[Slightly Backdated] Merrymeet Outfit Planning

[witheredpeonies]

Whitlock Needleworks sits in the heart of Downtown Hollow, and mid-February a sign shows up in the window: NOW TAKING MERRYMEET ORDERS. Clearly, the new seamstress has noticed the opportunity to serve the masses, locals and offworlders alike.

Come get your gal.

Comments

[witheredpeonies]

"And I'm one of those others. Tarantulas made a very poor first impression, you should know."

She's more on-guard than she might otherwise be, and she wants Ryja to know that.

[maskedstarbunny]

Ryja takes a sharp breath. Ah. There goes the warmth, to be replaced by worry. How did Tarantulas mess this up, what is she missing? But that's not something she can fix right now, is it? This is her impression.

"I knew, the first at least. Genuinely, I came because I need a dress and... I intended to perhaps invite you to a meal, or something similar, to talk about River, later." Something friendly, and light, and, well. Maybe a chance to talk about how cute River is, if Ryja was to be totally honest. There's pauses between her words, longer than usual.

Her ears are twisting just a little bit, tilted back in nervousness.

[witheredpeonies]

The measuring tape withdraws, Annabel stepping back to note down the numbers.

"A meal would be nice. Though if there's anything you would like me to know up-front, just say it."

[maskedstarbunny]

Ryja has to think about it. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say she has to think around her own thoughts, really. What does one even say, here? The other version of her knew how relationships worked, but the real Ryja... "Viera do not have the sort of relationships others do, and thus... I am sailing blind into a freshly angered storm, and more so with the idea of multiple such partners." More escapes than she really meant to say, and that shows in the tilt of her ears going back even further.

What does it cost her to admit she doesn't know what she's doing? In theory, it should be very little... and yet in truth, it's so much.

[witheredpeonies]

Annabel closes her notebook, turning to face Ryja.

"In my world, relationships are strictly between one man and one woman for the purpose of continuing a family line. I was not expected to love my future husband, but to serve and respect and work with him. So I'm also sailing blind, but occasionally bringing faulty expectations to the table from my world. But I'm working on that."

[maskedstarbunny]

It's not her place to comment on how lonely that sounds, compared to the relationships of those in Eorzea. But from one person who just doesn't have the background to another... Ryja gives a little nod. "She is worth learning for. At least... I want to try." All of this has exposed weakness, something she shouldn't ever do, not except to her sisters, and yet... That might be the most vulnerable thing, which is why she swallows a bit and straightens her back and her ears and creates an out from this conversation with her body language, according to the nudging of her talent.

[witheredpeonies]

Annabel nods quietly. "She is worth learning for. She's learning, too. We're all figuring it out--together."

And that last word is an offering, an outreached hand, vaguely hopeful in tone.

[maskedstarbunny]

The warmth is back, and the smile audible. "Together." How better to get to know River, rather than Amy, than with the people who know and love her already?

And who better to gush to about how cute her ears are?

[witheredpeonies]

"Excellent. I think I have what I need for your dress, but if you want to stay for a little bit longer, I could make some tea or something."

Which is a silent show of hospitality. Of welcome.

[maskedstarbunny]

"I would love to. Do you happen to have something particularly strong? Healers ever love caffeine the world over." A simple truth of the world, of most worlds. Beware the power of nurse coffee or Astrologian tea. And a friendly amusement to share, too!