Lantaraana's Clothing

[Maddyn]

Written by GD Kalinda

In one of the better parts of the city there was a small shop run by a esh'lahier lady named Lantaraana. Lantaraana was old, she had been born several centuries before the Aetherfracture, and it was showing in everything. She had been a tall, slender woman that turned heads wherever she went once, but those times were long past. Now her body was bent and twisted. She had broken her left foot once, and the wound had never healed properly so that she was only capable of limping now. Her once shimmering white hair that had drawn the envy of all other women had long dulled. Only her eyes had stayed the same. They were still the same bright violet they had always been, big lively eyes that gave people a glimpse of the woman she had been a few centuries ago. Her clothes were slightly oldfashioned and not exactly suited to an old woman. She always wore the same white silk dress with silver embroidery that would look better on a young maiden.

The house was a rather beautiful one story affair made of the same shimmering marble laced with dozens of pink veins that was found throughout Ethgan’tor. The four windows at the front were made of stained glass. There was a small, well kept garden between the shop and the street. It was filled with a number of small flowers and bushes that bore fruit during the warmer seasons. A wooden bench that had been painted wait stood at the wall, inviting people that were visiting the shop or just passing by to sit down and relax for a while. Birds sung in the single tree in the garden, a tree with branches that touched the roof. When Lantaraana had bought the house a few patterns ago, it had been in a rather bad condition, the last owner had not taken care of it properly, but she had renovated it and made it one of the better looking buildings around.

A wooden sign above the door, white like the walls and the small bench, with the picture of a pair of scissors, a needle and a ball of yarn clearly told anybody that passed the shop by that clothes could be bought inside. A number of bells in different sizes and made of different metals hung on the ceiling above the door. Whenever somebody entered, they created a soft, pleasant melody that was just loud enough for the old elf that owned the shop to hear.

The floor on the inside of the house was made of simple white marble tiles that matched the colour of the walls perfectly. Various racks with clothes and shelves that contained bolts of cloth could be found in the front room. Each piece of cloth and each bolt was neatly labelled with a short description as well as a price. The area near the window was filled with a couple of mannequins that displayed Lantaraana’s best and most expensive clothes. There was a floor length dress made of pure white silk adorned with dozens of perls, each perfectly shaped. A cloak made of velvet and trimmed with silver fur at the edges had been draped over it, and a pair of snow white leather boots stood on the ground in front of it. Another mannequin showed a midnight blue dress with silver embroidery that was best worn at an evening ball, and yet another one displayed an outfit that would suit a wealthy lord, a perfect ensemble of a blue silk shirt, pants and a cloak trimmed with jet black fur.

Lantaraana herself sat on a chair behind the counter. She had long given up walking about the shop and approaching each customer, her feet just didn’t tolerate such movements anymore. The old esh'lahier offered a pleasant smile to everybody that entered. A leather bound book where she wrote the orders down and a quill were arranged in front of her. There was another thing that was worth noting on the counter too. Strangely enough a crystal pitcher filled with a red liquid – either juice or some type of alcohol, two glasses and a bowl filled with all manner of fruit stood there, just as if the old lady wanted her customers to stay a while, eat a bit and chat with her.

[Retfewd]

TIMESTAMP: Before leaving Ethgan'tor and after leaving the blacksmith shop


This was definitely a contrast from the blacksmith shop from which he had just visited. He admired the garden on the way to the door and it was apparent that the shop keeper kept up with the maintenance of the shop. Enjoying the fresh air of the garden and the beautiful city of Ethgan'tor he hesitated before entering the shop. He had much to do and time was not going to stand still for him so he pulled himself together and pushed open the door only to be welcomed by a sweet melody from some bells overhead.

He was sure that his presence was now know to the keeper and that he would be attended shortly. He took a couple steps into the room admiring the wares. Clothes of all type were displayed and his eyes were stuck on a cloak draped over a mannequin. His journey was going to be hard and he knew that the elegant attires would not suit him well, he needed a covering that would weather the many conditions that he was likely to face. He knew that it was out of his reach but he couldn't help but to admire the elegant styles that where hanging up how the finest Lords would enjoy such fine linens. He even let the dream of one day owning such clothing for a night on the town enter his head. Quickly shaking the thought from his mind he began to thumb through the racks of clothing.

[Peach]

Lataraana looked up swiftly as her keen elven ears heard someone come through the door, happy that her shop was finally getting a customer once again. It seemed that she had already provided durable clothing for everyone in the city, so much so that no one really needed to come back. Ironic, really, that her business had once been prosperous enough to fill up a record book. At least she was still happy and comfortable, as were most who were privaledged enough to live within the confines of the holy city. Seperated from the negative going-ons of the outside world that could interfere with their pristine sanity. The old woman's wrinkled face diveted even further into a smile as she looked upon the customer, brushing a few wispy strands of hair out of her face.

It was even a rarer occaison that men came to buy their clothing, usually prefering to wear the same thing for an extended period of time. People like this were more commonly seen at the weaponry than a store such as hers. "Welcome, my child. Are you looking for something in particular?" Her voice was low and scratchy, as if years of use had worn away at its surface like the ripples of a river upon stone.

ooc: sorry for the waits, I totally forgot about these shop threads

[Retfewd]

Retfewd still thumbed through the racks of clothes as he heard the scratchy voice from the other side of the store. Leaning over to see the source of the gracefull greeting, there she was an old lady behind the counter. Somehow he had not noticed her when he had walked in, but her smile welcomed him and made him feel at ease. "Serale, you have quite a nice shop here. I am going on a bit of a trip and will need clothes to weather the diverse conditions outside the forest" Retfewd calmly explained. "I was looking for a cloak with a hood that is very strong capable of lasting many travels. With limited funds I am afraid that I cann't afford anything to extravagant. Do you have anything that would work?" Smiling, Retfewd took his hands off the clothes on the rack and started to walk over to the little old lady behind the counter to make a deal.

[Peach]

The store clerk smiled, fondly remembering the days when she was able to travel. This young man was indeed using his energy in a positive light, getting out and walking somewhere without looking back. Sometimes she wished that she could so such things herself, to throw a meagerly-stocked pack upon her back and walk through the amazingly diverse Forest of Light. Regretably, her elderly limbs would never allow such carefree exploration. Lantaraana could only wander vast plains through means of literature and the mind's eye. Hobbling up to a rack of clothing with her cane as support, the Eshla'heir nodded thoughtfully.

The dark elf could remember the time, in days of youth, when crowns were sparse but spirits were high. It was a time that everyone went through, no matter how dismal their back grounds were. A period of life that needed to be cherished just as much as any other. Mumbling to herself, the old woman took a sturdy dark-green cloak from the rack. It wasn't decoarted much besides a silver buvkle in the shape of a wave that fastened it together. "Thity five crowns for this. It'll last a lifetime." The price was, actually, too low for the high quality of the item. Age was making her much too generous.

[Retfewd]

"Thirty five crowns for that how could I possibly pass up a deal like that. I have heard such cloaks costing twice as much" came the thoughts to Retfewd's mind. He wasn't sure how the roads ahead of him would treat him, but by feeling the fabric and admiring the fine stitching he knew that what the lady had said might well be the truth and if not his whole life it would definitely last him well into his old age.

"It is an awfull generious offer you are presenting me and it is one I couldn't easily refuse." Retfewd remarked eyeing the garmet carefully. "You say it will last a life time do you, well if it can take the type of weathering that I will put it through then I will take it."

Still with his hand on the garmet de was admiring the tough cloth and the texture of the cloak. At the same time looking at the size trying to see how well it would fit him. "Well I guess I might want to try it on to see if it fits. May I?" He questioned signaling to the cloak.

[Peach]

The elderly elf chuckled, waving a wrinkled hand at the youngster. "It's nothing, really. I can tell that you will need that cloak." It was true, the Forest of Light could throw many dangers at someone and having good clothing upon one's back was the key to safety. Without it, one could be subject to more than just a cold night. The dark color of the cloak would help him blend into his surroundings, so that the beasts would be less able to see his moonlight-pale form. Being of the Moriquendi race could have its disadvantages, as Retfewd would most likely find while on his travels.

Slowly, the clerk hobbled back to her counter, the stick that she was carrying making steady clacking sounds against the smooth floor. From there, Lantaraana smiled at her young customer, admiring the way that he carefully handled the new clothing item. "In fact, you may have it for free. I've sold enough today." Perhaps it was a lie, but he certainly did deserve it. Anyone brave enough to leave the city walls during such a time did.

[Retfewd]

His head snapped as he heard the elderly ladies offer he almost thought it was the wind that had blown in through a window. Seeing the little old lady smile at him he knew without a doubt that she really had offered him the cloak free of charge. His budget being as tight as it was he knew that this offer would help him get a lot further.

"I don't know why I deserve such kindness, but I am sincerely gratefull my lady." Retfewd smiled and bowed while speaking. "Excuse me for the rudeness and not introducing myself, my name is Retfewd and I am deeply in your dept for the kindness that you have shown me. In my travels I will need all the extra money that I can get so this act will be of great worth to me."

[Arwenna]

Arwenna, seeing no clerk, walked over to a clothing rack and felt a thick velvet robe, decorated with rubies. She let her fingers slide across a silk blouse, feeling the softness on her fingertips. She sighed happily.

"Yes, yes. It is very nice. Would you like to buy it?" Arwenna jumped when she heard the clerks voice. Blushing a little she turned to face her. "No thankyou. I was actually wondering if I could get a job here. I'm in need of some gold Crowns. Its to go towards my enrollment in the arcana academy." Arwenna smiled happily, thinking of the wonderful things she could learn there.

[Adder]

You would like to work here? The words were a question and yet while it was interrogative it wasn't a testing phrase but instead there was a pleased warmth in the old voice that spoke.

Well, now that you ask, that is something that I have been considering for quite some time. The shop is busy enough for me, but we don't sell as much as we might all things considered. Young things like you, don't always want to buy from an old crone like me, what do I know of the fashions that sweep the city every cycle or so it seems?

If you intend giving your money away to those old money grabbers then you will need a source of income for sure, but if you are going to be studying under those masters how will you work here?

The old woman smiled at Arwenna and awaited her answer.

[Arwenna]

Arwenna frowned, she wanted to study sorcery, but she also wanted to work here. "I'm sure I could find time off sometimes. But I don't really know. Could I atleast work here for a little while?" She looked at the old woman hopefully. But the young, hopeful effect was ruined when Xanthus came bounding in the shop, knocking over racks of clothes, barking to Arwenna happily.

"XANTHUS! NO, no, bad dog! Oh, I'm so sorry, please forgive me. He's a puppy and I only just bought him. He hasn't been trained at all. I'm so sorry. Here," Arwenna helped the old lady who had gone to pick up the clothes lying on the floor to put them back on the rack. "I hope you'll still consider me." She said this a bit dejectedly, she didn't think she had much of a chance now. Petting Xanthus on the head she lay her eyes on the floor.

[Adder]

The older woman clucked her tongue and shook her head, but she was old enough that the mundane details of life no longer worried her. Had a band of rampaging orcs run into the shop then she might have become annoyed, and likely have not would have taken the broom from behind the counter and chased them right back out again.

She came out, shuffling slightly and picked up the clothes, brushing them off before rehanging them on the racks. She kept a stern look on her face as Arwenna helped her but she had to relent as the puppy squirmed, mirroring the actions of its owner.

The older woman sighed, don't you worry about it my dear, he is only young and the young often make mistakes. Older folk don't make so many because we have made them all before and have learnt from them.

She rubbed her hand against her jaw as she considered. Well, I see no reason why you can't work here before you start at the Academy and then we can see how it works out. We can chat again and see how you have been doing and the best way if you still want to work here. Now I can't offer a lot, but if you work hard and the business improves then I am willing to reward you with better pay.

She leant down and ruffled her fingers through the soft fur of the dog, stroking it gently.

[Arwenna]

Arwenna hugged the old woman, careful not to squeeze to tight in her happiness. "Really? Thank you so much. I promise I'll work hard. And I promise I'll keep Xanthus away, won't I you naughty boy." She broke away from the hug to pet Xanthus, who was innocently sitting on the floor, wagging his tail. Still petting Xanthus, she examined the room again, smiling happily. She was definetely going to like working here. She looked back at the old woman, who seemed to be smiling to herself, but stopped when she say Arwenna watching her in amusement.

"Thankyou again. Is there anything I should know while I work here?" she enquired, ruffling Xanthus' ears.

[Adder]

Lantaraana laughed softly at the young womans claim to keep the dog away.

Indeed and what will the poor puppy do while you are working here? She shook her head and returned to the other side of the counter and sat down with a small sigh.

You bring him in with you by all means, and I will assume that you are able to teach him how to behave, just so long as he doesn't get fur all over the clothes.

Now, as for the shop, have a look around and make sure that you know all of the stock that we have. Nothing will embarass you more than being made to look a fool in front of the customers because you don't know what you are selling.

A lot of the trick in selling is to keep the stock looking good. When customers come in they won't leave the racks looking good and that will give a poor impression to the next customer. You will need to go round the store more times than you think in a brightening tidying the racks, rehanging and folding clothes.

Other than that keep your eye open for the current fashions, not that a young lass will need much encouragement to do that!

She sat back on her seat and cocked her head at Arwenna, now where is it that you are staying in the city?

[Arwenna]

Arwenna, still petting Xanthus on the head, frowning slightly at the last comment. "I haven' really been staying anywhere at the moment. Just travellin around the city, sleeping at an inn ocaisonally. But mainly I've been spending my nights on the ground." She blushed as she said this, brushing her dirty white blouse self conciously. She looked up at the old woman, brushing her silvery hair out of her eyes as she did so. The woman expression was of very mild horror. I suppose she's never spent a night on the ground, it would dirty her clothes. She looked down at her dirty blouse once again, the rosy pink blush still painted on her face.

"I suppose I'll have to get some new clothes, as well. It wouldn't really impress the customers if I served them looking like this. Do you have any cheap clohing? Clean, of course. I just need some spare clothes for when these get to dirty. I'm not picky. And also, why is it you ask of where I stay here? She hoped she didn't sound to rude saying this last sentence.

As she waited for the womans answer, she deftly caught Xanthus in another attempt to rampage the store. Tapping Xanthus on the nose, she picked him up and cradled him in her arms, tickling his belly. Eyes still locked on the woman, who seemed to be taking her time with her answer.