10 - Chapter 8
Sa Bina and Sun Li spent the ride to the artisan discussing various designs for the coat of arms. By the time they reached the shop, Sa Bina had a good idea of what she wanted. She would spend some time looking at designs to finalise the vision.
Sa Bina and Sun Li left the carriage and entered a medium sized shop, the front extended only a quarterer of the way in before the way was blocked by the counter. Behind the counter people worked bent over their desks with, what Sa Bina assumed, were magical lanterns. They were creating intricate designs on a variety of mediums, from clay and metal to crystal and a strange substance that Sa Bina could not identify at first glance. This was a place of serious, quietly competent professionals. Sa Bina was in awe of the quality of work, but more importantly the work ethic on display. No wonder they didn't need a large space to showcase their work. The display of the work happening was a far better marketing strategy then any display they could have come up with.
Since neither Sa Bina nor Sun Li wanted to be the one to distract any of the workers, they waited quietly and patiently to be noticed. After a little time, one of the attendants finished what she was working on and came over to the counter.
“Thank you for waiting,” whispered the attendant, “the courtesy is sincerely appreciated. How may we be of service?”
“I need a coat of arms designed,” whispered back Sa Bina, “Also I need a Qi stamp made with the coat of arms, and I need both as soon as humanly possible. I am happy to pay for a premium service.”
“Follow me,” whispered the attendant. She led them to the side and to a small cramped office. The office walls and even the door were covered in thick velvety curtains to dampen the sound.
“Did you have any ideas for the design or even the elements that you wanted.” asked the attendant, still barely above a whisper. “Also can I see your house token please.”
Sa Bina handed her the bank token as proof, expecting the attendant to be surprised, but the attendant barely reacted as she checked the token then handed it back. It seemed like they dealt with a lot of nobles, given the quality on display, Sa Bina was not really surprised.
“I am looking for Elements: Shield Shape: A traditional shield, divided into three sections vertically or diagonally to represent the journey of rising or growing prosperity. The main Symbol will be a dragon. The dragon could be styled to look powerful yet dignified, with a warm expression. It can hold a golden coin or loaf of bread to subtly reinforce the idea of prosperity as well as its connection to finance and industry.” said Sa Bina, “Flourishes: Golden wheat stalks wrapping around the shield symbolise both the prosperity of the kingdom and the growth of wealth, hinting at "dough" in both a literal and metaphorical sense. Add a subtle background design of mountain peaks or rising sun rays to represent rising as a theme of progress and ambition.”
“The motto could read something like “Prosperity Rises” or simply "Fortune Favours the Bold" blending traditional elegance with the kingdom’s values.” continued Sa Bina as the attendant made notes. “Colour Scheme and Style: Gold: The dragon should be predominantly gold to convey wealth, strength, and glory. The shield’s central area or emblem detailing, like wheat stalks or coins, can also incorporate gold. Black: Use black as the background for a section of the shield to emphasise elegance, contrast, and depth. Black could also outline the dragon or be used in elements representing the ground, symbolising strength and stability. White: White could be used for highlights, such as the dragon's eyes, claws, or accents around the symbols, giving an aura of purity and clarity to the design.”
“Arrangement of Symbols: Centrepiece: The golden dragon in the centre, curling around the shield’s upper part, possibly depicted in mid-flight or resting atop a "pile" of treasure, symbolised by coins or wheat sheaves.Supporters: If you want supporters (figures on either side of the shield), they could be smaller dragons or mystical creatures, each holding a symbol like a loaf of bread or golden scales to represent balance and prosperity.” detailed Sa Bina. “Background: Rising Sun Rays: Behind the dragon and shield, a background of gold and white sun rays subtly suggests the kingdom’s upward growth, hinting at rising and prosperity. Additional Detailing: Crown or Helm: A small golden crown or helm atop the shield, encrusted with wheat or tiny symbols of bread, brings in the bread element in a majestic way.
Coin Borders: Border the shield with a pattern of gold coins, giving a direct nod to wealth, reinforcing the raising dough pun in a visually elegant manner.”
“This coat of arms should reflect the kingdom's ambition, wealth, and clever wit while staying majestic and grounded in traditional heraldry symbols.” finished Sa Bina.
“I am glad you have a good idea of what you want.” whispered the attendant after finishing her notes. ”Most people come in with no idea of what they want, give me a little time. I will try and do my best for you.”
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Sun Li and Sa Bina sat quietly while the attendant sat and designed the heraldry in front of them. As they watched the attendant create, they were truly mesmerised. The attendant spent a bell creating and trying a few designs. She finally settled on a design, spent a few minutes shading in the design, and then turned the design over to the two for review.
There is an expectation, when people say we will try to do our best, that the results are just above mediocre. That is what is usually delivered. This was one of those rare times, when that expression had a completely different meaning. Sa Bina and Sun Li, would later swear that the expression actually meant a leap above superb. The design was exquisite and sublime, or exquisitely sublime or sublimely exquisite or all of them in one. Had someone claimed that the design was the culmination of a lifetime of effort, Sa Bina would have been willing to accept that it was a life well spent, except this attendant had completed the design, from Sa Bina’s own vision in just a bell’s worth of time.
When Sa Bina and Sun Li finally got their jaws off the floor and managed to speak coherently, they both agreed they were very happy with the design.
“You do amazing work. We need the coat of arms for use in everything, I am sure you understand the list better than we do.” said Sa Bina, “Could I ask you to make a set of everything you think we need for using this coat of arms, after you have finished with the Qi Seal.”
“Of course.” replied the attendant. “If you return in around 3 bells, I will have the the Qi seal ready. The rest will take some time, I hope that is not an issue”
They said their farewells and left the office, then the shop as quietly as they could.
“Well that was a well spent 2 hours,” said Sa Bina, “They should sell tickets to watch them create works of art at that speed, they would make more than they do now.”
“I wouldn't be too sure about that.” answered Sun Li, “You didnt ask them a price, I am sure its not going to be cheap.”
“Agreed,” replied Sa Bina, “but I am sure it's going to be worth every copper. Where to now? Maybe we should try some food stands, and procure a light lunch on the way?”
Sun Li gave her another strange look, but agreed to wander around the market food stalls on the way to the tailors.
They meandered through the large market, trying and tasting things for multiple stands. By the time they reached the tailor, they were well sated.
The tailor shop was understated, with a mankin showing a traditional gown. The back of the shop held rows and rows of cubbies filled with assorted bolts of cloth in a myriad of colours.
As they entered, the proprietor herself came over to greet them, the position made obvious by the quality of her clothing.
“Greetings,” she said, bowing, then appraising them both, “how may I be of service.”
“One moment,” said Sun LI, “decision time. Are you announcing your status, or hiding it.?”
“I think, on reflection, that I will be hiding it.” said Sa Bina, “though we should get a few sets of appropriate wear commissioned for when the seal of silence inevitably breaks.”
Sun Li turned to the proprietor, they were the only customers in the shop. “We would prefer to discuss the requirement in private.”
The proprietor dismissed her staff, giving them a short break.
“We need a full set of noble quality clothing for me” said Sa Bina once the shop was empty apart from them. “That included undergarments, and accessories. I also need appropriate wear for school and for training. Lastly, I need 3 sets of formal dresses, they will need the house coat of arms, in a tasteful manner, in the royal colours and designs”
“I am sorry for my informal behaviour my lady,” said the proprietor, “I will, however, need to check your token. We are not permitted to sell the royal colours without it.”
Sa Bina just showed her the bank token, both as proof of ID and proof of the ability to pay for the substantial commission.
The proprietor asked Sa Bina to stand as she took her measurements and made notes. “My lady, i think you are still growing, I would only get what you need for now, as they wont last.”
“Give me what you think I need. If I feel like I need or want something more then I will simply ask.” replied Sa Bina.
They spent the next 2 bells going over colour schemes and dress designs. Finally the proprietor totaled up the bill. “That will be a total of 970 gold. How would you like to pay?”
Sa Bina took out 1 tier 2 spirit stone, worth 1000 gold and handed it over to the lady. “Add some more light and soft nightwear in the style we discussed with the difference.” said Sa Bina.
“Where would you like it delivered, my lady.?” asked the proprietor.
“It will be going to the diplomatic estate in the noble quarter, send what you have ready by tonight,” said Sa Bina, “a variety of choices would be nice.”
They left and made their way back to the artisan shop. Just as they entered the original attendant came across and led back to the office.”Everything is ready.” She showed them the Qi Seal. “You will need to bind it.”
Sa Bina used a needle to prick her finger and let the blood drop on to the seal. She felt the same connection form and knew she could no longer lose it, not would the ink run out.
“That will be 2 tier 2 spirit stones for the Qi Seal” said the attendant, “I will send over the rest when its ready. If there is anything more accrued, we can settle up next time.
Sa Bina paid her, and then examined the, now magical seal. She was finally ready to buy her first house, well estate, but she was ready.