#'i will keep this simple and with no color' yeaaaah that went about as expected

[lynaiss]

Midnight at the Lighthouse 🌖

[colleydogstar]

A Ranger’s Tale - 7 - The Seamstress of Estorly

Story and all other character by @rollem-bones. As mentioned before, the log has a mix of 1st/3rd person tenses due to play styles.

Our story continues...

The gates of Estorly stand firm against the wilderness. Surrounding the Estor river, braced to the North by the great forest, and farmlands to the south, the town is a sturdy, modern city by their standards. Soft clouds rising from the cottage factories that run along the river, the firstmost visible thing from the forest that you can see on your approach. Above the gate is a sigil of an elk's head in a silver filligree. "That's the mark of Silberschmidt," Donnel tells you, patting the top of the heavy pack you've been given to lug as part of your dues for being the young kid tottering around with the Order. It's gotten easier, though, in the few weeks you've been trekking. But now, as the two human guards open the gates with solemn bow to the Order, you see the civilization of that you have been away from for so long.

 The main road is wide, with a spiderwork of narrow ways spreading outward like tributaries. A stone river running alongside one made of water. Large block buildings with great water wheels line the river. The buildings in the city are made of a mixture of wood, stone and plaster over simple brick work. While none hold a patch to the cities you remember from home, they are several floors tall, packed together and many have wide windows of carefully made glass. And people, so many people mill through the streets. Some carry tools, some papers, some simply talking. Men and women in suits, working clothes and dresses of many colors. Human and Demi live here, talking and mingling altogether in a steady, present din of cities that exist across all universes.

 Rhodie wobbles a bit as Donnel pats the pack, but she isn't about to fall over now after making it with the pack this far. She stares out at the town before her, like something out of the RPGs she'd play back home on her consoles, but right here in the flesh so to speak. She was expecting maybe something simple like the local renfair, but this, this is definitely a fully functioning town. She begins to laugh, clearly impressed, "Oh WOW, this place looks amazing!"

 "I'm looking forward to a good bath," Salicia laughs as the quartet pass under the gates and onto the main road. With the sights comes the smells. A dizzying array of scents hits your nostrils. For good, or ill, the city is place of odors. Not the least of which is the shear amount of people, but the food, the industrial grease and smoke from the waterside factories, to the general stench of existence. It hits like a brick, and then doubled over as a man shouts his wares and the scent of smoked meats and cheese barrels down. Nothing more than a food vendor, but then again, you have been outside of fresh food for a time.

 The Setter-demi's eyes light up as her canine nose picks up on the scents. She closes her eyes, "Focus, Rhodie, don't let it overpower." She takes a steadying breath through her mouth and exhales, before trying to take in all the scents, letting that new nose do its thing while trying to keep those canine instincts in check. With a little work she's able to start picking out the direction of the scents. "Factory... food... OK, better smells are that way." Her tail wags lightly, she might get the hang of this being a dog thing yet. "A bath does sound rather nice."

 A short laugh comes from Donnel. "Gel, you going to be able to make it to the Meister's home?" he asks. "Or is that nose of yours already wanting to drag you to the sausage man?" he claps you on the back, a bit harder than you might like.

 "I can make it! Just still getting used to the new sniffer in intense environMENTS!" The last part Rhodie squeaks out in surprise as Donnel's clap sends her stumbling forwards. She yelps as her body twists when she tries to recover and she winds up falling side first to the ground.

 Before you hit the ground, your fall is arrested by Salicia and Pritchard reaching out to grab the rucksacks you carry. Leaving you dangling for a moment by the straps around your shoulders. They both pick you up to your paws again. "Blast, gel, you're so peckish you got no balance," Donnel remarks, starting to walk over to the sausage seller. "You do need food in that gullet of yours." He's laughing the whole way, but you feel Salicia's hand on your shoulder. "Don't pay the old man mind, he's just getting comfortable."

 Rhodie is really glad her fur is red, easier to hide when you're embarassed...  in theory at least. She dangles there, hanging her head at almost eating a muzzle full of road, tail tucking lightly as she's picked back up. "Thanks..." She says sheepishly to Pritchard and Salicia. Rhodie looks over at at Salicia. "Comfortable. Well, that's good at least. Definitely an improvement since we first met, heh." She whispers to Salicia, "Not gonna say no to a sausage either."

 Pritchard looks off for a moment. "Salicia, could you go speak with Donnel. I think Rhodie may enjoy some Salarin Mustard," he says. The two look at each other a moment while Salicia seems to think before she nods and trots off at a jog to join Donnel. Once alone, Pritchard's hand sits at your back. "I don't wish to frighten you, but I feel it's in your best interest to speak with me about a matter concerning Meister Silberschmidt."

 Rhodie mouths the words, "Salarin mustard,' well something new to try at least then? She watches Salicia go, then turns her attention to Pritchard. "Yeaaaah, was wondering if there might be an issue going out with three, coming back with four. Not really a normal occurrence. Also wanted to ask what the proper way to greet the guy would be if I encountered him.. but I'm assuming this goes beyond that, huh?"

 "Meister Silberschmidt will be suspicious, yes. I also trust him to suspect you are Errantblood. To put it lightly, there's a certain appeal to that for some people, and he may seek to have you as a form of trophy," Pritchard says, speaking voice lower as he leans toward you to keep the conversation more private. "He is a man of means and ways. Do not be awed by him, nor be cowed. I will present what arcane protections I can, and I assert that Donnel will provide the political protection. But you must keep yourself, despite anything else."

 Rhodie's muzzle curls like she's about to snarl at the 'trophy' comment, yeah she is NOT a fan of that. "Don't broadcast what I am if I can avoid it, watch for temptation, keep on guard..." She thinks, "Arcane protections... So just because I've already been changed, doesn't mean the magic here stopped posing a risk then."

 Pritchard nods. "Yes, I'm afraid it hasn't stopped being a risk," he explains, taking your hand at seeing the snarl start to curl. "But you are not alone, and in time you will grow stronger against it." He looks to the side. "Donnel returns, I will explain much more as I can later, but remember to keep your ground around Silberschmidt."

 She nods as she listens, "Thank you for the warning, Pritchard. I'll do my best to stay out of trouble." She gives his hand a small squeeze. Even with all the other powerful smells in this town, she can narrow in on his if she tries. It's a good scent, one she has quickly grown to trust since that first night.

 Pritchard releases your hand as Donnel and Salicia return with what looks rather like a hot dog on a biscuit coated with a dull yellow mustard that reeks of a tart and sour. "Here you go, gel, don't know why you wanted that Salarin yellow, it'll blow your sinuses out if you ain't careful," Donnel warns as he hand over the biscuit toward you.

 Rhodie looks at the hot dog biscuit combo, and sniffs at it. "Blow my sinuses, hmm?" She looks over at Pritchard. "OK, you get one 'Make the newbie eat something superhot' prank. You get one." She holds up one finger for emphasis, "and only because I kinda like hot stuff as long as it has flavor." She sniffs at the food again, and after a shrug, she takes a bite.

 Wasabi. That's the first thing that comes to mind. Wasabi, with some kind of smokey meat that has a rich cheese melted inside of it. The biscuit is flaky and buttery, but it's all awash in what is basically like a more wet version of wasabi. Though, the scent is particularly bitter and potent, the flavor muted if anything to assault on your nose.

 She scrunches her face up initially, and rubs at her nose. OK, new dynamic of scent and taste working on this body, that will take some getting used to.  Rhodie turns her head and grunts, "H'oookay, definitely.. .definitely holding the Salarin next time. S'like the Wasabi we had back home but a lot more, urgh, moist." Still.. Donnel went and paid for this, like she's gonna let it go to waste as she takes a couple more bites to power on through it.

 The meat has a strong flavor, heavy smoked. The cheese as well. It's a rib-sticking meal despite its small size. It's also the most fresh food you might have had in a great deal of time. "Lick off your fingers before we get to the manor, gel," Donnel tells you. "But first, give me the packs. You've done enough carrying for the days. It's your first day in a real city. So enjoy yourself."

 Salicia hums to get attention. "Should we get her some real clothing first? Would you like that, Rhodie?"

 The demi-doggirl finishes the snack, licking her lips and fingers after, "Not that bad, but yeah, had the Salarin, will hold off on it now." She laughs at Pritchard, "That wasn't too bad, you still have your one to use in the future." She nods to Donnel and begins to set her pack down. "Hmm, clothes?" She asks, "YES! Clothes, please!" Her tail starts to wag, "I would very much like to not have to borrow your clothes the rest of my time here, cause I'd feel really bad about that!"

 "Salicia," Donnel starts, then looks at your tail. "And you say you ain't a gel," he comments to you with a knowing smirk. "You take her off to get her something good. Remember to save the chit from the tailor this time. I don't want to deal with a solicitor looking for past due. Again." He looks toward Pritchard and nods. "Silberschmidt's going to want to talk with you, so you have to come along with me."

 "A man turned lady has to have his priorities, Donnel," Rhodie jokes back, sticking out her tongue. She walks over to join Salicia, but looks back at the others. "Be safe, you two, OK?"

 Donnel looks puzzled, Pritchard smiles and nods. And the two women are left in the street. "C'mon, kiddo, I know a place that handles demis," she tells you. Soon you find yourself in a quiet shop. It smells of incense and cloth. An older woman sits behind the counter. Long and lean, a llama faced woman with her hands folded neatly. She looks at Rhodie and smiles, though she seems very human otherwise, her eyes have the horizontal pupil of the animals native to your planet. "Salicia, dearest," she speaks with a distinct drawl separate from the other voices you've heard here. "What is this slip you've brought me?"

 "Wow, 'kiddo.' No one has called me that since my dad..." She pauses, and shakes her head, "in a really long time." Rhodie laughs and follows after Salicia. She tilts her head slightly when she sees the llama lady, noticing the eyes. She didn't really think about the eyes not being human-like for some demis. Something else to ask about when the chance arises. Rhodie puts on her best smile, "New tagalong, hi!"

 "This is Rhodie. She's new to the Order," Salicia says. "And sort of got all her outfits lost in the forest. Hope you don't mind if I have you run up a receipt for me after getting her situated, would you Mamie?" The Llama lady titters at the story and looks down at you. "Oh you poor thing. Of course I can help you, and what's more," she says, leaning in and speaking a stage whisper, "I'm more than happy to bill it all to the Order should you decide to splurge, little one."

 Rhodie raises an eyebrow at the whisper, and lets out a nervous laugh. "Ah ahha, I'll ah... keep that in mind. Though I think I'd rather 'splurge' when it is my own money and not someone else's bill. ..When I have money again." She smiles, "Just..ah.. simple and comfy to wear, really. I'm not that extravagant a dresser."

 The next few minutes are a blur. A whirl of motion about you. For a middle aged woman, she moves with strange gangly limberness in a blur about you. A rush of feeling about you as your cloak and Salicia's tunic are pulled bodily off you. Soon you find a set of tan trousers and a light blue tunic, an embroidered hunter vest, hanging threads for tying dangle from the cloths. "Put them on," the llama lady says, eyeing you carefully. "Salicia, take to the door so that we are not interrupted."

 As her tunic is removed, Rhodie almost instinctively raises an arm to keep her chest covered. Which also gives her pause in that she thought to that. She quirks her head to the side at the new clothes. Oh hey, pants! Pants are a good way to start! "Yes, m'am!" Rhodie nods and begins to get dressed in the new outfit.

 The dressing is simple. The pants are soft skins, worked well. They seem capri length, and with a series of buttons in the back to adjust for tail size. The tunic is just that, a little long on your body, but it folds well under the vest. It's colorful. Blue, beige, and hunter. With a silver embroidery patterning on the vest. A pair of shoes are offered to you. Like boots, they're soft, but sturdy leather. They cover your paws but for your toes and the point of your heel, lacing tight about your calf below the knee. Safe for your pads, but letting your claws grip if they need to. "And a hat always finishes," Mamie says, offering a slouch hat, the sides pinned up for your ears. A long feather sticks from the banding.

 Rhodie wiggles her free toes, doing a short run in place after she gets the shoes on and laced up. "Oh my gosh, clothes that actually relatively fit again. How I've missed you." She laughs to herself, then looks at the hat. She takes it, looking it over, and then tries it on. She turns to try and look at herself as best she can without a mirror, then back to Mamie. "How does it all look?"

 "I have a looking glass over here," Mamie instructs, "Go on, model for me," she says in a steady voice. "Salicia, your new girl seems born for this. I'll retrieve a few more things while she poses," she says, though it seems Salicia is eyeing Mamie with some caution, she doesn't speak to you on the matter, letting you indulge yourself as you seem a little excitable over being in new clothing.

 "Yeah... born for it." She looks over toward Salicia, and then shrugs. Hey, you know what, clothes that fit, PANTS, and not having to borrow them. She is not gonna let a reminder of her situation get her down right now. She steps in front of the looking glass and looks herself over. She twists and turns to look at the outfit, and tries to get a look at how it sits with her tail, giving it a couple test wags for good measure. She then tries a few poses, mostly to see how well she can flex and move in the outfit.

 Fashion designed, it does allow for movement. Mamie arrives with a tailed coat "for formality". She also has a series of more simple dresses and frocks. From the bright blue formal gown and corset, to a simple white affair with a more feminine vest than the one you're currently wearing. Bands and decorations seem to follow with all of them. At least somewhere in there is a simple set of clothing meant for riding and exercise. "If you want something more fitting for the outdoors, I can customize for you specifically," Mamie says. "You're simply lucky that I have a young woman that is similarly set as you are, my dear."

 Rhodie looks at the gowns, rather nice looking to be honest. Can think of some girls back home that would look simply stunning in them. But for her right now... yeaaaah, not unless she has to. "Heh, well, all gotta be lucky at something eventually!" She jokes. "I'll settle for fits right now, honestly. I'd rather wait to worry about custom or specialty once I know I'm actually fully on the payroll and it can come from my pocket, and not just me on the tab."

 Mamie hums. "Dear, put on the dresses. I want to see you spin," she instructs, staring at you with those strange, square pupiled eyes. They're filled with intent, and with the bubbling annoyance at a craftsperson being snubbed by a layman.

 "Aaahaha," She laughs nervously. "I've never been big on dress-" Rhodie doesn't even finish as she sees those staring square eyes. "I mean, I don't.... I usually... Y-yes, m'am," Those eyes are weeeeeeeeeeird, and if it'll get them to stop staring like that... She reaches for the simple white gown and vest, changing as quickly as she can manage. She's only put on a dress before for a skit during a video for her channel back home, so it does take a bit of fussing to figure out the right way at first.

 The big gown is silly, not meant for the cramped confines of the shop. But the other one, you get it on and look at yourself in the mirror. A young woman in a calf length dress, a patterned vest that's been cut to tuck in your waist just a bit. To flow around you. A dipped neckline that shows off both a bit of fluff on your chest and the chest itself. In the pause, Mamie slips a narrow silver neck clasp about your throat, patterned with tiny moon cycles.

 Rhodie gets the outfit on, and starts the earlier requested spin, "See, me in a dress, nothing special... at..." She pauses when her turn lets her catch herself in the mirror.  She doesn't even bother finishing what she was saying as she looks at her reflection. The inside of her ears begins to redden almost as much as her fur. She cautiously raises a hand as if to touch her reflection. Is that really her looking back? The click of the neck clasp seems to snap her out of it. "Ah! Jewelry! Yes.. that's.. that is a thing!"

 "It is," Mamie says. "It bears the symbols of Navira. I sense that you may find solace in her." She smiles at you as you look at yourself in the admittedly slimming looking outfit. Rather than ren faire tavern wench, the cut of the outfit seems crossed between college art student and flapper."

 "Navira?" She asks reaching up to touch the clasp. "I ah, forgive me, I grew up rather... sheltered... in many regards. Does she have connections to the phases of the moon?" Rhodie looks back at her reflection. OK, doglady aside, if she had seen someone dressed like this back home, she woulda thought it looked kinda cute and wanted to talk with her a bit. The fact that it's now her in an outfit like that is a bit disconcerting, but...

 But it is you, and will be unless worse happens. The thought lingers as you look at your throat and the clasp around it. "She is the moon," Mamie answers. "But perhaps I'm more right than I know," she adds, turning back toward her cloth buried work counter. "She is the moon, the goddess of night, and the patron and guide of travelers."

 Patron and Guide of Travelers... yeah, she could probably use someone like that right now. "I... thank you, m'am. That is an extra step not many would probably take for their customers." She hates to admit she kiiiiinda likes the white outfit.

 Mamie has settled among her clothes. "Take the lot of it. The silver as well. Nothing is too fine for a young woman without any to their name," she says with a knowing smile. "I will bill the Order, Salicia. And come in the morning, I will have more suitable rough clothing for her." Salicia nods. "Will be here, Mamie. Won't we, Rhodie?" she asks. "You ready to head to Silberschmidts? Or want a bracelet to go with it?"

 "Yes, yes we will. Thank you again, Ms. Mamie," Rhodie says with a nod. "Ah, I will be. Just let me.." She looks at her reflection again, and shakes her head. "Let me get the other outfit on. If I walk up to Donnel like this, you know I am never going to hear the end of it."

 "I think you look fine, Rhodie," Salicia. "You know, Pritchard might think you look cute," she says, and pointedly doesn't give you back your clothing, rather instead carrying it with the rest of your bundle on her broad shoulder. "You can follow along and break in those new shoes," she adds with a laugh.

 "Y-yeah, he might... H-HEY!" She says when she notices Salicia starting to carry off her not-dress outfit. "Running off with my clothes is cheating!" She looks back at Mamie and gives a polite bow, "Thank you again, M'am." Then goes to follow Salicia. "Saliciaaa!"

 Mamie smiles as you leave. And you find yourself scampering in the streets after Salicia. The dress flows about your legs as you run. Your tail slips out through a subtle slit in the fabric. The vest holds your chest snugly and your ears flow like hair. You're faster than Salicia, and you catch up with her quite quickly. Feminine you may be, but you've been gifted an athlete's body.

 Rhodie runs after and easily catches up to her friend. Narrowed eyes, but slight amusement to her glare. "You know Donnel is gonna tease the hell out of me for this outfit after all I said about not being a girl."

 Salicia looks down at you. "And?" she asks. "Is there something wrong with being what you are?" she crosses her arms across her broad chest and looks down at you. Arms thick with muscle, worn hands, stern and handsome faced young woman that she is. Probably a bit younger than you had been, you think. And yet here she is, behaving as though your older sister. Though with what she has seen, and what you were doing with your life so many weeks ago, there's something to be said about her being older.

 "Well.. no, there is in fact nothing wrong with being a girl... beyond the shock of suddenly being one," Rhodie says. Is this what it would have been like to have an older sibling? Not sure if she missed out being an only child or not. "It just still feels weird, whole body does. And I dunno, seeing my reflection in this," She motions to the outfit. "It felt weirdly ok for a moment, which I guess is a good thing, but also I'm still furry? Which also factors into the shock adjustment. I KNOW this is me, I just have to get used to that."

 Her hand grips your shoulder. "You will. Perhaps not alone," she says, turning to walk at a slower pace. "Is there any more you wish to do before we return to the Silberschmidt Lodge?" she asks, looking back at you.

 Rhodie thinks, "Having never met a meister before, what's the proper way to greet one? Do I bow, kneel, what's the respectful way to do that? Customs are a crazy thing sometimes, want to make sure I don't inadvertantly anger someone in power."

 "I wasn't much one for ettiquette," Salicia points out. "S'why I took to the woods." She looks at the grand lodging still down the central street of the town of Estorly. "But I've met Meister Silberschmidt a few times now and I've done no more than a polite half bow. He's hiring me. I ain't no citizen of his towns. Donnel's a bit more polite about it, I suppose, and Pritchard don't seem to care much, but that's casters for you."

 She nods, listening. "So polite bow, can do that." She walks for a moment, then says, "I really want to stay with you three. I know that's been mentioned before, but.. I trust you guys, and right now you're the only friends I've got in this new world. I do appreciate all you've done so far."

 "Stick near us. Remember to wear the cloak," Salicia says, offering the hunter cloth to you as you stand before a large, well treed yard behind a set of high gates made of what looks to be pure silver in the faint shape of a deer's head through an art nouveau lens.

 Taking the cloak, Rhodie nods, and puts it back on. She lets out a whistle at the sight of the gates and designs. "Wow, that is really fancy looking. I kinda dig it."

 "Wrought by the Meister's grandfather. They're master craftsmen," Salicia says, standing before the gate. "I am Salicia, I come under the banner of The Order of Antler and Thorn. I have business with Meister Silberschmidt." As the words are spoken, a ghostlight brightens in the eyes of the deer shape. They flicker like fire before the gate splits in twain, parting for the pair to walk into the grounds. And as they pass through and the gates close behind them, Rhodie can note the smells and sounds of the city vanish completely. It is forest here, and the gate's eyes now turn inward to the grounds.

 Rhodie watches the signs of magic once again in the world as the eyes light up. That is never going to stop amazing her, ever. When they step through and the gates closes, she pauses, sniffing at the air and looking back. "Completely gone, like the city wasn't even there, wow," she says, genuninely impressed. "Smells kind of like the forests back home when we'd go camping."