31 Zi'da 717
When she entered, she was greeted with the sight of mannequins, fine materials and some comfortable chairs. There was a subtle tinkle of a bell, not too intrusive but sufficient to allow the owner to know that he had a visitor who required his attention.
"Lady Burhan! A pleasure as always," Ericor purred, appearing before her to bow low and take her hand to kiss.
"Now, Ericor, the pleasure is all mine. You know that," she commented with a laugh, raising her fingers to stroke the short growth of hair at the side of his cheek before he could withdraw. They shared a smile before he ushered her into one of the waiting seats, offering her wine and other luxuries for her to enjoy. She daren't accept the offerings, all too aware that she wasn't going to spend nearly enough nel to warrant such fare. In fact, she was considering spending so little that the man would likely be horrified. She could only hope that he wouldn't take it as an affront.
"You'll have wine, my dear. Just one little glass surely. Come, V, you enjoy life's fine things. You might as well sit and relax while I show you some of my new, beautiful creations," the owner urged, while the blonde tried to figure out how to broach the subject delicately. After all, she'd been here only the previous season and she'd been willing to part with 40 gold nel then so how was she supposed to explain that she had less than half that to spend now.
"Ericor, I really don't want to put you out. I've come here looking for something rather specific..."
"Oh? Do tell, I'm always here to cater to your whims," he murmured with a wink. She couldn't hide a smile, her eyes shimmering with honey amusement. Coming here was always an ego boost and she couldn't deny that she adored it. Still, it was distracting, which wasn't something she needed right now.
"Yes, well, I'm due to go to a charity gala in Venora on the 49th and I have a gown for that. You know the one that I bought last season-"
"Mm, a sublime creation and stunning on you, I remember," he interjected.
"-but I also have another party to go to later in the season, the masquerade for the Winter Mist Festival, and I obviously can't wear the same thing-"
"Certainly not, it'd be scandalous!"
"It's awkward though because I don't have as much money at my disposal as I'd like..." she commented hesitantly.
The man held up his hands.
"Say no more! I understand that the city is expensive and of course, a lady of your beauty and refinement requires truly spectacular outfits, which aren't cheap," he commented, eyeing her current rather humble outfit a little sadly. It wasn't her fault that things were so expensive. She couldn't be expected to flounce around the place in her best clothing! However, there was still nothing wrong with the blouse or skirt that she wore; they were well-fitted. "I have some more simplistic but stunning pieces although I'm sure you can manage to stretch your purse a little bit all the same," he added with a chuckle, moving off before she could say anything more.
With a sigh, the blonde put a hand to her face, covering her eyes as she imagined what obscenely expensive items he was going to bring back. No doubt, his idea of a "budget" piece would still be enough to bankrupt the monarchy. Still, there was no harm in looking. Perhaps she could even try some things on and come back when she had the nel for them. If she had the nel for them.
The man padded back to her, the swishing sound of fabric heralding the dresses that he'd brought with him. When she raised her gaze, she gasped at the sight of cloth in rich purples, reds and golds, with lace and bead work and floating bits of gossamer that she knew she couldn't possibly afford but Valeria still drank in the sight hungrily all the same. Surely, she could go without food, it wouldn't be the first time that she'd done it and then... No there was no way she could afford any of them. She was eyeing silk and satin, both fabrics that were extraordinarily expensive and in those colours...
she shuddered at the idea of the price tag. He'd brought a black velvet dress as well and was now arraying them before her, but even the velvet would be too much, especially as it wasn't plain. The beauty and luxury of them, so close and yet impossibly out of reach made her want to cry. Perhaps she could do something for the man to make him knock off most of the cost.
No, she didn't even think that a few breaks with her would suffice to lessen the cost enough.
The bell tinkled again, earning swift looks from both owner and customer.
"Lord Gawyne! A pleasure to see you although I certainly don't see you nearly enough," the man purred, shuffling fabric aside so he could be free to properly greet the man.
Valeria let out a gasp of both surprise and delight, rising hastily from her seat to move to greet him. It would require a slight stretch but she would plant a kiss on each cheek if she could and clasp his hands as she laughed delightedly.
"Caius Gawyne! You sly dog! When did you return from Viden? If you tell me that it's been more than a season, or the Seven forbid, a cycle, then I'll have you know that I'm probably going to slap you," she teased, her gaze like molten gold. Obviously she knew that they had a witness but she didn't care. What was a little familiarity between friends after all?