Getting married, spending money [Katherine and Pala]
30th Kalendryas era XIV
It was a real fact that Palacrisis was looking just a bit down at heel, Imperia was hardly the best place in the empire for clothes and although he had adopted the comfy robes of the locals his regular clothing was getting worn threadbare and just a bit old. Alleria Prime was the best and most expensive place in the empire for items like this so as they finished their breakfast Pala folded the Herald and looked at Wren and her parents.
I think we should go shopping my dear , you need a new gown for the gala and frankly I could do with some new clothes , these are getting a bit the worse for wear
So wrapped in his old blue cloak the broad brimmed hat with the blue feather stuck rakishly on his head at an angle and the cane with the horses head handle in his gloved hands they were ready to go and visit the delights of shopping in Alleria Prime
She had woken curled up against her fiancé, having spent the time watching him sleep until he awoke. Soon she would always have her place beside him asleep, in his arms. Sneaking away to her room she had gotten dressed and made her way downstairs, smiling happily to herself.
Sipping her tea she looked between the family. They were all getting on so well, her father had taken her aside a few days ago to say how happy he was with Pala. That was music to the young human's ears. So she grinned like a Cheshire cat since then, sipping at her tea.
With her own cloak on and a silver dress, slightly warmer than the others, she held to Pala's arm as they strode out into the town. Leading the way through the town to the clothiers she held onto Pala's arm, laughing at small jokes and pointing out landmarks and such.
"My dear, tell me what you think of yellow and red as gown? I think you would suit yellow too, don't you agree?"
Strolling through the wintry streets of Alleria Prime with a beautiful girl on his arm and no problems of state on his mind was a delight. Pala tipped his hat and sang out the odd Serale, fine day to passers by all the time keeping an eye out for the hazards of the big city.
His reverie was brought back to detail when Wren posed the question …he almost spluttered and their perambulation stopped for a moment before he spotted the twinkle in her eye Er yes yellow and red are a fine combination for a lady of style ..er I would imagine but young lady ….and he glowered in mock seriousness I may be a grasshopper my dear but I am certainly not a canary, yellow is not my colour and Wren I take that position on the matter from the lips of the regent himself ….he leaned forward to whisper in Wren’s ear. Milo has a servant an odd sort of a chap who is forever laying out clothes in various shades of yellow and the regent tells me he is in constant battle over the issue of yellow. So Wren blue green brown black and red are fine with me but never yellow!
He chuckled and took her arm again, shall we start at the Stitch In Time I hear its about the best shop in Alleria Prime for clothes.
Secrets :
Wandering through the Mercantile District, one can't help but notice a sign. Made of what appears to be ancient, well-weathered wood, it sports brightly painted purple and blue inscription that reads 'A Stitch in Time'. A needle with a red thread slipped through its eye underlines the words, with the needle pointing toward the door that the sign hangs over. The building is of a somewhat average size for the Mercantile District, and is located on the corner of a quiet street; two small curio shops of no real note bookend it. It stands out from the rest of the shops with its lattice-work door and its two large windows, all graced with white, lacey curtains. Various articles of clothing are in the windowsills, along with a small rack of hats, some hats with ornate feathers, and some without, and a small orange tabby cat.
The cat is languishing in the window and merely yawns at all who enter. The ringing of the tiny silver bell attached to the door draws the attention of a human male sitting at a tapestry loom. He is of moderate size, with mellow, light blue eyes and graying hair; he looks to be about 40 patterns old. There is a tapestry already strung on the loom, a simple forest scene with a flat gold border, but it is only half done. Evidently, he was working on it just now.
Looking about, one notices shelves along two walls with such supplies as a box of pincushions of all sizes, colors and shapes, a glass box with a quantity of silver needles in it, thimbles, stacks of yarn skeins in every imaginable color, a wooden stand filled with shears, and row upon row of threads. Along the back wall are low tubs of what look to be dyes for the uncarded yarn. Over the tubs are tapestries of all sizes; some depict specific scenes or events, and some are merely abstract designs. Racks and stands of clothes, filled with capes, vests, and dresses, fill most of the center of the shop. Some of the clothes are fur-lined; some are ornate, decorated with faux stones, feathers, shaped buttons, lace and satin, pegs over the shelves hold numerous hats, and an open jar on one shelf is filled with feathers that could be attached to some of them.
A little Mousai girl stands in a slightly hunched position by one of the racks, watching as people file into the shop. Her brown fur is neatly washed and combed so that she gets no hair onto the fabric, and she touches a neatly trimmed and filed claw to her little lips in curiosity. Her eyes are wide and liquid black, and her pinkish little ears are pricked up. She seems to give a brief, frightened glance toward the orange tabby, but then peers back at the customers. The overgrown mouse would seem to be a clerk.
A sign, its words engraved carefully and then painted in white to contrast the dark wood, hangs on the back wall, behind the tubs of dye. It appears to have been recently put up, and reads:
Prices are for basic items only. Please note that these are not all of the items we carry - all can be customised; please ask - prices change because of adornments, decorations, additions, materials, and otherwise - please ask a clerk for assistance - thank you
.
Pala opened the door to allow Wren to go in first and followed her into unfamiliar territory , dress shops were a mystery and he was certain that it would take a few candlemarks before the final escape could be made.
Chuckling at Pala's words, she kissed his cheek as they walked through the streets of Prime. Yes, he was hardly a canary.
"I do hope the Regent doesn't wear yellow, I don't think I could keep myself from laughing." Her amber eyes twinkled as she released his arm to step into the shop.
The shopkeeper looked up at the laughing pair with his own smile. Ah the bride to be was back and with her husband to be no less. Setting down his work he stood and brushed his hands on his trousers.
"Miss L'Rodan, a pleasure. How can I help you both this brightening." Katherine pushed the hood of her cloak back and stepped to the counter, observing the reams of fabrics.
"We are looking for clothing for the gala of the Empress Michelle. I have an idea in mind if you are ready?" She described the gown as the shopkeep scribbled it down, nodding. Deciding on the colour of golden yellow and crimson red for her gown she turned to Pala. "Sir D Jones is also looking for an outfit for the gala, along with some other items. I shall stand aside." With a smile, she went to looking at some of the items on display as Pala sorted himself out.
Wren had taken charge and it came as a relief that the shop keeper knew her by name and seemed happy to deal with the details of her ball gown so left to his own devices he wandered through the shelves and racks. So much stock and so little idea he muttered to himself as he pulled coats of the rack and hurriedly put them back as they were entirely unsuitable. However all this browsing was beginning to form a notion of what he should wear.
The coat was royal blue edged at the high color with gold braid, it had the advantage of fitting him and could be worn unbuttoned the britches he struggled into were tight and of the same shade of blue as the coat and were added to the collection. Shirts were checked out and a pair of white silk heavily ruffled at collar, front and sleeves with mother of pearl buttons caught his eyes.
Boots were tried on and discarded but eventually he settled on a par of black shiny knee boots and at a whim threw in a rather rakish pair of red leather ones. The outfit was almost ready but somehow for such a dressy occasion it lacked a certain stylish touch .It was the glint of gold on a rack that caught his eye and on exploration he found a three quarter length waistcoat in a soft old gold fabric. He slipped it on buttoned it up leaving the bottom two unbuttoned in a rather dashing manner and examined the effect in a mirror.
It most definitely was not yellow which was a relief considering the conversation he had had with Wren earlier but it lent a certain style to the outfit.
Caring the bundle to the shop keeper he laid them out on the counter
Secrets :
Two shirts [silk] = 80 crowns
Embroidered Coat = 50 crowns
One pair britches = 40 crowns
Two pairs leather knee boots = 500 crowns
One gold ¾ waistcoat. = 40 crowns
=710 crowns
The shopkeeper nodded, Wren also nodding her approval. Each item was carefully wrapped in tissue. Wren would have the items delivered to her home. Money had exchanged hands and the pair left the shop in happiness. With a moments thought she turned to Pala.
"Where should we head to now my love?"
Wren would happily wander about the streets of Prime, poking her head into various shops and places of interest. It was then that she had the idea. Taking Pala's hand she managed to pull a cart for hire, having it take them to the docks. Once they stepped out she led her husband to be along the pier to a small ship that was in the process of being refitted.
Turning to Pala she smiled and kissed his cheek.
"My gift to you, a home away from home."
Pala was just about to suggest that they should visit a certain shop called The Alabaster Gem and Stone Works when Wren taking his hand grabbed a cart and they were rattling and clanking through the busy streets down towards the famous docks of Alleria Prime. His what, where are we going? was ignored with a glorious smile from his lady and a finger to her lips quelled any further enquiries.
As they got down from the vehicle and Wren kissed him and told him that it was “a new home” Pala had one of his dim moments Er Wren I am sorry what do you mean? he followed her eyes and for the first time he saw what she meant
The ship, you mean the ship? she nodded and his eyes tried to take it in all at once observing sleek lines and a jaunty shape that spoke of speed in a good wind, Oh, oh she is wonderful …for me?
Pala put his arms around her waist and lifted her off the dockside to kiss her a long and breathless affair before setting her down again and looking deep into her eyes I really do not know what to say she is beautiful and I love my “ LADY KATHERINE” already, thank you my darling it’s the most amazing present I have ever received
Returning his kiss with the biggest smile on her face, she laughed at the name, it was perfect. Kissing him gently, she looked at the sleek ship, the prow adorned with a beautiful maid holding a small bird. Perfect. The builder in charge of the renovating walked along the dock and shook hands firmly with Pala, bowing to the lady.
"Well miss, its all going well, the boat has been divided into the rooms you require and a majority of the new floors are being laid as we speak. The kitchen will be fitted by the end of the cycle and everything will then be ready for you to move in. " Wren thanked him and he returned to his work.
Turning to her husband to be.
"What do you wish to do now my love?"
Pala was still trying to take in all the details of the “Lady Katherine” when the ship fitter paid them a call , Pala had a hundred questions about the ship but they could wait for another brightening,he was determined to inspect every plank, every rivet and every knot.
He had one suggestion only I would have her painted white and would you arrange to put her name “The Lady Katherine” on her prow
After he had wailed away Pala held Wrens hand You have no idea how much pleasure you have given me this day. I have always wanted to learn to sail and she is the perfect vessel. We shall have to hire a crew and an old sea dog to captain her but that’s not normally a problem in a port. How about you and I sail back to Arakmat after the wedding and take it nice and slow. I am told that a sea voyage is good for the health a bit of exercise never did anyone any harm.
The look in his eye was wicked!
But he would have to tear his attention away from ships for the moment and he thought for a moment. Wren darling you need an engagement ring and I know of the very shop you must choose the ring that you want and do not worry about the cost
It took a little time to make their way to “ The Alabaster Gem and Stone Works “ but the time passed in happy conversation and planning. Up the imposing stairs and inside the somber façade was a cornucopia of delight , cases of jewels and jewelry, rings and necklaces all displayed on black velvet.
Pala stood behind Wren looking over her shoulder as she began her search for that special symbol of their love .
The builder had nodded and shouted down the dock as he walked. Wren was ecstatic with joy and cuddled against Pala as he inspected the boat.
"Indeed my love, it was to be a suggestion of mine also, a home of our own while we travel, the waves crushing against her prow." She had gone off on a tangent and came back, taking Pala into the waiting cart.
Looking at her husband to be she accepted his trip to the Gem store. She made to protest but soon realized there was no changing his mind. Wren did not need shiny things from Pala to show his love, she knew his feelings and a gentle kiss and soft cuddle was all she needed. Holding his hand, tickling his palm with a finger she followed him into the store. She had often been in this store, just to look. Amber eyes filled with wonder as she strayed over the various items.
Seeing all the rings she bent down too look closer, the clerk following her gaze.
"All can be altered in someway if you can't find what is perfect." Eyes caught the glint of a simple thin circlet, gold with leaves curling on its form. She picked that as part of her wedding ensemble, this being the only item Pala would see before the day.
An opal stone caught her eye, one of her favorites. The golden metal twisted and turned about the tear shaped gem. Three white sapphires were hidden in the twists. Eyes moved on to another opal in gold. This one had a twist which ended in a rose and another which ended in a leaf. Eyes moved between the two, unsure.
"Which do you like love? This one, or this?"
Pala grinned clutching her arm closer it’s a tradition love rings and weddings go together like brown ale and strong cheese, its just not right not to do it properly. Anyway lovely lady all those nasty beasts out there will not bother you when they see a ring on your finger.
Inside the shop the decision was already made but which one to choose and worst of all he was faced with giving an opinion Pala settled for middle ground as he examined the two very different rings laid out before him on black velvet. “Well this is difficult they are both beautiful and the jeweler who crafted them deserves applause for his craftsmanship.
Yet if you want my opinion this ring sits well on the finger of a young woman it is lighter brighter and pretty.
However this ring says it is more for a mature woman, it has more style and an ageless quality but it sits heavy on the finger.
So the question is really my darling which ring will you wear for the rest of your life a memory of the young woman or a ring to remind you that love is ageless and without time?
Pala stood back and smiled at the assistant , who bowed his head in admiration.
Trying on both rings, she held each of her hands up to examine the rings in turn. It is true the rose ring was beautiful, delicate and would suit her. Yet the other had a divine quality which she loved. Putting the first one back on, the one with the tear drop opal and its sapphires. Amber eyes smiled and twinkled as she made her choice. Slipping the sapphire opal ring off her finger, she handed it to the clerk.
"This one, I like this one out of the two."
The shop keeper nodded and took the ring from her hand, turning it over in his hand.
"It could do with being a slightly bit bigger, I will go and fix it right away. " Disappearing to the back store there was a slight tap of a hammer and wash of water. The ring returned wrapped neatly in a small box covered with red velvet and was handed to Pala.
"Well, that with the circlet shall be, 1000 Crowns for the ring and 200 Crowns for the circlet."
Palacrisis took the box and turned to the assistant with a smile I will pay you in a moment but first there is something that I really must do first
With that he suddenly dropped on one knee and opened the box to take out the ring with the tear drop opal and its sapphires , taking her hand in his he looked up Katherine L’Rodan , I never asked you properly before but that is an omission I will put right now. Wren my love will you marry me?
the assistant put up his hands and wiped a tear form his eye at the scene before him , he had sold many rings but never before had he witnessed a real life proposal in the shop .
With a smile she looked down at the man who she loved completely. Her relationship ha grown through letters with this lover of the arts and had led her to meet him and fall into his arms. Their time together had been wonderful and romantic, he being the gentleman always. Such love from a man who had been hurt before was overwhelming and she said yes instantly.
The ring was slipped gently onto her finger and it glittered beautifully. Crouching down she kissed Pala passionately before blushing, the shop assistant watching still. Standing again she slipped her ringed hand into Pala's and smiled up at him. This was magical, more perfect that she could ever have imagined.
The deed was done and a banker’s cheque was written and passed to the emotional store keeper with an arm around Wren’s waist. Pala walked away from the shop with his fiancée proper by his side.
They had been busy and the exchange of gifts and rings had been emotional so Pala suggested they went back home, there was one more gift to surprise Wren and he was a little unsure how she would react to his unique idea. Once Wren had her feet up and a cup of tea in her hand Pala excused himself for a few moments and went out to the back yard shed.
The size of a full-grown Riparian Warhound, the golem bore the image of a powerful wolf. The metal gleamed in the light that filtered into the shed, revealing a form that was so detailed; Pala could swear he saw muscles rippling under flesh. The soft sound of gears and mechanics emanated from the construct, as the eyes slowly started to blink and focus.
Pala uttered the single word follow and the golem walked behind him at heel into the house and through the door into the sitting room sit he uttered and smoothly the construct sat, its eyes focused in front of it.
Wren darling this is for you , it is a golem designed to be your companion but most of all your protector, there will be times when I must be about the business of Arakmat and I will not be around to look after you, this golem will do that for me. All you have to say is the word obey and the golem will be yours. This construct is noise activated; the vibrations of your voice will wind the clockwork continually. Now the orders that are programmed into it are, Lie Down, Sit, Stand, Stay, Attack, Defend, and Fetch
Why don’t you give it a try its programmed to obey me at the moment but use the word obey and the control is yours.
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