When in Rharne (Augustin's Boutique - Faith)

[Elisabeth Black]

16 Vhalar, Arc 720

To be clear – she knew nothing about fashion. Less than nothing. It was not something that academics normally worried about and for better or worse, that was the environment she grew up in. Clothes were clothes and if they were functional, so much the better! However, she had heard rumors about something called the "Mummer’s Ball" and there were parts of the rumors that sounds too interesting to pass up. She wasn’t the social type at all…but if she could learn interesting things in the process by keeping her ears and eyes open, she would consider it worth the trouble. Lore had even offered to escort her to make sure she stayed out of trouble.

As if...

Stepping into the boutique, Elisa immediately knew she was out of her depth. While she enjoyed beautiful things, she had never seen the purpose behind fancy clothing. There were some in academics that would argue that clothing was an art form all itself – just art that was worn, but that had never swayed her much. She often thought that perhaps it was just a way for people to draw attention to themselves…but that wasn’t something she had ever felt the need to strive for. At the event, for example, she needed to blend in and see if she could learn something of Madame Leona and her alleged connection to Daia – standing out would be contrary to her objective.

On the other hand, she needed something that would allow her to at least appear not out of place, and for that, she needed a new dress. Nothing in her current wardrobe would do and the boutique came highly recommended. As well, she had heard that the owner used proceeds from the business to help charities and that was something Elisa could respect. If she had to buy a dress, at least it was for a good cause.

[Pig Boy]

Tasha & Elmo

"C'mon Elmo! You know you like the pretty colors! I see how you practically drool over the reds of a hot iron all the time..." Tasha teased him, as she swept into Augustin's boutique. Elmo wasn't far behind, and entered with a plodding gait, looking every bit as if he was under duress and captive to the woman dragging him along.

Elmo muttered glumly, practically grinding his teeth through every word, "Don't call me that. I have a real name."

"Shh! You'll ruin the game!" Tasha slapped his muscular shoulder, and smiled despite herself. "Besides, Lar gave us only so much time to spend on this... And you can only take the time if you agreed to see me to the ball... soo..." She giggled, and then slid up to the counter, waiting for service from whoever was there that day.

Elmo, for his part, drifted listlessly through the shop. He found himself next to Elisa, searching through the various garments on display, and pawing the displays carelessly as if he needed something to occupy his hands. He grunted at Elisa as he kept a respectful distance, nodding at her rather awkwardly. "I hate fancy things, and I hate dancing..." He confided in her, as if looking for a sympathetic soul.

He grumbled despite himself, and continued fumbling in his perusal of the suits that were on the displays. He shrugged to himself, talking sideways to Elisabeth, "So, I suppose you're going too?" He grumbled again. "Seems everyone and their grandmother is going to this place, from Mistral to as far as Ivorian... I don't see why I should get dragged here, when anyone else could've kept Tasha company... Oh, I'm Elm by the way."

[Faith Augustin]

16th Vhalar, 720

Faith knew about the Mummer's Ball, of course. She'd heard about it and had made it her business to find out as much about it as possible. Who was going to be there, of course - but when and where it was, the purpose of it, and so on.

And then, she'd made sure that she had something Very Important to do that night.

Since the War, Faith had a very good intelligence network and so, when she'd received her invitation to the Ball, she'd already known about it for a while and had made sure her plans were set in stone. So, she'd had to very regretfully RSVP in the resoundingly negative. But, of course, it had meant that business had picked up at the boutique. This was a very good thing, as far as Faith was concerned, because all the profits from this boutique went to fund the charity projects she ran. It had worked that way since inception - and she'd have it no other way. So, on this particular trial, the young woman was working.

It was nice to be here, working in the boutique; from her point of view, it was a quieter pace than she was used to. So, when the bell above the door tinkled, she made her way out into the main shop. The woman who walked in from behind the desk was short - five foot four, if she lied a bit, and very pale of skin. Jet black hair was pulled back and tied out of her face with a red ribbon and the young woman smiled. Probably Faith's most noticeable feature was the shade of her eyes - a blue so pale, they seemed almost silver. "Welcome to Augustin's boutique," she said, her gaze encompassing all three of them. "I'm Faith Augustin, it's a pleasure to meet you." There was no expectation that anyone would know who she was from the dark haired proprietor of the shop. Frankly, it still surprised her that so many people seemed to know her.

"Clothes for the upcoming ball?" The woman who was at the counter was closest, but Faith looked at, and included, all three of them. "I'd be very happy to help you pick something out, if you'd like? Equally, you're more than welcome to simply browse, if that is better for you." Earnest silver eyes regarded them all as she gestured around the room. "What would be your preference?" If they wanted help, Faith was able to work with them, suggesting colours, asking about styles, things like that. First and foremost, though, she knew, it was important that they were comfortable in what they wore. And that started here, so she waited to see what they'd like to do.

[Elisabeth Black]

As she was waiting for inspiration to strike, the door to the boutique opened and a pair of new customers appeared. While acting like she was minding her own business, she didn't...and listened to their humorous banter. It was an unfortunate habit that she couldn’t quite seem to break no matter how hard she tried. It appeared they were all there for similar reasons for the same event and while she didn’t know much about the Mummer’s Ball, it was starting to look like a bigger event than she had originally thought. Hopefully, when it was all said and done, she wouldn’t look back on the experience and regret the decision to go.

She didn’t think much of the pair until the man wandered her direction and began sorting through the colorful racks. His remark to her triggered a brief smile before she replied softly.” Fancy things are nice to look at…but I’ve never relished being wrapped up in one. Besides, you are doing far better than I am. I haven’t even gotten the courage up to look through the racks yet….and let’s not even get on the subject of dancing…”

She understood his frustrations – even sympathized – so it was hard to keep the teasing tone out of her voice. “Yes, I’m attending. I’m new in Rharn and some of the people I know thought it might be good for me to go. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Elm. I’m Elisabeth…”

Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of a smiling woman who presumably worked at the boutique. The last name was the same as the establishment itself so possibly the owner...but she didn’t want to presume. She had guessed accurately why they were all there – again lending to the theory that this was a huge city event.

While normally not one to want to go first, she did have an overwhelming desire to get the humbling experience over with. Giving a soft nod to Elm as she stepped away and acknowledging the other woman with a smile, she moved forward towards Faith and began what she could only describe as confessing.

“Hello. I’m Elisabeth and I fear I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m attending the Ball and need a dress. I’ve never had a fancy dress before so I can’t even give you an idea of what type of material I’m looking for. Something…understated but not so understated that I stand out…if that makes sense?”

When it came to fashion, she was utterly clueless. It showed. A lot.

[Pig Boy]

Tasha & Elmo

”Elisabeth, yeah well met.” At the encouragement she gave him, that he at least had the initiative to browse the racks, he shrugged, ”Hmph, I’m just hoping to find something actually useful… A cloth that can withstand the heat of a forge or a bad spill of a hammer. Something functional, you know, but…” Elm grumbled again, letting go of the racks, which he was more or less browsing out of a sense of needing to do something with his hands. ”It ain’t for interest in whats in them. Looks like a bunch of frilly, fancy, nonsensical ribbon to me…”

Tasha looked over her shoulder fondly at Elmo, and snickered, ”Quiet, you love it.” She turned apologetically to Faith, ”What’s say we dress him up before me? It might be a challenge to get him in anything that isn’t an apron and leather tunic…”

”But first, yeah she was here first!” She nudged her head in the direction of Elisabeth. ”We can wait, and I’ll try to keep Elm from knocking over any of your pretty and colorful displays.” Having said that, Tasha drifted over toward Elm, allowing that Faith could engage with Elisabeth. She gave Elisabeth a smile and a friendly nod, practically skipping over toward Elm.

Faith would’ve heard all manner of intelligence about who was attending, and who might attend. Yet there was a cloud over the entire thing. She did have a good grip on Rharne, and there were several mysterious personages arriving into Rharne from all over recently, whose identities were strangely obscured as if by some masquerade.

Yet she did know who was in Rharne and of Rharne, and of those who would attend the Ball itself. If she wished to find out more, she could consult her contacts, if she wished to delve any deeper that was…

[Faith Augustin]

16th Vhalar, 720

Faith's eyes met Tasha's and there was a momentary flash of recognition. Then, she looked to Elmo and she smiled. Tasha suggested dressing him first, and Faith nodded. "I would suggest that if it seems like a bunch of frilly, fancy, nonsensical ribbon, then you are not looking close enough." Her silver eyes met his, her gaze not dropping. "I can make you clothing which keeps you cool and comfortable even when you stand next to a forge, which acts as armour whilst being made of silk." With a slight - just a slight - raise of her eyebrow, she added. "Like a shield." She smiled slightly, looking at him and she considered it carefully. "I would suggest that perhaps you would like a deep, darker colour but with a very subtle colour change? Functional, attractive, but not ostentatious or unusual to any, except those who have the sense to look closely?" To Tasha, she nodded her head and gestured. "I hope that our wares meet your standard, and you find something which gives you pleasure."

As they moved away, Faith turned her full attention to Elisabeth. She listened to the woman speak and Faith nodded. Listening to what Elisabeth said, Faith smiled and was quick to reassure. "It's not something you need to know, what you want. Most people don't, when they come here." It was true. People came here not sure at all. Faith stepped back and looked at the woman, and then she nodded. "So, I'm going to suggest something without sleeves, so that you don't have things trailing around and, as such... hmm... what about something like this?"

Leading her over to one of the racks, Faith chatted as she went. "We can adjust the off-the-rack for you, or we can make something entirely bespoke. I'm happy to do either, and we accept a number of means of payment," she added. "Since no profit is taken from here, I have often exchanged items for time - volunteering with charities, for example. It is your choice. Alright... so I think what we need to do is accentuate your eyes. They're beautiful." She had no question about that, no doubt at all.

"My first idea is this," Faith said and lifted a blue dress from the rack. "The ombre, or colour change, can be to any colour you want, or to a piece of fabric which is constantly changing colour. The only issue I see is that you might feel exposed, with the bare shoulders, so you may prefer..." A few gowns along to the left, and she pulled out another. Looking at Elisabeth, she watched the woman's reaction. "We are just starting here, lets look at what is comfortable for you, and from there, we can continue to refine. We'll find the right dress for you and, if there are parts of one or both of these you like, we can include that aspect in the final thing."

Then, she waited to see what the customer thought.

[Elisabeth Black]

Elisabeth smiled at both Elm and the woman with him, then returned her focus to Faith. It was nice to be reassured that she didn’t need to know anything about fashion to obtain a dress…but she still felt very much out of her element. She offered a grateful smile to her as she was led to a nearby rack. Nodding her head gently, she listened and absorbed what Faith had to say about perhaps not wanting sleeves and trailing things. “I agree. It’s usually still pleasant this time of year although in the evenings it can get a bit cold. Perhaps a matching cloak or shawl?”

As they walked, Faith spoke of different forms of payments and such. That subject almost interested her more than the actual dress shopping itself. One of the reasons she had picked her establishment was because of the charity aspect but she hadn’t realized the depths of the connection to the community. While in Viden, she had often volunteered with various causes attached to the Academy. While in the beginning it had been Vin and Rilith’s idea, she surmised after a time that learning about each cause and helping wasn’t something that bothered her, and she happily continued to participate. Giving a soft laugh, she responded thoughtfully. “I’m actually glad you brought the subject up. I’m new to Rharne - working at the Institute with my family - and would be happy to devote time to working with local charities that need an extra hand. I would even be happy to do that and pay for the dress, if allowed. I think helping those less fortunate is a noble and worthwhile cause.” It was how she said the last remark that would possibly stand out to anyone that heard it. She hadn’t ever had much…but what she did have was precious to her and she understood many in Idalos had far less.

The sentiment wasn’t just novelty – Elisa believed it to her core.

The compliment about her eyes was met with an uncomfortable smile – she had never known how to take compliments gracefully. The two dresses presented were stunning but found that she had a clear preference. Pointing to the first one, she gave the dress another more critical look. “I think this one. The color is beautiful, and the lines are simple. At least, I think that’s what I’ve heard people call the outline of the dress? It seems to be exactly what I’m looking for. “

That wasn’t exactly the truth, but the dress checked all the boxes and with Faith having picked it out, it would assuredly allow her to mingle at the Ball without standing out.

[Faith Augustin]

16th Vhalar, 720

Faith nodded and considered for a moment. "A fine lace shawl, I think, with the colours of the dress in it? I'll make sure it's included." It was nice when a sale was easy but, of course, Faith would nonetheless make sure that Elisabeth had the full experience. So, she gestured to a side room, "We'll get you measured up and make sure that this is as comfortable as it is flattering." When Elisa said that she was working at the Institute, Faith's expression softened and she smiled. The woman worked at the Institute? Elisabeth?

Faith's memory - thanks to her blessing from Vri - was perfect and so she racked her memory for just a trill and then smiled. As she did, she led Elisa into a small and comfortable room, a well-equipped changing room with seats and mirrors aplenty. Also, of course, hooks on the walls for gowns - all of which were empty currently, except one which had a robe on it. "You are Vin and Rilith's daughter, Elisa?" She beamed in pleasure as she realised that. Of course, that meant this young woman probably knew exactly who she was, if she thought about it. But equally, one didn't make assumptions, either - and it wasn't likely to find the Chancellor of your University in a clothes shop. Unless, of course, it was this Chancellor, and this shop. "I'm Faith Augustin. The Chancellor there." She smiled and gestured around slightly - out into the shop. "I also run the Order of the Adunih and Isonomia - and we are always looking for more members. The funds from here go directly to the Order and Isonomia, all of them." Faith took no profit from here, she never had.

"So, if you wish to do both, I will not turn you down, Miss Hallowswift," such was the name of the professors, so such Faith assumed Elisabeth's name was, "we are always looking for people. With everything happening at the moment, we're all very focused on stopping it. There's a lot of research underway at the Institute, in order to try and find out what's been causing the ... flame-mutated creatures." Faith didn't doubt that Elisabeth knew what was happening at Storm's Edge, so she didn't explain any further. "The Order is currently getting ready with supplies and resources, Isonomia is trying to prepare the Dust Quarter, and shore up defences." Faith sighed just slightly, her silver eyes flicking to the shop. "And yet, there are dances. Still, each dress is funds for the relief and preparation, so that's a good thing."

Moving, Faith hung the dress on a hook, and she smiled at Elisabeth. "Now, would you like to try it on first, or shall I measure you?"

OOC Info for you!

The Order of the Adunih in Rharne
Order of the Adunih Globally (on the wiki)
Isonomia in Rharne
Isonomia Globally (on the wiki)

[Elisabeth Black]

Moving to the side room that Faith indicated, she nodded her understanding of the process. It was then that their conversation took a bit of a turn when Faith mentioned Vin and Rilith. Definitely not expected. Giving Faith a quick, but curious smile, she confirmed the question. “Yes, Vin and Rilith are my adoptive parents. “ Elisa, still curious as to where the conversation was headed, listened as Faith revealed who she was. “Of course. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Chancellor Augustine. I did note the name of the shop, but I didn’t put everything together. Forgive me – it’s been a whirlwind of a trials since we got here. There’s been a lot to learn in this new city. It’s very different from Viden.”

The woman mentioned that she also ran the Order of the Adunih and Isonomia – organizations that Elisa had heard rumblings of while at the Institute. “Really? You keep busy! I believe both Vin and Rilith had mentioned wanting to volunteer in the Order’s garden if there was room. They are both avid gardeners. Rilith found out about the garden when she went to the branch building to observe some of the healing services in action. She was very impressed.” It was the truth – and Rilith was rarely impressed. Elisa had spent arcs trying to get a rare compliment out of her. Always kind, her adoptive mother was a very tough, but fair, professor.

She had to admit, she was a little less familiar with Isonomia, and admitted as such to Faith. “I’ve heard of Isonomia but other than it being an organization that helps people, I’m not exactly sure what it involves. I’ve meant to look into both organizations but again…. busy trials,” explaining with a smile. “I confess that I’ve overheard some things at the Institute regarding creatures and some danger that has been happening. I’ve wanted to find out more, but the people involved seem to be keeping it out of public view. I’ve surmised that something very big happened right before we arrived in Rharne.” Elisabeth was a smart girl but even her abilities had their limits. Between moving, learning her way around in a new city, and all her new responsibilities, she had been a bit swamped. In saying as much, she felt bad that she hadn’t tried harder to find out what was going on…but maybe she could rectify that.

“I’d be happy to help with any research that needs to be done. I have a few specialties that might come in handy but mostly, I just know how to dig for information and see patterns. A linguistics background has been good for teaching that skill,” she offered. She really didn’t expect to be taken seriously but her offer was. Faith didn’t know anything about her so there was no way she could know if Elisa could be trusted. If this matter was as serious as it was being made out to be, you turn to people you know you can trust. She was fully prepared for her to politely decline the offer and Elisa wouldn't have blamed her a bit. She was rather pragmatic in that way.

In the meantime, there were indeed dances to attend and dresses to be fitted.

Giving her another smile, she gently shrugged her shoulders and laughed. ” I’m not sure. This is the first time I’ve done anything like this. Maybe try the dress on first and see how much it needs to be altered?" It was right then that she remembered one thing she had forgotten to tell the other woman. "Oh...and it's Angelus. Elisabeth Angelus - for future reference. It's not a big deal, really...but I thought you might want to know. Vin and Rilith insisted that be my surname but they've never explained to me why - only that it was important. " Truthfully, it was just one of many mysteries about her past that still plagued her. Arcs had been devoted to pleading her adoptive parents to tell her what they knew...but to no avail. And with no clues to go off of...

Maybe sometrial....

[Faith Augustin]

[glow=red16th Vhalar, 720[/glow]

Chancellor Augustin? Faith waved her hand slightly with a smile. "Faith is my given name," quite literally. It was the name which had been given to her at seventeen arcs old in order to make things easier for her then-owner. It still surprised her, sometimes, and rather snuck up on her. "Augustin is the one I stole from my husband," Faith said with a gentle smile. As she spoke, she measured Elisabeth with a casual efficiency which spoke of a lot of practice. That it was different from Viden, Faith had to agree with.

Elisabeth seemed keen to help and Faith, being who she was, had a very simple philosophy. "I try to never turn away a volunteer," she said with a smile. "And you're right, there have been a number of attacks on Storm's Edge. Over the last few seasons, in fact," Elisabeth wasn't alone in not realising how bad things were. Faith was inevitably amazed at how people who had lived here for arcs didn't know what was happening, so a young woman who had just arrived a short time ago not being aware was more than reasonable in her eyes. "Isonomia has a simple goal," she said, quietly. "The word means 'a state of political equality', true equality. So, our aim is to eradicate poverty and abolish inequalities." She smiled, well aware of just what that was, as a task. "Impossible, I'm sure. But then, I've been told many things are impossible and, thus far, that hasn't stopped me."

Continuing on with the work at hand, Faith explained. "Storm's Edge traditionally stands as a sort of defence between the Storm Wastes and Rharne itself. It's quite the place, or was," The place had been under siege for nearly an arc now and that took a heavy toll. As for Elisabeth's credentials, Faith had been at the beginning of her research career and she knew that the simple truth of research, investigation, problem solving, they were all fundamentally the same thing. The sheer determination to wade through as much information as was needed to be fully informed and reach a reasonable conclusion. There was nothing glamorous in it and, while there were techniques which made things more accessible, sped the process up, it was nonetheless time consuming and that was that.

"And honestly, a fresh perspective can be worth its weight in gold," she said and fully believed it. Faith absolutely dreaded the idea of ever being stuck in her ways, of making assumptions and missing something because of it. "I've bought a building to use as our base here at the city. Just outside the city walls. We're meeting there tomorrow. I can arrange for a carriage for you, if you like?" Faith continued with the dress-making. Elisabeth's second name was Angelus, but her parents refused to tell her why? Faith found that more than a little unfair, frankly, but she said nothing. "Well, it's lovely to meet you Elisabeth Angelus," she said. Then, with the dress finally pinned and tucked where it needed to be, she raised an eyebrow. "What do you think?"

Because, of course, that was why they were here.