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Sharing the Spotlight
Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2024 1:57 pm
by Akantha SolEilran
Sharing the Spotlight Searing 2, 124th Year, A.o.S.
Akantha had not been kidding when she had told Rhydian that she would be changing before they left Eilranoikos and made their way to Gloaming Hapertas. When they had gone to meet the carriage, it may have surprised him that it wasn't in one of the larger carriages, either, but the more lower-key horse-drawn carriages that wouldn't attract as much attention in some areas of the town. This was not, she had explained on the way, one of the fashion houses she usually patronized where going out in some of her more elaborate attire was almost expected. Instead, they were going to the outer city to visit Master Filaurel Len'Alen. The storefronts here on this street were rather quaint, but from the window, it was somewhat easy even for Rhydian to see why Akantha seemed to like this tailor. What he could see, and what he may well have liked, was the fact that it was not as audacious and ostentatious as she might usually wear herself.
With Rhydian accompanying her, it was just the two of them this time. Normally she had a guard with her, or otherwise a minder, but he was a perfectly capable Swordsman and far better a fighter than most, and a member of the Val’Kor family. She opened the door to the atelier and Akantha stepped inside, all but towing the redheaded elf along with her. She had changed from her white dress to a champagne-coloured gown with plenty of pleating and a shorter train that didn't quite touch the ground, regardless of whether she was moving or standing still. It was one of Akantha's favourite uses of aerolyth, after all, to keep her clothes off of the ground. It was in a similar style to what she had worn earlier, as the braided neckline and belt matched one another, but they were much more muted, with a completely different fabric. It was sleeveless, though delicate bands linked it just above her elbows with the same flowing fabric.
For Rhydian's interests, the connections could be made, and she could also offer her input if needed with a consultation. The Princess's eyes roamed the shop, taking in what had changed since she was there before, and checked for the tailor.
[Continued from...]
"There is no rose without a thorn."
Re: Sharing the Spotlight
Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2024 7:21 pm
by Filaurel
•───────── Gloaming Hapertas ────────•
2nd of Searing, 124th Year of the Age of Steel
Gloaming Hapertas was very much like Akantha had seen it a month ago, though many of the cream-colored and pastel spring gowns had disappeared, replaced by more airy work appropriate for the climbing temperatures. It had been more than a year since the city had last seen Searing, and Silfanore remained in a celebratory mood.
Curiously, interspersed with the white and sky-blue brocades, the Princess could spot unusual pieces which incorporated small patches of peculiar silver fabric, clearly experimental. The tailor was clearly in mind of clouds, of late, for more than one sash reflected skylines in different states of sunrise, or incorporated artfully shapeless patches of white or grey. There was even one bizarre sundress made of light layers of grey fabric which was clearly meant to evoke a raincloud.
The door chimed discreetly as she entered, and she heard a voice from behind a wall:
"One moment!" Filaurel called. He was true to his word, appearing from around the corner only seconds later, trailed by a small basket of cuttings of the silver material he'd been experimenting with. He stopped when he saw Akantha, eyes widening- the basket dipped behind him as if it were going to fall, then caught itself in mid-air.
Filaurel Len'Alen was dressed in a different garment than when last the Princess had seen him--a tailor could not be seen to have so little confidence in their work--but it was much the same style and cut, a very formal coat and a peculiar sort of dress which trailed enough to hide the fact that he was not actually moving his feet, at least so long as he moved himself about in relative slowness. He had gone with a dark grey, highlighted with lemon chiffon in concession to the season, and the effect was muted but striking.
"Your Highness." the tailor bowed, hand rising to press against his chest (though one watching closely might have noted that it moved stiffly and in unnatural fashion) "The blessings of Searing and its season be upon you, and your house. How may I be of service today?"
A bead of sweat formed upon Filaurel's neck. Although it was the professional's creed to put equal work into all of their art, he had naturally obsessed somewhat over the Princess' dress. Objectively, he knew, if she did not like it chances were good that she would simply toss the thing and wear some other garment- it wouldn't have been worth her time to sully the name of a no-name tailor at the edge of society. Still, he'd had a nightmare or two along those lines, and they all started with the angry princess bursting into his shop.
Re: Sharing the Spotlight
Posted: Tue Nov 19, 2024 1:12 pm
by Rhydian SolKor
Rhydian, of course, had not changed his attire in the interim, but his typical mode of dress was still less ornate than the princess' dressed down look. He had at least changed his belt, replacing the one he'd worn in the gardens with one that bore a dual scabbard as he'd been told he would be serving as Her Highness' security for this excursion. He lifted the hem of his simple, black robes with crimson accents, to step into the carriage and take a seat across from Akantha. He acknowledged her disclaimers, which were doubtless needful to some of their more vainglorious peers, though not to Rhydian. He did take note of the tailor's name when it was uttered, that he might be more polite in his imminent greeting upon their arrival.
Making his way into the shoppe, he glanced about the offerings on display and nodded, appreciatively. He hadn't been sure what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. He was weaving his way through the woven specimens, obscured from view when Filaurel's moment elapsed and the tailor emerged onto the showroom floor.
Rhydian stepped out from behind a display, to take a place at Akantha's side.
"You must be Master Filaurel Len'Alen. Her Royal Highness has spoken highly of you and suggested a direct introduction. I often rely upon her eye to select my formalwear." Rhydian pointedly neglected to introduce himself, as it was always preferable to be introduced by another. It made getting the forms-of-address out of the way smoother and more efficient and he absolutely detested announcing his own title, when it could be avoided. Had he come in different company, he might have sidestepped the matter altogether and hoped not to be clocked for his princely pedigree. He certainly wasn't dressed like one who coveted attention at the moment.
Re: Sharing the Spotlight
Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2024 11:14 pm
by Akantha SolEilran
Akantha's sharper-than-normal eyes were keen as she looked around the atelier. She would, of course, have more time to do a more thorough inspection later, but for the moment, she was quite content to wait for the proprietor. She had a feeling that she would have some opportunities to inspect that silvery material - that was different, and she wanted to check it out up close, as that silvery sundress might well be leaving with her - but for once, this was not about her. Her train settled lightly behind her, and while she waited, her fingers touched the fabric of a dress on a mannequin, enjoying the touch of chiffon against her skin. It always did have that little bit of almost-undetectable coarseness, but that was expected with the weave of the fabric... Very neat stitching, though, tidy, even, and where it was meant to be hidden, nigh invisible.
When the tailor came out and offered her a bow, she inclined her head to him in greeting with a smile, her attention on him instead of his creations that were on display in the shop. "Good afternoon, Tailor Len'Alen, it is good to see you again. I trust the turn of the season is finding you well?" she inquired. It was good to see him upright, at least. "Fyraea knows you've been inspired; I see a number of lovely designs here. I quite like that one over there," Akantha indicated the bizarre sundress with the silvery material. "You will have to tell me about it later." If he had expected that someone like the Princess of Thorns would be interested in that dress, he had guessed correctly. Some of her favourite dresses were more avant-garde than was particularly traditional in Sol'Valen, but beauty was in the eye of the beholder, and she did love making a statement. Even if it left others guessing what exactly that statement was...
When Rhydian stepped out beside her from where he had been investigating the displays, she smiled at him and let him speak. She didn't interject until he was finished. "This is my good friend, His Serene Highness Prince Rhydian of House Val'Kor," she made the introduction easily. "I was telling him about your atelier. When I was last here, I thought that a number of your pieces would speak quite well to his personal style. He tends to favour a more utilitarian style without anything that might catch or trail... though I always like it to have a little something... some flair, or panache... to help set him apart." He was her father's favourite, after all. Standing apart was required.
"There is no rose without a thorn."
Re: Sharing the Spotlight
Posted: Wed Nov 27, 2024 10:12 pm
by Filaurel
•───────── Gloaming Hapertas ────────•
2nd of Searing, 124th Year of the Age of Steel
"Prince Val'Kor." Filaurel repeated, "It is a great honor to meet you, my lord. When I served in the hoplite guard in Aerion, the Phoenix King's squire was the subject of constant discussion." The tailor flushed, suddenly realizing that this might sound entirely too familiar, or make mockery of a warrior whom he'd never met. "But this was years ago, of course. Your reputation as a warrior precedes you, highness."
His service in the guard at Aerion felt like a lifetime ago, although by the standards of Hytori it was hardly any time at all. Things had been different- he'd had dreams of becoming a hero in the army, of serving during some great war, of the sort the Hytori hadn't really prosecuted for generations. Not a hope atypical of the youth of Aerion, of course, but looking back now it all felt ridiculous. He'd been a fine soldier, though with time and experience he could admit that he'd never been exceptional. Certainly not enough to merit his youthful daydreams of saving some Val officer in battle and being gazetted.
But he was a professional of a different stripe, now, and not the sort to let ruminations on a distant past color his interactions with clients. Especially not ones as influential and well-paying as these. He listened intently as the Princess explained her purpose.
"I do understand. Yes, simple clothes are always popular with the soldiery and the officers who treat their role properly- after all, a complex ensemble is appropriate for garnering attention at a fete, but a trailing sleeve which catches under a horse's hoof... well, that speaks for itself, I suppose."
The tailor slid around Prince Rhydian, studying the elf's build, his shoulders, his legs, his arms, all with a dark and dispassionate gaze. He squinted a bit as he tried to guess at the measurements, just for the sake of envisioning what an appropriate garment might entail.
"But your Highness has a point, I think. An officer is more than a soldier, and their dress ought to set them apart, inspire something in the men they lead." Filaurel drew back, framing Rhydian in the light, frowning. "Sashes, mantles and especially hats were once the piece of choice for that purpose, but I do think a hat would be rather a shame, given the excellent hair and brow. And it is best not to go too heavy on decorations, unless they are awarded, I suppose. Hm."
Thoughts percolating, Filaurel returned his attention to Akantha.
"There is actually a rather queer story to that dress, highness. Some time ago, a man of the airborne division asked my assistance in creating a flight-suit for his winged company. In the course of that, I happened upon an unusual cloth out of Gelerand- alchemically made, or so it is rumored. Among the cloth's odd virtues, it is elastic, does not stain or wet when drinks are spilled upon it, and remains absolutely cool to the touch even after hours of heating. As you can see, it is also quite lustrous, refracting light like mother-of-pearl. Given that the material's original use was in airship sails, I thought it appropriate to feature it in a stormy motif."
Re: Sharing the Spotlight
Posted: Fri Jan 10, 2025 1:47 am
by Rhydian SolKor
Rhydian dipped his head slightly as Filaurel acknowledged the introduction, though his eyes darted up sharply at his anecdote and his cheeks took on a slight flush.
"I... am pleased to that you served in Aerion, Master Filaurel. I have no doubt mine absence was much remarked upon, but I do hope that my service to Val'Kor in Silfanore has proven worthwhile." It certainly had proven worthwhile to Rhydian's personal purposes, but those were hardly a matter to be broached with a relative stranger at the outset of their introduction.
"Am I to infer from your anecdote that we share a province of origin?" Rhydian had no keen ear for dialects that might have answered the question before he posed it, and he'd not have posed it if he might have surmised the answer. He was not terribly adept nor interested in small talk, so he inquired out of earnest curiosity.
The prince let his arms fall to his sides, and stood straight as Filaurel circled him with an appraising eye. He cast his own gaze straight ahead and pursed his lips, still as a statue whilst the man was about his work. The clinical deportment of the man put Rhydian at ease in a way he rarely was when under such scrutiny. Typically when people inspected his build and body, he wanted to fade into the wallpaper. Not so, in this instance.
"Indeed, Master Filaurel. And I will say that, while I am comfortable in uniform and enjoy an aesthetic nod to my martial sensibilities, I would not go so far as to commission a garment that bore too much resemblance to one. Uniforms are uniform and party clothes are... Well, by definition, quite the opposite." He let his shoulders relax slightly, as the tailor's attention returned to the princess. He arched his brow and cast his own appraising gaze toward the frock being remarked upon.
Re: Sharing the Spotlight
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:33 pm
by Akantha SolEilran
Akantha was content to listen as the two spoke, investigating the garment and studying it. Her fingers touched the fabric, feeling weft and warp, the way it draped and settled over her hand when she used her fingers to see how it would settle over them. She was intrigued, and she was certain of one thing: she wanted it. This hadn't been intended as a shopping trip for herself so much as it was to get Rhydian measured and some new attire made for him; but she rarely went to a shop without leaving with something, either with her or on order. Perhaps Sivan could work with the Makers and Masters at Tavárinoikos in order to replicate and improve upon this fabric and make it distinctly Hytori. It could be a lot of fun with different uses; just as Filaurel was experimenting with it with his garments.
She studied it with Semblance, looking for the measurements to see if it was close enough to her own that she could have it taken off of the mannequin and take it back home with her. The elasticity of the fabric was promising in that it could certainly cling where it needed to... It would do. And what didn't fit right could be altered to make sure that it did. She didn't expect him to pull out another bespoke gown to her measurements right that instant, but she was not leaving without this gown if it was close enough. For all of her ruminations, it did not mean that she was not paying attention. "Fascinating. I imagine that it will be put to good use for the soldiers, as well. As for the dress... if it fits, I will take it with me. It is inspired. But later; this outfit for Rhydian is more pressing."
She knew from asking around that Filaurel had been a soldier, though that he had served in Rhydian's home city was new information for her. Akantha was pleased that Rhydian was comfortable stating his desires here. As much as she usually ran him over in such situations when they were younger, she trusted him to express what he wanted here. She left the sailcloth dress alone for the time being, browsing the pieces that were already put together here. There might well be some combinations that one could get on the shelves and tailor and adjust them to the Prince's well-honed form.
"There is no rose without a thorn."
Re: Sharing the Spotlight
Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2025 4:13 pm
by Filaurel
•───────── Gloaming Hapertas ────────•
2nd of Searing, 124th Year of the Age of Steel
"Oh yes, highness" Filaurel replied absently, turning his attention to a notebook resting on his cutting-table. A draft pencil lifted itself and began to rapidly jot down measurements, creating a skriching noise in the background as it scribbled, "I was born in Aerion, and came to Silfanore after leaving service, for the apprenticeship. Much to recommend in the capital, of course, but one does miss home from time to time."
Party clothes- good for context, but not quite enough. Some people said that the point of clothing was to send a message, but they were mistaken. Clothing sent many different kinds of messages, as many messages as there were people who saw it. What was appropriate for a Searing festival night would be unpleasantly out of place in a Frost gala evening, even if you took pains to select the most generic designs and unassuming palette.
"I take your point, of course. What manner of party have you in mind? We have just come off a season of wild celebration for the end of the Eclipse, but I expect more restrained fashion to be in favor once Ash is waning."
As Filaurel spoke, his sketchbook opened. The leaf inside were not bound, but clipped in place, and he paged through them, detaching here and there designs which he thought might illustrate the concepts he had in mind for the Prince's costume. Once he had obtained a few, he presented them to Rhydian (or, perhaps, they presented themselves).
"Here are a few styles I have been considering for the later months; you can see the bias towards simplistic highlights. There has been too much of a turn towards frills in recent days--beg pardon to your Royal Highness for saying so--and I think we will see less in the way of feathers and train, and more restraint in chiffon for gowns. But of course, it does not do to be wholly concerned with trends..."
Filaurel trailed off, squinting at Rhydian as he imagined various outfits upon the prince, pursing his lips as he went. It was uncomfortably like the way a butcher might size up a shoulder of beef.
"...yes, for you, a simple silhouette is ideal. Do you prefer colors which accentuate your hair or which distinguish it?"
Re: Sharing the Spotlight
Posted: Sun Feb 09, 2025 3:53 pm
by Rhydian SolKor
“Ah. It might seem, at first, that the skill sets between your two careers are incongruous, but I can see whereby they might coalesce quite nicely. Patience, attention to detail, a well-regimented mind— these traits would favour tailor and soldier alike. I’m sure there are others, as well.” Rhydian seemed to be in a social mood for him.
“I… will leave the explanation of the party to its organiser.” The prince demurred, gesturing to Princess Akantha by dipping into a slight bow toward her royal presence. He stepped closer to Filaurel to inspect the designs. He wasn’t an expressive elf, so no outward signs of approval or disapproval crossed his countenance, but he appraised with time and care.
“No pardon needed. I have no love of frills and, perhaps to a degree that incurs Her Highness’ vexation, I do not follow trends. I favour those classic, perennial styles that survive every season in every century.
His gaze rose from the sketchbook to its author as the question about his hair was posed, and he paused to ponder before replying:
“I would hesitate to say ‘accentuate’, but perhaps complement?
“If I might speak a bit to my perspective in a general sense? I am close to His Majesty the King and, being so, I curry a great deal of attention. I do not require fashion to set me apart or garner additional scrutiny. That being said, I also have no desire to set myself apart by dressing so simply that I am out of step with the rest of the room. My ideal look would be something that suits the occasion but covets not the awe of its onlookers. I am neither debutante nor dandy.” He smiled faintly,
“You will forgive me, I hope, but I should like the sort of garment that it would not serve you to put on display or in your portfolio.” This slim stalk of nightshade, it seemed, was a wallflower.
Re: Sharing the Spotlight
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 10:36 pm
by Akantha SolEilran
Akantha was not worried about Filaurel's remark about too many frills - she may have dressed in a decidedly ostentatious manner for many events, and she was well-known for her boldness with fabric, but there were times when she dressed down quite simply and demurely. It was about reading the room and dressing for the event. Some of them were flashier than others, and some times her attire was humble and dressed down. Even today's outfit with the ruching and train was not too far off of some of the styles worn, and she had dressed quite simply the first time that she had been in here. Well-made, but simply.
There was no need to mention her skintight flying suits, her stained glass mosaic gowns, or the sleek gowns that had a million runeforged beads stitched together, or the ball gowns that she could fill a whole carriage with, or many more of the outfits that filled her closets... just to name a few. Her choices were as varied as the designers that she worked with and patronized, and the Princess wasn't leaving here today without yet another dress. This one, she was certain, would fit. It might need a few alterations, but she was going to have it.
"Everyone has their own style and their own way of self expression. What Prince Rhydian needs today is something that is appropriate for a relatively intimate garden party to be held in the evening... in three days. It is not a big party, but it is something that will be attended by a number of our cohort and family members," Akantha left the mannequin that she had been studying and the gown that was draped on it until the time came when it could be removed for her. "It will be a party in his honour to welcome him home from his travels abroad." In other words, someone who did not necessarily enjoy being the centre of attention was the guest of honour, and many eyes would be on him. He needed something that he was going to be comfortable in, but was well-made and had the right level of gravitas without making Rhydian feel any more out of sorts than he was going to be.
"So with three days before the party, I know that that is pushing the limits of what can be done when you already have a full workload. But when I was here before, I felt you had a number of well-made pieces already made in your atelier that could be combined and if needed, perhaps adjusted for him if required." Something completely bespoke might be outside of the limits of one's body and time, but Akantha quite liked that which was around them; it was just a matter of bringing together the right combination.
"There is no rose without a thorn."