• Closed • [Augustin's Boutique] Dressing Up For The Occasion

[Aneka Tristal]

Dressing Up For The Occasion

Vhlar 100, 718

The pristine buildings and clean streets were common sights in the Glass Quarter, even the city of parties and brawling had an upperclass district, where there weren't "brawls" but had "bouts" or when even cheap ale had a fancy name and date for the rich to show off to their fellow nobles. And Aneka hated just the snootiness and haughtiness of the nobility.

So there are only few reasons why Aneka, a rather dirty, rough-and-tumble type of gal was in the Glass Quarter. One being she was on patrol, another being, she's planning on getting some of the expensive drinks to see what the fuss was about, and finally she needed to buy something and it was only found in the Glass Quarter.

There was also another reason she's, and this was that reason... She was being dragged along by her step sister. Ilia Tristal pulled Aneka along, a skip in her step while she dragged her heels at every opportunity.

"Neeka! Come on! You said you wanted to buy a dress and needed my help. You still haven't told me about why though, but I'm just happy I'm getting to spend time with my little sister. So. Come. On!" Ilia said and pulled Aneka along by the arm, clearly Aneka was stronger but she was just playing her reluctance.

"I said I wanted to buy a dress, I didn't say I want to blow all my money on a piece of overpriced cloth! There's are tailors in the Earth Market, what's wrong with that?" She asked stood her ground as Ilia sighed and stopped with her pulling. "We've always bought clothes in the Earth Quarter, why go to the Glass Quarter and we're not even going to the market."

"Clothes aren't going to be sold where fine food, fine drinks, and luxuries are! And need I remind you what you said to me when you asked? Granted you were insanely drunk, but I quote. 'Ilia! Help me buy the bestest dress! Pleasseeeeeeee!' And you went on for a good while." Ilia said and moved the hair that was covering her eyes. "If I didn't know any better, you're planning on going to that ball aren't you? What planning on a big prank that'll get you kicked out of the knights?" She asked sarcastically before laughing.

"Haha, very funny, I'm a changed lady, sister." She said with a fake and insulting noble accent. "I am a dignified and respected member of the community I'll have you know, and I just thought I'd expand my horizons." She said, a small twitch of a smile on her lips as she talked.

Ilia just raised her eyebrow at Neeka's little tell. "You're hiding something, I've known you for the better part of our lives. I know you." She said with a small laugh and pushed her hair behind her pointed ears. "Anyway, I know of this place that you might like. You don't like paying the rich right? Well luckily for you, there's this boutique that-

"What the heck is a boutique?"

"It's a store that sells fine clothes."

"Why not just call it a tailors? Why the fancy names?"

Ilia just rolled her eyes. "We're getting off topic, but the boutique gives most of the profit it gets to charity, so it's not like you're lining someone's pockets with gold." She said and looked at Aneka. "Come on! We don't have all day, I need to buy some make up for you too." She said and walked forward, leaving Aneka behind.

"Make up? What? Why? I only asked for a dress!" Aneka complained and quickly rushed forward to follow her. "Come on, a dress is more than enough right?" She said and ran in front of Ilia with a rather worried look on her face.

"Of course we're getting make up for you! That's like... Putting on armor without a shine or something?" She said trying to think up of an analogy that Aneka could get. "Or having a sword that's not sharp, what's the point? You want to go to a fancy ball with a fancy dress but looking like you just came from a bar brawl in the Dust Quarter? Don't embarrass me, Neeka."

"It's not like you have a reputation here right?"

"I'll have you know I played for the taverns here from time to time. I actually have a reputation that I care about." She said and shook her head before walking pass Aneka. "Come on, we'll buy a dress and then talk about getting make-up."

The two of them stopped outside a rather nice building, a sign hanging outside saying "Augustine's Boutique". Ilia just smiled at Aneka and opened the door, making the bell inside tinkle, notifying that a customer just entered the building.

► Show Spoiler

Dress(9g) x Medium size(N/A) x Chiffon(2.8) x Blue Dye(1.5) = 37gn 8sn + Lipstick(1gn) + Rouge(5sn) + Hairpins(10 pieces)(5sn) = 39gn 8sn

[Faith Augustin]

The bell tinkled to Augustin's Boutique, heralding the arrival of a new customer. Or two, Faith thought as the two females entered the shop. The place was busy, Tiori was with another customer and so, as the pair entered the shop, Faith kept an eye on them. Her policy was, as usual, to let the customer look around, as they wished - unless they looked particularly lost or made eye contact. Give them a few moments and then, go over to them. This pair, though, they seemed out of place and uncertain from the get go and Faith, who watched people carefully and observed a lot, made her way over with a smile.

The young woman who made her way over was young - maybe twenty arcs old but possibly not even that. She had pale skin that was milk white and jet black hair which was pulled back from her face and fell down her back in a ponytail. She was wearing a nice white blouse with a red trim, and a red skirt with a matching white trim. There was a red band in her hair, holding it back. However, perhaps most unusual about her was the fact that her eyes were such a pale blue as to be silver - and they were flecked through with a deep ruby red. She had matching tattoos on her wrists and her neck, delicate black patterns and her nails were black - they seemed rather incongruous with her clothing style.

Faith was short - just shy of five foot four and her frame was very slim and petite. But she smiled in a very genuine way to the two of them as she approached - not getting too close, not startling people. "Hello," she said, her voice soft and friendly. "May I be of any help? My name's Faith, Faith Augustin." That was enough to let them know, she figured, that this was her shop. Although someone had asked her the other trial if her mother was there. Rude. But right now, her smile was genuine and she gestured about.

"Are you looking for something specific?"

[Aneka Tristal]

Dressing Up For The Occasion

Neeka was quite in shock at the inside of the store, fabrics of various colors and patterns are lined neatly in the walls, mannequins in well dressed clothes in various poses that show off the form of the clothing, not to mention the various racks of pre-made clothes that look wonderful, all higher quality than what Aneka was used to.

Ilia had not been in the boutique before but she had heard rumors of this place's fine craftsmanship and they were not kidding, the atmosphere just screamed "clic", and she was giddy with excitement, even though she wasn't going to be the one wearing the dress. Aneka on the other hand, appreciates the fine work put in the clothes, but honestly, she's not that impressed with any of them, in fact she had this look on her face that said she wanted to be out of here as soon as possible.

Then someone walked over towards them, a rather short person with black hair, quite young, but anyone who didn't live under a rock would know who this person was, or could at least assume when she gave her name. Faith Augustin, the philanthropist, medic, and all around a good person, not to mention the "incurable" diseases she cured around the world.

But what would someone this famous and powerful and skilled be doing manning a shop, even if they did own it? So Aneka was a bit skeptical with who this person was, it wouldn't be the first time someone tried to pass off as someone else, although she does fit the description people have given Faith.

Ilia on the other hand was flustered and bumbling over her words like a toddler as she leaned in to Faith, her eyes sparkling as she spoke. "O-Oh, THE Faith Augustin!? It is such an honor! I-I've heard so much, about your stance in slavery and your skill as a physician!" She said, barely taking a breath before Aneka grabbed her by the back of her collar and pulled her back.

"Calm down, sis. We're just here for a dress, no need to pester, Ms. Augustin." She said before giving Ilia a sideways glance. "Besides, I doubt the real Faith Augustin would be here, I mean I'm sure she would have much better things to do than man a tailors, isn't that right?" She said and smiled at Faith. "No harm done! Just don't go around impersonating famous people right!" She laughed and extended her hand to Faith. "Name's Aneka! A pleasure to meet ya!"

Ilia was absolutely mortified at what Aneka just did and said, being about as uncouth as she could be without resulting to belching and toilet humor. "Aneka! Don't be so rude!" Ilia before slapping Aneka in the back of the head and apologizing to Faith. "I'm so so so sorry, Mrs. Augustin! I'm sister was actually raised in the barn!" She said bowing quite deeply.

Aneka just rubbed the back of her head and pouted. "What did I do?" She asked sadly before crossing her arms.

Now that Aneka got the time to look at her own clothes and the clothes around her... She could see just how dirty her clothes were. Her white blouse was stained with dried dirt, and flayed in some parts, and her brown pants were covered in patches of the same color, easily missed in the distance, but upon closer inspection, quite obvious. Her golden hair was probably the only thing that was pristine about her, both styled and tied like pigtails, reaching down to her back.

She blushed, noticing just how out of place she is, but didn't really say anything about it.

[Faith Augustin]

They were an interesting pair, that was for sure. There was the exuberant one and the other cynical. That was fine, on both accounts. Faith never really knew how to respond to the people who recognised her name without having ever met her, and it happened more and more these trials. She smiled and shook hands with Ilia, of offered her hand. "I've been very blessed by having a lot of opportunities. It's a pleasure to meet you." Faith really didn't understand why people thought she'd done things. She mostly hadn't and what she had achieved had been small and had been done with others. Yet, for all that it was becoming a more common reaction, so too was the reaction of the other woman. Assuming that she was not who she said she was.

With a slight smile to Aneka, she shook her hand and spoke in her usual soft and gentle voice, not raising it, not sounding irritated or any such thing. "I would suggest that, should I have been lying to you about who I am, you should very much consider there harm done. This place is named Augustin's, after all and it funds most of the charity work I do. Therefore, someone impersonating me would be most inconvenient." The young woman smiled, obviously not in any way put out. "And for yourself, I would hope that no one ever lies to your face in such a manner. It would be a horrid thing to do." Faith didn't bother trying to change the woman's mind - that was her opinion to have and it was up to her to find out why she was "manning" a store.

"There really is nothing to apologise for.. .and oh, please don't bow." Faith wanted to curl up in a ball and hide at that. With the slightest shake of her head, she looked between the two of them. "Why don't we focus on why you're here? Are you looking for a particular dress, or browsing, maybe?" There were a hundred possibilities, after all and Faith didn't have any intention of jumping to conclusions.

Motioning around the room, she explained what they needed to know. "There are pre-made clothes for men, women and children, or we do bespoke pieces if you wish. I'm happy to help - or I'm happy to let you browse. You are," she said, soft voiced but earnest, "more than welcome to browse, or I can help you if you'd like help. Just let me know."

[Aneka Tristal]

Dressing Up For The Occasion

Aneka listened to Faith and nodded, her hand felt oddly soft for someone who was supposed to be some sort of hard working. "Yeah, I guess there would be harm done huh if someone were to be impersonating you." She said and crossed her arms, and looking up in thought. "And impersonating someone in their own place of business would probably lead to you getting in trouble huh?" She concluded with a smile.

"Can you please be a little less casual?" Ilia said and rubbed her face, before blushing as she noticed she was being way too formal. "Apologies Mrs. Augustin. But yes, we're here to buy a dress for my sister." She said and looked over to Aneka, looking her over herself. "She invited me to help her find a dress for the upcoming ball, but honestly I'm not quite sure what she's looking for, she's not telling me what she wants, although I think she doesn't know what she's looking for."

Aneka coughed and playfully shoved Ilia's shoulder. "Stop talking like I'm not here, and like I said I just need a dress for the ball, there's no hidden reason as to why I want to go! I just want to go to a party? Is that so wrong?" She said with an innocent smile and a little huff of annoyance.

"Trust me, I know when you lie, my darling sister." Ilia said before going over to one of the various ready made dresses. "I'll figure out you're secret sooner or later, but for now, are you sure you want a dress?" Ilia said and went over to one of the more sharp looking suits. "I mean I know you never liked skirts, so why not-"

"No, it has to be a dress! Doesn't have to be the prettiest but decent." She blurted out and blushed at her rather sudden outburst. "I don't want a suit, I don't think they'll allow that in the ball I mean..." She lied and looked away from the two other girls. "I'm not looking to spend all my nels on a dress for a one off thing, but I don't want to look like I don't belong there, you know?"

Ilia gave her that look only an older sister or mother could do when they know their younger sibling was lying or trying to hide something but can't place their finger on it. "You? Wanting to fit in? Forgive me if I don't believe that, Neeka." Ilia said and shook her head before looking over to Faith. "What do you suggest? We can start picking out clothes for my sister and let her try them on if you'll allow that. Also I'm sure we'll be able to able to pay for a bespoke ensemble if we don't find anything."

Aneka then walked off to look at a few bright colored pink dresses, she never did like the color pink, but she wouldn't say no if she looked good in one, she needed to look good for the ball, not because of the ball itself, but because she didn't want to embarrass the person she's going with. "Bespoke huh? Out of curiosity how much would that cost?" She paused for a moment and looked at a suit nearby, thinking how Cassidy would look in that before brushing the thought out of her mind.

[Faith Augustin]

Faith understood, without a doubt in her mind, that people were all different. Aneka and her sister seemed like very different examples of personalities. Related, but separate people and with quite unique and diverse outlooks. Extremes, even, in some ways. Still. People were people and Faith smiled at them both. "There is no need to worry about being casual. It is a perfectly acceptable way to be," she said, before listening to what they wanted. "A dress? Well, that I can do."

She listened to the two of them talking and Faith wondered if this was what it was like, having a sibling. Someone to argue with, embarrass you in front of strangers, that kind of thing. She had Rey'na, of course, but they had not been raised together. Perhaps, if they had been, they wouldn't like each other as much. How interesting, Faith thought as she watched the warring pair.

"I can help you find a dress," she said and, it had to be said that she felt a little sorry for Aneka ~ whose sister seemed determined to quiz her in front of a stranger. "And as far as I know, you are correct. The dress code is quite specific. I think blue would suit you." It would, Faith knew, Watching Aneka as she explored the shop a little, the young human smiled. "The cost is depending on what you want. I can do bespoke meaning made just for you, or I can add fabric which shifts colour, like that." There was, indeed, a dress. It was an impossible dress, the long skirt shifting and changing through shades of green and blue.

"In terms of costing, I give a price, but that can either be paid in nel or time. All of the money I make here goes to charity," she said, gesturing around. "So, sometimes people come in and either can't afford the nel, or would rather donate time specifically. Since that's where it's going anyway, I'm good with that." Faith smiled, softly. "Have a look around, let me know if you need help. Blue. Not too dark, nice and bright and light." She could see it, now.

OOC NoteSo sorry for the delay!

[Aneka Tristal]

Dressing Up For The Occasion

Aneka brushed back her hair and just looked at the various clothes in the shop, not quite sure what would look good on her, she was never one for fashion, or for looking good for that matter. She was more of a function over fashion type of gal. "I'll let you two decide on what looks good... But I just want something that I can move easily in."

"Of course, I've no doubt in my mind that if given the chance, you'd rip apart a dress somehow." Ilia smiled, she then followed Aneka around, looking at a rather fancy looking pink dress, filled with frills, and various looking pretty but fake gems. "What about this?"

"I feel like you're not listening to me..." Aneka said with a small sigh. Her hand felt the fabric of the pink dress though and she must admit it did feel quite nice on her hand, although she was worried that the dress might itch. "I said something I can move in, this looks like one of those fancy noble ballgown things with the big butts."

"You always did like those ballgowns, dear."

"I thought they looked funny! Come on! They're hilarious looking!"

Ilia just rolled her eyes and walked back to Faith and crossed her arms, thinking to herself. She had no idea how to make dresses or visualizing what would look good in her mind but she was trying. "What would go well with her blonde hair? Sister, what's your favorite color?"

"R-"

"If you say Rainbow, I will find you a jester's outfit."

"Fine, it was just a joke." She pouted and thought for a moment. "Something light I think... Umm... About that Bespoke stuff... How much would that usually cost? I'm fine with paying it off or working for it, this seems like a great cause." She smiled at Faith. She quite liked Faith and honestly admired her somewhat. Aneka heard she wasn't a fighter but found other ways to protect and care for people, the only thing she can do is fight.

"Anyway, yeah I think Ms. Faith is right, a nice light blue color!" Aneka looked around the shop, trying to find something blue that wasn't a large flamboyant dress or would fit with the dress code of the ball. Although nothing quite caught her eye, Ilia did find a few blue dresses that would fit but Aneka seemed adamant that they weren't good enough.

This made Ilia raise an eyebrow, she'd think Aneka would have just loved to buy the first thing that seemed perfect and buy it as soon as possible, but she seemed to want something a cut above the rest. "Didn't you say it didn't need to be the prettiest dress? Why not this one? Or that one, those seem perfect.

"I mean Faith did say we could pay with work instead of nels if we didn't have the money, that was one of my main gripes, and since money isn't an issue, why not go for something better than the average, yeah?" She said, avoiding Ilia's critical stare.


"Common", "Rakahi"

[Faith Augustin]

The two women were more than cute together, Faith considered. But equally, they were going to be here all trial long, arguing, if she didn't take some action. So, she smiled to the one called Aneka and answered her question. "Well, what we'd do is come up with a design for you, then I'd make the dress perfectly fitting you. For that, I'd ask for three trials of work." Gesturing to the outfits with the colour changing fabric, for example, she explained, "Although, any specialist techniques will add to that," She looked between the two of them and she smiled slightly.

"We can choose colour, fabric, all of it. I can help you with getting flattering make up and so on. It is my pleasure to help as much as you like," she said, soft-spoken and earnest. She took the time then to show Aneka some of the kinds of things she thought Aneka might like. This colour, that fabric, and so on. She showed Aneka the sort of shape of dress she was thinking of and then left the decision in her hands. Faith was more than happy to help out, but she was starting to think that the sisters were, fundamentally, not helping each other.

So, she took as much control of it as she could.

Without wanting to overwhelm Aneka, she presented things in a series of two choices. This shade of blue, or that one. Once she had an idea, she narrowed things down for her. Depth of neckline, amount of gathering in, length and so on. Faith was used to dealing with people, was good at it. Her aim in this was to put Aneka in a situation where she was happy with the choices she made and she felt that her dress was the right one - the best one - and the most flattering.

So, she focused on Aneka.

Once she had an idea of what Aneka wanted, Faith could get on with designing the dress, making sure that it was drawn in sufficient detail that Aneka could see it, picture it and visualize what she was looking for. At that point, Faith could make design changes, which might be more difficult once the piece was cut. Samples of fabrics, thread for the sewing, accessories on the dress itself. All of these were discussed so that Aneka could have the finished product to the very best of Faith's ability to make it.

[Aneka Tristal]

Dressing Up For The Occasion

Aneka was glad she brough Ilia along with her, as much as they argued, it sorta grounded her and made her feel like she wasn't out of place here, but everything she was picking out was nice, but it would fit her more than Aneka, especially the rather skimpy ones. She was trying to get a dress, not to show off too much skin.

The two of them stopped bickering when Faith said something about making them the perfect dress. "Three trials eh? Sounds perfect, it'll be a while before the ball anyway, this is fine!" She said and looked over to Ilia. "What do you think?"

"Three days for the perfect dress? Seems fine then, I expected longer honestly, since you're quite the seamstress and celebrity Mrs. Augustine, I would have thought people would be lining up for your dresses." Ilia said with a soft smile, before stepping back to let Aneka talk to Faith closer.

"Right... So I guess... What I'd like is a nice dark blue. I think it would be a nice match with my hair..." She paused, now that Aneka and Ilia weren't fighting and Faith was giving her her full attention, she started feeling a bit of pressure. "Hmm... I guess... Something flowly, and easy to move in, nothing too stuffy."

"What about skin, sister? How much are you willing to show off?" Ilia asked, Aneka turned to look at her, seeing if she was just teasing her or actually asking a legitimate question, it seemed like she was.

"I don't like showing off my legs, but for my upper torso... Err... enough to catch attention but not enough that it wouldn't leave much to the imagination... I can't believe I'm talking about this, this is so embarrassing." She said to Ilia with a small blush before turning back to Faith. "A bit of leg would be fine, but not much..."

"Just out of curiosity, will you be joining the ball, Ms. Faith?" Aneka asked while Faith was busy sketching a design for the dress, and when Faith was finished with the design, Aneka looked at it.

It was the perfect dress, simple enough that Aneka liked it, but fancy enough that she wouldn't stand out so much at the party. "This is perfect! What do you think, sis?" She said and took the sketch and showed it to Ilia.

"Don't just take things from people's hand! Ugh... Oh? Hmm... Yes! I think this will look lovely on you, sister!" Finally the two sisters decided on something they both liked.

"I'd get you a dress when the next ball happens, okay Ilia?" Aneka said with a smile before giving the sketch back to Faith. "So... Umm... About those make up and stuff... Love my sister to bits, I do, but I think she'd make me look like a clown if she was mad or put on so much I wouldn't recognizable, lose-lose situation on my part there, so... Mind if I ask for a bit of help there?"


"Common", "Rakahi"

[Faith Augustin]

They seemed to have hit a point, the sisters, where they were at least no longer bickering constantly. Faith had to admit that she was somewhat relieved by that and she listened as they discussed what they wanted. She smiled at their surprise at her timeline and Faith merely shook her head, explaining softly. "I take one commission at a time," she explained. "No more than that. It's important to me that the work I do is to the right standard, but there are only so many breaks in a trial." And, she had something of a tendency to work herself senseless, of course, but she didn't say that. There was no need, it was no one's concern other than her own and, inevitably, her husband's.

There was no doubt that Aneka had some good ideas and, Faith nodded as she listened. "The good thing is," she said with an air of concentration as she worked on the outline of the design she was working on, focusing on the silhouette, making sure that she was getting Aneka's body shape right. That was necessary for the way Aneka viewed the finished design. "If, when you put the dress on for the first, or even the second time, you feel that there is too much flesh ~ or not enough ~ we can add or remove fabric. The three trials," she explained, "will be for the initial fitting. There will need to be two more after that."

Was she going to the ball? Faith shook her head at that question. "No, I will not," she said, with a slight upturn of her lips as she made some adjustments to the design. Eventually, she was determined, she'd be better at this than she was now. In her mind, she could already see the design, but it was getting what she could see to be clearly translated on to the paper which was the issue for Faith. Still, she would focus and practice and then, she would be better. It was as simple and as complicated as that to the earnest young woman. "I have twins and, between this job and my other commitments," of which there were a million, of course, "I am away from them far too much as it is."

Also, of course, as far as Faith was concerned, there were a hundred things or more which she would rather do. Even she would have to admit that she was a successful businesswoman, the head of the Order of the Adunih in Rharne, her work with Isonomia, the Alliance of Rharne, the Merchants' Guild. Faith could list them and she knew that she was being at least partially successful, as she defined it. Yet, it wasn't her way. Not at all. Given her own choice, she would never be in a position where people needed to look at her, let alone be someone who had to make decisions or speak to important people. The former slave was much happier being in the background, not speaking, not being seen; but it was not how life had turned out and, no matter what she was doing she did it in the name of Famula, Vri, Moseke and Ymiden. Therefore, it had to be the best she could do.

"Alright, so this is what I'm thinking?" Faith didn't mind Aneka taking the paper from her hands, and when the young woman asked about make up, Faith smiled. "I can help you with that, yes. What sort of help are you looking for? I can help you choose what to wear, or show you how to apply it." She'd had to learn, after all, it caused her no bother to pass that on.

Once the pair were happy, Faith would bid them both farewell and would get on with the design, then implementation of that in order to make sure that, when she came back, Aneka had a dress to try.

OOCSo sorry for the delay here! I think we can end it here?