All in Who You Know

[Akantha SolEilran]

All in Who You Know

Glade 92, 125th Year, A.o.S.

Depending on the event, Akantha might have sometimes sent a page out to find whomever it was she wanted to talk to that was outside the Pavilion, but there were times in which she went and did it herself. Today was one of them. It was good to be seen amongst the people, and she did enjoy being out in the thick of celebrations, too. She passed her empty flute to a server that was collecting them, knowing she would get another one at some point, but the day was young.

She had already found Filaurel's aura from where she had been within the Pavilion while talking with others there, guests local and foreign. When the opportunity came, as conversations moved and drifted, she strolled past the guards and into the crowds, her aerolyth shard on one of her bracelets under her sleeves keeping the hems of her gown off of the ground. She greeted those around her, winding her way through the multitudes, all radiant smiles on such a blessed day. And it was a blessed day, to be sure. There was a good match made, both politically and with love, and her father was happy, so that was the important thing. Rhydian was over the moons, which was also good. He wouldn't attempt some sort of step-parent capacity with her and her siblings, which was probably the best that the three children of Vomira Val'Melua could hope for.

Considering Filaurel had been hoping to see what the princess was wearing, it was probably something of a relief when she left the Pavilion, a vision in the pale green and pink. She did stop to chat here and there, thanking well-wishers and onlookers. It may have been something less of a relief when she finally came to a stop before him. "Good afternoon, Master Filaurel. I hope you have been enjoying the festivities so far. Your inspired efforts on King Rhydian's attire are to be quite commended. I've heard nothing but high praise for them." She doubtless knew others were listening, and it would certainly net him and his atelier some visitors who might not have come by before.

"There is no rose without a thorn."

[Filaurel]

"Your Royal Highness, you are too kind." Filaurel had done no advertisement of the work, hoping to avoid any conflict with the better-known ateliers which might be annoyed by the missed opportunity. He'd talked himself into the idea that it was better to remain entirely unknown; but certainly it would be a much more intolerable breach of protocol not to accept a princess' compliments. "I am pleased to see it compliment the King's features so. I pray it do him justice, as the masterworks which inspired it did for your father. And may Raella and Keela bless them both for ever."

There, that had to be a sufficiently graceful way to take the compliment while expressing humility. These were the sorts of considerations which he had been taught to be constantly aware of during his years of service, and they were no less relevant now. Even a Len'Alen was lowborn only amongst the highest of all the peoples of Ransera, and had pride to be proven by endless attention to matters of grace and propriety. To be a citizen of Silfanore was to speak and act with care in all things; Filaurel believed that, and firmly.

"If I may be so bold, your own ensemble is excellently chosen, Princess. Pale rose and bright gold, shallow jade with pearl highlights... yes, it works exquisitely. To be one among so many flowers of Glade, and still stand above the rest is a rare skill."

There were some tailors under the impression that it was their work alone which decided how well a work, well, worked. They weren't wholly delusional, of course; someone with a keen eye for beauty and fashion could elevate any subject, regardless of the client's own shortcomings. It was a commonplace belief among many who had little to do with society that beauty was primarily a matter of luck, but any stylist knew that the average man or woman on the street could be changed from unremarkable to astonishing with a little professional attention.

But this led some to forget that beauty could be its own skill, and indeed, many skills. A woman of Akantha's stature had access and money enough to obtain the best services in the world, but so too did many of the Val'Hytori who did not match her legendary splendor. No, she had to cultivate a hundred skills to maximize her presentation across every front, to select each outfit and bring it to life upon her frame in careful, deliberate choices. A wise tailor recognized that kind of skill and did not seek to aggrandize himself.

"I have a sense from my colleagues that this Searing's styles will be much concerned with a celebration of the sun, now that it seems clear it will be sticking around." A little joke, of course, but not entirely wrong to Filaurel's mind. "This has led me to think of wheat motifs, personally. An appropriate compliment, to celebrate the memory of Ysadrin more completely."

Filaurel did not mention that this thought had been inspired by the shocking appearance of the Re'hyaean prince. As he'd made clear to Sivan, that was none of his concern.

[Akantha SolEilran]

He certainly had a way about him that reminded her of Rhydian - accept praise and brush it away. He may not have wanted to attract attention for his work, but it would have come out one way or another. Akantha may have made sure that the work of Makers who created for her and her family was protected from those who might hope to Semble it to figure out their processes; but what was advertised in a little tag of Semblance was the Maker's name and atelier. Their Craft deserved to be recognized. "I have no doubt of that. May we all be as fortunate my father and his new King-Consort. It's been a splendid day for all of us, here in Silfanore and in Aerion. Will you be visiting your home city to attend some of the festivities there?" she inquired.

"That's very kind, thank you," Akantha smiled at his praise, turning so that he could see the full effect from behind and the way her hair had been braided to make roses. It was always nice to hear it from someone who paid attention to fashion and the art that went into it - he understood, clearly. While florals were hardly groundbreaking for Glade, it had been important to her that she not outdo the grooms on their own wedding. There would be a time when she would get to shock and awe the assembled masses when it was her taking vows before the priestess of Suion, but until that time, restraint at such affairs was necessary. She could stun at other parties, and she would, but for now, it was a supportive role she had to undertake. Not the one on whom the spotlights would be on. "It's all in the combination and the knowing, wouldn't you say? Flowers are so popular, especially at this time of year, but the difference is in the highlighting, knowing what to blend and how."

It did not hurt that Akantha had the confidence to strut in a burlap sack and make it work for her. She knew what worked with her complexion, she knew what worked with her frame and figure. And she was not afraid to accentuate with something different where others might have felt they needed to commit completely and wholly to the flower theme, or underdo it. The pastel shades she had chosen were not what immediately stood out - but that was where the elegant pearls and the little touches of gold in her jewellery and nails helped to highlight and catch the eye of those who were watching her.

She considered his analysis of what one could expect from Searing. "You know, I do like that concept. It's not the most obvious answer, but there is a connection of wheat and agriculture, which is one of Her domains. The colours, shimmering brass and gold, maybe even some coppery highlights play very well with sunlight and summertime, and it would be quite classy instead of just extremely bright and bold colours." Which she loved too, but one had to keep in mind the overall... experience. And fashion was an experience - not just for the Maker, but also for the wearer and the audience who would see them. "The visual plays there could be quite striking, especially if you play with sheaves of wheat and sunlight. Optical illusions, perhaps." One did not need Masquerade if they were clever with their textiles.

"I don't suppose you have had time to get this season's collection underway? I should like to come by and see it," she was curious. Sketches would also satisfy her, though seeing the work in front of her was so much more satisfying. She knew that he had been kept quite busy with Rhydian's outfits for multiple affairs over the season, plus bespoke work with other clients, on top of his crafting for his atelier...

"There is no rose without a thorn."

[Filaurel]

A pall fell over Filaurel's usually-composed face when Akantha inquired as to his travel plans, but only for a moment; were she someone less adept at reading others, it might have gone entirely unnoticed.

"I would like very much to see Aerion again, but I am afraid that I travel poorly. Perhaps someday."

If Filaurel ever did return to Aerion, he wasn't at all sure who he would even want to talk to. His family, of course, but his relations with them were... not strained, not exactly. His family did not blame him for the disease, of course, and they would go to great pains to be courteous and welcoming, but he could see the fear in their faces. What had happened to him could happen to any of them. He was a constant, living reminder of the family's secret shame, and the fact that it was no fault of his own was relevant only the level of thought, not emotion.

He put such dismal matters out of his mind, to be examined at a later date (or, better yet, not at all). Instead, he focused on the princess' suggestion, which left him with a small smile of genuine pleasure.

"My thoughts precisely, Highness. If you happen upon young Master Sivan, I pray you take note of his garb, which I have designed to use light to evoke the patterns of flowers without displaying the images. I believe it will be even more effective with colors of gold and sienna, playing on shadows and light. Then, for the harvest, the lunar phases. So long as the effect is subtle, I think it will elevate rather than distract and annoy."

He hoped very much it would be good enough to interest Akantha, once she saw it. There had been some interest in his work already which he suspected was directly linked to her, but what she'd worn so far was very much standard stuff in the context of the fantastic variety of exotic and enchanted garb worn in Silfanore. Nothing wrong with it, of course, well-made and beautiful, but that only got you so far when dealing with people who had seen so many parties in their time.

"I do hope you will come see that, when it is done." he said, "For I very much value your opinion on the matter. Unfortunately, I must confess to you that the work has been delayed somewhat, on account of my poor constitution. But I am resolved that I will have a selection ready before the height of Searing."

[Akantha SolEilran]

Akantha did notice the minute change in Filaurel's continence, but the eldest child of the Phoenix King knew far better than to comment on it. "I would imagine that you are also decidedly busy. It must be harder to get away at times," she was sympathetic. She did consider that his condition, such as it was, complicated the matters. Perhaps she might see about a commission for him - he didn't charge as much as she expected, and she had definitely directed those who oversaw the purse and bills of the family to add a generous tip when it came time to settling the bills that came from Gloaming Hapertas.

"I do love when the textiles can be manipulated in such a way. It can change the look entirely of the ensemble based on the lighting of where someone is. It is quite clever. I have seen him out and about today, and I recognized your hand in his garments. I do recall that him saying that there would be a collaboration between the two of you on a material?" She doubtless would want a selection of the results for her vast library of accumulated samples. It was not a secret that she collected sketches and designs of just about every tailor and designer in Sol'Valen and some beyond if a foreigner was brought to her attention. She had claimed them from him, too, with his work for Rhydian's wedding attire, and the bespoke gown had been made for her for a gallery opening also had a request for a signed sketch, a copy if he preferred to keep the original, to be delivered with the final piece. "The lunar phases for Ash will be different, especially if done in such a way with the garments. A multi-piece miniature collection could be done that way for a client to wear to different events over the season."

Like herself. She would certainly wear them - they could be entirely different styles and cuts and shapes, but united in the fabric manipulation to represent the phases... but she would see what he came up with. It would be exciting.

"I would be delighted. I know that we have pressed you quite a bit this past season, so it is understandable." She always liked previewing a collection before anyone else saw it - it was one of the perks of her station, and her dedication to all things fashion. She would certainly send a courtier to check in, or he could put a note in the mail for her at Eilranoikos. He was also a small atelier - she would have to find out if he was open to interviewing and hiring assistants. He might not have expected such attention when he first opened, but having an extra set or three of hands might well pay for themselves. She wouldn't mention that here, of course, there was no need to discuss business on such a joyous day.

"There is no rose without a thorn."

[Filaurel]

"Ah, yes. Well noted, Highness- Master Sivan is quite the alchemist, and he has been working with me to solve some of my quandaries with supply."

For the time being, his main focus had been the sailcloth, of course. If Sivan's strange, semi-mythical processes could produce more of the incredible cloth without the need for the lengthy industrial processes of Gelerand or sourcing expensive materials from Ecith.... well, Filaurel could see quite a lot of profit in it. Depending on how well he could follow through on the material, he could well be the sole source for a whole season's worth of popular apparel.

But that wasn't the end of Filaurel's ambitions with that one. No, not by a long shot.

"They will indeed be different, I suppose." the tailor glanced at the sky, almost involuntarily, "Given the new presence in the heavens. It may amuse you to know that I have sent letters to an astronomer, seeking their guidance to understand how the lunar cycles now look. A curious thing, to see the heavens change in one's own life."

This might have been avant garde in another culture, but in Silfanore it was not at all unheard of. The artists and makers of the Hytori, of whatever medium, were always intent on understanding and portraying nature rightly; it was, in its own way, a form of worship of the Dragon Gods. This was the world which They had made, and every artwork was a kind of celebration of Their masterpiece.

But today was a day for one Dragon God, or perhaps two, at the most.

"Please, Highness, it has been an honor and a pleasure to make things for you and your family. But I have spent enough time speaking only for myself. Will you do me the honor of proposing a toast to the occasion, that I might remember this day in the years to come?"

[Akantha SolEilran]

"Right, the silvery sailcloth," the princess nodded. She did have her dress that was made from it and she enjoyed wearing it - the way it was cut and sensation of it on her skin was pleasant indeed. As an added bonus, it was easy to get in and out of, which made it beneficial for her Nook. "I do love mine, it is so pleasing to wear." It may have been off of the mannequin, and adjusted ever so slightly to Akantha's measurements, but she appreciated it and that was the important thing. It saw more use than a number of her outfits. "I do hope that the two of you crack it, it is a fascinating textile and I cannot see why the efforts of humans cannot be improved upon here with Hytori ability."

The lunar collection would be different - as had been the elegant gown that he had made for her that had included the moons in a subtle yet present nod to the past, present, and future. She did wonder if that had prompted that idea, but she was pleased with the possibility.

"I think that that is a sound idea. It makes sense to consult someone when the information we seek isn't our forte. If they have more insight, the more it benefits you." There would always be critics, especially since Filaurel was likely going to find himself and Gloaming Hapertas getting more and more attention, and she knew that they would seize any opportunity to denigrate someone else if they thought they had an opportunity. She already knew that he was quite thorough with his work, and this step didn't surprise her at all. "The times are changing. Fel eclipses, new moons, strange creatures..." It was something that they all needed to adapt to, unfortunately. "But we adapt. We continue on."

She considered his request, looking rather thoughtful for a moment. "It would be my pleasure, Master Filaurel." She had planned the start of one, though it had certainly been tweaked and added to as the day had gone on. She didn't have her flute on her, but she didn't need it. The day was young, and there would be more in the pavilion.

"Every heart whispers its own incomplete song until another heart whispers back... and today, two hearts produce a melody together that completes the other. When we love someone, we do not get to choose how they love us back, if they do. But to be seen, fully, and loved in spite of all of our flaws by the one that your heart loves... is a wondrous, rare occasion. We must remember that love is not a whim or a fleeting fancy. It is a choice, and it must be chosen every day. May Suion bless their union, now and in the years to come, and make that choice as natural and instinctive as it is today."

"There is no rose without a thorn."

[Filaurel]

There were places in the world where the young races might have laughed at such a heartfelt plea for love and understanding, but this was Silfanore; the elves knew the value of such things. Filaurel spent the power to raise his hand, and his glass with it, and closed his eyes in a solemn endorsement of Akantha's words. When she was done, and there was due respect for the heavy sentiment of the moment, Filaurel drank.

The wine was excellent, of course, light and sweet and dry on the back of the palate. Still, the tailor wished for a moment that his glass had been red, so that he could have washed down the Princess' prayer with heavy tannins and oak. Maybe that was Suion's gift and curse, that love always proved to be as good as you thought, but never quite what you wanted.

"Thank you, Highness. I shall treasure the memory of the moment, and think on it fondly... if not so fondly as the royal groomsmen surely must."

That was as much and more than he had to say, really. His words were honest, though- there was hardly anyone in all of Sol'Valen who did not revere the Phoenix King. So far as the realm was concerned, the King's sorrow was their sorrow, and the King's joy was cause for celebration. Filaurel shared the notion, though he was outwardly reserved. Only that sense of propriety kept him from getting drunk and running into the pavilion to shout his congratulations, making as much a fool of himself as... well, no matter.

Filaurel let his drink return to the nearby table, then inclined his head respectfully.

"It has been a rare pleasure to speak with you about my plans for the wardrobe to come- accept, I pray, my goodwill and blessings on your family. I only hope that next season's work will reflect my appreciation for this world and for those who must bear its weight."