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RESPITE MARKETPLACE - EARLY AFTERNOON
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Rhask sits behind the counter of the stall she shares with Emmeline and Jennica, the trio having settled into a routine of who runs the stall on given days. She hums a quiet song to herself as she continues to deftly knit new orders and general merchandise, the cooler air from the onset of Winter definitely pushing sales a bit as she can shift from experimentation to knitting how she knows best: Warm and cozy.
Maecy walks back from the Generator, having hoped to have lunch with May, only to find her sister out for the day to oversee some project or another in all that construction going on. She trudges back through the market, letting her gaze pass over the various wares. She stops as she spots Rhask knitting, stepping closer to the stall to look over the table to watch. "...Oh! That's a fascinating technique you have, Ms!"
Rhask looks up at Maecy upon hearing the stoat's voice, her knitting slowing, but not stopping. She smiles happily at the compliment. "Oh, thank you very much! It's the same technique I learned from my parents when I was younger." She nods at the counter and the clothes arrayed on display, "It makes for some very cozy pieces of apparel, perfect for winter wear."
Maecy grins, leaning up to look at the sweaters, "Oh! It's a familial technique! Lucky! Mind if look? I do a lot of my own sewing, but knitting isn't a skill I've added to my toolbox yet."
Rhask stops her knitting and gestures at the clothes. "By all means, miss, feel free to look as you want!"
Maecy reaches out to carefully pull one of the sweaters off the table, turning it to examine the pattern. "This is some real quality work! I wouldn't think many folks would want a sweater this far south, but seems you're doing pretty well. All custom work I'm guessing?"
Rhask nods. "All made by hand, yup! I try to follow specific patterns for general sale, while also experimenting a bit, but I'm also quite happy to take custom orders as long as they're things I can do, or think I can do."
Maecy is intrigued, biting at her lip. "I'd love to design something with you, just to see what we could make together, but I'm in the middle of a big project... though I am sorta waiting on some tools..." She chuckles to herself, "Unless you know how to work with spider-silk, anyways. Err... do you?"
Rhask tilts her head curiously, but smiles all the same. "Oh? Are you a designer or a seamstress yourself, miss? I'd love to try and collaborate, if you want!" Her smile slips just a touch, though, at the mention of spider silk, "Ah... silk? I've never really worked with silk before, much less the stuff from spiders... That's delicate material, isn't it?"
Maecy shakes her head, "Oh, not at all. It's tough as metal, but as soft as regular silk. Scary durable, but that makes it just as hard to work with unless you know the Weaver's secrets... which... I don't. But I hope to learn from Ms Lthl!" She sighs, glancing back at the sweaters. "This is wool, yeah? I can't imagine knitting would work with spider silk, but maybe I'm wrong? Oh! Terribly sorry! I'm Maecy Frecklemeyer, Fashion Designer out of Sarn."
Rhask nods a bit. "Wool and similarly workable materials. I do have a couple of treatments that can make the material water-resistant and stretchy." She smiles again and waves a hand, "Good to meet you, miss Maecy! I'm Rhask Akasha, a lizard from around northern Vamas, and a... well, not really a seamstress or clothier, but I have the skills for such."
Maecy giggles, "Well I'd consider you quite the seamstress, even if you don't call yourself as such." She folds the sweater and pushes it back up onto the table, then pulls out her current idea notebook. "Now, none of these are probably all that suited for knitting, but I can show you some of my designs."
Rhask giggles a bit and sets her current knitting aside, now curious. "I could probably adapt some of them to the materials I use. You've got me curious about what sort of designs you create, miss Maecy."
Maecy lifts up the notebook, handing it to Rhask. Inside are drawings of various folks that Rhask may recognize from around Respite, with custom outfits designed around them. Some are true fashion pieces, others seem more every-day but featuring a splash of uniqueness to accentuate whatever struck Mae's fancy in the moment. "Feel free to flip through it! These are just doodles, honestly. I keep that around to draw whenever I get inspired, and refine the designs back in my workshop back home. Some are just, like, way out there. But something inspiring might come up that I can incorporate into a full design or line that would suit anyone."
Rhask carefully takes the book and leafs through the pages, the designs contained within certainly drawing her eye as she takes in the details present on every piece. She lingers on some pieces, especially when she thinks she might be able to incorporate most, if not all of the styling into clothes using her favored materials. "These are all really creative! I can see some of them working nicely with a lot of different materials, too, including silk and wool."
Maecy grins, blushing slightly at the compliment "Thanks! I pour a lot of love into them... even when they're just ideas. But, you know..." She looks at all the sweaters, "Guessing you know that feeling. I usually work with linen, silk, satin, the usualy. Not done much with wool other than a few accent pieces, but I'd absolutely love to swap ideas around, get to know about your knitting, and just... you know... inspiration."
Rhask nods again as she finishes examining the drawings, then passes the book back to Maecy. "The more finely-woven materials, yup. If you've got the time, we could definitely spend it trading ideas! Inspiration can come from just about anywhere, after all!"
Maecy takes the book back and restores it into a pocket in the inner-breast of her outfit. "Oh! Absolutely! I wanted to talk to Lthl about stuff like this but... she takes her silk pretty seriously. I mean, she rightfully should, and I'm just new blood in the Fashion industry. But I'm gonna put all my blood, sweat, and tears into the work. But still... I get the most inspired when I'm working with others to make something special."
Rhask nods enthusiastically. "Mmhm! I know the feeling really well. I had some wonderful ideas after a talk with a friend of mine, since her father is a skilled clothier back in Orela." She shows off the designs tracing along the scales of her arms, "She's the same person that did all these markings on my scales. I almost want to say skillful design runs in her family!"
Maecy leans up to more closely examine the paints that Rhask is indicating, "Oh! That's lovely! Those kinds of inks don't work so well with fur, you can imagine. I'd love to meet her as well! So many unique minds here in Respite!"
Rhask grins happily as she shows off Piper's work for a little bit more. "She does some very delicate designs. I'm pretty sure she's still in town, since I last saw her only a couple of days ago. Her name's Piper, and she's... probably the only crocodile in town, now that I think about it."
Maecy: "Huh! Well, don't think I've ever met a crocodile... I'll try to find her! See if I can pick her out in a crowd. If she's painted up half as lovely as you are, shouldn't be too hard."
Rhask giggles as she imagines how large Piper is compared to most folks. "Well... she doesn't often show off her arms like this, but she does paint them herself... though I'm thinking you'll have no trouble picking her out from a crowd at all. She's very easy to spot."
Maecy nods, "Uh, guess I'll keep that in mind. Do you have a lunch break from the stall? I'm willing to b-" She pauses, her pocketbook mostly empty. "Err, hm. Maybe a raincheck on lunch? I uh, need to figure out a funds solution. Still, I'd love to relax and pick your brain."
Rhask giggles a bit and nods. "I do have a lunch break, so we could maybe coordinate to meet up one day that's convenient? I manage this stall alongside a couple of others, so finding a free day shouldn't be too hard."
Maecy sighs a bit, but her smile doesn't fade. "Well, I'm mostly in my room at the local tavern, the Thirsty Minnow? It's a bit of a mess as I fumble my way around working with Lthl's silk. I uh, wasn't expecting to have to actually create an outfit, but I'm managing. So a break now and again is always welcome."
Rhask perks up a bit. "Oh, the Thirsty Minnow? I'm renting a room there, as well! I've been trying to save up a bit to see about buying a place here, what with the new construction going on out to the western side of town, but I've been at the Minnow since I first arrived some time back."
Maecy laughs, "I was at the one little upscale place, but uh... my trip here is going on longer than intended, so I had to cut back costs on that room. I'm being... pretty careful with my budget now."
Rhask hums thoughtfully and nods. "Hmm... that does sound like a little problem, yeah... Have you found anything in the way to tide you over until you head back home and settle back in?"
Maecy chuckles, shaking her head, "Other then mooching off my sister for food? Um... not so much. I'd hate to take a job just to quit once I'm done here..."
Rhask tilts her head curiously. "How long do you plan on staying?"
Maecy shrugs a little, "Until I get this project finished, and hammer out some kind of deal with Lthl. However long that takes... Frecklemeyer's aren't exactly known for backing down from a challenge."
Rhask rubs her chin a bit. "Maybe we could work something out, then? I'll see if I can knit a few of these designs of yours, and you can get a good portion of the sales revenue from them?" She shrugs a little, "It might not be a lot, but it'll at least give you a little income for now."
Maecy brightens up a bit, "Oh! Or maybe our little collaboration session can come up with something concrete that we design together? Or... maybe I can help at your booth? I mean, yeah, whatever works for you! I don't want to beg for anything, of course."
Rhask chuckles and waves a hand. "Don't worry, miss Maecy, you aren't begging. We're just trading ideas and turning them into things to sell. Once we meet up for our collaboration, we can figure out more of what to do."
Maecy pulls out her notebook again, setting up a more concrete appointment with Rhask as their talk takes on a slightly more business-oriented tone before they part ways, each eager to dig into the collaboration space as soon as they find the time.
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RESPITE FALLS - SAUR HOMESTEADS - MIDDAY
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Aerdrid mills about one of the buildings, helping some construction workers transport materials here and there as the buildings that are to become their new homes and an extension of Respite Falls itself continue to be built bit by bit. The strength he'd built up while working on the shrine out near Yzzayt's Transgression is helping him quite a bit, as he's capable of carrying a decent amount of lumber per trip without too much trouble. He's long since switched his old, ragged uniform for something a bit more comfortable, while still keeping that unique flair the Saur fliers are known for.
Scilla wanders about the construction, having spent the morning offering her help here and there, fixing tools in exchange for money or food. Even if she may say so herself, she's pretty decent with that hammer collection of hers. The genet is wearing her usual overalls and tool (hammer) belt, as well as a big grin, feeling very home in the middle of construction chaos.
Aerdrid turns a corner around a house, a couple of short beams of lumber resting upon a shoulder and braced by his arms. He notices a bit of movement around waist height just as he turns, and hastily hops aside, though it throws his balance off a bit. "Ah! S-sorry, I did not see you there!"
Scilla jumps aside as well: "Augh!" She looks at the Saur and grins almost instantly though: "Most people don't really see me."
Aerdrid manages to regain his balance after a moment, and he adjusts the lumber he's carrying to ensure it's still secure. "I do not recall seeing you with the construction crews before. Are you a new hire for them?"
Scilla shrugs: "I'm really no one's hire, just doin' odd short jobs where needed." She lifts a hammer from her belt, grinning: "I use this, and other tools, to fix stuff. Got a big of knack for that."
Aerdrid tilts his head a bit as he looks at the hammer. "Ah, so you are a repair person, then? Useful skills, I would imagine, especially in a place like this."
Scilla glances around, idly tossing the hammer up before catching it: "Yeah, lots of second-hand and improvised tools about this place, and 'course building lots also breaks and dulls 'em a lot. Savin' people a trip to blacksmiths."
Aerdrid nods a bit at that. "If it can be repaired, that is far less wasteful than throwing it out for a replacement. A noble pursuit."
Scilla giggle-snorts: "Noble my ass, it keeps me eating more than just dried-up bread."
Aerdrid chuckles a little. "It keeps you fed and clothed, yes. All the better that you enjoy doing it as a job."
Scilla smirks, her bushy tail swishing behind her: "True, it's also fun, can't deny that really." She tilts her head: "So what'sit that you do, then? Just buildin' stuff?"
Aerdrid shakes his head at the question. "No, though I am helping the construction workers for the next while. I am... was a soldier for my kind, the Saurs of Aephix. Now... I do what I can to ease the lives of my kin as we try to find our place in Respite Falls."
Scilla tilts her head: "I heard there was some kind of kerfluffle with your folks an' like, most everyone else." She shrugs: "None of my business, though, do as you will."
Aerdrid shrugs in turn. "What is done is done, as they say. We are trying to find our place here, now that circumstances have forced us to relocate, and most of the people of Respite do not seem to harbor... overt grudges with us."
Scilla hums: "Reckon keepin' grudges is not all that healthy." She pauses, glancing aside: "...or something like that."
Aerdrid hums in agreement. "Holding grudges for too long can often be bad for one's well-being. I have had to learn that the hard way, with thanks to some circumstances." He doesn't seem abashed to admit it, so much as just stating facts, from his carefully neutral expression.
Scilla hums, mostly to herself: "As long as certain chef keeps away from Respite, I have no reason to hold any grudges." She blinks and pauses: "I mean, no grudges. Yeah, let's do that."
Aerdrid blinks at Scilla's statement. "A... certain chef? I see... Well, I will not pry into that, as that appears to be well-handled by you."
Scilla smiles brightly: "Yup! No worries there." She looks about the construction site: "Wellp, this place seems to have the tool stuff in order. Got any hints where I could look next?"
Aerdrid looks around a bit, noting that most everyone nearby seems to be just going about their duties as usual without any issue. "Hm... have you spoken to my kin in the completed sections yet? Some of the Saurs may still require assistance in repairing things they brought with them from our old home out to the west."
Scilla hums, looking roughly that-a-way: "Not really I guess. Been just wandering without a real aim if I'm honest, since work seems to find me anyway." She shrugs: "I'll give it a look-see."
Aerdrid smiles at that. "I am unsure what sort of materials you typically work with... but the tools my kin and I use are usually quite simple by... 'current' standards, I suppose."
Scilla shrugs with a toothy grin: "If it's metal, I can make it shine. Or tick. Or hum. Depending what it needs to do."
Aerdrid nods and smiles a bit more brightly. "Then I think you will like seeing our tools. Simple... but still quite effective for what we need."
Scilla giggles: "I hope so! I really like those muffins that one baker has and I ain't letting anyone else get them if I can help it."
Aerdrid 's smile grows a little uncertain, and he gives Scilla a curious look. "Muffins? Well, you do not have to worry about any of my kin getting in your way. We have our own cooks and bakers."
Scilla sticks her tongue out: "Nothing's as certain as uncertainty, so gotta be sure." She hefts her hammer enthusiastically: "Still, gotta first go find where me and my hammer, or at least my hammer, is needed."
Aerdrid hefts the lumber on his shoulders and dips his head courteously. "Then I will let you be on your way." He pauses, then adds, "Ah, and my name is Aerdrid."
Scilla smirks: "Scilla! You'll be hearing from me, or not, or I guess we will see if you will! Byeeee!" With a swish of her tail, she's already going towards new opportunities as though she already forgot this conversation even happened.
Aerdrid blinks in bemusement as he watches Scilla continue on her way. He stares after the genet for a few seconds, then mentally shrugs and continues on his own way to deliver the lumber as he intended to.