New attire

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

Having arrived in the city, it was becoming quickly apparent that I didn't have a strong selection to travel with. And If I meant to make any good first impressions, I'd best add to my closet. Strolling through Night's Doorstep, I came across one of many clothiers shops. Walking quietly, I entered the shop, and looked around for an owner, or anyone willing to offer assistance.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

I had such a need to get away from my shrew of a sister and the intolerable irritation caused by being in her proximity that I decided to take a trip to shop. Thus I soon found myself making my way across Night's Doorstep and browsing the various clothiers shops. I noticed a commoner that had a bit of a questioning look about him and offered him a smile. The man seemed a bit older than I and was clearly beneath my station but it oft paid to associate with the riff raft.

My violet eyes clearly marked my place in the scheme of things thus I felt no particular need to be overtly haughty. If the man reacted as was proper he might in fact be someone worthy of making the acquaintance of or mayhap even employing. If not I could always brush him off and he might be able to tell his friends about his encounter with one of his betters.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

While I waited, I took in my surroundings; stacks of cloth, spools of linen, manikins, and all various accompaniments of the trade. Turning back around, I noticed a young noble approaching the shop. From the look of his finery, I was trying to figure out why he would choose this shop, it seemed lower scale. I eyed him momentarily, then let my gaze wander some more.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

Ah the poor man seemed a bit intimidated. Good for him it was rather refreshing to find one who knew their place in the food chain. I looked over some of the wares but they struck me as well shabby and not to my taste. Of course the bitch that was supposedly my elder sister always complained about spending too much on frivolities. Mayhap one day I would have the chance to wrap my hands about her throat and squeeze till her eye bulged out. Now that was a thought that brought a warm smile to my face.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

One would think that the shop would be starving for business, but then again, what do I know. Seeing the noble look around, and he seemed to be smiling, I thought maybe he knew something I didn't. With an inquisitive tone, "Sorry, but do you happen to know if this shop is open right now?"

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

It seemed I was coming to the City almost daily since the Coronation Fete, and I thought it was a rather interesting development. That I had finally gotten in Anacrasia's bed likely had something to do with it, or was it Ideaus' little troubles? I wasn't sure, but I didn't care.

Sirena was on my mind, and as she was coming to the Manor this night, I has spent the better part of the night cleaning my mess and getting the house in order... but I was in need of new pants, and so I once again made my way to the clothier's district, wondering what encounters were mine to make.

A peer and a child, that one distinctively L'Envers, were seeming to talk. I stayed at bay, and waited. This could be interesting.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

I smiled a bit more "It should be but good help is so hard to find these days. Seems someone is always promoting the unworthy out of some twisted urge to do the right thing." I waved a hand about the business "And you see the result of such a sorry state of affairs when things are based on feel good rather than efficiency."

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

Good help. He looked like never did a day of work in his life. But it wasn't my position to pass judgment, though I couldn't help but scratch the hilt of my sword with my thumbnail. Out of my peripheral vision I spotted another man, seemingly keeping his distance. Turning a head, I acknowledged him "Is this place open for business, or should I take my coil elsewhere?"

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

I was listening intently. In my line of activity, one pays good heed. I had more time to look at the man with the L'Envers brat... visibly of Shahrizai blood, and hot blooded as he should be, scratching the hilt of his sword idly. I could hardly blame him.

I had other things to do than lurk, and so I passed, giving the young man a nod and obstentationly ignoring the child. Likely, he'd left without his nanny, that morning. I pushed the door with a creeking sound, giving him his answer.

Sometimes, words are so very useless, I thought to myself as a sinister grin spread on my lips to the benefit of the clerk.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at all the phallus waving. They both thought they had the larger one when I knew in fact I did by birthright. So I simply went to my browsing with a pleasant smile on my face. The simple minded posturing of the lesser born really did amuse me. It was too bad someone was always seeking to elevate the unworthy.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

Well, that answers that question. Noting the gesture, I gave an inward shrug, and headed for the door, giving the man a generous smile, and gracious nod of thanks. At least someone was willing to give me a useful answer.

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

The clerk came out, and I told him, "There are some customers who seem to need your help. I apologize for your disturbance, but the whining was annoying me too much."

I returned to the main area, the clerk in tow, and indicated the Kusheline peer. I resumed my browsing, and it took me closer to the brat. I summoned a courteous grin, and said, "If you will only move to the left an instant, please?"

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

Nodding to the stranger, I addressed the clerk. I still had a faint Ch'n accent, though I don't think the clerk noticed, indeed, I barely did. "Greetings, I'm looking to procure some new replacement garments and the like. Nothing fancy, just something to make do with for business detail and the like. Can you help?"

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

I heard a voice and peered at the other man and inclined my head and indeed moved to the left. At least he did not babble like a blithering idiot and for that I was thankful. As for the other I looked in his direction, he should do something about his lips less they chap from all the arse he was kissing.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

As I gave the clerk my requirements, and he took them down, I couldn't help but look sidelong at the young noblemen. He was staring at me! What did I have something on my shirt? Then again, I bet I looked like a right begger, not that I had much choice in my attire, having pretty much grabbed the first things I saw. I gave him a quick inquiry glance, no malice, then followed the clerk to the measuring room.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

I did not look at the man I had spoken with at all and simply kept my attention on the fellow who had asked me to move. There was something about him that well made one want to keep their eye on him. I know I had no plans of turning my back on him anytime soon.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

The measuring room was modest, with several mirrors around. I placed my sword belt in the chair, and removed my doublet and shirt.

"Elua's Balls! What have you been up to lord?" The clerk exclaimed. Peering at the mirrors, I noted my lean frame, tanned well enough, but marred by a few shallow scars: on my upper left arm, my right shoulder, and most noticeable, and solid, if shallow diagonal slash down my back. I got that one from the attack.

"Long story friend. I trust you'll not be distracted." He nodded absently, and began taking measurements. I stretched out my arms, and waited patiently.

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

I smiled politely at the brat. "Thank you," I said as I moved to the left, looking at the clothes. He was outrightly staring at everyone, first the Kusheline, now myself. Some children are really not well reigned in.

I stepped away from him, and to the clerk. He seemed to be finishing his transaction with the other, and I vaguely wondered if Sirena or Anacrasia had yet made his acquaintance. For one of his kin, it was almost a ritual in the city.

"Do you mind if I steal the clerk away a moment?" I asked politely.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

I heard a request from the door, I went to turn, but the clerk ordered that I stay put. I relaxed my arms as the clerk made a quick comment, something about working off of little sleep the past week I believe.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

Once clear of the other bodies I turned my attention back to browsing the clothes. I really did not see anything I liked, but oh well I was probably not going to attend the cousin's wedding anyway. Such press of people tended to get on my nerves.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

The clerk returned, and made short work. I didn't expect a snug fit, but then again, I wasn't dropping a fortune either. Having finished, he retreated to his work table.

"Any preference in cloth?" He asked without looking up.
"Just something light is all" I through my shirt and doublet back on, then my belt. "How long do you expect?" He murmured something like a day.
"What name should I put in under, M'lord?" He looked up finally
"Valcesa, Tabien if you would." Afterward, I made for the exit.

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

It seemed I was not quite on time with the other customers, and so I leaned against the counter, waiting patiently. "Tell me, I've not seen you before, are you new in town?" I asked the older man who had been talking to the L'Envers brat.

I assumed he would understand my question. After all, it was a small world, the one of those whose blood wasn't so feeble. I had respect for the Kushelines, more than for others. I may yet make an effort, I told myself.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

The question caught my attention. "Me?" It was obvious, but playing aloof seemed to suit me. "Yes, yes I am thanks." I paused a moment, then offered a hand. "Tabien, you?"

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

I took the hand and clasped it, making sure that the gesture didn't reveal the knife against my forearm. "Yvan," I replied.

I imagined he needed me to explain my comment, and so I did, seeing no harm in it. If I was to court Sirena, I might as well stay on good terms with her kin. "I figured - if you don't mind me saying, you have distinctly Kusheline features, and I've been introduced to the better part of them, or at least have seen them at Court."

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

I grasped his hand. Then he said something surprising. "Distinct?!" I took a quick glance at my profile in a nearby mirror. It never seemed that prominent to me. What must he think. "Observant fellow" I release his hand. "I try not to bring attention to it, but I fear it follows me like a shadow. I assure you though that I'm not nearly as brooding and uptight like the majority. I didn't have that kind of time. And I -certainly- don't plot like them." I rested my nose right above a finger in an inquisitive expression, trying to see if I could match him for observational talents.

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

I shrugged. "It comes with the trade. I am a sculptor, and that requires that I study faces a lot," I explained matter-of-factly. "Besides, you have some lovely kin in the City, I assure you."

That did set me to think though... why would Anacrasia set me up with Sirena, and not keep me to herself? I knew for a fact my prowess had pleased her... that thought was filed away in my mind, to be kept for later.

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

"Lovely, right." I said wryly. A quick frown creased my lips. I didn't like this train of thought. Sculptor, he might have some interesting connections. Wiping my expression, and putting on a more pleasant face.
"So your an artist. Tell me, do you know anyone interested in purchasing exotic goods. I've come into holding several rare artifacts that need a good home."

[Yvan-Etienne d'Lantier(D)]

It seemed Tabien wasn't as keen on his kin, no pun intended, as I was. Well - that left more for myself, I thought slyly - though if my dinner went as well as I hoped, I may have my hands full with one. Bah, who was I kidding? I was a whore, when it came to punishment.

But still, I'd caused a scandal recently with that blond chit, I didn't want another one on my hands so soon. So, gentlemanly, I obliged, and gave him an inch of the rumor mill to which I had access - a necessity, really, when it came to myself.

I would normally have given it to the Kid first, but, hell, this was so common knowledge, I would be hard pressed to make him pay for it.

"A new trader arrived in town, recently. Her name is Seraphina Frizon. I would expect her to be of competition to you, but maybe you can work out a mutually beneficial arrangement," I told him. "I would exercise care, though. She is rumored to have both a fiery temper, and the dromonde."

[Tabién de Valclesa(I)]

Dromonde?! I searched my memory banks. The Tsingni fortune telling magic? Well, magic or no, I doubt some swindler could offer the same goods I could. But, I needed connections, that's for sure. I'm not looking to make a fortune, just get a start. I shrugged and crossed my arms. "Well, I'm not looking to take over the market. Do you know her personally? Your kind enough to give me this much information. I'm afraid I have few contacts in the city." More like none, but a little exaggeration never hurt.

[Mathieu L'Envers de Montegue]

I took in a bit of their conversation it served to enlighten about the two men but did little to stimulate. I browsed a bit more and slide to another wrack of clothes knowing immediately my time here was short. Seemed I would never find anyone who could really hold my interest. Ah well it was their loss. The news about the arriving trader was old news and I started to distance myself more preparing to depart.