Open [The Amphitheater] Gifts Ungiven

[Krima]

79th of Summer, 513 AV Krima's face went red again as Kirsi corrected her. It was the second time that night she had to be corrected. Trying to push past her embarrassment, she gave as much of a smile she could manage and nodded. "it's nice to meet you too, Kirsi." she put emphasis on the women's name, making sure she got it right. I'm definitely going to need to buy that book. Krima thought to herself. "Of course!" Jorin cried, and she followed his arm towards the section he was pointing towards. It was a complete mess of chaos. With so many misplaced clothes it made her want to grab every single dress and examine them thoroughly for stains or lose threads. Her sister's shop had always been neat and tidy, not a needle out of place. "The workplace must reflect the product." But here, the workplace was the stage, and the play was the product. Perhaps that idea was the only reason she wasn't joining the stage hands in cleaning the place up. "I did inventory yesterday. There should be twenty nine dresses. There are two missing. Where are they?" Krima froze at these words, knowing that exact horror. When she was first starting out as her sister's assistant she had lost a dress due in three days. The freak-out she endured was far worse than the one Jorin delivered. After that day she made sure to keep track of everything within the store, taking inventory every morning and evening. As the stage hand tried to defend himself, Krima herself wanted to strike them with her palm. How does one care so little about dresses? That's someone's hard work you just disregarded! "I'm ... terribly sorry." Jorin apologized. "I didn't mean for you to be there for all that. I don't suppose you'd know where I can acquire a few dresses?" Krima realized this was her chance. Maybe she could step away from formal wear, and work as a costume designer. Instead of being known all over Mizahar for wedding dresses and formal dances. Maybe she would requests from all over Mizahar, different theater's requesting her to create elaborate costumes. She would work with all the colors you could think of, with just as many different fabrics. It could be her chance to step outside of her Sister's shadow! ... Actually, this would just be a good chance at making some money. "Actually, I can do it!" Krima practically shouted just as Jorin finished talking about the fabric's the costumes used. She gave him apologetic eyes for interrupting, then continued. "You said the next play is in a week yes? I can do two dresses, though they will be very plain. What did the previous two look like?" she asked, already ideas were brewing in her head for what she could do, when she paused. "I'll also need to know where i can buy fabric." she then remembered her missing map "I lost my map on the way inside... so I'm a bit lost on my way home or to grab something to eat."

[Kirsi Winterflame]

Timestamp: 79th of Summer, 513AV Kirsi was delighted with Jorin's answer, and the weapons rack, despite its state of disarray was like a treasure chest to her. She let out a barely audible sound of appreciation at the dagger Jorin handed to her. "Ooh, beautiful." Of their own volition, her fingertips traced over the latticework. The bas relief was a carving technique that many artists began practicing almost as soon as they picked up tools, but the results were never so crisp and detailed, and many gave up at that stage. Relief carving wasn't the most fun for her, either, but Kirsi could admit that it was because she hadn't mastered the technique. Pieces like the dagger in her hand were the reasons that she kept going back to that early form periodically. "How am I supposed to run inventory when no one tells me these things? Do we at least have spare dresses?" Kirsi looked up to see Jorin enmeshed in a discussion with a stage hand. Missing dresses? Clearly something had gone awry with the costumes. Kirsi replaced the dagger on the weapons rack and walked over to see what had happened. Both Krima and Jorin looked upset by the costume troubles, but in tru Jorin fashion, he managed a grin and a flippant remark for Krima, inquiring if she knew where he could find some dresses. "Actually, I can do it!" The excited outburst came from the Konti woman, and Kirsi raised her eyebrows in surprise. She hadn't expected that; Krima was a seamstress? Hearing the other woman assuring Jorin that she could provide two dresses for the next play, Kirsi was impressed. She knew nothing about making clothing, but it seemed that a week's time for two costumes was fairly quick. Hearing Krima mention the need for a map, Kirsi frowned. She remembered all too well the difficulties she'd had navigating the city when she first arrived. In fact, she had been more than a bit proud of herself when she was finally able to return her map the the Akalak guard at the city gates. Now, it seemed, she should have held on to it a bit longer. Still, if Jorin took Krima up on her offer, Kirsi could volunteer to show her around a bit. Krima seemed nice, if a bit quiet, and Kirsi was always looking to make new friends.

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 79, 513 AV

"Actually, I can do it!" Jorin nearly jumped as Krima suddenly piped up, her eyes practically shining with excitement. He'd been half-joking when he asked that question. He figured her for some sort of seamstress, being so interested in fabric and costumes, but he loathed to ask help for things he was supposed to be responsible for. Still, if she was offering...

"You said the next play is in a week yes? I can do two dresses, though they will be very plain. What did the previous two look like?"

Jorin nodded slowly. "Ye~es, in a week. Fortunately, the two dresses were relatively simple. One was a white cotton thigh-length dress with a green ribbon across the neckline. Long sleeves with frills at the end, if that's possible, if not they could simply be embroidered. Small green sash around the waist to tie it off. The other one is a bit fancier, satin evening gown, dark blue, plunging neckline, somewhat bell-shaped. It's tighter at the top, but flares out near the knees."

Jorin shrugged. "Normally, I'd go to Rosela's. She has clothing of almost any style, but charges more than I'd like to pay. Especially to people she ..." here Jorin coughed, and chuckled slightly, "... doesn't necessarily like."

"I honestly don't know what I did to anger her so badly," Jorin grumbled under his breath, before continuing.

"The satin we have right here. I saw you fingering the curtain earlier; we keep stocks of velvet and satin in case anything rips or tears. We'd keep cotton too, except lately our stock has been getting tighter and I had to cut inventory a bit."

Jorin smiled at Kirsi. "I know this must be boring for you ... I know! We could all head to the Bazaar. Sadly, Rosela's is the only dedicated clothing store in town, but the Bazaar has everything. I'm sure they have bolts of cloth, thread, needles, anything you'd need! And perhaps something useful for carving too, such as some nice wood, or a carving blade?"

Jorin grinned at the two ladies. "What do you say?"

[Krima]

79th of Summer, 513 AV Krima listened intently to Jorin as he described each dress. they sounded relatively easy to do on their own, but both in one week would be hard. Still, she didn't have much to do in Riverfall just yet, and she could easily dedicate her time to making the dresses. It would be a tight fit, but it could be done as long as nothing went wrong. She would have to start right away too. "The satin we have right here. I saw you fingering the curtain earlier; we keep stocks of velvet and satin in case anything rips or tears. We'd keep cotton too, except lately our stock has been getting tighter and I had to cut inventory a bit." She scanned the backstage quickly and saw the fabrics tucked away in the corner, a large basket filled with a mess of different color velvet and satin. As chaotic as it was, she saw enough dark blue to get the job done. She did need supplies and materials for the other dress, which she was a bit more worried about. It had more elements than the evening gown, and would require more time and detail. She turned her attention back to Jorin as he described to Bazaar. "And perhaps something useful for carving too, such as some nice wood, or a carving blade?" Krima was a bit surprised. She had seen Kirsi looking at the large wood archway, but she hadn't noticed them looking at the wooden props, being too entranced by her own exploring. She knew how woodcarvers paid just as much attention to detail as those in her own line of work. One wrong measurement or cut and the entire product is ruined. "As long as Kirsi is okay with it. I'd hate to drag her along somewhere she isn't having a good time." Krima turned to Kirsi, hoping she would agree. It would be interesting to see the different blades and woods a woodcarver uses. Perhaps she could explain a thing or two about the work as well.

[Kirsi Winterflame]

Timestamp: 79th of Summer, 513AV Poor Jorin, she thought. Kirsi hadn't realized that the performers would have additional tasks at the theater, though it made sense when she thought about it. She couldn't imagine keeping track of so many details and memorizing the lines and postures, as well. Jorin clearly loved the environment, though, and she was glad that he'd found his niche in Riverfall. "Normally, I'd go to Rosela's," Jorin was telling Krima. "I honestly don't know what I did to anger her so badly." He sounded puzzled, but not too bothered by the fact, Krisi noted. Kirsi had been past Rosela's; it was one of those stores that catered to the fashion-conscious. Which made it far out of Kirsi's comfort zone. Jorin's suggestion that they all take a trip to the bazaar was much more her speed. Adding in the chance to hunt for some more carving tools, and she was definitely in. And maybe, if the Konti was interested and Kirsi could find a bolt of cloth that she loved, she might see if Krima would agree to make something for her, too. "What do you say?" "As long as Kirsi is okay with it. I'd hate to drag her along somewhere she isn't having a good time." "Sounds like a great idea to me - I never need much of an excuse to go to the bazaar," Kirsi admitted, grinning. Most of her trips resulted in nothing more than window shopping and a growing wish list of things she'd love to buy, but that didn't lessen her enjoyment any. People-watching was a fun passtime, and Kirsi loved to listen to the different shopkeeps hawking their wares, haggling and persuading reluctant customers. She wasn't any good at all at bartering. The few times she'd tried, she suspected the vendor had simply taken pity on her awkward attempts and knocked a few coppers off out of sheer kindness.

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 79, 513 AV

"Great!" Jorin cried, with a grin. "To the Bazaar then!"

He led the way past the scurrying stage hands, out the back of the amphitheater and down a small, worn path to the main road leading back to Riverfall. This was a rear exit path, one few non-theater employees ever saw. Turning to the two women following him, Jorin decided to let them in on that.

"The path we're taking now might look a bit different from the one you took to get here," he explained, almost like a city guide. Sweeping his arm dramatically he continued. "This is the back road, which actors, stagehands, and understudies take to get to the rear of the Amphitheater. We also use this road to move props. See those grooves in the side of the road? That's for the logs we sometimes use as rollers for the larger props."

Jorin turned and continued to walk down the path. As he walked, his mind was all numbers and figures, and he ticked things off his hand, lips pursed in concentration.

"Swear to Priski when we get back I am deducting the cost of both those dresses from that actress' next wages," Jorin grumbled as he estimated the cost of the fabric in his mind. "What was she thinking, borrowing them a week before show without asking? I'm going to have to have a team meeting later..."

As the gates of Riverfall approached, Jorin nodded at the two Akalak at the door and led Kirsi and Krima back into the city. None of them were likely to go back to the Amphitheater; Jorin's work was done for the day (and he had several inventory checklists he needed to reconcile in his apartment anyway), Krima would probably want to get to work on the dresses right away, and Kirsi was just visiting to begin with.

"Just let me know how much of the satin you need, Krima, and I'll have it delivered to you," Jorin was saying as he took a left at Gideon Arena and continued to walk straight. The Bazaar shouldn't be more than a few blocks past.

"Although given tonight's little adventure I'm not sure I trust the stage hands to do it anymore. I may just have to deliver it myself," Jorin added with a self-deprecating smile.

The three of them could hear the Bazaar long before they saw it, the sound of merchants and buyers haggling on prices, as things of all shapes, sizes, and colors were on display, and on sale.

"Buyer beware!" Jorin cautioned with a cheerful grin, as he indicated with a wave of his hand for the two ladies to catch up. "Now let's see if we can't find what we're looking for."

[Krima]

79th of Summer, 513 AV Krima grinned when Kirsi agreed. This Bazaar place would most likely be where Krima got most of her fabric until she managed to grab another map or learn where Rosela's shop was. Even then, this women may not want to sell her own fabrics to someone who could serve as competition. She remembered back in Mura she encountered this issue a lot, and it wasn't unlikely she'd face the same issue. All the same, this made her more excited to go to the Bazaar. As they walked out the rear exit Krima noticed the drop in temperature. She knew that the actual temperature hadn't dropped. The sky was clear and the sun was still in the sky, with little breeze she was sure that it was what she have heard people call "A Warm Summer Day". Instead, the lack of people made her feel colder. Without the stage hands giving off love, she was left to whatever came off Kirsi and Jorin. She was a bit surprised at how much heat was coming off Jorin. It made her want to move closer, but she kept a respectable distance. It was the downside of her Gift, she always wanted to be as close as she could to people who were very loving, but she had to keep respect for personal space. Krima listened as he described the path, but just barely. Instead, she glanced at at Krisi, and started to wonder what colors would look good on her. It was a habit she had with anyone she met, to guess what they would look best in. A dark black or red to but emphasis on curves, More earthy colors to help bring out green eyes. She had a basic understanding on what colors did for someone, it was just rare she got to apply this understanding. Kirsi would require a color that helped to focus on her striking eyes. A color that didn't draw much attention, so you focused more on the face. She knew of other tailors who liked to make pieces that drew attention to the outfit itself. She didn't like to follow this idea, clothes were meant to show the best points of the wearer, while looking beautiful in the process. Krima was snapped out of her thoughts when Jorin addressed her. "Just let me know how much of the satin you need, Krima, and I'll have it delivered to you," the actor then added with a smile"Although given tonight's little adventure I'm not sure I trust the stage hands to do it anymore. I may just have to deliver it myself," Krima laughed a bit. "Well, for whoever does deliver the Fabrics, I'm staying at The Pearl House." she said as they approached the Bazaar, a crowded area filled with the sounds of haggling and gold being exchanged for items. Krima had never haggled before, and was intimidated by the idea of it. She didn't like to disagree with people, even though it was benefiting herself. It appeared it was time for her to learn. "Buyer beware!" Jorin called as he waved for them to catch up. "Now let's see if we can't find what we're looking for." Krima turned to Kirsi, a big grin on her face as she was excited to explore. "So, want to look at wood and tools first?" she asked.

[Kirsi Winterflame]

Timestamp: 79th of Summer, 513AV It was a pleasant evening for a walk; the sun was lowering in the sky, but still gave off plenty of light to see by. Kirsi looked around, soaking in details as Jorin explained about the logs and maneuvering larger props. In true showman style, he accompanied the description with expansive arm movements - for Jorin, it seemed, all the world really was a stage. She let the conversation pass over her head; it didn't involve her, in any case, and she was more than content to use the chimes to peer off the path at the flowers and trees sprouting alongside the path. A trip outside the city gates might be in order soon, she thought. The scenic path might offer new inspiration for her carvings. Re-entering the city proper, Kirsi spared a nod and a smile for the guards. It was a far cry from the Vantha who had entered the gates nearly a season ago. Then, she had been intimidated by the sheer size of most of the citizenry; she had since learned that most were entirely approachable and at least civil - if not downright friendly. It only reinforced her belief that Riverfall was a wise choice for her new home. The cheerful sounds of the bazaar clamored in Kirsi's ears as they turned the final corner. It was a consuming environment. She found it nearly impossible not to smile when surrounded by the hustle of the open-air marketplace. "Buyer beware!" Jorin warned, smiling, hurrying them along. "So, want to look at wood and tools first?" Krima looked as excited at the prospect of shopping as Kirsi felt. Still, she thought it might be a bit selfish to immediately run off to look at woodcarving tools. So, despite her eagerness, she shook her head, "No, I think we should definitely make sure that you get what you need for Jorin's costumes first. I could lose hours poking about in the carving tools and still not see everything I'd like," Kirsi grinned at her companions. Besides, if I overspend on fabric, I may not want to tempt myself with tools, she added silently. The walk here had almost given her enough time to talk herself in to asking Krima for wardrobe assistance.

[Jorin Ertihan]

Season of Summer, Day 79, 513 AV

Jorin just grinned at all the brightly-colored stalls, and the various goods held within. For some reason, this place reminded him of the troupe; all bright hues and shouting people, hustle and bustle, with customers haggling and merchants hawking and the place just felt alive. Whether on the stage or in the market, Jorin lived for this sort of place. Seeing that both the women seemed more interested in purchasing the cloth, Jorin led them down the stalls until he found a cloth merchant.

"Greetings, my good man!" Jorin cried, his face spreading into a wide smile. The merchant turned and saw three potential customers. He especially took note of Jorin's colorful costume; not something one would see every day. It clearly marked him as a member of the Amphitheater.

"Hello and welcome!" cried the merchant, spreading his arms wide. "We do not usually get many patrons from the amphitheater here."

Jorin just shrugged. "Well, logistical issues, I'm sure you understand. More to the point, we'd like to purchase some cloth, and sewing materials. Also frills if you have it, or embroidery if not."

The merchant grinned. "Of course, my friend!" he replied, rubbing his hands together. "Now, what would you like to purchase? What color? And in what quantity"

Jorin held up a hand. "Hold a moment," he said. "The Amphitheater -"

"- I am afraid I cannot sell anything on credit," the merchant said, and despite his constant smile, Jorin could feel the steel behind his words.

"The Amphitheater is not going anywhere," Jorin argued. "And as the logistics manager I can assure you we will reconcile all debts at the end of the billing cycle."

"Which will be when?" the merchant wanted to know, eyes narrowing slightly. "If you want to make such arrangements, why not go to Rosela?"

Jorin sighed. Of course Rosela would come up. Jorin would say this much for his luck: it was consistent.

"Look, I'm not going to go into details on that," he said, "suffice it to say, I'm here right now."

"I'm not opening a tab, Jorin," the merchant said, with an air of finality. "This isn't a tavern."

Well. This was certainly a wrinkle, although not an unanticipated one. Jorin sighed and turned to the two women who had followed him, smiling brightly.

"No worries, ladies," he assured them. Turning to Krima in particular, he motioned for her to move forward, indicating the bright bolts of cloth in various lengths and hues.

"A pity the dress was plain white cotton, else we could make it ... stand out more," Jorin mentioned with a grin. "Nonetheless, they have some pretty good cotton here. Ribbons are over there," Jorin waved his hand vaguely to their left, "And I believe there's a thread stall a few steps down. This entire general area sells fabrics and the like. Please let me know what you need!"

Oh Priskil, I hope she doesn't pick anything too expensive Jorin semi-prayed. If he had to deduct this from his personal ledger he was not certain he'd be able to later charge it to the Amphitheater's general fund. There were times he missed being able to requisition from Rosela...

[Krima]

79th Day of Summer, 513 A.V.

"No, I think we should definitely make sure that you get what you need for Jorin's costumes first. I could lose hours poking about in the carving tools and still not see everything I'd like," Kirsti explained with a grin. Krima gave a quick nod and a smile back, before jumping into the hustle and bustle that lay before them.

Back within a crowd, Krima felt warm again. The busy pathways in between the colorful merchant stands created a strong incubator that made heat spread throughout her body. She noticeably relaxed as they started to look around for a cloth merchant. Once found, Jorin started to argue over the payment method for the cloth. Krima frowned at the mans refusal to take credit. She felt bad spending Jorin's money, but there wasn't much she could do. She was Konti, and could potentially use her looks to get the merchant to give. But she felt uncomfortable using herself like that. She would just focus on picking the cheapest fabric she could.

Jorin motioned for her to step towards the merchant's goods. She stepped forward and was almost awestruck. There were dozens of colors with a dozen more shades of each, all ranging from cotton to silk to velvet. She wanted to grab every single color and use them all, but there was no such time or wealth. She ran her fingers across the first row of bolts, right to left going from white to off-white, to grey to black. She picked up a shade slightly off-white. Off-white is slightly less likely to show dirt stains, plus not being exactly white may make it a bit cheaper. That's what she hoped, at least.

"A pity the dress was plain white cotton, else we could make it ... stand out more," Jorin mentioned just as she was picking the bolt up "Nonetheless, they have some pretty good cotton here. Ribbons are over there," The actor waved his hand to their left, indicated where the ribbon, their next stop, was. "And I believe there's a thread stall a few steps down. This entire general area sells fabrics and the like. Please let me know what you need!" Krima thought about making it stand out more. She could have the dress a light shade of blue with a white ribbon instead. And to make up for the addition of color, the sleeves could be short and take off a yard. She put the bolt down and turned to both Kirsti and Jorin, pointing towards a bolt of light blue.

"Well, why don't we make it stand out more? Use this shade along with a white ribbon, and then to make up for the color we can only do short sleeves to knock off a yard and a half." Krima explained. Besides, it would add more variety instead of having two identical dresses she added to herself.