When in Rharne (Augustin's Boutique - Faith)

[Elisabeth Black]

The subject of one’s name was an interesting one. She herself had no idea where her last name came from…other than Vin and Rilith’s instance that it was hers. Elisa smiled at Faith’s explanation, nodding her head gently. “Then Faith it is. A pleasure…” She remained still as Faith moved around her body, measuring here and there, watching her curiously as the woman worked.

Their conversation turned to Elisa’s offer to volunteer in whatever capacity she could. Faith, in turn, explained about Isonomia and its mission. It was a worthy mission, to be sure. “The part about eradicating poverty is simple enough to understand. I’m curious about the other though – abolishing inequalities. What would be an example of the type of inequalities Isonomia would deal with?” Elisa was intrigued by the idea but wanted to make sure she understood what she was being told before inquiring further. The comment about the term ‘impossible’ elicited a soft laugh from her. “I remember Vin telling me as a child that ‘impossible’ was simply a goal to be reached for. Rilith is much more grounded. I’d like to think I learned the best things from both. I don’t like the word ‘impossible’ though. It just means no one has figured out how yet."

The description of Storm’s Edge was helpful as she was still getting her bearings. “The Stormwastes were created by the damage done during Faldrun’s attack on Rharne, right? I’m pretty sure I remember reading about that.”

Her interest was piqued when Faith mentioned a base and needing a fresh perspective on some issues related to the troubles in Rharne. Ever the curious creature and always willing to help, she immediately accepted the invitation. “I would be happy to participate. The offer of a carriage is kind, but I enjoy walking so if you could give me directions, I’d love to see what I can offer.”

As Faith said her full name, Elisabeth was reminded that people didn't know about her unusual upbringing. It wasn't a source of pain for her so she generally had no issue explaining what she could - just so people would understand. "Apologies. I know having a different last name is unusual. Vin and Rilith found me outside Viden when I was about an arc old. They brought me inside the city and I've been with them ever since. There are some mysteries surrounding that whole situation and I haven't gotten to the bottom of it - yet" Nothing in the young woman's voice would indicate to Faith that she was pained by the memory. It was simply something that had happened. With enough time, Elisa was confident she would figure things out.

As Faith finished with the dress and inquired about her thoughts, Elisa took a few steps and swished the skirt. It was such a simple thing…and maybe a bit selfish…. but she had never owned something so beautiful before. With Faith’s adjustments, the gown fit her like a glove. The skirt length was perfect so that it didn’t get underfoot or in the way. It might have been a bit understated, but it was perfect for Elisa. Without saying as much, Faith had picked a gown that allowed Elisabeth to be the focus instead of the dress.

Faith certainly knew what she was doing.

“It’s perfect. Amazing really. I’ve never owned something like this, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to…until I put it on. Thank you so much. You are very good at your job…”

[Faith Augustin]

16th Vhalar, 720

Elisabeth asked for an example of the types of thing which Isonomia worked for and Faith smiled slightly. She liked people who asked questions, it meant that they were thinking, considering, actually using their brains and truly examining the world. These were all very much things which Faith approved of. "Well," she said, thoughtfully, "there are two types of inequalities, really, that we try to deal with. Those which impact the future, and those which impact the now." Hardly specific, she thought with a smile, but then carried on. "We founded Isonomia when my husband and I lived on Scalvoris. I went to university there." Faith smiled slightly in the memory of it. "I had not been allowed to study in Rynmere, because I was a slave. When I was given my freedom, suddenly, I was permitted to learn." She shook her head slightly. "It makes no sense." she shrugged slightly, and pulled some fabric from a low chest in the room, which she started to fold and pin in an approximation of a shoulder-cloak for Elisabeth. "So, I decided that we have to be change. I joined the Council of Scalvoris and became the Minister for Welfare. I knew that I had to work to abolish slavery. But until I did, I set up a restaurant. A very expensive, exclusive one, much like this is a very exclusive boutique. Like here, the profits went directly to the charity and we publicised that. Because it was needed, on Scalvoris, we used that money to build a house. In that house lived four of Scalvoris' poorest people. Former slaves, no skills, no hope."

Draping the makeshift cloak around Elisabeth's shoulder, Faith frowned and shook her head, then took it off, carefully, and started adjusting. "That was dealing with inequality in the now. Four beggars, given somewhere to live. But society wouldn't care about them. So, I taught them. They worked in the restaurant, on the farm which supplied it. I fed and homed them, and they learned a skill. And then, the next season, we bought two more houses, and got eight more residents. And so it went. It's a small town now, called Beacon. The people there work as a community for the community. But again, that was just fighting inequality in the now." She shrugged slightly. "So, I petitioned, and fought, and argued, and now, slavery on Scalvoris is illegal." Lifting her silver-grey eyes up to look at Elisabeth, Faith smiled a rather cynical smile. "Sadly, that doesn't mean it's stopped, of course. But it's harder. It's more inconvenient. One trial, there will be no slavery, no one judged by the colour of their hair, or their race anywhere on Idalos." The cynicism lifted and her smile grew into a genuine one. "And until that's true, I'll just keep fighting. Here, we did things differently, because the society is different. But, we did them." Faith chuckled to herself "Forgive me, I get chatty on the topics of inequality, my husband's genius and, of course, the perfection of my children."

Elisabeth's description of her parents elicited a nod from Faith; balance in a relationship was a good thing. But Elisabeth's story of her being found was met with a nod of the head. Faith had been sold at roughly three hours old; until she had been marked by Vri, Faith had no idea who her parents were or what had happened to her which had meant that she ended up in Athart as a slave. Once she had been marked by Vri, though, Faith had learned who she was and what had happened. So, she did not understand Elisabeth's point of view, and she certainly wouldn't claim to do so. However, she did understand that wanting to find out was important. Understanding your past, after all, helped the future make more sense somehow. The 'yet' on the end of Elisabeth's explanation elicited a serious expression and earnest agreement. "I'm sure you will solve it," she said.

Stepping back, Faith looked at Elisabeth in the dress and she nodded. "It suits you," she said softly. "You look beautiful. Where would you like it sent?" Faith could add bells and whistles, accessories and all sorts. But it would detract from the simple and elegant beauty in front of her.

[Elisabeth Black]

Elisa listened carefully to Faith’s explanations regarding Isonomia and her life in Scalvoris. She found the story compelling but said nothing, wanting only to absorb what was being said. Sometimes when people were conversing, she would note that one person would be so occupied with what they were going to say next that they missed most of the information. She never wanted to be like that, always sacrificing a quick response for understanding what had been said. Being a slave – she couldn’t even fathom. Unable to learn – an atrocity. Those that wished to be educated should be educated. It was something she believed in with all her heart. The pursuit of knowledge should never be based on anything other than one’s desire and willingness to put in the work.

Only when Faith paused and apologized for her chattiness did Elisabeth feel it appropriate to respond. “Please, it was an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it with me. It explained what I asked…and more. I feel as though I understand better now. In many ways, I’m just stepping foot into this vast world and there are many things I’m trying to understand and figure out my place within it. Isonomia sounds like a very noble organization. Something I’ve always been passionate about is education for those that want it, regardless of …well…anything. If someone wants to learn, they should be able to. There should be no barriers.” She believed in that philosophy, but belief could only get someone so far. Faith had believed in something and turned it into a reality. How many people could say the same?

As someone just finding her bearing in the world, Elisa was learning what was important…and what wasn’t. Sometimes they got all jumbled up. All the things she once held dear seemed pale in comparison to the experiences she had heard of from Faith. She needed people like Faith to remind her that one person could affect change.

Over the arcs, Elisa had noticed many differing reactions to her story so she was used to whatever they might be. Faith didn’t pry and for that, she was happy. Truth be told, there wasn’t anything else to tell.

As Faith completed her work and stepped back, Elisa smiled. “Again, thank you. I believe we were told that we could have the dresses sent forward to the School of Movement and Music. If so, that will be lovely. And now, compensation for this beautiful piece of art. Name your price…” Elisa had been serious about desiring to volunteer but it would be up to Faith to decide the price…

[Faith Augustin]

16th Vhalar, 720

The young woman said that she was just entering the world, finding her way and Faith smiled. While she might well think that some of the decisions Elisabeth's parents had taken were rather dubious at best, she couldn't argue with the fact that they had raised her and given her a childhood. Faith looked at the woman and thought that they were probably the same age. It was amazing to her that someone of her age might only now consider themselves entering the world, but it was also a very good thing. However, she said nothing, keeping her own counsel in that. Opinions, after all, were like noses - everyone had them. Her own experience of the last twenty two arcs was probably - certainly - very different than Elisabeth's, and Faith was very grateful that there were kind, loving parents who allowed their children time to grow.

If she had any envy in her, Faith would envy Elisabeth that. However, Faith really didn't do envy, ever. She had never wanted any different than what she had, and even now, she wouldn't change anything. "It is," she said, of Isonomia. "The Institute is open to all, because I will not allow different. But, first, it's about doing something like we did in Scalvoris, here. Except different because here is." She smiled slightly.

They agreed that she'd have the outfit delivered and then Elisabeth asked how much it cost. Faith smiled at her and shook her head. "It costs nothing in terms of wealth or coin," she said quietly. "But I would ask that you do two things for it. Firstly, pay the kindness forward. One trial, when you can. But the other is more immediate," Faith said softly. "Volunteer with Isonomia. We work in the Dust Quarter, where we have a Soup Kitchen. Or with the Order of the Adunih outpost there. We work with the poorest people and help them." Faith smiled and shrugged, just slightly. "If, however, you find you have no time to do so, then please simply donate the amount you feel appropriate to either organisation."

Why she did what she did wasn't clear, but Faith was very much of the opinion that people deserved a chance to prove themselves. Thus far, this meeting, Elisabeth had talked a good talk. But if they were going to achieve their goals, then Isonomia needed people who walked the walk too. Either way, she smiled. "And here, here are directions to the Command Center. It's new, as a building, but after this nonsense in Storm's Edge is dealt with, I'm going to put it in the joint ownership of the Knights, Priestesses, Isonomia, Wardens, and the Order of the Adunih." Faith smiled, handing Elisabeth a slip of paper with the directions on. Not in her writing, she had no idea. "I'll see you tomorrow, I hope?"

And, it must be said, Faith did hope. Hope that the woman was as promising as she seemed. In the meantime, Faith got on with her job.

[Doran]

Elisabeth:

Knowledge:
Intelligence: Faith owns the shop and is the Chancellor of the Institute
Intelligence: Profit from the shop is donated to Order of the Adunih and Isonomia
Intelligence: Faith runs the Order of the Adunih and Isonomia
Intelligence: Isonomia's goal our is to eradicate poverty and abolish inequalities
Intelligence: Location of the Command Center
Etiquette: x2
Investigation: x2
Detection: x2

Loot: -
Lost: -
Wealth: -
Injuries: -
Renown: 5, for meeting Faith.
Magic XP: -
Skill Review: Appropriate to level.
Points: 15

Faith:

Knowledge: -
Loot: -
Lost: -
Wealth: -
Injuries: -
Renown: -
Magic XP: -
Skill Review: Appropriate to level.
Points: 15

- - -

Comments: I enjoyed reading Elisabeth’s thoughts about fashion. I found it interesting that she didn’t buy a dress in order to look pretty, but so that she would be able to blend in at the ball and conduct her investigation. I also approve of her appreciation for charitable causes!

I found it a little strange that she didn’t recognize Faith’s name though, considering how very famous Faith is. Maybe Elisabeth had an extremely sheltered upbringing though?

The modbombs with Tasha and Elmo were amusing to read, especially knowing what happened later, at the ball.

I found it interesting that Faith didn’t want to attend the ball, that she did in fact make sure that she would have something Very Important to do that night (I like how you capitalized those words!) and that she’s still surprised that so many people seem to know her.

I haven’t read a thread where Faith is in her shop in a long time. That role suits her though, and she seems to genuinely care about her customers and make sure that she helps them. The clothes that she suggested to Tasha and Elmo sounds great in my opinion.

Clothes that act like armor and that keep you cool when you stand next to a forge? Yes, please!

I also like that you included pictures of the dresses in your post. They helped a lot in my opinion!

I enjoyed Faith’s talking about Isonmia and her life in Scalvoris. I’m already familiar with most of it, but it was interesting to read, nevertheless. That being said, I wonder if Elisabeth will pay the kindness forward and volunteer for Isonomia in exchange for the dress!

Enjoy your rewards!