh and unused. It was there, so it had to be hers. As Rezzie began picking up the pieces and placing them back inside, she noticed a pattern on the trim of the cloak. There was no mistaking it; it was Symenestra weave, particularly similar to her brother's own in fact. Whatever had happened, all she could remember was being with him and suddenly waking up there. Perhaps it was a sign.

Shurezza wanted to leave an explore. She wanted to pursue the circumstances of her situation more. It wasn't until she had already formulated a gameplan in the back of her mind and was about ready to leave that she realized... she wasn't wearing any clothes. Certainly, she had her undergarments, but she had nothing to go outdoors with let alone leave the room! What little she had easily passed as sleepwear lingerie at best!; the most comfortable for her.
"Petch.... No clothes, right...." She sighed.
Crafty and intelligent as she was, she grabbed the cloak and the uppermost bedsheet, and threw it over herself, wrapping it around several times like a simple toga. It was a horrible look, and quite frankly it looked odd as well, but it would have to do as there were no other options.

by **Shurezza Lotus** on March 31st, 2014, 12:05 pm

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Geared up (sort of) and ready to go, Rezzie opened the door and gave it her every effort to close it behind her ad gently and discreetly as possible. Slow footsteps made their way down the stairs in near total silence. Finally, there was a good sign. Graceful as ever, the girl made her way to the receptionist desk where a single robed individual was seated. A soft voice cracked out into the silence, first a weak murmur then turned a timid but soothing hum.
"U...um... Excuse me? The name, what is the name of this place?" she asked, then catching herself in mid thought. "For my ledger."
She thought it a clever save, ideal not to draw any more suspicion than she already undoubtedly commanded in makeshift attire. The robed figure's head slowly looked up, looking into her eyes with an expression of apathy and a slight hint of trivia.
"The Safehaven Hostel." Vysia, as her name was, paused. "Hey.... Is that... a bedsheet, girl?"
Vysia cocked a single eyebrow at Rezzie, at first wondering why the petch a girl like that was near naked and wearing a bed spread; it was fairly obvious, sadly.
"And would you mind explaining to me why the ukalas you're wearing a sheet no doubt from one of my beds?"
Rezzie jolted up for a second, startled and even a slight bit embarrassed. She didn't exactly know how to respond to that appropriately or in good taste. There really was no good explanation.
"Uh-I-I... I seem to have lost my clothes. They must have been mistakenly taken by another patron of yours. I'm... so, so sorry ma'am!"
The monk gave her another good eyeing and sighed in relief. A girl that timid and innocent-looking couldn't possibly be wearing sheets in ill will or a joke. Though the possible reasons constantly eluded her, she was there to keep the establishment secure and its guests safe.
"It's Vysia, not ma'am. And you can keep the sheet, I suppose. You look like you're new to Nyka, so here. There's a decent little tailor shop out by the Eastern Quarter. You can't miss it. You can go get yourself some new clothes there."
Vysia's head slowly but promptly shifted face back towards the ledgers and parchments on the desk. Rezzie quietly let out a sigh in relief, letting the tense gripping feeling in her body slowly slip away. Without an afterthought, she headed for the door and planned to find this clothing shop.
"Thank you... Vysia." she said, turning back to reveal her soft rosy smile, protracted fangs from the nervous bout and all. Just as she was about to escape the scene, she was called one more time.
"Oh, and one silver rim. Leave one silver-rimmed Miza on the counter when you get back, and we'll be even."
For the sheet, of course.

by **Shurezza Lotus** on March 31st, 2014, 12:41 pm

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As Shurezza paced down the busy streets of the Celestial Quarter rim, she could see in fuller scope exactly the kind of city she had awoken to. She knew it by little more than name, but that was all fated to change in due time as she familiarized herself with its layout and became a regular amongst its people. Try as she might, the Symenestra maiden was hard pressed to veil her face under the soft, sweeping brocade of her hooded cloak. Carefully tucked underneath it were the knots that kept her temporary attire together. As she continued further and deeper across the heart of town, it became clearer just how that good old Nykan mentality was. Many looked at her oddly as she passed. Some were even so rude as to purposely bump into her or yield in her way. Despite all the grievances and troubles she faced simply trying to cross town, none said a single word to her. The girl pondered on what kind of a place could breed such inward selfishness, but in truth it was not hers to judge; a truth she understood all too well. Finally, she arrived at what looked to be the right place. It wasn't hard to find, after all, for the city layout seemed to be particularly circular and the shops were all located with a sense of relativity.

Young Shuri entered the shop enthusiastically, happy to finally be out of the streets and thus the prying eyes of yet more individuals. Immediately she was swarmed by the dozens of brilliant colors and the ocean of fabrics that surrounded her from floor to greatest height. She had to pause to soak it all in, finally honing back to her objective after a second. Rezzie was greeted almost immediately by a rather decent looking fellow. He was unlike the others; he did not seem judgmental of Rezzie's appearance. Instead, he was solely focused on making her acquaintance and likely selling merchandise.
"Oh, hello." He almost gleefully said, simultaneously giving her a quick and subtle observation. "You must be new to Nyka. Welcome to the city, and welcome to the Celestial Garb! Is there anything I can get you?"
He offered a hand which was met apprehensively with Rezzie's pale and blak-clawed own in return.
"Yes..." said Rezzie somewhat nervously, "My clothes... I lost them somehow. I was wondering if.... Oh, a list. Do you have a quill by any chance? I'll have to make a list of what I need tailored."
"I certainly do. Just give me a moment to grab it from the back and some ink as well?" he replied. He did oblige, and returned moments later with a quill and fresh ink as well as a small piece of tattered cloth for writing.
Just like that, Rezzie began jotting, and jotting, and jotting some more until the scraggy little piece of linen was well scribbled on! On it were several things in particular.

List :

When she was done, Rezzie gently slid the sheet back over to the man and reached for the massive satchel of gold-rimmed Miza. Though taking a while and several fistfuls, she worked out a hundred even and left them for the man on the counter.
"I really need this outfit done as soon as possible. Would you let me walk out in the streets like this, alone? Please, sir, try your best to have this done for me by tonight?" It was, some could argue, a tasteless play on pity, but as an innocent and truly solitary girl, walking around a town that cares little for her clad in nothing but a sheet and lingerie was probably asking for trouble eventually. No one could deny that.
The man gave her a square look in the eyes, not of cruelty, but certainty.
"You're definitely not from around here. I suppose you are right, we can't just let you walk around like that. You've paid more than enough, so I'll do what I can. What's your name?"
"Dr-" she paused midway, correcting herself in a humble bout of confidence and inner peace. "Shuressa Lotus." She gave only a slight bow of the head with a clear expression of gentle shyness in her face.
"Well, Miss Shuressa. I am Mirilind, Oire Mirilind. It's a pleasure to meet -and help- you."

For most of that morning and the evening that followed, Rezzie calmly but tirelessly waited upon the rooftop to the shop, wondering what her outfit would look like when brought to tangible creation, when it would finally be done too. The sun was setting on the inland horizon, yet the liveliness of the city several stories below didn't seem to die down much. In fact, it served to only grow. Even though she did not know exactly why, the citizens were all in truth finishing their affairs and getting ready to return to their homes to wade out the Nykan nights. Her back was firmly against a raised masonry construct of the building and her legs were crossed. She lifted a single arm in the air, holding her hand open against the sun so that it cast a dark spot over her eyes and let its rays slip through her fingers like silk. A deep and mixed sigh fell from her lips. It was time to head back down and check on her presumed finalized things.

by **Shurezza Lotus** on March 31st, 2014, 6:12 pm

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A properly and elegantly dressed Shurezza rushed through the streets of Nyka. The sun was quickly approaching the verge of its setting and there were still things the young girl wanted to accomplish. She had heard of the dangers of walking out at night from the proprietor of the Celestial Garb earlier that day. It was not the dangers that crawled forth from the Aperature that worried her but the the Monks who so closely guarded it - she didn't want to face persecution or incarceration so early in her... rather unplanned, visit to Nyka. She was there for a reason. It was obviously the doing of her brother, and though she couldn't sort out why there and why now, it only made more sense after her memory of their last conversation returned. Now that she had a better bearing of her circumstances, her next goal was a little bit vane.

After another long trek through town -this time being looked upon oddly for her expensive and un-Nykan clothing style- she arrived at the front face of the Blinding Light. It didn't seem to have a door at first glance, or rather, it had a turning walkway leading to one. Interesting, she thought as she proceeded on up its steps. Immediately upon opening the door, she could hear a surreally pleasant sound. As she further pushed its door open and took a step inside, she could see an older man working around behind one of the counters of the studio. The young Symenestra drew closer to it until the man was in earshot of her softspoken voice.
"Excuse me... Excuse me?" she politely asked, bowing forward as he paused to turn.
"Ah, yes, how can I help you?"
ShuriI stopped calling her Rezzie, it doesn't sound nearly as nice. gave a brief nod and hummed a sort of 'no' out before slowly turning her attention off into the surrounding displays in the adjacent area of the structure. Her eyes scrolled over many pieces; fine pieces, earrings and necklaces and beautiful gemstone rings of all shapes, sizes and colors. Never too much of a material person, she wasn't particularly drawn to jewelry, but she craved to have unique little trinkets that spoke her personality here and again. Lust for something to call her own -especially after being stripped of virtually everything she once had save a cloak and her bed garments!- littered her heart. She found a lovely little pair of nicely etched gold earrings and an array of hair pins with different metals and gem settings. A subtle smile grew on her lips as she turned back to the man.
"Hmm.... These hair pins and necklaces and all - they're absolutely so divine and adorable. I can't help but-" She suddenly realized she was betraying a lot of herself, an act she actively avoided for some strange distrust of people or another. "I'm sorry. I really like these hair pins. Is it possible that you could, maybe, find a blank and fill it with Opalgloam? They're a native stone where I come from, and seeing as your city has a bit of moth silk, you no doubt have some lying around?" she pleasantly asked.
"Sorry for what, being a female?" he joked. "Yes, I do believe we can arrange that. It may take some time to shape and set the the stones in-"
Before the man could continue, he was nigh cut off by a late continuation of Shuri's train of thought.
"Oh! And a pair of gold earrings with Opalgloam set in instead, that pair right there? I also noticed you have really beautiful hair clips and combs - oh... do you make personal orders?"
Proposed with quite the request, he walked over to the display, humming a choir tune while opening it and pulling some of the requested contents out. His hands rested on the counter again as he leaned in slightly to listen.
"I do. Now whad'ya need?"
Shuri's face lit up in excitement and anticipation. "I saw you do engravings and inlay work. Might you perhaps make me a straight handled hair comb, broad teeth, white gold and inlaid with... ooh, tribal abalone? I have more than enough to pay for it all."
The man scratched his chin for a moment, wondering why a single wandering girl had so much to spend so freely. She was clearly well-dressed and hygenic, an obvious spider and now standing before him ordering hand crafted jewelry like it was candy.
"Did you kidnap a harem for all that coin?" he joked with a straight face. Shuri simply raised a confused eyebrow at him, so he waved and dismissed it. "Just a bad joke. I'll have it all done by tomorrow evening. Come back by then. We'll go over the cost then. That will be all?"
She nodded.
"Listen closely, I can tell you haven't been around here before. It's getting late, and bad things sometime crawl out of that Aperature and the people around here would sooner pick the jewelry from your dying corpse than help you. Watch yourself, child. You should head back to the hostel before dark."

As Shuri was leaving, she noticed something strange in the courtyard. For some inexplicable reason, she had taken note of a pretty little mural before and noticed something... different about it from then and now. Now laid firmly on it was a knocker, a strange old knocker of a cougar's head surrounded by a sun. It was an odd place to have a knocker, so her curiosity suspended her discern and compelled her to try it for herself. There was no door, she thought, so where could it lead? Slowly raising her right hand, she gently slid her claws past its ring and gve it a gentle tug. Knock... nothing. Knock, Knock... just the dull and flattened sound of a brass ring hitting the solid stone behind it. Very weird, she thought, finally retracting her fingers as she stared, arm still, at it. Finally, she decided to lower her arm and just leave it be. What a strange decoration to have.

List :

The very next evening, Shuri came back to the shop she remembered the path to by experience and purchased all of the things she had wanted. Not two whole days later and she was nearly two hundred and fifty Miza poorer. Shuri decided it was time to cut back on spending, lest she spend herself into a premature burial.