Ethan crossed the cobbled street, weaving through the bustling residents carrying large crates, packs, and satchels. As Ethan approached the shopfront of Arcane Attire, he was immediately struck by the impressive exterior of the building.
The façade was adorned with intricate carvings and embellishments that seemed to writhe and twist in the sunlight. On the other hand, the shop door was made of heavy, dark wood and was embellished with a single, ominous-looking knocker. What is with the shops around here and their adorned entrances, Ethan thought as he opened the door and stepped inside.
Upon entering the shop, Ethan was engulfed in a swirl of colors and textures that assaulted his senses. The walls were lined with shelves of garments that glimmered and shone under the bright lights, and the air was thick with the heavy scent of exotic fabrics and perfumes that seemed to emanate from every corner of the room.
Ethan noticed the shop was arranged haphazardly, with racks and shelves at odd angles and jutting into the aisles. It gave the impression that the place was in constant flux as if the very architecture of the shop was alive and ever-changing. How did they manage to create a space this way? Ethan wondered.
As he moved deeper into the shop, Ethan noticed that the displayed garments were unlike any he had ever seen. Some were long, flowing robes made of silk and satin, adorned with intricate patterns and embroidery, while others seemed to be made of flowing water, obscuring nothing.
On another side of the room, he saw suits made of shimmering, metallic fabrics that seemed to shift and change color as the light hit them. Ethan also spotted more unusual garments, such as hooded cloaks made of feathers and furs and brightly colored pants that seemed to be made of some iridescent material. The clothing appeared to have an almost otherworldly quality, as if imbued with magical properties.
As Ethan moved deeper into the shop, he noticed a man with greying hair dressed in similar attire as Alfie standing behind the counter, seemingly lost in thought. He appeared to read what resembled a newspaper, albeit printed on a single stone slab. As Ethan approached, the man did not look up but greeted him nevertheless.
"Welcome to Arcane Attire, sir. My name is Gerard. Is there anything I can help you find today?" the shop owner said in a gentle but practiced voice, which put Ethan at ease. Then the man raised his gaze and locked that with Ethan’s, instantly scowling as he saw the rags he was wearing.
“What the…?” the man began, but Ethan quickly got Alfie's note, put it on the table, and said, “Please look at the note before you say anything. It was handled to me by Alfie, the shopkeeper of the Plume and Feather."
The man raised his eyebrow but did not say anything, doing as he was told, and opened the small note printed on a yellowing paper. Ethan did not check the message in his short walk, trusting Alfie to put it a good word after the amount of funds he had just spent at his shop.
The man looked at the note, then at Ethan, and then back at the note. Finally, he finished checking things out, corrected the spectacles on his nose, and said, “Hmm, a guilder then. Sorry, you just shocked me speechless by the rags you were wearing.”
“Understandable, Mr.Gerard. I am Ethan,” he reached out for a shake, the shopkeep gladly accepting and sizing him up, shuddering slightly as he looked at Ethan’s pants.
“Yes, the note said as much. You are new in town and looking for attire, I assume. What you wear insults any of us focused on making new threads available to everyone and anyone. Nothing personal, Ethan,” Gerard quickly added.
“I understand Mr. Gerard, no worries on my account. Actually, I was sent by Elaine, the innkeeper of Salty Stew. She mentioned you would be willing and able to do a rush job for me.”
Gerard eagerly nodded, recognizing her name, and said, “Not just willing, but eager, young Ethan. We must get you out of those rags as soon as possible before you get imprisoned for indecent dress and misconduct. I can already imagine you steering trouble. It is a wonder you made it so far in the town and got to my shop. As for the clothes, do you have any preference?”
Ethan glanced around the shop, taking in the vibrant colors and shimmering fabrics, and said, ”I'm not quite sure what I'm looking for, to be honest. I've never seen clothes like these before. You have the finest threads, Mr. Gerard, if you do not mind me saying.”
Gerard chuckled and said, ”We have quite the selection, don't we? Our clothes are not for the faint of heart but for those who seek to express themselves in new and daring ways."
Ethan nodded, feeling a sense of excitement growing within him. "I suppose I'm looking for something different. Something that will make me look sophisticated yet subtle. Something that will also allow me to fight if the need comes and survive a few exchanges,” he said.
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Gerard stroked his chin, eyeing Ethan thoughtfully. "Ah, I see. You want to make a statement yet not be beyond approach. An unusual request - coming from a guilder. How about this?" he asked, pulling out a long, flowing, dark piece of a garment that seemed to absorb the light.
“Nightshade leather,” Gerard said, gesturing to the material that had an almost ethereal quality. “Perfect for making a pair of pants befitting a man of your stature and position, young guilder.”
Ethan touched the material and noted that the leather was supple and soft to the touch, with a slightly glossy sheen that added a subtle hint of elegance. “I like it,” he said immediately, seeing how the material would pair well with his boots.
“It is a unique material prized for its durability, making it ideal for pants that can withstand the rigors of adventure and exploration,” Gerard said, putting the roll away.
“Despite its name, Nightshade Leather is not actually made from poisonous plants or substances,” Gerard said. “Rather, it's crafted from the hides of a rare nocturnal creature known as the Shadowfox, a small and elusive creature, only found deep in the northern forests outside Veer,” he continued, quickly sketching up a design on a piece of paper.
“As the name suggests, the Shadowfox is known for its stealth and agility, and the hide contains a subtle aspect of shadow that imbues the leather with a sense of darkness and mystery,” he finished, putting up a sketch before Ethan’s eyes.
“This is what I have in mind for you, young Ethan,” the man said and gestured to the sketch. “Simple but functional pair of pants, allowing for a belt for a blade or a knife. A satchel and anything else you might want to attach, although I would suggest against it.”
“The pants made from Nightshade Leather are perfect for those who value both style and practicality. The fabric is lightweight and comfortable, allowing for ease of movement. A perfect fit by my account,” Gerard finished and looked Ethan in the eye.
Ethan nodded immediately, asking, “You have some on hand, correct? For the rush job today?”
“That is the case,” Gerard confirmed with a nod. “Although, the price might be of concern….”
Ethan smiled and interrupted the man by raising his hand, “Oh, no, Mr. Gerard, do not mind the price. Whatever fair price you want to charge a young guilder, I am willing to pay.”
Gerard nodded and said, “Tell you what, I will charge you nine iron tokens for three pairs of pants. And some discount if you will replace the awful thing you might have called a shirt at some point.”
Ethan looked at his stained gray shirt and said, “Of course. What do you have in mind for a shirt?”
Gerard looked up to the wooden ceiling with large beams, from which several cloth articles were hanging, and clicked his fingers, “Moonweave! The perfect material for a shirt to pair with the Nightshade leather. Let me fetch you a sample.” He scurried to the side for a moment and brought back a white piece of cloth, carefully laying it out on the table.
Ethan examined the cloth and noted its pure white color, which shimmered with a subtle silver glow and seemed to radiate its own light in the dim lighting of the tailor shop. He took it in his hand and noted that the material was incredibly soft and lightweight, with a texture that resembled silk from back home.
“Moonweave is known for its durability and resilience, making it ideal for clothing that will see frequent wear and tear during adventurous quests and explorations,” Gerard explained, seeing Ethan’s interest. “As you can observe, it gives the wearer a regal and sophisticated appearance. Those in the know understand that it represents the pinnacle of luxury and refinement in the clothing world.”
“Wow,” Ethan mouthed as he turned the piece of the garment over. “And how much for three shirts made of this cloth?” Ethan asked, eying the tailor.
“I will give you a bargain, young Ethan, given that Alfie and esteemed Elaine had taken a liking to suggest coming to my place… despite the lacking garb you are wearing—fifty iron tokens in addition to the nine for the pants,” he said.
Ethan nodded and fetched fifty-nine iron tokens from his pocket, mentally calling them forth from his storage space. He put them on the table, Gerard promptly pocketing the money.
“Now, if you have time, we could take your measurements and get to the crafting,” he prompted, motioning for Ethan to follow.
“Time is something I have an ample supply of,” Ethan said, following the man to a fitting booth. Then the tailor pulled out various tools and devices from around the corners of the booth and quickly took Ethan’s measurements.
“You are quite a large fellow, I must say. Not something we see around these parts. First time in the north, yes?” the tailor asked, taking Ethan’s measurements and writing them down on a piece of paper.
Ethan nodded, “Yes, Mr.Gerard. However, I am making my way to Veer at the moment. I heard a ball will take place and would not want to miss it.”
“Ah, all the more to make the order as quickly as possible. But, no worries, you will look your finest, fitting right in with the nobles.”
“Oh? Really? How long will it take to complete it? Elaine mentioned something about you having an aspect power for this kind of thing,” Ethan asked, doubting himself about the last part.
Gerard nodded and confirmed his suspicions, “Indeed I have. It will take me just twenty minutes or so.” He turned around, scribbled something in his notebook that he got out of his pocket, and added, “Just wait around here, and I will fetch you your new garments.”
Ethan watched Gerard vanish around the corner, wondering how it could take someone just under twenty minutes to create multiple pieces of clothing in this world while pillows took weeks to craft.