As usual, when she went shopping purely for the sake of her own pleasure instead of for practicality, Kay wasn't quite sure what exactly she wanted -- other than that it be comfortable to wear and pretty to look upon.
Perhaps the mestras MacDoevid would be able to give her some advice on color, fabric and style. Something that would flatter her pale-and-freckled skin, green-brown eyes and red-brown hair.
Never mind that she didn't have any special occassion in mind. Dresses were lovely things, and it would be a pleasure even to wear one in the privacy of her own quarters. All of hers were back on Terra where she had left them. It was just as well. Every last one of them would have been too chilly and too indecent to be suitable here.
Slowly pushing open the door, Kay cautiously peeked inside before walking in. It was a lovely shop with a warm, cozy feel to it that looked bigger inside than it did outside.
"OH ! How lovely", came a startled exclamation of delight. Kay's fingers itched to touch the exquisite fabrics. She moved further into the store for a better look, taking care that her long skirt and woolen cloak did not catch on anything along the way
There were wracks of already made dresses for all occasions in various colors and sizes; skirts of many colors and fabric types for warmer and cooler weather (OOC: though usually there is one kind of weather, Cold!); tunics of many colors with delicate embroidery; leather jerkins of different dyed leather; cloaks of different weights and lengths; and a selection of breeches for men and men's tunics. The undergarments, like petticoats in many colors that are meant for layering, and stockings, and night clothes and robes, were in yet another area. And another area had different bolts of fabrics, and there was also a glass case with ladies accessories, like butterfly clasps and other styles of clasps that were so popular.
Staring wide-eyed with wonder, Kay tried to look at everything at once. It was all so beautiful; what should she examine first ? This shop was well worth the wait. She was suddenly very, very thankful to be dressed all lady-like -- though her new green outfit still left her feeling somewhat under-dressed. Absentmindedly, one hand reached down to smooth one of the skirt's side panels. Her eyes took in two women nearby. Aha! These must be the mestras MacDoevid.
A woman of average height and weight with graying red hair and kind, warm, gray eyes in her late fifties, Hannah MacDoevid-O'Connor, was working on the seems of a beautiful royal blue gown of spider silk with silver and gold threads. (OOC: it's Javanne's gown for the party).
A tall, thin woman with silver hair, that had once been black as night, and sprightly green and amber eyes that reminded one of a cat's, who looked in her mid-seventies (but she just turned 80), Katerina MacDoevid, was folding some fabric leftovers from a dress they made recently. Both women smiled when the new customer walked in rather shyly.
Heading in their direction, a warm smile crossed Kay's face. The elder one had a proud no-nonsense posture that suggested a fiery woman filled with passion, pride and intelligence. But it was the motherly-looking woman who caught her attention to a greater degree. With eyes that reminded Kay of Gwenn (whose company she already missed, she gave the impression of a calm sea.
Hannah got up and smiled warmly to the young woman, "Good afternoon, Mestra. Welcome to our shop. I am Hannah MacDoevid-O'Connor. May I help you find something or would you like to look a little bit?", Hannah said as her laran told her the young woman was a bit shy about coming in and might like to get her barings first.
Katerina smiled with her eyes crinkling, showing her more animated personality, "Don't be shy, Mestra. Come in and have a look around, if you like."
Kay's cheeks blushed a bright red. How rude of her to have been caught staring like a tourist or a barbarian. Whatever would they think of her ?
She bowed deeply in respect first to Hannah then to Katerina. In a voice full of awe, she said softly, "I am called Kay MacDonald, and you lend me grace, mestras. Never in my life have I ever seen such lovely dresses outside of a museum. It is a great honour to be able to look upon their beauty. I know not how I will ever be able to make up my mind which to choose. They could not be finer if they had come from the divine hand of the Bright Goddess herself".
Hannah smiled and nearly blushed from the compliment, "Thank you so much, Mestra Kay. I am honored you think so." She said, "And you may call me Mestra Hannah and this is my mother, Mestra Katerina."
Katerina's eyes twinkled and she bowed her head slightly. Katerina thought from the young woman's coloring that she might have been Comyn, but from her speech and what she said gave away that she was Terran. But it wasn't unusual for Terrans to come to their shop. The Terrans and half Terrans that had come to Darkover (there were so many recently) were some of Katerina and Hannah's favorite customers. Mestra Berana and Mestra Katie were two of their favorite half Terran customers.
Noticing Katerina's very frank appraisal of her, Kay found herself automatically straightening her posture. By the twinkle in her eye, the older woman had clearly drawn some conclusions, but chose not to speak of them. "My grandmother Callie used to give me that same assessing look, mestra Katerina", she ventured with a shy grin, "Aside from the fact that I am under-dressed for such a fine shop, I hope that I meet with your approval".
Katerina smiled, "Well, of COURSE, my dear! And I think the dress you have on now is very nice! But I know it's not ours. Can I ask where you bought it?"
One of Kay's hands reached out to stroke an emboidered panel on the long skirt of her two-piece dress. "This is something that I found at the MacBrides' shop yesterday. This shade of green, and the leaves-and-vines emboidery was simply irresistable. But I don't know if I'll ever be able to go there again. I fear that I made a terrible fool of myself -- and in mismatched clothing no less".
Kay blushed bright red, remembering her own foolishness. Then she noticed the twin looks of confusion and decided to explain herself further. Surely they would not laugh. "I had been told that the store was run by an amiable woman named Cassandra. So I was rather startled to be greeted instead by a young man, her brother I think it was".
Katerina nodded, "I believe Mestra Cassandra has two brothers. Young Darren is a Junior Officer in the Guards, so it most have been the MacBrides' oldest. His name is Marcus, I believe. A very nice man."
"But that's what made it worse", Kay protested, "the fact that he was so nice about it, and so helpful. If he'd been insulted (or disapproving or angry), then I wouldn't still feel so bad about it. I don't know whether I should try to muster up enough courage to go back there and apologize, or if if I should just hope that he's forgotten all about me".
She paused for a moment, then continued "I don't know which of us was more embarassed when I asked for Terran-style long thermal underwear. And my hair was loose because I didn't know any better. Goddess only knows what terrible things he must have thought of me. At best, I can only hope to be no longer remembered there".
Hannah, "My goodness! Well, I think your embarrassment is understandable.... about asking a man for the long underwear, I mean. But as for your hair, you shouldn't worry yourself with that first time. As long as you have your hair back and covering your neck, no one would mistake you for an unkempt woman."
Katerina said, "My dear..... He would have been a terrible salesperson to show any disapproval or anger to a customer. If it's one thing a good sales person is, is not prejudiced about who their customers are. I know one tailor who owns the Silver Thimble and he is both _rude_ and prejudiced towards some of his customers. Why he has even refused service to some people simply because he did not like the look of them. And he has a strong dislike for Terrans so I warn you not to go in there."
She then added (to reassure Kay), "But I'm sure you are fine going in the MacBrides'. They are kind people and are quite used to serving Terran customers. And I think he may have been filling in for his sister. Usually Cassandra is running the store and she is very nice. You would like her very much."
Kay sighed softly. "Things are so different here, and I keep making foolish mistakes because I don't know any better. I hate it when people stare at me, and it felt like at least half the marketplace was doing so yesterday. Part of the reason I want a dress is so that I can blend in and not have my clothing embarass me in front of my friend again."
Hannah smiled but Katerina teased, "I see... is this friend a man?"
"Aye, mestra", Kay admitted, "and a fine one as well". A wide, warm smile crossed her face. "He is my closest friend on this world and his good opinion means a great deal to me", she added shyly.
"Ooohhhh..... I see....", Katerina said smiling knowingly and left it at that
The motherly Hannah approached Mestra Kay with her gentle presence, "Is there anything you are looking for in particular that I can help you find, Mestra Kay? As you can see we have much to choose from and I'd be glad to help you find something."
A look of delighted surprise spread across Kay's face. "Thank you, mestra Hannah", she said gratefully, "It is most kind of you to offer. Back home, the usual is for shops to simply sell clothing without offering opinions. So I have never before experienced the luxury of having assistance in choosing a dress". Then she paused for a moment, to savour the idea of being waited upon as if she were someone important, instead of just a minor civil servant from Terra.
Hannah smiled warmly, "Well, we want to be as helpful to you and provide what ever service we can for you."
Katerina chimed in, "And Hannah is wonderful with her opinions, Mestra Kay. Hannah is very good at assessing what looks best on our customers and she knows what they will like best... It's as if she can read their minds....."
"I can see how how that would come in handy in your business, mestra Katerina", replied Kay, taking the mind-reading comment as simply a figure of speech (afterall, she'd often heard such comments said on the 'Net about the most famous of Terran clothing designers). "You two must have many women come through here every day, asking to be made to feel beautiful and glamorous. It must be a very rewarding occupation".
Katerina smiled brightly, "Oh it is! I think it's one of the most wonderful jobs in the world! I know Hannah and I love seeing a customer come out of our store very happy."
Hannah did have some of the Alton laran from her father that she had always had, though knowing it came from an Alton father was recent news to her. Hannah just said, "Now, Mother....... All I can really do is make a judgment from their coloring and listen to our customers carefully.... that's all... really....."
"You are surely too modest, mestra Hannah", Kay assurred her, "If the hand of the Bright Goddess works through you to bring beauty to women, then you are truly blessed with a rare talent. Too often I have seen women in ill-suited or ill- fitting clothing, both here and back on Terra. Some of it even makes my standard uniforms look both attractive and practical by comparison".
Hannah turned pink at Kay's compliments, "Thank you, Mestra Kay." She said, "But I am familiar with the Terran uniforms and really they are not so bad.... except for the fabric not being fit for a cold climate, and the styles are maybe a little too form fitting than is appropriate for women on our world."
Kay grinned shyly at this. Those were EXACTLY the complaints she had about her uniforms. It wasn't just for warmth that she tended to wear her wool cloak alot while on-duty.
Hannah smiled, "Though that is not to say that Darkovan born women do not like showing off their figures".
A half-muffled chuckle came in reply to this admission of vanity.
"As a matter of fact a woman of the Comyn was in here before you and she bought one of our more daring styles for a formal party she will be attending. I can show you the one she chose", Hannah continued.
Hannah held up a dark royal blue gown of spidersilk with shimmering gold and silver threads with a low neckline.
"This is totally magnificent", Kay exclaimed, admiring it, "I myself would never dare to wear anything like this in public. It guarantees that the wearer will be the center of attention in any crowd. The woman who is to wear this, must be both brave and bold -- more so than I".
Hannah smiled, "I do not know if Lady Javanne is either of those things since we only know her as our customer, but she _does_ seem to have an eye for the more daring and fashionable styles". She then explained, "This style is becoming much more popular now. We sold quite a few for the ball at the Castle we had a couple tendays ago."
The idea of a ball sounded like fun to Kay (even though the thought of going anywhere near the castle made her nervous). What that was people did for fun here ? But surely such events were just for the nobility. With a shrug, Kay told herself firmly that it did NOT matter. She would wear her new dress in the privacy of her quarters. Or perhaps to go to a tavern with Gwenn to hear music and drink firi. Maybe even to go visiting Master Merrick or Master Painter.
Then, with a surge of sudden boldness, Kay added, "Perhaps you could offer me a few suggestions on choosing a dress. All of mine were left behind on Terra; they would not have been suitable for this world. My preferences are for soft fabrics of deep greens or rich burgundies; but I am willing to consider others as well. As for style, it should be something that I could wear for enjoying an early evening of public entertainment with a friend". Thoughts of Gwenn crossed her mind, and she smiled.
Hannah smiled, "I think we my have some things you will like then. Follow me over here please". She took Kay to a wrack with some dresses in dark jewel tone colors, dark greens and burgundies among them, in soft fabrics in medium weights. The necklines ranged from high to scoop necks. the body lines were meant to show off a figure just enough, and the embroidery was delicate, but not overly ornate. The more ornate in spidersilks were more for formal occasions.
Hannah said, "Here is a deep forest one that I think may fit if you like it". She held it up. Kay's eyes went to an even deeper and more radiant shade of green. "Oh! You should see what it does for your eyes!", Hannah exclaimed.
The dress was breath-takingly lovely, with a small scoop-neck and softly-flowing lines that promised to show off just enough of Kay's fine figure. Small wooden buttons fastened the close-cut long sleeves, and the bodice could be laced to whatever tightness was preferred by the wearer. Its fabric shone as if painted with molten emeralds, and the soft velvety texture begged her fingers to come stroke it. Copper-coloured thread added the perfect accent, forming a few scattered small-and-delicate butterlies as well as a bit of understated scrollwork at hem, neckline and cuffs.
It called to her with a siren song -- she HAD to try it on NOW. Then another thought suddenly popped up, reminding her of something. Kay glanced around the shop, wondering about where to change her clothes. Did women do that on their own in such a fine shop ? Or was this something else where assistance was customary ?
Whatever would these ever-so-kind women think if they saw the small well-used knife sheath hidden under her skirt ? And however could she explain it to them without giving offense ? She had earlier argued with herself over whether or not to wear it. Leaving her grandfather's knife behind (securely locked up, of course) had been easier --- that one was a heavier man's knife and meant for larger hands than hers. But since her father had neither sons nor brothers, it had fallen to Kay to be its keeper -- until the day when she could pass it on as her father had passed it to her.
But in the end, Kay hadn't been able to bring herself to leave her grandmother's knife behind. Ever since she'd received it on her thirteeth birthday (from her grandmother), it had been the equivalent of a security blanket. Her father had even given her lessons so that, in case of dire need, she would know how to use the sgian dhubh that rode just snugly enough inside its sheath.
[OOC: for those of you who don't know, a "sgian dhubh" is a razor-sharp utility knife with an elongated-triangle shaped blade and is traditionally carried by Scots Highlanders]
Hannah did not have to be a strong telepath in order to pick up that Mestra Kay wanted to know where to try the dress on. She smiled, "The dressing room is there, Mestra Kay. Please go in and put on the dress and then I would like to see if it will need any alterations. Go ahead and come out when you are ready, but don't be shy to ask if you need help with the dress." Hannah pointed at a door that was open slightly and inside was a small room with a little seat and three full length mirrors.
"Oh! How silly of me to forget!", she said as Mestra Kay was at the door of the dressing room. "You mustn't forget to put this on underneath." Hannah handed Kay a green petticoat of a green a shade lighter than the dress.
Kay stopped, and looked at Hannah in complete confusion. Never having seen such an item before, it presented a bit of a mystery. In appearance, it resembled a dancing-skirt of the type currently in favour among young girls back home. But why would a grown woman want to wear one underneath a dress ? Fashion here was odd indeed. She shrugged and accepted the petticoat gracefully, before entering the changing room and closing the door behind her.
It seemed like Kay had been in the dressing room a long time so Hannah decided to knock on the door. "Mestra Kay? How are you doing?"
Unintellible mumbled grumbles came from behind the door, before it swung open to reveal a disheveled and frustrated-looking Kay.
She had managed to get mostly into the dress. But, despite her best efforts, the bodice laces dangled loosely, the buttons remained unfastened, and the petticoat was all bunched up crookedly around her waist.
"I've tried and I've tried. But I can't mange to get myself done up", she exclaimed, pushing loosened tendrils of hair off her face and trying to tug the remains of her braid straight.
Hannah saw the laces and the bunched petticoat and thought her help was probably needed.
Turned a pleading look on Hannah, Kay added hesitantly (but hopefully) "If it's not too much to ask, mestra Hannah ... I've been told that physical contact between strangers is considered very rude on this world ... but could I please have some help with this ?".
Hannah smiled, "Of course, Mestra Kay. And I can assure you that I'm quite used to the contact. It's one of the things that is necessary for a tailor, if my customer does not object....", she said smiling.
The dressing room was roomy enough for Hannah to come in with Kay so she closed the door behind her and began helping Kay get rearranged. Hannah fixed the laces so they looked very nice and she fixed Kay's petticoat, which was obviously necessary to make the dress lay in folds properly.
When Hannah finished she smiled at Kay, "What do you think, dear? I think it's lovely on you. How is the fit?"
As she admired herself in front of the mirror, Kay thought that she had never before looked so lovely as this. "It's absolutely perfect", she declared with great delight, stroking the soft fabric of the skirt.
Hannah said to Kay, "You're sure it's not too long for you? Or too loose or tight anywhere?"
"I like my dresses to be very long", came the reply, "It makes me look taller, hide the all-too-large size of my feet". A giggle escaped her smiling mouth, as she glanced down at the tips of her chesnut brown leather ankleboots.
Just to be certain, Kay tried a few movements in the dress. Sitting down, the folds of the skirt pooled nicely around her feet, and the neckline didn't sag when she bent forward to touch her toes. Stretching her arms into various positions, she discovered that she still had the full range of comfortable movement. It was as if the dress had been custom-made to her own preferences.
"How many royals do I owe you ?", Kay asked bluntly. Her father had taught her that there was a proper time and place for haggling (for instance, the marketplace stall where she'd gotten her cloak several days ago). But this was NOT one of them. MacDoevids was clearly a high-class establishment, so therefore she should act as if she were a fine lady herself.
Hannah told Kay how many royals the dress and petticoat was all together, which may have sounded a little expensive to some, but a fair price considering it was including the petticoat as well. She hoped that Kay was all right with the price.
The price was not quite as high as she had feared, but high enough that Kay shouldn't be doing any more clothing shopping that week. Ah well, so be it -- 'twas well worth the cost. So it was with a happy heart that she reached down to grab her waist-pouch. Fishing carefully inside it, she pulled out her coin purse and started counting out royals. "'Tis a deal well-made, and I thank you greatly", she declared as she poured the small flood into Hannah's hands. "Both of you", she added.
"Thank you very much, Mestra Kay.", Hannah smiled warmly. Katerina said, "Yes, we hope you like your dress... and that your friend likes it too.", she said with a sly grin.
Hannah gave her mother a look and turned to Kay again, "Yes, Mestra Kay. Please let us know if for any reason you need an adjustment... or if you need anything else in the future."
Kay blushed again. Idly, she wondered what Gwenn would think of her dress. "Thank you, mestras ... for everything", she said gratefully, "I will most definitely be back in the future".
It was truly a pity that she had to leave so soon. But if she stayed any longer, she'd be far too tempted to want to spend money she didn't have yet. Ah well, there would be other days for shopping. One dress would be fine for now.
She bowed to each of them and offered wishes for a pleasant evening, before happily exiting the store.