RP:The Charmeuse Couture
Summary: A new store appears along the fashionable streets of Elimdor!
North Drakenheart Lane
The dark grey-green path of the shopping district continues this way, branching off into smaller paths, on the west side, that lead to each one of the places of business through here. On the east side of the path, market carts and stalls line the way between the lamp posts, with each of the vendors shouting about their wares and any sales they might have. The branching path on this part of the road seems to lead to a magical supply shop.
Cynarith stands on the cobblestone pavement along Drakenheart Lane, her gaze fixed on the quaint shop nestled between the towering buildings that line the street. The shop’s wooden sign swings lazily in the breeze, adorned with an intricate script that reads “Spellbound Sewing.” Dressed in a sleek black coat that billows slightly in the gentle wind, Cynarith cuts a striking figure against the backdrop of the bustling street. Her rose-gold hair catches the sunlight, casting a soft, radiant glow around her. Turquoise eyes scan the passing crowd with keen observation, her expression a mixture of anticipation and curiosity.
Despite the hustle and bustle of the busy thoroughfare, Cynarith remains poised and composed, her demeanor exuding an air of quiet confidence as she fiddles with a pair of keys in her lace gloved hand. She shifts slightly, adjusting the strap of her satchel slung casually over her shoulder, a subtle reminder of her purpose here. As she waits for Lady Vee to arrive, Cynarith’s thoughts drift to the forthcoming meeting, her mind buzzing with anticipation for the discussion ahead. With a patient yet eager demeanor, she stands ready to embark on this new venture, prepared to delve into the world of partnership and creativity that await within the currently empty shop’s walls.
Verah is beckoned and wanders through the streets of Elimdor. She was learning the town, as this was not her normal atmosphere of living, but she was ready to take on the great role for her newly becoming friend. Odd. Verah with friends was a thought she was not sure she was as comfortable with, but of course, she would play the game. As she approaches, she wears a deep, dark blue cloak that has embroidered gold patterns of stitching on the trim of the hood. The new modiste had nothing to hide, but there was a mysterious edge she wanted to keep while walking the streets. She was not sure how showy she wanted to be until she was completely settled, though it was hard as the fabric she chose was captivating. Matching deep, dark blue velvet pants that hiked up to her mid-waist. A gold Kafzhash belt sits on her hips with a top that was also blue with sheer, chiffon flowy sleeves. There was no such thing as being subtle and hiding with the blonde. As she approaches, she takes off her hood to reveal long, light blonde tresses, tan skin, and big brown eyes. “Lady Cynarith,” she approaches in greeting. Her gaze casts over the building with the wooden sign. Had this been it?
Cynarith turns towards the blue cloaked figure coming her way and that well practiced smile shaping her lush rose painted lips. When her new friend drops the hood of her cloak and reveals her pretty face, that practiced smile becomes softer… more genuine as she soaks in the woman's beauty. The red dragon half of her wants to covet such a beauty, but she blinks a couple times after an awkward pause, "right. Lady Veronica, good afternoon. Let us venture within," a hand motions towards the stained glass paned doors as she readies one of the keys for the lock. Once they move inside the building, each bodyguard stations themselves at the door and at the back door. The place has signs of long being empty even though some new furniture has been moved in, along with spools of new fabrics and silks. There is a table with paint cards, rug swatches, measuring tools and a thick folder containing wallpaper samples. Cynarith then hands Vee the keys she used to get inside, "this one is for the front door and the other one is for the apartment above. I took some liberty in bringing some furniture already, along with some fabric because you already have some requests," she reaches within her bag to pull free a small stack of parchment. "My dress at the conservatory ball was an absolute hit and many ladies of the ton are dying to be fitted by the newest modiste," the grin on her lips widening in victory. "I brought some of my consultation tools so we can pick out new interiors to make this shop your own. As you can imagine, this was my brother's old shop. If there is anything you need added structurally, just let me know and us at Nildran Construction will get right on that." Leading the woman over to the desk with all the samples, she mentions, "we can also pick out whatever you'll want for the upstairs apartment. I know you'll only be here for the season, but why not make it homey in the meantime… what do you think?"
Verah’s gaze casts towards the stained glass paned doors. There is warmth in the pit of her stomach at such a beautiful building. One that was now… hers. For the season. Butterflies of greed were a thing, or perhaps the butterflies were due to a dream that had once died a time ago. No more wagons for a few months. The half elf crosses the threshold into the building and, of course, she observes the interior. Rather dusty from vacancy, but that was an easy clean-up. A smile forms on the corner of her mouth before she wanders around, fingertips brush at some of the new furniture before they move to the new fabric. Various arrangements of color and opportunities. “I wasn’t expecting to be stocked automatically,” but Cynarith is already explaining herself. The seamstress’s hands reach out for the keys. The empath reflects the grin that the rose-gold haired woman shares. “I’m pleased to hear that. I’m glad it was worn well. I hope suitor eyes were also on you. Perhaps the Viscount needs to be a little stirred up by such beauty,” she says this nonchalantly, twirling a single strand of hair before moving on to picture the interior. “Pattern is what I am drawn to most. This is almost too much for a woman you just met,” there is a bit of sheepishness in her tone before she shakes that away. The sound of a home makes her inhale a little sharply. Not in a negative way, but in a surprising way. “Oh. Really? I guess, heh, I can’t be traveling to and fro from inns or taverns. That’d look bad, I suppose.” Pause. “What I think is that I haven’t stayed in one spot in a really long time. Homey is a foreign word in my dictionary, Lady Cynarith. I don’t tend to make good ties with people in order to stay. I apologize for my indifference. Just… something to get used to.” She cannot seem to look at the wealthy woman while she speaks. She shakes her head, “Who am I kidding?” She finally looks towards Cynarith. “New memories are a good thing, right?” Put your best pretty face forward, Verah. “I’ll have to grab my belongings from the Elimdorei Hotel then. Though, with the size of this building, well, I don’t think I can match the apartment. I have a chest of belongings only. Clothes and a few personal treasured belongings. I suppose I might need some bedroom furnishings."
Cynarith understands that indifference. She has lived a long time, longer than she lets on, and at one point she let her wanderlust take over how she lived her life. It was a wild and awakening time for sure! "Oh, please. The apartment just comes with the building - stay wherever you wish. All the shops along the avenue have upper floors for the shopkeep to live in if they choose. The fabrics were a must because of these orders you already have," she spreads out the stack of requests on the desk. "Employees of mine will be by later today to change the sign out front to say The Charmeuse Couture, by the gods I adore that name, so don't be alarmed when they get to work out there." She is unsure how to put Vee at ease, "please. When it is just you and me, you can call me Cyn," she steps closer so they are shoulder to shoulder and then an arm slips around the woman's waist in an attempt to calm Vee. "Vee… You know our deal. This space has been empty for too long and I am just happy it will be put to good use," her honeyed timbre drops the plummy act and turquoise hues lock to cinnamon ones, "your earnings will remain your own. There is a storage space behind the shop where you can store your wagon. Just because you accept temporary comfort does not mean you're betraying your hustle," and Cynarith has a hunch that being a 'charlatan' is Vee's specialty, but she doesn't judge the woman for a second. In fact, she respects her craft. "Once you're ready, come by Hazelbend and pick out some bedroom furnishings from things I have in storage. You can borrow them while you're here," she jokingly emphasizes the word 'borrow' as if she actually cares if some furniture goes missing. "The tether is yours alone and you can tie it wherever and whenever you'd like."
Verah gives a long awe of nod in response–connecting dots. The lady before her observes the uneasiness about her, but it's not like Verah is going to give up a free stay in the state of a new place to be without anyone knowing a clue who she is. “This is fine, I assure you. Just an adjustment during this time.” She takes a step to pull on the fabric that is gifted to her. “Not alarmed at all. The least of my worries,” she speaks easily. Her expression drops into a stoic one as turquoise locks onto the cinnamon gaze. It takes her a moment or two to respond. Registering that she was chosen… Without a question for now. She mentions that state of ‘hustle’ and that makes her stare Cynarith on fully. She felt bare at that moment. Words are mustered, “I thank you for the time being of hospitality. I am sure to come by soon. I appreciate the knowledge of storage of my wagon.” She walks to a nearby mirror. “When should I expect the first arriving customer? I want to make sure I get my stuff to measure here in time. I should be set with my own furnishings and measuring tools are here this evening.” The weight in her chest is unfamiliar. The trust that Cynarith has on her, she is not used to. “Lady Cynarith, I have to ask… Why are you doing all this? Surely it’s not just due to gossip, is it? Clearly you’d just let my wagon stay in the vicinity of town, if that was the case?”
Cynarith watches Verah closely, sensing the weight of her words and the unease in her demeanor. She listens attentively to Verah’s questions and concerns, her expression softening with understanding. “I made sure to only collect their contact information and told them that you would be the one to reach out so you are entirely in control, Vee,” she assures Verah, her tone gentle and reassuring. Although, she did notice that in doing so added even more anticipation and mystery to the hot new modiste. As Verah poses her final question, Cynarith’s gaze holds a mixture of sincerity and determination. “You’re right, it’s not just gossip,” she begins, her voice steady. “I have my reasons, some of which are personal. But beyond that, I believe in supporting those who have talent and potential, regardless of their circumstances. When I arrived at The Vale many years ago, I faced far too many struggles being an outsider and starting my own business. You have a gift, Verah, and I want to help you nurture it.” She pauses, her gaze unwavering. “And perhaps there’s a part of me that sees a kindred spirit in you. Someone who understands the value of independence and the importance of making your own way in the world.” Cynarith takes a step closer to Verah, her expression earnest. “I know this may all seem sudden and overwhelming, but I’m here to support you every step of the way. Consider this not just an opportunity, but a partnership. Together, we can create something truly remarkable.”
Perhaps it was the feeling of being in a new world. Once Verah adjusted, she surely would drink up the valuables around her, and eventually take it too far to burn someone. Just like the addiction she had. Burning people. Either way, whatever hold Cynarith had on Verah in this moment was something she did not want to utterly destroy–yet. There had been no reason to. No reason to run. Yet. The sincerity in Cynarith’s gaze has the empath reflecting the expression unknowingly and a trickle of reassurance rushes oddly throughout her spine. A feeling that was not felt often. A hesitant nod is given. Two business women making their way and staring at each other like a mirror in some ways. There is a bearing silence coming from the blonde until Cynarith’s last statement. “Sudden and overwhelming is taking the words solely out of my mouth, but I understand the matter of not wasting time and getting what we set our mind to,” which was exactly why Verah showed up at the chateau. “Partnership then.” Her hand slowly extends in a confirmation grasp. “I’m thinking silken bedding. Perhaps rosy pink. I can stitch some lace into to make the bedding more elegant. Or maybe even a patterned silk,” she starts brainstorming aloud. “Bring out some light in the upper half, and well, I gotta play the part of luxury, afterall. Maybe even a vanity?” She jests half-heartedly. “I can start in two days time. A day or so to get settled before reaching out to the ton.”
Cynarith returns the handshake with a firm grip, sealing the partnership between them with a nod of determination. “Silken bedding sounds exquisite, Vee." She replies, her tone filled with enthusiasm. “And a vanity would be perfect for adding a touch of luxury to the space.” Cynarith listens intently as Verah lays out her plans, nodding along in agreement. “Two days sounds perfect. Take the time you need to settle in, and when you’re ready. I’ll make sure to have everything ready for you, including any additional supplies or furnishings you may need.” With that settled, Cynarith decides to leave the fabric samples and measuring tools so Vee may decide on her own to personalize this space along with the home above. As she looks back at Verah, a sense of excitement and possibility fills her heart. "We shall have a standing appointment every week where we meet for 'tea'," and maybe it will simply involve tea sometimes! Or riding horses, or trying on various styles of unique dresses- the possibilities are endless. She wiggles her fingers in a wave of goodbye while opening the door and a, "á na márië!" before exiting Elimdor's newest modiste to the elite!
Verah’s painted lips pull in a smile at the enthusiasm to her suggestions. “I’m glad a lady agrees.” With the agreement between the two, she begins to peer around at the tailoring tools she had. Fabric samples, measuring tools, spools of thread. “I will take inventory, but surely with your brother, I assume I won’t be needing much for a while besides furnishings for the upstairs, and indeed not much.” She tucks some strands behind her ear idly. The giddiness fills the air, and although Verah remains soft, her heart has a sense of warmth from the woman before her. Her pulse begins to quicken only out of reflection of the excitement wafting off of the dragon in disguise. She inhales before matching that very grin. “I’ll have to have you meet my horse where I will keep at the local stables for security. I’m sure I can schmooze my way into letting my baby stay. Though, the possibilities are endless this season. Once a week it is! Adieu, Lady Cynarith,” she playfully waves in return before turning to look down at the key within her palm. The newest modiste was going to have an interesting season.