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Post by Hadassah on Oct 26, 2023 3:56:04 GMT -5
Hadassah brushed herself off and offered Sylvari a helping hand if she needed it. Static pins and needles shot up her legs as she stretched them out, grunting quietly as she felt blood rush through her feet. It felt nice to be full-sized again, and after the experience proceeding her first potion, she certainly had more energy than before. Now she knew what might be helpful to know and what she should train herself in to be more prepared for the next encounter. She took in a deep breath and angled her face toward the sun, soaking in the pleasant warmth as she searched her mind for ideas on what to do next. Looking at Sylvari, she was reminded of her friend’s generous offer to teach her a few things within the sea domain. Now that they seemed to have some time, Hadassah figured it would be proactive to train a little before attempting to take on another quest.
“So, Sylvi,” Hadassah said softly, trying not to sound too desperate. “Do you think you might be able to teach me for a while? That is, of course, if you don’t have any previous engagements.” Hadassah smiled innocently as if she were begging, but she would not beg as she respected Sylvari’s time, especially after such an eventful day. “I understand if you would just like to rest for now as well. There are always other days.”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 26, 2023 10:29:22 GMT -5
Sylvari arose to her feet, wincing slightly at the remaining pain of her injuries, gratefully accepting her friend's hand. She was happy to see that Hadassah had regained her strength and energy. Sylvari smiled, hearing Hadassah's request.
"'A promise, once given, is like a branding iron, binding two souls together.' A favorite adage of my father, if you'll forgive the intrusion of some wisdom from the elder generation. I gave you my word, Addie, so of course I will honor it. Moreover, I think it is a noble thing to want to better yourself and master your potential.
"Though, if you'll forgive a brief excursion, I should think that I'll need to get my poor armor repaired. It's just as well: the blacksmith's shop is adjacent to the city gates, and I always find that practicing in nature, away from the distractions of civilization, is a sanctuary for the mind to learn."
Sylvari grimaced as she felt the wind on her back from where her armor had been shredded from the falling shrapnel. Magran's going to kill me.
Sylvari offered a hand out to her friend as she prepared to lead Hadassah through the city, noting with pleasure the sun, still high in the sky. We'll have a few hours yet. I'll need to feed tonight, though.
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Post by Hadassah on Oct 26, 2023 11:16:00 GMT -5
Hadassah beamed happily, accepting fully that she was doing a poor job of containing her excitement. “Your father sounds very wise,” she said, beginning to calm herself. It had been so long since she’d had a teacher. Her community taught her how to fight, and her mother taught her a bit of magic and how to read, but past the basics, she found no one around her had the time. She’d been practicing on her own with the limited knowledge and equipment she had, which felt futile at times. “Thank you for being so willing to teach me. I hope I can be a good student.”
Hadassah gave Sylvari a single nod, remembering quite suddenly that Sylvari was still injured and essentially unarmored. She peeked at her friend’s exposed back, wishing she had something to cover her with until they arrived to the blacksmith’s shop. Alas, at the moment she only had the rags on her back and some bindings for her hands. “Not a problem at all, Sylvi, anything you need. I would love to see more of the city anyway.”
Hadassah smiled kindly and took Sylvari’s hand. As they walked, she continued to soak in the sun, a light blush appearing on her cheeks as warmth returned to her body. In the light, her hair went from a deep brown, almost black color, to a hazelnut brown outlined with gold. She glanced at Sylvari, wondering if the glow she'd seen when they first met would return now that they were in the sun again. “Aside from our little…adventure, it’s a lovely day today. Is it always like this?”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 26, 2023 13:17:24 GMT -5
Sylvari sighed happily as she walked, taking solace in the daylight and her friend's proximity as they walked, despite her aching pain.
"Indeed. A lovely day. I can't say that I'm as fond of the city as traveling through nature, but Sol City is named thus for a reason. it is almost always bathed in the golden rays of the light."
As Sylvari walked she thought briefly about the fact that she would need to buy new clothing while her armor was being repaired, as her leather jerkin and woven shirt beneath alike had been destroyed in their encounter earlier. I wonder if Addie would like to go shopping. Her clothes certainly seem worse for wear, but its possible she has an emotional connection to them. How can I bring up the idea without seeming rude or presumptuous?
Sylvari's internal monologue was cut short as the pair reached Magran's blacksmith shop. Excitement at seeing her old friend and trepidation for the sorry state she had left her armor in swelled in Sylvari in equal measure as she led Hadassah inside.
As was customary for the shop, there was no one manning the counter, but sounds from the open forge in the back could be heard.
"Magran!" Sylvari called over the din. "It's Sylvari! I have some more work for you."
A few more minutes passed before a tanned man with a rugged beard and blackened soot covering his arms emerged. His frame was massive and hulking, a clear testament to the physicality of his profession. "Sylvari! Damned good to see you girl."
The blacksmith moved forward to envelope the justiciar in a hug, enveloping her in his arms like a parent might their child, given the size difference. He was conscious to kneel down and hug her at the waist to avoid marring Sylvari's light hair with the grime on his arms. The blacksmith's voice dropped as he began to speak in an accusatory tone, frozen in the hug.
"Sylvari..." Magran began, the allusions to a parent chastising a wayward child heightening with each passing moment. "What am I feeling on your armor? Why does the back feel like you used it for ballista practice?"
"Ah... about that. It seems my visit was more than just a social one... My armor may have taken the brunt of poor decision-making on my part.."
The blacksmith's displeasure was palpable, and the tension in the shop was so thick as to be able to be cut with a blade.
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Post by Hadassah on Oct 27, 2023 8:20:30 GMT -5
It felt too good to be true as Hadassah listened to Sylvari's words. She began to wander off in a daydream as she imagined herself sunbathing on her rest days, letting her hair down as she relaxing on soft grass, wet with morning dew. She saw herself in the city, reading books or maybe even enjoying a sweet cake while she explored and learned the streets of Sol City. Perhaps one day she would take herself shopping just because she could, and she would purchase for herself a nice gown, just in case. You never know when you might need a gown, she thought, ignoring the fact that she's never even worn a gown. On the days she would go exploring, when it eventually got too warm, she would find a natural body of water and swim for hours, practicing her magic if she felt like it and just being at rest. She could see herself waking early enough to see the sunrise and taking in the cool and fresh morning air as the sun painted the sky with gorgeous reds and purples and oranges. She let her mind stray further, imagining herself climbing tall trees, to see a clear starry sky in the evenings. As Sylvari led her inside the blacksmith's shop, Hadassah pulled herself abruptly out of her vivid daydreams and back to the present. One day at a time.
She smiled softly, watching the friendly interaction between Sylvari and the blacksmith, a great contrast from the potions vendor from earlier. They seemed so genuinely happy to see each other and it warmed her heart, making her think of the father she’d never met, but had to assume existed. I wonder if he knows I exist?
Hadassah wanted to butt in to say that Sylvari had not made any poor decisions and that the wrecked armor was partially her fault, but she decided against it for now, allowing them to figure out the armor issue without a stranger’s input. Not wanting to stand around awkwardly, Hadassah began to drift away, looking curiously at the wares around the shop, wondering how her small stature might look in bulky armor.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 28, 2023 0:09:14 GMT -5
Just when it seemed the large blacksmith might erupt in violence or at least a loud outburst of disapproval, a gentle smile broke upon his face as he patted Sylvari on the shoulder.
"Ah well, no use worrying about it now. You realized your error and will do better next time. I'm just glad my handiwork spared you from greater injury."
Sylvari shook her head with a chastising expression on her face and in her tone. "Magran. Do not sell your craftsmanship short. It saved my life: mine and my friend's here. Oh! Speaking of: Magran, I'd like to introduce you to Hadassah. She's a newcomer to the city but an excellent companion to have."
Magran looked over to Hadassah, as if seeing her for the first time. He took stock of the girl from head to toe, with the practiced, appraising eye of a merchant, before turning back to Sylvari and lifting a questioning eyebrow.
"Has she got the sense, girl?"
Apparently, this was a phrase that had some meaning for Sylvari, who merely smiled wide and nodded. The blacksmith smiled back in kind before walking over to Hadassah, wiping more excess soot from his massive hands, and extending one to her.
"Pleased to meet'cha. Name's Magran, but with the shop and the justiciar, I'd wager you already knew that. Thanks for looking after our mutual friend," the blacksmith whispered conspiratorially, gesturing with a thumb towards Sylvari. "You the type who prefers armor? Any friend of Sylvi's a friend of mine. I can make sure to get you kitted up right."
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Post by Hadassah on Oct 28, 2023 8:38:23 GMT -5
As Hadassah wandered around the shop, she stopped, glancing back to Sylvari and the blacksmith at the sound of her name. At the sight of the blacksmith looking at her, she flashed him a friendly smile and a wave, wondering what he could have been thinking as he looked at her. Hadassah raised her eyebrows slightly at the phrase "the sense". Sylvari seems to think I have that, whatever it could be. Her mind tried to guess, but she could only think of two things: magic, or common sense, both of which she would claim to have if asked. She assumed "the sense" was probably neither of the two and decided to let it go to save herself the trouble.
Her smile widened as the blacksmith approached her with an outstretched hand. She took it, of course and gave him a firm shake, noting how small her hand felt in his. "A pleasure to meet you, Magran," she responded with a small shake of her head. "Sylvi is the one looking after me, really. I have much to learn."
Though Hadassah was not against protection, she wondered how she would fare with armor on. She wondered if it would weigh her down or make her feel stiff, and if so, she couldn't decide if it was worth the trade-off. She supposed she should have asked Sylvari how she felt wearing armor, but the idea of Hadassah wearing armor hadn't crossed her mind. "I'm not entirely sure, sir. Perhaps I could try something light?"
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 28, 2023 14:10:01 GMT -5
"Magran..." Sylvari began in a chiding tone. "I'm already your best customer. You don't need to hound Addie to make a purchase as well."
The big blacksmith let out a bellowing laugh. "That you are, girl. Just making our friend here aware of the available options." He turned back to Hadassah with a kind smile on his face. "It's just a thought, Hadassah. You should fight however gives you the best chance of coming home."
A dark look overtook the man's visage before breaking back into a gentle smile an instant later. "Talk it over with Sylvari. She's certainly an example of the fact that armor doesn't need to hinder you, but you'll rarely be sorry for the extra protection."
Sylvari hummed in agreement and gave Hadassah a smile and nod, before turning to Magran to talk shop about armor repair costs.
"So, how long will it take you to fix?"
"The damage is pretty extensive," began Magran, who looked over the armor incredulously. "I'll have to basically recreate the back portion of the cuirass, plus getting all the dents out of the greaves and gauntlets. That shield is grisly too. I'd say it'll take a week, but for my best customer, I can get it to you by this time tomorrow."
Sylvari looked visibly relieved at Magran's prediction. "Thank you as always, my friend. Luckily, Addie and I aren't planning on martial training. I'll see you tomorrow, then."
"Take care. Try to remember that you'll end up looking like this armor if you get into a similar scrap before tomorrow!"
Sylvari merely smiled and shook her head, coming before Hadassah to see if she was ready to leave. "Well, Addie, if you'll forgive one more detour before training, I should think I need a new outfit." She gestured to her jerkin and the soft fabric beneath, both shredded to ineffectiveness, quite immodest in some places. "I'll buy you one too as a thank you?"
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Post by Hadassah on Oct 29, 2023 13:32:02 GMT -5
“Thank you, sir I appreciate that,” Hadassah nodded her head in consideration. She noted the sudden change in Magran’s features, perhaps pain or sorrow lay underneath, but she certainly didn’t know enough about him to tell, not that it was her business to know in any case. She imagined how differently the day could have played out if Sylvari had no armor, and a small wince crossed Hadassah's face before she could ignore the morbid thought.
Hadassah nodded toward Magran before flashing Sylvari a smile. She would take the time to ask her about armor later, and maybe she would try some on another time and make a decision. Perhaps some extra protection would be helpful, especially if she decided to take on more quests.
“Not a problem at all,” Hadassah answered Sylvari enthusiastically, recognizing that she would benefit greatly from having something new and clean to wear. She figured a new outfit might be a good way for her to integrate into a new city as well, though, looking at Sylvari, it was clear that her friend was much more in need of new garments than she was. “Oh no, I couldn’t let you do that, you already have your armor to worry about. I’m sure I can find something within my budget, though the offer is very kind.” Hadassah had no idea what prices looked like for clothing in the city, but she wouldn't feel good about herself if she let Sylvari purchase something for her, especially something non-essential. She felt she should be buying Sylvari’s clothes instead, as payment for training.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 30, 2023 9:53:44 GMT -5
A pronounced frown found its way onto Sylvari's lips, as she found herself caught between the confines of polite propriety and her desire to be generous and repay her friend's kindness.
"If you are concerned about my personal finances," Sylvari began slowly and strategically, "please be at ease. I find very little other than essentials to spend on, and even then, I'm left with unwanted coin. Try though I might to convince them otherwise, the people I assist usually insist I take payment, and I can't in good conscience deny their generosity. I would very much like to buy you something as a token of my appreciation for your grace in light of... recent revelations. Nevertheless, I will not press you if it makes you uncomfortable, Addie. I can content myself simply in your company." Sylvari gave a smile more radiant than the noonday sun, the easy smile of someone with true joy in their heart.
As she spoke with her friend, Sylvari led Hadassah through the winding streets towards the edges of the market district, expertly navigating the civilized labyrinth. How far I have come in such a short time. It wasn't so long ago that big cities had me overwhelmed and lost without guidance. Perhaps it's the nature of people to adjust to new circumstances quickly.
Presently, the pair came to a little boutique boasting dresses, gowns, and other soft fabrics. Sylvari gave her friend a questioning look, as if to ask whether the chosen tailor would be sufficient for her needs.
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Post by Hadassah on Oct 30, 2023 12:04:35 GMT -5
Hadassah almost immediately felt regret as Sylvari’s smile fell in response to her declination. She didn’t mean to be rude or ungrateful by any means. She analyzed herself for a moment, finding feelings of shame and inadequacy there. She didn’t feel comfortable with Sylvari buying her anything because she barely felt worthy of her friendship, let alone a gift, though she wasn’t entirely sure why she felt that way. As Sylvari began to speak, Hadassah’s self-analysis was cut short, but not before she made a mental note to explore those seemingly out of place feelings at a later time. It wouldn’t hurt just this once. My coin purse would certainly appreciate it.
“Well, if you really would like to buy me something,” Hadassah strongly emphasized “really” as she leaned forward on her toes, then back. “I shall accept your offer on the condition that you pick out my next outfit. I’ve never gone shopping and most likely wouldn’t know how to put one together.” Hadassah motioned to her old tunic and slacks jokingly. “As I’m sure you can tell.”
As Hadassah followed Sylvari through the city, she realized that she might not have the brain capacity to remember all the streets they'd walked through, as she’d hoped. At some point I could search for a map, she thought, shaking her head. Or I could attempt to draw my own on a piece of parchment and try to learn the city that way.
Finally, as they stopped before a boutique, Hadassah’s eyes sparkled at the sight of the selection of gowns and dresses in a number of styles and colors. This is where I will buy my gown one day. She only wished that once she had the coin to buy it, she would find an appropriate place to wear it. Her imagination ran wild again as she stared for a moment into the boutique before turning to Sylvari happily. “Let’s have a look in here.”
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Oct 30, 2023 13:50:19 GMT -5
Sylvari was not able to restrain her amusement as she laughed suddenly and loudly in the marketplace at Hadassah's compromise. Her hearty cackling was the first crack in the noble and elegant façade that she had thus far presented for her friend, excepting the obvious monster within. Sylvari felt a pang of disappointment to have sundered expectations, but her genuine joy, and the more pragmatic part recognizing that such humor was the indication of true bonds of friendship, won over, as Sylvari eased into child-like joy.
When she was finally able to bring her laughter to an easy smile. "Girl, I walk around in full plate. My fashion is designed with the express intent of never being seen. If you profess to be uninitiated in the echelons of high fashion, then you have my companionship, one novice to another. Luckily, for both of our reputations, the seamstresses within have a keen eye for such things."
Still smiling ear-to-ear, Sylvari led her friend into the small shop. The pair was greeted with a tiny chorus of welcomes as the three tailors within leapt to their feet to assist. "Good afternoon, ladies. My friend and I are in dire need of some new apparel. I shan't speak for dear Addie, here, but I, at least am wholly unequipped to make such decisions. Would you please assist us?"
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Post by Hadassah on Nov 2, 2023 3:48:21 GMT -5
Hadassah snorted in laughter before clapping a hand to her mouth as Sylvari cackled loudly, breaking the upstanding demeanor that Hadassah had come to know. This was a new side of Sylvari that she hadn’t truly seen up until now, and she most definitely hadn't heard Sylvari laugh like this, but she found it incredibly contagious. It brought her great joy to know she could make her friend laugh, and her cheeks reddened as she erupted in laughter as well, completely ignoring the glares she received from citizens who passed by. For the first time, she didn’t care about being disruptive or rude, though she did feel silly in a good way.
“Glad to know I’m not the only one uneducated about fashion.” Hadassah rubbed a thumb against her sore cheeks once her giggling subsided. As Sylvari led her into the shop, she quickly began to feel overwhelmed with eagerness and she looked around at the different types of garments, though she found it difficult to imagine herself in them. Hadassah saw some of the presenting garments on the people they’d walked past throughout the day and thought they’d looked rather nice, but she wondered if they would have the same effect on her own body.
As she looked around, Hadassah blinked at the selection of dresses, trying to imagine how she would look, realistically, in such feminine styles, considering she’d known nothing but poorly made slacks and a small selection of hand-me-down coats and tunics during her childhood, not that she needed much else. Even jewelry was something she hadn’t considered. She wore hairsticks with small gold inlays along the ends, and occasionally she wore earrings and cuffs made of gold, handed down to her by her mother and grandmother, but she rarely wore them, as they felt unnecessarily heavy on her arms and ears. Overall, she was not known for dressing elegantly, but maybe she could start.
As they approached the tailors, Hadassah gave them a soft smile and nodded to Sylvari in agreement, hoping they truly would be able to point them in the right direction. “Preferably nothing too heavy, please,” Hadassah said shyly, hoping her request would not be too much trouble for the staff.
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Post by Sylvari Dawnsage on Nov 2, 2023 13:00:31 GMT -5
In a whirlwind of motion, the three attendants swirled around the pair with all manner of clothing, as if they three were garment elementals. They presented a wide selection of choice materials and pieces, far exceeding what Sylvari's fashion-uneducated mind could conceive.
For Hadassah, given her stipulations, the seamstresses brought out a collection of silk gowns, of airy sundresses, and of flowing tops with accompanying skirts and shorts. Sylvari would prove to be both an easier and a harder customer, having a firm idea of what she wanted, much to the tailors' collective dismay.
"If you would be so kind as to point me to a form-fitting tunic and breeches, short or long: such things are of no importance."
The attendants looked to one another in shock and horror, a reaction that seemed far too out of place for Sylvari's sensibilities, unaware of any social faux pas that she had committed.
"Please, Miss, don't say such things! You have a beautiful figure. To refuse to take advantage of the blessing would be as if..." the younger one began. "It would be as if spitting in the gods' very faces." The older one continued.
Sylvari went wide-eyed at such a condemnation, but the three workers seemed to be in agreement with the outlandish claim.
The as-of-yet silent seamstress reached over to one of the stands to retrieve a dazzling black gown of exceptional quality. "Here, Miss, why don't you try this on. It will compliment the veil you wear and stands as good contrast to your lovely light hair and fair skin." The other two immediately gasped and nodded their heads in vigorous agreement.
Sylvari merely blinked wordlessly and stared at her friend in wide-eyed surprise, a nervous smile quivering at the corners of her mouth.
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Post by Hadassah on Nov 2, 2023 14:07:49 GMT -5
Hadassah’s eyes widened as the seamstresses presented her with some of the most lovely dresses and garments she’d ever seen in the blink of an eye. She cocked her head to the side as she quickly examined the pieces they selected for her, tuning out just about everything else going on around her. After a moment, her eyes locked onto one dress in particular. She took a breath as she reached out to touch the silky fabric of a dark red fitted gown, mostly open in the back with strings forming thin X’s across the upper back. The skirt had two slits that ran up to the waist of the dress, as if the front and back of the skirt were separate pieces of fabric sewn together seamlessly. I could fight in this if needed. The skirt won’t hinder my legs. She almost couldn’t believe how soft and breathable the material felt as she gently rubbed the silk between her fingers. She didn’t want to be hasty and say this would be the gown she wanted, but she found it difficult to even look at the other options, though she would at least consider them out of respect for the attendants’ work and Sylvari’s generosity.
Sylvari being corrected by the seamstresses was the only thing that eventually pulled Hadassah’s attention from the gown. They spoke with such certainty and disapproval in response to her friend’s request that she felt secondhand embarrassment, as if she herself had committed a heinous fashion crime of some sort.
Hadassah gasped audibly as the third seamstress selected for Sylvari a black gown. Though she knew little about fashion, she absolutely agreed, without a doubt, that her friend would look stunning in such a dress. Hadassah nodded emphatically toward Sylvari, her eyes saying, This dress was made for you. “It’s beautiful, Sylvi. You should try it on at least.”
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