Sharing the Spotlight

Mon Nov 18, 2024 1:57 pm

Searing 2, 124th Year, A.o.S.

Akantha had not been kidding when she had told Rhydian that she would be changing before they left Eilranoikos and made their way to Gloaming Hapertas. When they had gone to meet the carriage, it may have surprised him that it wasn't in one of the larger carriages, either, but the more lower-key horse-drawn carriages that wouldn't attract as much attention in some areas of the town. This was not, she had explained on the way, one of the fashion houses she usually patronized where going out in some of her more elaborate attire was almost expected. Instead, they were going to the outer city to visit Master Filaurel Len'Alen. The storefronts here on this street were rather quaint, but from the window, it was somewhat easy even for Rhydian to see why Akantha seemed to like this tailor. What he could see, and what he may well have liked, was the fact that it was not as audacious and ostentatious as she might usually wear herself.

With Rhydian accompanying her, it was just the two of them this time. Normally she had a guard with her, or otherwise a minder, but he was a perfectly capable Swordsman and far better a fighter than most, and a member of the Val’Kor family. She opened the door to the atelier and Akantha stepped inside, all but towing the redheaded elf along with her. She had changed from her white dress to a champagne-coloured gown with plenty of pleating and a shorter train that didn't quite touch the ground, regardless of whether she was moving or standing still. It was one of Akantha's favourite uses of aerolyth, after all, to keep her clothes off of the ground. It was in a similar style to what she had worn earlier, as the braided neckline and belt matched one another, but they were much more muted, with a completely different fabric. It was sleeveless, though delicate bands linked it just above her elbows with the same flowing fabric.

For Rhydian's interests, the connections could be made, and she could also offer her input if needed with a consultation. The Princess's eyes roamed the shop, taking in what had changed since she was there before, and checked for the tailor.

[Continued from...]

"There is no rose without a thorn."

Mon Nov 18, 2024 7:21 pm

•───────── Gloaming Hapertas ────────•

2nd of Searing, 124th Year of the Age of Steel

Gloaming Hapertas was very much like Akantha had seen it a month ago, though many of the cream-colored and pastel spring gowns had disappeared, replaced by more airy work appropriate for the climbing temperatures. It had been more than a year since the city had last seen Searing, and Silfanore remained in a celebratory mood.

Curiously, interspersed with the white and sky-blue brocades, the Princess could spot unusual pieces which incorporated small patches of peculiar silver fabric, clearly experimental. The tailor was clearly in mind of clouds, of late, for more than one sash reflected skylines in different states of sunrise, or incorporated artfully shapeless patches of white or grey. There was even one bizarre sundress made of light layers of grey fabric which was clearly meant to evoke a raincloud.

The door chimed discreetly as she entered, and she heard a voice from behind a wall:

"One moment!" Filaurel called. He was true to his word, appearing from around the corner only seconds later, trailed by a small basket of cuttings of the silver material he'd been experimenting with. He stopped when he saw Akantha, eyes widening- the basket dipped behind him as if it were going to fall, then caught itself in mid-air.

Filaurel Len'Alen was dressed in a different garment than when last the Princess had seen him--a tailor could not be seen to have so little confidence in their work--but it was much the same style and cut, a very formal coat and a peculiar sort of dress which trailed enough to hide the fact that he was not actually moving his feet, at least so long as he moved himself about in relative slowness. He had gone with a dark grey, highlighted with lemon chiffon in concession to the season, and the effect was muted but striking.

"Your Highness." the tailor bowed, hand rising to press against his chest (though one watching closely might have noted that it moved stiffly and in unnatural fashion) "The blessings of Searing and its season be upon you, and your house. How may I be of service today?"

A bead of sweat formed upon Filaurel's neck. Although it was the professional's creed to put equal work into all of their art, he had naturally obsessed somewhat over the Princess' dress. Objectively, he knew, if she did not like it chances were good that she would simply toss the thing and wear some other garment- it wouldn't have been worth her time to sully the name of a no-name tailor at the edge of society. Still, he'd had a nightmare or two along those lines, and they all started with the angry princess bursting into his shop.

Tue Nov 19, 2024 1:12 pm

Rhydian, of course, had not changed his attire in the interim, but his typical mode of dress was still less ornate than the princess' dressed down look. He had at least changed his belt, replacing the one he'd worn in the gardens with one that bore a dual scabbard as he'd been told he would be serving as Her Highness' security for this excursion. He lifted the hem of his simple, black robes with crimson accents, to step into the carriage and take a seat across from Akantha. He acknowledged her disclaimers, which were doubtless needful to some of their more vainglorious peers, though not to Rhydian. He did take note of the tailor's name when it was uttered, that he might be more polite in his imminent greeting upon their arrival.

Making his way into the shoppe, he glanced about the offerings on display and nodded, appreciatively. He hadn't been sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. He was weaving his way through the woven specimens, obscured from view when Filaurel's moment elapsed and the tailor emerged onto the showroom floor.

Rhydian stepped out from behind a display, to take a place at Akantha's side.

"You must be Master Filaurel Len'Alen. Her Royal Highness has spoken highly of you and suggested a direct introduction. I often rely upon her eye to select my formalwear." Rhydian pointedly neglected to introduce himself, as it was always preferable to be introduced by another. It made getting the forms-of-address out of the way smoother and more efficient and he absolutely detested announcing his own title, when it could be avoided. Had he come in different company, he might have sidestepped the matter altogether and hoped not to be clocked for his princely pedigree. He certainly wasn't dressed like one who coveted attention at the moment.