Fashion Monk

Lower Gardens District, Late Morning

With summer gaining to a near full swing, ventures into the gardens finds more willing participants. A building heat in the direct sunlight, the only respite a mild, cool wind. The gardens tended to in gusto, the scent of cut grass wafting on the breeze.

A figure sits in the shade upon a bench. One scarred grey leg crossed over the other, clad in a simple white sundress that flares out to her shins. A light green, wide brimmed sunhat pushes down down long ears to make them flare out to the sides, as a scarred, bare arm drifts from a various bolts of pristine cloth beside her to a open journal in their hand.

The tune starts off faint, a soft melody at a distance, carried by the gentle breeze with the smell of freshly cut grass. It slowly builds in strength, as if moving closer, soon becoming recognizable. A Goblin in green summer dress comes into view, wandering along the grass. In her hands is a golden violin and bow, which moves up and down as she moves to the music.

Her grin is broad as she recognizes the lady on the bench, and soon Acedia is orbiting Aryia, her play growing softer as the song slows, and comes to an end. "Hello!", she says cheerfully, "How have you been? It has been some time, has it not. Hrmmm. Aryia?"

<OOC> Acedia says, "For reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq9-p6Qf_XQ&ab_channel=StringspaceLive"

Sandaled feet lightly tap at the air from the growing sound of music, something that is mildly noted as Aryia is in her head working on whatever it is. But the sound going around her slowly gets her attention pulled up. She's lacking her usual shades, the hat doing enough for her as she spies Acedia finishing her song.

She lightly smiles, bowing her head. "Hello," she signs with a hand. Even if one didn't understand the gestures, the gist still comes across, oddly. "I'm doing actually pretty fucking well. Yes, that's me. And... sorry, you are?" <Handspeech/Tongues>

The Goblin giggles at the Mul'neissa. "It has been a while! My name is Acedia!" She tosses the violin and bow into the air, and they vanish into puffs of smoke. Dusting off her hands, she tosses herself onto the bench with a thump, and then wiggles closer til she's a polite distance from Aryia.

"'T'was in the Soldier's Defense when we met. Hrm.. ya were sorting some stuff out. But, it's great that you're doing fucking awesome!" There's a emphasis on the swear word, the Gobbo grinning cheekily at having said it.

It seemed like there was a vague sense of recognition already, but it clicks at the name and the reminder. "Right. I remember now," Aryia signs, pulling the bolts of cloth closer to make space for the gobbo as she puts her journal down. A list of places written down but not making any move to conceal it. "Been a minute since then. What are you doing out here?" <Handspeech/Tongues>

She gestures to her bare feet, which are slightly tinged green, and have pieces of grass stuck between the toes. "Getting to know the feeling of grass on one's feet after a long winter, and messily wet spring." Acedia smiles toothily. "And enjoying some violin playing, and the sun on my face." Her gaze goes to the fabrics and journal, briefly noting the writing, but not lingering too long. "What of you?", she wonders, "That is a cute dress on you."

Aryia glances down at the bare feet, the mute slowly nodding. "I get it. I personally wouldn't do that, stepped on too many sharp things, but I get it." A flick up towards the sky. "I'd prefer if it was cloudy. Too bright."

The journal has several locations but not limited to: Jade Isle, Myriddon, Am'shere, etc. "Thanks. I made it," she gestures with a slight smirk. But a long huff leaves her. "Just... a lot of shit. Some shit that has been plaguing me and my sister have finally been dealt with. Bad shit. Finally dead dead. Finally." The words gestured seem to relax her, finishing with a hand rubbing her face. <Handspeech/Tongues>

"I generally trust the gardens, they are well kept. Usually." Acedia looks to the sky and nods. "Aw yeah, hard on the eyes innit? I'm just used to it. From the Sand Sea, originally." At the huff from the Mul, the Gobbo reaches up to lightly pat at Aryia's shoulder. "That's a relief to hear, and I am glad for you. Anything I can do to cheer you up, maybe make you feel a little better? Some acrobatics, dance or maybe some music?"

Aryia shrugs. "Hard to unlearn it. But... yes. At least for me. Beyond bright. Prefer the night," she expounds. Mul'neissa and their darkness. But she nods at the pat, pondering the offer before shaking her head. "No, I am... much better now. Thank you though. I'm already working on new things since I don't have to constantly think about slapping the fucking smirk off a dipshit fiend."

She holds up her journal. "Like this! I have vacation spots." <Handspeech/Tongues>

The Gobbo peers at the journal a moment, and nods. "If you want, for uh, the nostalgia? I am really good at pratfalls, you could slap the smirk off my face for old time's sake. Pretend it's the dipshit friend?" Ace giggles lightly and gestures with a hand. "But yeah, vacations are nice. Are you asking anyone along with you? Perhaps a girlfriend or boyfriend? Or are you gonna go for the solitude.. kinda being on your own among strangers is a nice feeling sometimes."

Aryia, surprisingly, shakes her head briskly at this. Sunhat flopping about. "No, I kind of want to /not/ hit shit for a bit," she motions before rubbing her hands. There's a tilt of the head. "Might take my girlfriend along. Sister and her other too. Just to... get out is all. Maybe do some fashion sampling."

She tilts her head. "Do you have any ideas of place to go? Sand Sea? Veshyan? That where you're from?" <Handspeech/Tongues>

Acedia snorts, nodding at Aryia's refusal. "Twas meant as humour. I getcha." The Gobbo matches the monk's head tilts, and nods. "That sounds like it would be fun. Some far off place, new foods to try, new fashions to buy. Maybe some sand and sea on your feet, and see different night-time stars."

Her chest puffs up a little and she nods. "Veyshan is my ancestral home. It took me a bit over a year to get here from there." The Gobbo rubs at her chin. "I wouldn't suggest going to Veyshan for a holiday. You'd have more fun in Dragonier with the undead. I'm not kidding. The only people who are even remotely trustworthy are the desert nomads. Elsewhere, yer gonna be treated as a second class person. Slavery abounds, women aren't treated respectfully, if you don't have some form of magic, you're fucked. Corruption is everywhere."

Aryia nods slowly. "Stars will be certainly different when I sail there."

Now that the topic is broached, it's quite clear that the bolts of fabric next to her are nothing other than pristine Veyshan make. "Too late," she signs, frowning at the mention of slavery. "Been there multiple times. Not a place to go for fun for sure. Just went for necessity. Though, has some of the best fucking thread there. Even though I do kind of want to punch things here." <Handspeech/Tongues>

"Oh gosh, I can't modestly say that Veyshan has the best cloth and clothing materials to be found anywhere." The Gobbo carefully reaches across Aryia to lightly run a hand over the choices of fabric. "Gosh, this brings back memories. My parents were deep into explosives and working on guns of all kinds. The pinnacle of Gobbo society over there, but to me, they were completely insane. We had to move three times... mostly because the house got blown to smithereens. THREE TIMES! But uhm, there were relatively safe places for Goblins, whole neighbourhoods where it was just us. You'd still punch people there, but for completely different reasons." She snorts and giggles, leaning back and folding her arms.

"So you went there for the fabrics and thread? And their very fine needles?"

Aryia pushes over one of the bolts so that Acedia can inspect it. All of them were the soft, sleek, pristine white hue. Perfectly ready to accept any new dyes, if need be. She lightly smiles. "It's good shit. Too expensive to buy it here."

She can't help but snort. "Three times, fuck. Would have figured one would be enough."

The sundressed pugilist shakes her head slowly. "No. Just picked them up while we were there. First couple of times was some Resurrectionist business. Recently was to pay someone a priest a visit. Thankfully didn't have to sail, someone could use magic to get us there quickly. So we didn't have to say in that fucking sun." <Handspeech/Tongues>

The Goblin seems to enjoy running her fingers over it. "So soft, so silky." She eyes Aryia's figure enviously. "You could definitely make this cloth look very good." Ace taps a finger on her chin. "Hmm. I think you would look fantastic with a deep red, or an azure colour. Expensive dyes, but worth it in my opinion. Or, if you wanted to accentuate the whole white and black thing you've got going, a dress, or outfit, in either of those colours would be very good too." The Gobbo claps her hands together gleefully.

"It's fun just thinking about what you could get out of these bolts of cloth. I could spend ages just daydreaming about it."

Aryia raises a brow, it disappearing behind the sunhat as Acedia rambles on about potential clothing choices. Amused. "I try and steer clear of red for various reasons. But trust me Acedia. I got it. Have a fuck load more at home to experiment with. Thinking of a number of bright colored sundresses for the summer. Should sell well."

Her grin widens. "Don't have to daydream here. I'm one of the best fucking seamstresses in this city, barring like, Sandy," she cockily signs. <Handspeech/Tongues>

The Goblin puffs up, "Such cheek, the nerve that some /girl/ thinks she is even in the same city as I..." Her voice is a reasonable approximation of Lady Sandiel's. "I have a request? May I come and watch you, some time? I love seeing the Muse working, whether it's paints or plays or practical jokes. And uhm, I could use a new outfit or two, if you want a new customer?"

Aryia snorts at that. "You and I both know that isn't true. Sandy would just say she's clearly better. Which I am more than glad to let her have that."

She quirks her head to the side. "... I don't see why not? To be fair, me working and how I am now is two different things. If you're wanting some clothes, I can certainly make something for you. I can accommodate any body type." <Handspeech/Tongues>

Cesran comes out of the Verdant Earth and gives a wave back to the proprietor, "Thank you again for all the help." He says as he pats his spell component pouch. "You always have the best of what I need." He holds the door open for a halfling who's headed inside and as he turns he spots his former teacher.

"Aryia, it's good to see you again." Cesran gives a wave with his free hand as the other has a staff with a crystal dragon head on top.

The staff speaks with a sassy voice, "Yah Cesran is looking to go a couple of rounds again."

Cesran laughs at his staff's antics, "Thanks, but no, I'm not looking for any sparing today."

His staff gives a hmpf at Cesarn.

The GObbo giggles at Aryia, winking. "I know, but she does take the mocking with a good humour. To her, there's no such thing as bad PR." She nods then, "I would love a few more summer dresses, and maybe a blouse or two with a good pair of pants. The dresses can colourful, while the blouses need to be white, the pants need to be dark. Don't care about the style, can let you choose, maybe experiment with something new and interesting?"

Acedia peers at Cesran, chuckling at the cheeky staff. "Hmm, your staff seems to want you to get your behind beat.", she says with a giggle.

Aryia, in her green sunhat and white sundress, head raising before it tilts to the side. A hand raises to wave. "Hello Cesran. Good to see you. Been a minute." But she can't help but snort. "Are you sure? You look like you could still use it."

The seamstress looks down to Acedia on her bench. She scratches her chin. "I can do that. We can figure out specifics later. Probably can throw a Veshyan cloth one in." <Handspeech/Tongues>

Cesran smiles, "Hello I'm Cesran and this is Ral-sara." He introduces his staff, "She is just teasing as is her way, she all ready knows that Aryia has beaten my behind many times in sparring." He rolls his left shoulder, "You get in one lucky punch one time." He nods, "I'm very sure, no doubt Aryia has grown stronger since the last time. I didn't know you were a seamtress Aryia, next time I need some new robes I'll have to commission some from you, if you make robes that is."

"I do have the gold to offer for the cloth, for certain. But I could also offer up entertainment, hmm? A play, acrobatics, feats of daring do, or the sounds of a violin. Or fiddle." Acedia grins to Aryia, before hopping up on the bench.

She offers Cesran a curtsey, flaring out the bottom of her green summer dress. "I am Acedia, Ace for short if you wish! Nice to meet you, Cesran, and Ral-sara. And do not be ashamed, Aryia's punch is legendary, in her own life! Woe to even the mountains that stand in her way." The Goblin poses dramatically, flexing a bicep.

Aryia smiles and shrugs. "A lucky punch is good. But that doesn't matter, I wasn't looking to kick your ass. Just to give you a workout." A brow ticks up. "It's pretty common knowledge, but yes. I can make you robes. Really, if its made of cloth, I can make it."

The mute shifts to Acedia. Tapping her chin. "Such an offer my mother may like, but I'd prefer to just have the money and little distractions. Maybe you can do such a performance at the Defense instead of for me."

The pugilist cannot hide the cocky smirk as her reputation seems to proceed her. <Handspeech/Tongues>

Cesran bows his head, "It's nice to meet you Ace. Yes Aryia's punch is something else, I'm glad we were only sparing. Fighting against Aryia would be a tough fight, even with my magic." Ral-sara nods, "It would be because I'd be on Aryia's side." Cesran gives another chuckle, "All the more reason for me not to fight Aryia."

"Ah well sometimes common knowledge can elude me." "And common sense." The staff interjects and Cesran gives a smile, "That too sometimes. Yes I don't have any magical robes. Never needed them yet."

Aryia snorts, shaking her head. "I mean if a magic staff wants to be on my side, I'll take it." She shares a look with the staf about common knowledge and sense, trying to not nod in agreement, but can't help but hide it. Though... "You don't? I figured that's like, the first thing fancy wizards do is make basically every fucking thing on them magical. Magic robes, magic shoes, magic pants." <Handspeech/Tongues>

Cesran shakes his head, "Not this fancy wizard, I'm more about the accessories, rings, headbands, broaches, that sort of thing, although Ral-sara is the most magical thing that I possess. No the only cloth item I have that's magical is my carpet of flying. Oh and a hat that makes me look like a gnome." He gives a glance to the rolled up rug that he has on his pack, which is also where he keeps his hat. "So I've been out of the city for a while, been helping a friend at Rune. What's been going on since last we met?"

"I too would choose to be on Aryia's side... however, if I were not, I would simply choose to run. Very fast, very far away, before she realized that I was not on her side." The Goblin giggles at Cesran and winks.

To Aryia she nods, "I would entertain at the Defense in your honour. But I would also offer entertainment for you, at a time of your choosing, for when you would wish a distraction. Given freely. I do like to entertain and perform."

Aryia raises a brow at Cesran. "Depends on what you define as accessories," she signs. "But, nothing as crazy as before, but still annoying. Werewolves, Felwood losing its curse. Alexandria making an alliance with Mythwood. Different demon shit, but I think that might be reduced severely now." She grins.

Her eyes seem to gleam at Acedia's choice of action. "You wouldn't get very far. Nothing runs from me." Smile. Then- "I am good. Save the energy elsewhere." <Handspeech/Tongues>

Cesran nods, "I would choose Aryia's side too." He gives a wink back. "If you are doing some entertaining I look forward to hearing it, do you ever play at the Fernwood Pub or the TarRaCe?"

Cesran listens to Aryia describe what has happened, "Interesting, well that's good to hear that the demon stuff is finally quieting down. I'm not sure if the Felwood losing its curse would be a good or bad thing, but thank you for the update. I'll keep my eye out for werewolves. I'm sure I must know a spell or two that would specifically hurt them."

The Goblin's eyebrows rise, and she grins toothily. "Challenge accepted! That could be fun, yes? I run or hide, see if you might catch me? Casual stretch for you, mayhaps, but I could practice!" Ace giggles lightly, bouncing up and down on her toes. She frowns, however, at the mention of demons. "Still? How long do we have to fight them? How many times do we gotta die?"

Ace looks to Cesran, "I literally live at the Fernwood, when I am not at my lessons in the Temple of Eluna. I have played the Fern many a time. The TarRaCe is newer, but I have played there a few times. Both are great places. The Ox? Not so much. A rough and seedy crowd, but, easy to please. The right song, and a round of beer, and they'll be eating out of your hand."

Aryia gives Cesran a look that equates to 'I'm glad too'. "I've found just hitting them hard enough works well for me." She glances to Acedia. "Reduced severly," she reiterates, firm. "We have to see how some... excursions panned out." Intentionally vague.

She raises a brow to the gobbo. "It would be good practice for you. It's very hard to hide from me. But don't try to run, you won't make it far without magic." <HAndspeech>

"Even a Teleport would not be safe from Aryia, you'd only delay the inevitable." Cesran says with a smirk, "I look forward to hearing your then sometime I am often at the Fernwood, I enjoy their stew and biscuits as well as their green hornet drinks. I might see you at the Temple as well then, I sometimes go there, probably not as often as I should." He nods, "Yes I've been to the TarRaCe a couple of times, it's very nice especailly the bathhouse. I've been to the Ox just a handful of times, it's hard to enjoy a meal when you have to worry about getting hit with a chair."

"Yes that always works for you, but I know I know a spell that works well against them, just let me think." Cesran says as he takes a deep breath to think about the spell.

The Gobbo puffs up, giggling. "I am inspired by Tarien. I would still welcome the opportunity to try. I have tricks up my sleeve and under my hat..." She reaches up to pat her frizzy red hair. "Okay, well /WHEN/ I'm wearing it... I would consider it a challenge. A playful one. Not meant as a challenge to your skills, Aryia, but to mine. Besides... would it not give you some satisfaction to see a cocky little shit like me suffer a little, getting caught?"

The Goblin giggles again, and glances to Cesran. "Er, well, couldn't teleport in the city anyways, so..." She holds up a little, grass-stained foot. "I'd have to use these, and whatever else I could muster. I'd probably beg for a head start, too, the first few times."

Aryia snaps a finger towards Cesran in agreement. "Shit with enough fire or blowing shit up will work just fine with them." A shrug. "I go to the TarRaCe often. Bathhouse pass." Also known as, I know the proprietor.

She shrugs to Acedia. "I am aware, just for fun." A blink. "I don't think I'd enjoy seeing suffering unless it's like, Charneth officials. But can just do it for the fun of it." <Handspeech/Tongues>

"Well I wish you luck Ace, you are going to need it." Cesran nods, "Yes I know, it seems they still have that ward up, annoying but understandable given all that went on in the city. It's a small price to pay for giving everyone peace of mind that demons just can be summoned into the city." He chuckles, "I don't know some Charneth officials I've met might enjoy the suffering as much as you enjoy seeing them suffer."

"Not real suffering, Aryia. But like, you know, the suffering of being beaten in a friendly game of catch me if you can! Or hide and go seek. But with betting. Or some sort of risk and reward? Like.. if I win, you have to be my servant for a week. All dressed up in a maid's uniform. Of your making." The mischief in the Goblin's eyes is real.

Giggling at Cesran, "I am one of Tarien's favourites! I am sure a little luck will be on my side." Acedia stares at Cesran, blinking. "Charnites are some sick people..."

Aryia sighs and shrugs. "It's annoying, but to be honest, it's better for it. But uh... yeah, they would like that. Hence why I'd probably would just kill them."

Though, Acedia's proposition gets Aryia to stare at her. The Stare. That Stare. "... I am not going to entertain such asinine betting conditions, particularly with servitude involved," she gestures bluntly "No." <Handspeech/Tongues>

Cesran blinks and he shakes his head trying to erase the image of Aryia in a maid's outfit from his mind. Unfortunately for him and his mind it's not going to be forgotten any time soon. Cesran knows that Stare, "Yah you better hope you are one of Tarien's favorites. Maybe something like buying meal or drinks would be a better bet."

Gods knows that Cesran could go for one right now as he's tries to descalate the situation.

"I was unaware that it was a particular sore spot for you. My apologies.", the Goblin offers, with a nod of her head. She eyes Cesran, "Quite possibly you are correct." She hops down from the bench, and with a quick word, the Golden violin appears once more. "I will go, to not wear out the mat of welcome. Take care and see you both again soon!"

The violin begins to sing once more, this time a cheeky pub song. A few verses can be heard, complete with swear words and the double entendres.

Aryia nods sharply towards Cesran. "Yes, a drink or food would be a better bet. I don't... wear such outfits," she gestures before squinting to Acedia. "It's somewhat insulting is all." Under all that, the prissy elf is still somewhat there, deep down. "Regardless. I look forward to a bit of sport. See you later."

As Acedia leaves, the mute gathers her things, shoving the bolts of fine fabric into her bag, as well as her journal. "Speaking of, I need to dump this shit off at home. Cesran, if you give me your measurements and some ideas, I can get something started. Robes are easy as fuck." <Handspeech/Tongues>

Cesran smiles, "Sometimes I am. Weirder things have happened." He says as he gives a wave, "Take care and good luck." He says before he nods to Aryia, "I will, I prefer to keep it simple, something like I am wearing now. No need to stand out, I prefer function over form, but we'll talk later. It was good to see you again Aryia."

Aryia gives Cesran a once over, tilting her head from side to side before popping the journal out, taking a few notes, and stashing it away. "Got it. Good to see you again. Stay safe. You too, Ral-sara."

And in a very un-Aryia like way where she doesn't sprint off or leap atop a roof, she simply leaves.

Seemingly like she's finally able to just /enjoy/ a day. <Handspeech/Tongues>