RP:In a World Full of Trends, Be My Friend

Part of the Time Heals All Wounds Arc

Synopsis: Kailani is ready for a new wardrobe besides empowering armor, and you know who she asks? It's Penelope Halifax! Nel gives overwhelming fashion advice, but the two druids find that, even though Kailani is not a shopaholic, they do click. The two finally discover a new friendship.

Lucy's Crossing

Kailani was exactly where she had asked Penelope to meet her, but she the letter she had sent her fellow healer did not exactly give many details about what the druid might be wanting. What could Kai possibly want to do in Larket? It's not secret that the druid is not exactly keen on most civilized places, the larger they are the less she seems to like them. Cenril is the worst, in her opinion. The blue-haired woman is dressed in the same way that Penelope has seen her almost every time they have meet...That is to say, she's wearing her armor. All of it. She even has her weapon of choice strapped to her back, as per the norm. The entourage that the druid has been seen with as of late (Orion, the griffon, the baby dragon) do not appear to be anywhere in sight. No boys allowed on this trip, not even cute baby dragons. While Kai might look like she is about ready for battle at first glance, deep down she's actually feeling a little anxious and nervous for the request she is about to throw at Penelope.

Penelope :: Times were, at least, somewhat calmer. The air colder. Times were changing. Times were healing for the better, one would say. To brace “said” cold, the Ardelian dresses in leather leggings, black boots, a black shirt and a faux fur vest in order to bite back the chill. The letter from Kailani was received, and there was a feeling of nerves that began to boil. After the wave of Leon Lovik, would there be another obstacle to overcome besides Xioctl? Larket? What would Kailani want in Larket? Penelope’s mind wandered on the topic of witches, the monarchy; the whole other story in the world of Lithrydel before coming into the clear of Lucy’s. An odd choice for a meet, right? Especially for Kailani. Maybe the whole goal of the mission that Penelope was making up in her head was to act as casual as possible. Then again, what mission would it be? “Hey,” there is a squinty expression of curiosity. “What’s all the hub-bub? Not that it –isn’t- great to see you. I just, well, I mean unexpectedness is great—” okay the freckled druid just needs to stop talking now.

Kailani was lost within her own thoughts at the moment, currently trying to figure out the best way to lodge this request with Penelope. It may seem like such a simple request, but Kai is very much out of her element. Trying to make a friend? Participate in an activity that she does not normally....I mean clearly Kailani has to visit shops, how else would she get her armor? But shopping for armor was one thing...The druid turns to face Penelope on hearing the other woman's voice, looking absolutely, positively sheepish as she explains. "Ah, well. I just thought. Maybe we could hang out? And you could help me...with a slight problem. Something I am not really good at...? I have been thinking that maybe..." She motions to all the armor she wears. "That perhaps wearing this around all the time to -everything- is probably a little off-putting to some? And I was hoping for some input...so I don't pick some clothing out that it to...laughable?" The more she tries to explain herself, the more embarrassed she starts to look. Kai is definitely starting to turn a few shades of red. "I guess, I was hoping you would maybe be my shopping buddy for the day?"

Penelope cuts off her own spiral of words to listen to Kailani’s explanation. The expression on the woman’s face before her had Nel’s in a blank reflection. The expression, however, only lasted a blink before a grin begins to crack. The redder the blue-haired druid gets, the bigger the grin grows on Penelope’s face. “No way!” It is a burst of girlish delight. Kailani was asking for a day in Nel’s element plus… friendship? The gods knew Penelope needed a friend. Especially one to go shopping with. “I’d love to!” There is small bounce that plays in her footing. Moss eyes then look over Kailani to take in the armor that never seemed off-putting to her, “Not laughable. You symbolize strength. Empowerment. I don’t know the first thing about armor,” very true. “But on the other hand, some lighter stuff it might give you a bit of break from walking around in heavy gear all day,” eyes are still scanning the woman’s appearance. “Let’s do it. Think of all the color shades to play with!” There was an itch to tug on Kailani’s wrist to drag her in impulsively, but luckily the girl stopped herself. Instead, she moves to Lucy’s stall. “After you. Also, anything particular style? Edgy? Bohemian? Semi-formal, etcetera?” Penelope was the spitting image of… every type of style. Only kind of style she probably did not have was… a warrior-esc one which maybe one day could fit in her books. She would just need some help with that one at one point.

Kailani was instantly relieved when Penelope grinned. It was like this heavy weight was lifted off Kai's shoulders, and the druid could not exactly figure out why. Probably just anxiousness over participating in an activity that it outside of her box. Kai would happily help Penelope with a more warriory look, it would be a fair trade. That would be shopping that at least Kailani could understand. It will soon be painfully obvious to Penelope that Kailani is going to need -a lot- of helping in shopping for normal clothes. Just look at the deer-in-head lights expression she has on her facade when Penelope starting going on about styles and colors. She clearly had no clue what the heck Penelope was talking about...! But this is exactly why she picked Nel. She figured if there was one person who would not lead her astray in this endeavor, it would be Nel. Kailani follows after Nel into Lucy's shop, "Um," the druid says, "Practical...? And I don't know...what sort of colors go well with blue...?" This might be why Kailani seems to favor the color black. There was no chance it clashed with her vibrantly colored hair. "I was honestly thinking that...maybe something to attend meetings in? Or if I need to meet someone because they require a healer?" Kailani probably does not need to be wearing this much armor for those activities.

Penelope knew that very look when Kailani gives her the deer-in-head lights look. The same very one she got from Ruari a time or two when they went shopping. Yeah, that was sad that she had to drag Ruari of all people. This shopping spree was necessary, Nel concluded. Approaching the stall was easy with the clothes and merchants. Letting Kailani go first was a good thing, so she would not back out on such a fun time, of course! “Okay, well, I think I sort of know what you mean. As for blue, any different shades of blue work. Deep greenish teals. Silver, metallic, black, greys, whites.” The woman approaches a rack with hanging clothes. Silk and velvet blouses of all colors and cuts. “Say you don’t know what to wear, I always tell myself, start with center-piece. Maybe my main piece I want to wear that day is… an out there blouse with fun patterns, or maybe it’s a plain color with big sleeves. I love big sleeves,” that’s a side note, “Anyway, you want to dress around that one piece. So if I had an out-there blouse, maybe I dress it with a pair of simple black pants and heels because the ‘statement piece’ is the center-focus, right?” Fashion 101. It was almost time for a fashion montage! “For healing, maybe you want a statement bag! That’d be so sleek,” the woman pulls out a silken, dark metallic blouse with a v-cut and small frills on the cuffs of the sleeves. “See? Statement piece. Frills on the sleeves. A pop of metallic and it’d go –so- simple with black pants. If you don’t want heels, there’s flats or even like a short heeled boot! You should totally try that on!” Oh my. “You choose one. It never hurts to just try something on even if it doesn’t work. And number one tip, don’t get discouraged. Everything fits different on everyone and you just try again.” Nel is one chatty woman now.

Kailani was glad that she invited Nel, even if she was currently bit overwhelmed with fashion information. How many sets of clothing is a person supposed to have? How many different outfits does Penelope have? What does this woman's closet even look like? The information is enough to get Kailani's mind turning over the information, giving Penelope at least something to work with. "Well, I don't think I would like to own anything white. I would stain that with earth very quickly." Or blood. Or who knows what else. The druid finds herself in some interesting situations out in the wild. "I don't...actually have a home? At least not in the sense that most might think of a home. So maybe...we just need to find maybe like one or two good outfits?" Kailani is looking at the blouse that Penelope is pitching to her, eyes crossing ever so slightly at the thought of having to try clothing on. Armor was just such a pain to get in and out of, but if Kai was going to make this investment....? She may as well do it right. So...Kailani humors Penelope. She takes that frilled sleeve blouse, and then pulls the most simple of black tops she can find. It's long sleeved, no v-neck. Very modest. And then...! Kai pulls a greenish-teal tunic styled top for good measure. Finally, she locates a pair of pants...and then the stall set up for people to change in. Penelope is going to be waiting awhile...and hopefully they find an outfit Kailani likes, because it is highly unlikely the druid is going to want to put all that armor back on. Not with how long it is going to take her to get off. While Penelope waits, the druid at least tries her best to keep the conversation going -- an area everyone knows she struggles in. "So how have things been for you? I feel like it has been awhile. The last time was...that funeral? Slash...meeting..." Kailani was not entirely sure what to call that event.

Penelope :: Inside the Halifax cottage, well, let’s just say one could walk inside. Not that Nel was rich, but that was one request she gave her brother when Kel built their home. The good thing was Penelope had limited pants compared to tops, so at least she was minimal in that aspect, right? When Kailani mentions that she does not have a home, Nel frowns. Was this a good thing, or bad thing? Kailani liked nature, right? “Minimalist is good. Two outfits is manageable.” This was true. Maybe Nel should start becoming a minimalist. A lopsided smile then touches her lips at Kailani’s face. This was enjoyable, truly. In the midst of Kailani’s choices, the Ardelian trails behind and looks at a silken winter skirt. Did she need it? No, so she puts it back. “Oh, I like that color.” The greenish teal one, that is. The girl then waits patiently as Kailani tries on the outfits, and in the midst, she looks at some bags for Kailani’s medical purposes. Also, popping accessories never hurt, right? “Things are better. Leon, the boy, we managed to heal him.” The author was just lacking those writings, but the author was definitely tapped with holding out on some boy who should have died months ago *coughcough* anyway! “Now, it’s just a matter of… figuring out what normalcy is. I’m kind of stuck in that aspect. Then again, nothing is really –normal-. Plus I’m trying to get stronger for when you-know-who attacks in the oncoming weeks. Then, I’m looking for new opportunities for… opening a medical practice. I don’t know how or where to start, but I figured that’s my next goal. Maybe build a new home. It’s just some lingering thoughts. Nothing huge.” Moss eyes squint as she looks at the pockets in one of the purses. “How have you been? Who was that guy you were with at the funeral, uh, slash meeting?” Penelope was nosy.

Kailani would have put Penelope's mind at ease had she noticed that frown. Alas! Kai is busy, trying to wiggle out of her armor and into the items of clothing that have been selected. First up is black top that Kailani choose, because of course that is what she would want to try on first....Except Kailani must really not like that top because she does not even bother coming out of the changing stall. It's just hung back up on the hang. Next up...! Is that frilled top that Penelope picked out. Sorry Penelope, Kailani hates this one too...but she at least steps out of the stall, wearing said top and a pair of pants that she has picked out. The pants fit at least. "I am glad that the boy is doing better, that our trip to the desert was not in vain." Their conversation was causing a whirlwind of emotions within the druid right now. She is happy about the boy, mention of getting stronger to fight you know who is met with a very concerned frown...and that concern was born out of a great number of reasons, including nervousness that her druid friend will end up hurt in the process. "If you ever want to try and train together more before that battle...I am always willing." And Penelope wants Kai to talk about Orion on top of that? Which leaves Kai blushing, this time a far deeper shade of red than when Penelope saw her blushing earlier. It's painfully obvious, blue hair definitely makes that blush stand out. "His name is Orion. I can't say I was looking for someone..." Shocker. "But I am very glad that I have met him. I find that I care for him a lot." Kailani looks down at top she is wearing, the one Penelope choose. She felt a bit silly in frills, but even worse? The v-neck. Kai is tugging at it. "I think that...I feel very....much...like...someone can just look down?" Much like Kai is looking down her own top right now, like a goober. "And see too much?"

Penelope looks up from the satchels when Kailani comes out of the changing stall. The color of the metallic goes well with Kailani’s hair, but the frills seemed… off. The cut is fitting, however, in Penelope’s eyes. “Hm.” She is really observing the girl. “I really appreciate your help with that quest. We are getting him mobile again. He was sick for so long, it really took a toll.” The woman then lifts a deep green bag to the color of Kailani’s hair before while listening to her suggestion. “Honestly, that would probably be… beneficial. Krice, who I do not know if you have met, the one who stormed out of the meeting, used to train me, but I sort of blew that. Long story.” One involving her insane demonic ex. “Either way, combat is not really easy for me. Arrows, yes. Throwing daggers, kinda. I’m good with aim for the most part. As for actually throwing a punch or anything involving self-defense? Not in the slightest. Really the ‘battle’ I imagine will be possibly a frontline healer? I haven’t really talked to Lionel about it yet.” The girl then smirks at the glow that Kailani gives. “Orion. Hm,” she pretends to be nonchalant while putting the bag back down to grab another. “We never really strain to seek someone out. Sometimes it just happens. Then again, it’s all very confusing,” that was her own personal opinion. Lionel said that future Penelope wanted marriage, and she was still in a whirl about that comment. “I’m glad you found him.” At the v-neck tugging, however, Nel sort of tugs on Kailani’s sleeve before laughing. “Trust me, it feels that way feeling so ‘exposed’. It’s just a little breezy than that armor. Then again, if someone does look down, they may or may not be a sleaze ball.” As Kailani looks down, Penelope begins to snort like a little laughing pig. “Maybe you need something with a square cut. Or just a bit higher in the v-cut so you feel more comfortable. It takes a bit to get used to. My mom used to yell at me for pulling on my collars growing up. I always thought the same thing, but truly you cannot see much unless you are really truly trying to let everyone see. But I don’t like this blouse. Go try the tunic. That was a pretty and earthier color which seems very much like you.”

Kailani :: Poor Kailani can't even begin to wrap her mind around accessories right now, Penelope, sorry. The druid does not even seem to be batting a lash at those adorable bags the same way that Penelope is. Baby steps, you know? Kailani listens to everything that Penelope has to say, and when the woman makes her suggestions for what Kai should try next...? The druid is back into the changing stall to try that greenish-teal tunic on. Once back in the stall, Kai resumes the conversation. First with the romance, even if talking about Orion did leave the druid a blushing mess? There was only such much that she would actually end up gushing her feelings. Again, baby steps. At least she is talking, eh? "It was confusing at first, and then I stopped worrying over the details and just started trying to enjoy the moments." Lionel is not Orion though, Penelope is dealing with a whole different beast than Kailani. The subject shifts back to the more serious stuff while Kailani wrestles with this minor outfit change. "Do you have a weapon in mind then? Outside of a bow and arrow or a dagger? You will have to make a decision in that regard if you do not. We can test a few weapons, if you would like. Even if Lionel does not want any of the healers in the frontline?" Kailani was curious to know this detail as well. The stall curtain opens and outsteps Kailani, in the tunic and black pants. "It will still be good for you to know either way. Why don't you come out to the lake where Orion and I live one of these days soon, and we will work on this together?" The druid then holds arms outstretched in a 'what do you think' sort of way, but in reference to the outfit, not the training. Kailani at least felt more comfortable in the tunic-styled top. "Good enough, maybe? A decent start?" At least they managed to settle on one 'normal' not armored outfit for Kailani to wear, maybe?

Penelope was surprised they were talking as much as they were. Perhaps the two were growing on each other. Friendship was truly blossoming, and well, it did not hurt to have someone to actually talk to for once. The only thing that was surprising is that it happened to be the quiet druid, and there was a pleasing sensation that Nel had from this conversation. Comfort. “Small moments. That seems better than looking at the big picture.” Then again, Lionel –was- extremely different. As the subject changes, on the other side of the stall is a loud ‘pfft’ that vibrates out of the Ardelian’s lips. “Pfft, you’re not talking about some noble sword, are you? Because –that’s- a joke.” Which Penelope’s statement was the exact clarification Kailani would need. The woman did not have a weapon of choice, though a katana would not hurt. Lighter-ish. Yeah, they would have to decide that, and maybe she would need a lesson on armor too. “Then again, I think that’s probably a good idea.” As Kailani steps out, the girl finally stops with the accessories. Yeah, a bag may have been too overwhelming the first day. The way the teal complimented Kailani’s hair and the fit of her torso worked. “Good? Great enough.” Great enough? It was dry humor. “Beautiful color. Earthly and simple. Easy to move around in too. Great choice. You barely needed me, after all,” a smirk. “Let me buy it. It’ll be like a little gift of appreciation for Leon. I couldn’t have gotten that mallow without you, anyway.”

Kailani smiles, for a number of reasons. First there was the compliments that Penelope paid in light of the outfight. Second there was that little bit of dry humor, the druid did actually appreciate it. But the most important reason was that Kai was honestly just enjoying herself, even if they were pushing her outside of her comfort zone by a lot. It's okay though, it was all Kailani's idea, after all. It was nice to feel like Kailani had an actual friend. "How can you understand the bigger picture if you are not willing to embrace the tinier things within the picture? Then again...maybe don't ask the woman who has spent the last forty years of her life living alone." Which made Kailani, how old exactly? She did not look to be anywhere in her forties, definitely not older than that. There were some perks to being half-elf. Again the druid shifts back to the serious subjects, making a vague motion to her ranseur when Penelope jokes about some noble sword. "We will explore our options." Penelope's offer to pay is met with a light lift of the brow, "Mmm, no. I cannot accept it for that reason. I would gladly assist anyone who needed help with such a task without the expectation of payment." Kai felt obligated, as both a healer and a druid. "Now if you wanted to count it as a gift between friends..." Kai punctuates this with a wide smile and a wink.

Penelope stared at Kailani for a long moment. ‘How can you understand the bigger picture if you are not willing to embrace the tinier things within the picture’. That long phrase stumps her. It was quite obvious, yes, but for Nel it seemed almost poetic. Like a book, and everyone knew Nel liked words. That was a statement that would sit and, most likely, stick with the Ardelian. “No,” the girl shakes her head. “You’re right.” Moss eyes then trail over the woman. Alone for forty years. How could she have embraced that quiet for that long? There was a peak of curiosity not because Kailani was a half elf, because so was Ruari, and Linken was too, but the fact that neither of them could bear the thought of loneliness. Was she lonely all those years? Either way, Kailani was a breath of fresh air. Perhaps it was because Nel was learning the remaking of life and patching up the past. The refusal of appreciation makes the girl give off a straight nod, but then… friends. Kailani may have felt it too. The lightness. The girl then begins to give off that crooked smile again. “Sweet deal, -friend-. I think this will be the perfect gift for a new Kailani!” The girlie lady chimes before the smile fades to one that is very seriously faint. “I’m glad we met,” then, in an instance, the serious is gone with that big smile again. “Let’s go pay for that outfit now, shall we?” And with that, Nel is off to find the merchant.

Kailani :: Penelope's wonderings would be a conversation for a different day, though the answer was far simpler than the other druid might have imagined. The the two women meander over to the shop attendant so that Nel can treat her newest friend to a little gift. Thankfully nothing the druid has selected was anything that would do any major damage to Penelope's coin purse. At some point Kailani would also be collecting her armor, it just wasn't worth the effort to put it all back on. She'd just make the trip back home in her snazzy new outfit. It is after Nel has a chance to finish her exchange with the merchant that Kai pipes up again, this time to confirm, "I am also very glad we have met." In Kai's attempts to be more social, Nel was one of the very few people that Kailani has come to trust and care for. Why, the older druid might even be a bit protective of Nel and has been for a bit now. "And thank you very much for the gift." Kai smiles warmly. "...You will be coming out to the lake soon, yes?"

Penelope does the exchange of coins with the merchant after a few small talk questions. Once the exchange is made, and Kailani speaks up, there is an ease that washes over. She smiles, as usual and gives the girl the approval nod. "Anytime. My treat. I really like that tunic." Should Nel get one? No. Calm down, shopaholic. "I will be coming to the lake, yes. We can figure out the, uh, weapon stuff. Prep time. Plus, I get to visit, and that's always a plus." With a content little sigh, the girl then looks around. "I guess I best be off. I gotta get home to make supper for my brother and--yeah." And who? Well, that was another story. "I will be seeing you very shortly, I assume. You look great! And you take care, of course." And with that, that would be the temporary goodbye. Nel would hug because she is a hugger, but then again, she holds herself back for Kailani's social purposes. Kailani was already out of her comfort box. Anyway, the girl then gives a wave and begins to make her way south while glancing back a few times to smile like a giddy goofball.