RP: A Perfect Fit

Part of the Welcome To The End of Eras Arc

Summary: Joan visits Iintahquohae's shop in Vailkrin to discuss joining one of the remaining vampire houses, as well as a commission for a new outfit and jewelry.

The Stitch and Pin

The glass panes of the shop's display windows were shattered. Instead of replacing them with new glass and fully starting over again with the inevitable threat of the replacement glass being shattered the instant her back is turned, Iintahquohae can be seen on a stepladder, the head ends of nails held between her teeth while she hammers in boards to cover the gaping hole in her storefront. Inside, it's marginally better. The shelves are mostly bare of clothes and bolts of fabric, but in tact. Display cases were smashed into, jewels stolen. She's experienced worse, the seamstress reminds herself. At least a piano didn't cave in the entire building like her other shop experienced a year or so ago. Thankfully that subterranean shop was rebuilt, so Inks had that refuge in Cenril to return to. But for now, given the state of the city, she'd keep herself in Vailkrin. Help other shops recover in whatever manner she could along the street. Start over.

Iintahquohae shooed her employees home so they could evade most of the harassment from undead roaming the streets while she faced the brunt of it. There wasn't much they could do here anyway apart from push a broom around and pick up pieces, but the seamstress wanted to do that. To take stock. To rework her vision. To plan. With the final nail driven into the board to seal off her shop's windows, she climbs down from the ladder and turns it sideways to carry it back inside and prop it up against one of the walls within. She keeps the shop door propped open with a lantern, the glowing stone shoved inside functioning as a minuscule beacon for passersby. Or a challenge, she supposes, for any undead that want to cross that threshold while she's inside cleaning up.

Joan had finally made her way out from the Black Spire to really get a look and take stock of the town once she had awoke and sought out Kasyr to offer him her loality. Since the king himself didn't deem it necessary the vampiric healer did as he suggested and offered what help she could to everyone. On her way back and forth from her personal little cottage (which was spared lucky that) at the end of the cul de sac just beyound the shop Joan would notice the progress of the new boutique. This would cause the undead woman to draw up to the store front and hesitantly take a peek inside the open store front door. "Hey anyone in here? I was directed by the king to stop by and try to speak with a Miss Iintahquohae." She said aloud.

Iintahquohae figured she may as well use the overall disarray of her shop as a playground to experiment with magic, considering she was alone. With splayed hands, she twists concentric circles in the air just before her, coaxing the otherwise still air of the shop's interior to shift as if a breeze rolled in. She aims her little ball of air toward the floorboards and lets it loose, fanning one hand out to 'guide' it, so to speak, around the floor to collect smaller debris into the dustpan near the back of the shop. It isn't perfect, but it's quicker than a broom. Movement in her periphery prompts the steamstress's hands to abruptly tense, thus disrupting her spell and dispersing the air as she pivots on her heel to face the door. “So this is what he meant by surprises,” Iintahquohae murmurs to herself, bemused. Visitors? Or was this supposed to be a distraction, and from what? She regards the amethyst-haired visitor for a moment, if only to take in her appearance before beckoning her in. “Well, if the King sent you my way, it must be important. I'm the one you're looking for.” She pulled a desk and chairs from upstairs down earlier in the day so she'd have at least some place for the odd customer that might drop in, but now that desk and its chairs seemed extraordinarily appropriate for a visit from presumably one of King Kasyr's ilk. Whenever Joan steps in, a mannequin posed near the door is quick to close it behind her. Inks assumed this might be a private sort of visit. “Come on in, have a seat,” she motions to one of the chairs. They're upholstered with powder blue cushions, so they're a little bit more cozy than the other chairs the shop floor used to possess. Those were either smashed or stolen in the looting. She waits for Joan to sit or stand before settling down in the opposite chair herself, and in that motion she offers her gloved hand to the woman. “Introductions may not be necessary since you know who I am,” she starts, “But better from my mouth than his, I suppose. Iintahquohae, at your service. Et toi, mademoiselle?” The seamstress had little to offer as far as refreshments went, but surely the other woman understood. Whether Joan offers her name or not, Inks goes over the usual pleasantries – a pleasure to meet you, all that, before she inquires, “Now why has King Kasyr suggested that you visit me?”

Joan would enter in a greatful manner, the vampiric healer didn't come empty-handed, with her was a small paper box that held a few different types of cookie and a bit of that really good gooey fudge. This she would present to the other woman as she was invited in, a abesnt minded nod of thanks to the wooden mannequin before she took the offered seat, she would admire color while she places the box of baked goodies between her and the other woman on the desk. "I didn't come empty-handed, a lady should always indulge in tea and snacks when they sit down to begin discussions." She would open the top of the box and allow Inks first choice, as it was always polite before she went on, settling her vested back into the cushioned chair back, my so plush! "My name is Joan Blackheart, I am a local vampiric healer and necromcaner, I hold ranks within both the healer's guild and the necromancer's. I was at one time a merchant and a restaurant owner. I owned Blackhearts Taco Shop." She offered a polite enough smile as she speaks on. "Anyways, I was deep in study inside the Black Spire when the attacks on the city began, the spire was barely effected but we did take some notice. Once that semi slumber hit almost all of us undead I fell into a slumber, awoke also rabidly hungry but since I was in the spire some novices were able to make sure I stayed in the spire and was fed fresh blood till I fully regain my sense of self." Here she would rub her icy pale hands together as she went on. "Anyways, between all of that I came to understand there was an attack and I thought I should come offer the king my services and loyality. He was kind enough to take me at my word sorta...I mean the guild is sworn to protect Vailkrin no matter what, but I also asked about starting my own small house. He suggested that within all the turmoil that I perhaps seek out a already established house and come speak with you."

Iintahquohae did have a sweet tooth, but when Joan reveals that she's popped in with sweets she politely declines with a little wave of her hand. “Another time, but thank you.” Instead, she's far more curious about the woman's visit than anything else. She observes Miss Blackheart with clear interest as she launches into a list of her skills and work experience, and can't help but wonder just why Kasyr nudged this woman her way. Was Joan looking for a job? Her brow lofts, and she almost interrupts the woman to ask just that, but thinks better of it and closes her mouth to finish hearing her out. Both brows raise with some surprise at the reason for her visit. Kasyr wanted to help Joan find a house. Perhaps he -did- know of the seamstress and her inter-house mingling since her siring, and the thought elicits yet another amused smile. This needs very little mulling over on Inks' part, and she immediately blurts, “House Ventra would adore someone so enterprising.” The seamstress found it admirable too. So much so, that she made a mental note to keep Miss Blackwell's name in mind. She had her eyes on a guild, and figured Joan might be a perfect fit for it once Inks finally made her move to take it over. Before she can get too lost in her own thoughts, she refocuses on the task at hand. “I can't speak for Lady Ventra, but I can pass along your interest in her House, next time I see her.” She quickly adds, for fear of being too presumptuous. “-If- you are interested in her House, that is. She and those beneath her are merchants, businessfolk, very hard workers.” Inks explains, recalling her interactions with them. Ikara and Maya down the way specifically spring to mind, and the seamstress fails at concealing a grin at the thought of the two women. “Lady Ventra is shrewd, intelligent – admirable, if I'm honest.” Her 'empire' within Vailkrin's shopping district was something Inks aspired to have herself one day, but bumping elbows with her and the rest of House Ventra pleased her plenty for now. “I can put a good word in for you, point you and your,” a beat, in which her dull brown eyes settle on Joan's far more brilliant purple eyes, “eccentricities. And -impressive- work portfolio.” Naturally, since Iintahquohae wasn't affiliated with a house, she didn't have final say on the matter, but she'll try to sell Lady Ventra on Miss Blackheart. She possessed potential, and that was always worth something. “Was there anything else I could assist you with, in the meanwhile?”

Joan mulled over the idea and gave a firm nod of her head. "Sure. I also came in to see if I could help by seeing if you be willing to take a commission for a completely new outfit. I have gone about to all the local stored and done my best to buy what I could from the local merchants to help funds start flowing." Since Inks refuded the offer of the cookies and fudge Joan would fish out one of the cookies and set to nibbling on it after she spoke to the merchant.

Iintahquohae perks up at the word 'commission'. That really was becoming her favorite word as of late. “Why, I'd love to.” Though her shop is gutted at the moment, she could gather materials at the other shop in Cenril. This setting did make it difficult to really sell Joan on her work, but the seamstress knew she was known across the continent for her work. Perhaps she wouldn't need to try selling herself, here. “What sort of outfit did you have in mind? Give me as many details as you'd like,” and while the vampiric healer does just that, Inks searches her desk drawers for a quill and ink, and several sheets of parchment to get to work taking notes on Joan's specifications, fabric and color choices, maybe a sketch or two. She manages to scribble a little message along with a few numbers on a bit of ledger paper down as well, multitasker that she is, and nudges it to the furthest corner of the desk. The seamstress whistles, and a responding whistle can be heard from upstairs before a peculiar magpie with pale blue eyes flies down, takes the folded message within its beak, and heads out of the shop to deliver her message after the mannequin near the door swings it open. Her attention resettles fully on Joan, then. “If I may make -one- recommendation, I think with your eyes and hair color, a bit of gold would look striking on you. I make jewelry as well as clothes.”

Joan grows quite and thoughtful as she watches the seamstress go about her sketches and everything. Rather impressed that the other woman was so organized. At the mention of jewerly the vampiric healer would speak up as she pulls out from her inner vest pocket a gift she just gifted the other night from a certain scalawag of a rouge. It was a very pretty gleaming, swirling Charoite stone that had bits of black formed into it here and there. "I was gifted this last night from a friend, if you could work this into a piece of hand crafted jewerly that would be super, only thing is that I don't wear gold pieces much if at all. I perfer pure silver, rose gold, or the darker metals. Would that be acceptable instead?"

Iintahquohae lowers her quill when she catches a glimpse of the beautiful purple stone Joan reveals. “Now that is beautiful,” she muses, and extends a hand for the vampiric healer to put it in her palm if she felt comfortable enough to do so for her to get a better look. Whether she does or not, Inks is already envisioning different pieces the stone could be set into that would look just lovely on Joan. “Do you have a preference with jewelry? Rings or bracelets, necklaces? Would you want that stone to remain in one piece or broken up into multiple pieces?” Whatever the case may be, Inks acknowledges Joan's metal preferences with a slight nod. “Rose gold would go wonderfully with your complexion, but I worry it might clash with that beautiful stone.” If anything, that meant it might be wise to try selling the healer on some extra jewelry too, and not just something made with that piece of charoite, and Inks does just that. “Maybe a set of rose gold jewelry, and something different specifically for that stone? If you prefer silver, I think that might be the better choice,” she concludes. But Miss Blackheart mentioned clothes first, didn't she? “What were you thinking for an outfit? Any colors you prefer? Fabric preferences? Patterns?”

Joan allowed the other woman to take and examine the stone and listens as she goes over what she could possibly do with in. "I have never worn much jewerly to being with, just so far a couple of rings and my guild badge from the healer's guild on a pendent here around my neck. Should you think silver would be better go for it, it would work fine, and if you think a whole set of jewerly in rose gold would fit then I'll take that also." Her attention goes back to the mock ups, "Outfit wise it needs to be practial but stylish, something that fits in with my active lifestyle. I like sliver, black, all shades of purple some white. Not bothered about fabrics, it just needs to hold up against heavy medical and magical useage and no thought on patterns. I like bold plain pieces, you can gather by what I'm wearing right now." She flashed an unsure but gamed smile at the toerh woman. Joan was use to her ladies pantssuit sets.

Iintahquohae didn't keep Joan's charoite stone in her hands for long. She knew how peculiar some could be with their possessions being touched, especially precious stones. Inks liked to joke that she possessed a dragon's appetite for jewels of any kinds, and that thought brings an amused smile as she carefully turns the stone over in her hands before returning it to Joan. “It's stunning. I'm thinking...” Well, now that the vampiric healer has continued describing her preferences, her usual style, Inks reroutes her initial thoughts. Joan seemed to lean for practicality and a cleaner, classier look. Utilitarian jewelry seemed more appropriate, or something with a little more simplicity. The simplicity could be reserved for the rose gold jewelry, but this stone... It deserved something special. Beautiful -and- useful. While it isn't an amethyst, Inks' eyes settle on Joan's chaorite again while chewing on the thought. “Chaorite,” she finally voices the name of the stone, and back into her desk drawers she goes, searching for a small book that gave a generic rundown of various stones and crystals and their meanings. After thumbing through the pages, she finds the name of the stone in question easily enough, and reads the brief list of its properties. “A calming, cleansing aura. That might be useful for you, healer and all,” Inks deduces. “I can work it into a pendant, or a ring, or a bracelet, whatever you'd like. And tap into what magic it possesses to better assist you with your patients.” She's already envisioning various designs that could potentially suit Joan, and it felt good getting her gears turning again after spending the majority of the day cleaning up the shop. As for Joan's mention of plain, but bolder pieces, she finds herself agreeing. Usually when working, Inks favored relatively plain clothes, and she's plainly dressed in that moment as well rather than sporting the extravagant attire she typically creates or displays during various events. She looks through the scribbled notes and vague sketches she's inked so far, mulling over possibilities. “I'll need to collect some fabric samples and drape a few mock-ups for you, but I can guarantee you that I can make you something practical and stylish” Pricing and all that could wait for later., and Inks didn't want to keep the vampiric healer all evening. She seemed like an incredibly busy woman. “Why don't I get in touch with House Ventra, put together some samples for you for clothes -and- jewelry, and we reconvene at a later date? You'll get the works, Miss Blackheart.” The seamstress flashes a grin.

Joan nodded her head in a firm manner as she moves to stand up from her seated position, she'd leave the box of goodies for Ink and her crew it was brought as a ice breaker and show of good-will after all. "Alrighty, thank you for taking time to see and speak with me this evening it was a pleasure. I hope the rest of your evening goes well." With that Joan would offer out one purple gloved hand down and out to the other woman for a handshake in way of departing greeting.

Iintahquohae hadn't expected Joan to leave her treats behind, but she certainly appreciates the gesture. “And thank you, Miss Blackheart. It truly was a pleasure,” the seamstress says while standing. She takes Joan's hand briefly in hers to give it a firm shake, before escorting the woman to the door. “Be safe out there. I'll reach out to you as soon as I hear back from Lady Ventra and your commission.” She lingers at the doorway until Joan is out of sight before re-entering her shop and closing the door behind her. Time to get to work.