I'l Fana Kelbé (The White Hart) - Reparations & Preparations [Closed}

[Ksenia]

The bell in the back room chimed as the front door opened. “Guess we’ve got customers,” Ksenia remarked, pinning a sleeve cap to the shoulder of a dress. She tugged at the basting threads to ease the fullness evenly and smoothed the puckers from the gathers with her fingers.

Mr. O’Dell strode to the front and moments later Ksenia heard him say, “A pleasure to see you, Mr. Black, what may I do for you today?” She scrambled up and set the dress aside to stick her head out.

“Hey Artemis!” Ksenia said, bounding up to the counter, smiling. Then she noticed his companion, whose face looked a bit strained. “And good to see you as well, Katarya.” She cleared her throat and tried to brush away some of the errant threads stuck on her clothes. Katarya tended to give Ksenia the feeling that she was being condescended to, and today that feeling was stronger than usual.

“We were about to break for lunch soon, so you’ve got excellent timing,” Ksenia said, trying to sound as though she didn’t mind Katarya being there. Since she might be taking commissions from Katarya - and the fact that she was Artemis’s girlfriend - Ksenia decided it was not in her best interests to intentionally annoy the woman. “So what’s going on?”

[Artemis Black]

Artemis caught Mr. O’Dell as he was coming out of the back room and gave the man a smile. “I believe we’re something like colleagues now Dash,” he said, letting his words come out neutral but broadening his grin. “I was simply hoping to catch the eye of your esteemed female apprentice. You know the one with the- Ah Ksenia,” he said stopping to walk over and almost give her a hug. He instead halted partway through and patted her shoulder instead. “I have exciting news. I need to get the place cleaned up and complete some inspections, but I’m the proud owner of a dingy leaky warehouse,” Artemis said beaming with pride.

“We actually caught a celebratory lunch right after the event, but I wanted to make sure you were aware, and see what you thought about the initial work before I paid for anything,” he said after letting the idea of him owning a building sink in for several long moments. “So, we can grab something from the Goose if you’d like, it’s only a few streets away, but I’d love to get over there and start talking details.” He turned to Mr. O’Dell suddenly with a serious expression. “Do you happen to believe your apprentice here is skilled enough to take the east exam?” he asked in a voice that was all business.

Mr. O’Dell’s features took on a deep consideration for several long silent moments. “I believe she could pass the exam given another day or two of focused instruction. I am not worried for her skill, merely the fact that she has received no formal training,” the haberdasher said with a few nods to assure himself of his opinion. Artemis nodded in return to the man and turned for the door.

“Onward then, there is too much to do and too little of it involves fun so we may as well get it done with,” he said as he paused to see if anyone was following before moving out into the city.

[Ksenia]

“The warehouse is official now?” Ksenia asked with a growing smile. “That’s wonderful! Sorry I couldn’t have been more helpful,” she remarked. She wondered where he’d found the writ to copy, and who had helped with the wording, but she figured Katarya had connections. Maybe the elves helped; she’d heard Artemis had gotten into their good graces after the recovery of the head elf’s heirloom. The Goose had the entrance to the warehouse practically in their basement, so she was sure she could get something from the kitchen on the way. Deb had been generously footing the bill for Ksenia’s food and had told her not to worry about costs.

“Pass the exam?” Ksenia squeaked. “N-no one said anything about an exam,” she continued. She gulped. “I guess we’ll discuss that tomorrow, then, Mr. O’Dell?” He nodded in reply as she left in Artemis’s wake. She had to jog a bit to catch up.

“You never said I’d have to take an exam,” she huffed at Artemis, catching her breath. “What do they even ask? Is it written, or do they just talk to me, or do they want my work?” Her head spun with the variety of things that could be asked of her - including her surname. She refused to use Mam’s, but she didn’t have any other name she could use. “And what does that have to do with the warehouse?”

[Artemis Black]

Artemis gave Ksenia a wry grin as a deluge of questions spilled from her. When she finally stopped talking he looked at her but didn’t slow his pace. “Seamstress Ksenia, do I, a street urchin who can’t read, look like I know what is on the East District Production exam?” he asked her but offered a smile to ease the bite of his retort. “I’m certain O’Dell will have you prepared. If you’re half as good as he seems to believe you might even qualify for to take on apprentices of your own.”

He took a few more steps before his expression hardened faintly. “Also, even the twinkle of the warehouse in my eye wouldn’t have been possible without your skilled contributions. It’s why you’ll not pay rent for at least six months. If you feel guilty after that I’ll begrudgingly take coin, but no more apologies.” After he’d said his peace he returned to a pleased smile and offered her another gentle pat on the shoulder. “I’m currently fond of the name Black's at East Hall, but I am accepting suggestions from lovely ladies up until we order the inspection. They write these things down I’ve heard,” he winked conspiratorially.

The walk to the Velvet Goose seemed shorter than usual and Artemis wondered if it was the excitement or some unnoticed benefit of his new stride. He decided he’d test the theory when there were less pressing matters. He led them straight through the front door, and walked right up to Tommy who seemed to be idling next to a table filled with older women.

“I’d like a booth if you would, and ladies I promise you everything he’s said has been nothing but understated,” he added, holding his hand to his mouth to surreptitiously stage whisper the second half. Tommy gave him a frown that immediately became a laughing grin. He begged the women a moment and led Artemis, Katarya, and Ksenia to the window booth he often settled into.

A wench came several minutes later and dropped a large mug of tea off and raised a brow for Katarya and Artemis. “I apologize for not knowing your drinks, I’m Cece and only started but a week ago. So, can I get your drinks or food for the table,” she asked, giving them a brilliant smile that made Artemis’ heart flutter in spite of his relationship with Kat.

“An ale, and a medium wine please and one of whatever’s on Deborah’s tab,” Artemis said returning Cece’s smile with an alluring smirk of his own.

Cece laughed and blushed faintly. “You’re the Artemis fellow so many people have mentioned. I’ll have you know I’m happily wooed. I’ll be back soon with your order, no charge for friends of Deb,” she said before moving off in a quick step.

Artemis turned his attention back to the table and slid a folded piece of parchment from his bag. He unfurled it several times to finally reveal an annotated map of the warehouse’s first floor. Then he dove into explaining his plan of modular spaces and the eventual expansion into nearby buildings and the rebuilding of the upper floor. When he’d finished he looked to Ksenia and asked, “Where did you want to settle in?” He quickly added his plans, “I’m going to keep you two spread out to avoid unnecessary scent bleed or fires.”

[Ksenia]

Artemis knew nothing about the exams and told her so, with a bit more bite to his words than she expected. He made some comment about her work, and rent, but she didn’t really take it in - the worry of the exam all but rang in her ears. He patted her shoulder. She didn’t want to admit she hadn’t really taken in everything he’d said.

Tommy led them to a booth next to a window, and the new girl brought Ksenia’s usual mug of tea. “Whatever’s on the table in the back is fine, just for me, Cece,” Ksenia said. “Do you know if Deb’s around?” Cece shook her head.

Artemis spread the parchment out, showing a plan of the warehouse’s first floor. He pointed and explained his thoughts of easily customizable spaces and expansion. “Where do I want?” She chewed her knuckle thoughtfully. “Probably be best to be toward the back here. That way, light shouldn’t reach to bleach the fabrics and no one would be able to peek in on a client getting measured.”

Ksenia realized Artemis had referred to “you two” - meaning Katarya would be there too. She sighed. “Can I suggest something?” Ksenia pointed to a spot near the door, almost diagonally across from where she’d indicated she wanted for herself. “Katarya, you might want the front spot here, so there’s good ventilation and you can leave easily. Besides, you’re not going to want all the lint from the fabric getting into your stuff.”

The fact that they would be as far apart as possible was simply an added bonus, Ksenia decided. Less chance for her to have to deal with Katarya’s often-haughty presence. It was odd, Ksenia mused, that Katarya seemed to hate the rich people of Fellsgard, but when given an opportunity where she might have to pass as one, she’d jumped at it. Was it jealousy? A sense of moral superiority? She’d probably hate me all the more if she knew I was Mam’s daughter, assuming she knows who Mam is, Ksenia thought.

“Oh, one thing I thought of, with the personal quarters and all - can you put me near the passage to the Goose so I don’t have to go all the way out to visit Deb?” Ksenia tapped the edge of the plan. “I mean, if it’s not too much trouble,” she backpedaled. Maybe Artemis wanted that spot for himself? After all, he still had all his connections within the Goose.

[Katarya Frost]

Katarya accepted her wine with a wide thank you, and turned to look over the map. As Ksenia spoke, Kat looked around the drawing.

"It might be better for someone who is planning on selling, to get a front position." She pointed out. "My work-room willl only be for making medicines, potions, etc; I won't be selling anything, and I won't be holding a clinic just yet. All of the world I'll be doing is out-calls; mostly for people in the slums, but I shan't turn down the trade of House Enlann gets me more affluent customers. I even grew up with some of them!"

She played with the end of her braid. "I like Black's at East Hall, and I shall be insisting on paying rent. I don't want folk to think you're doing my a favour because we ... you know ..." She grinned. "If it's at at all possible, I'd like somewhere where I can chant, chat to Nyx; all without having people thinking I've gone quite mad. And yes, lint and such in my potions wouldn't be ideal, just as the stench of some of the truly foul concoctions I have to brew up for a patient wouldn't want to find it's way into your clothes." She thought for a moment, sipping her wine. "I know I sound like I am being quite demanding, but one last thing, I promise; since what I do is highly illegal, to protect everyone involved in this venture, I suggest keeping me as far away from the public as is possible. Nothing is sure to bring your businesses crashing to the ground if a magic-user is found to be sharing the same work-space."

She placed her glass on the table, and gave a small shrug. "That's all I have. It'll be wonderful to have my own lab again."

[Artemis Black]

The Plan
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Artemis listened to Ksenia and Katarya discuss the various pros and cons of positioning across the warehouse. He’d been weighing his own considerations as they talked things over. When they seemed to be finally finished he sipped his ale on last time and adopted an even expression. “First, until after the inspection, there won’t be any bedding on site, unless you're interested in sharing a bunk with Mila in the basement, and even then we’d need another bed down there,” he said with a slight frown.

“Second, Katarya will be in the west corner. Simplest place to install a vent and can be worked together with a private space without much extra effort. You’ll not need to pay for that space extra, and I won’t take coin for it since it’ll be my private space as well,” Artemis said, holding up a hand to forestall any objections from the Witch. “It puts you behind at least one extra door, and closer to me if things go sideways.”

He refocused his attention on the seamstress. “For you Ksenia, I was thinking east side, under where the new stairs will go once I can afford to expand everything. This will let you use the inner stairwell as storage or a changing room, without needing to put a bunch of extra walls. It also keeps you almost as far as possible from Katarya and gives you a clear walkway to your area.” He pointed at the markings on the map as he spoke. “This spot can serve as a private room, but you’ll need to toss in something for that."

“That just leaves all the extra rental spaces. I was thinking a mix of sizes, six ten by tens for the cheaper side. Maybe one or two could be bunkhouses. A whole eight fifteen by tens, bigger shops, some room for storage built in and all that. And then finally a fifteen by fifteen for who knows what. Maybe another bunkhouse or something,” Artemis finished as he tapped the final room on the drawing.

“Oh-” he said suddenly, realizing he’d completely missed the large block in the middle. “This can be just a common space. Some tables and chairs, people can eat, talk to merchants, whatever. Always wanted to have one of those,” he said with a grin for the women.

“Does all that make sense? It’s going to be almost all the rest of my coin just to get it ready for inspection. I want to make sure I’ve got things covered. Doesn’t even leave anything for protection, so I need to do some ground work on that end too.” He tapped his chin for a moment thoughtfully. "Maybe get the big guy out here, have him teach some of the shop kids the basics. People'll do a hell of a lot with just some practice and a spear."

[Ksenia]

Ksenia twisted her mouth to the side when Artemis mentioned the lack of bedding on-site. “I won’t have that workroom for much longer, and while I think I could ask Deb to borrow her room, you know I’d get displaced every third day or so.” She leaned back and sighed. “I guess I’ll share with Mila.” Ksenia propped her chin on her hand and traced a line with her finger.

Mentally she started a list of what she would need, moving out of the Goose. A mattress form, stuffing for it, a pillow, a blanket, shelves and boxes for goods… “You said more for an extra room? Let me know how much. It would be lovely to have an actual home,” she said, a wistful note in her voice.

Artemis described the rest of the plans, mentioning the cost and the need for protection. Learning a bit of fighting might be a good idea, considering the mob she’d run into not that long ago. “I might be interested in learning to handle a blade. It’d be good to know how to defend myself, if nothing else,” she commented almost idly. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to learn if you’re getting someone to give lessons.”

Remembering, she said, “Also, I can finish up the silk in the next week or so, barring anything happening. I assume I can deliver finished pieces to Mr. O’Dell and he’ll settle up with you. That should ease the financial burden some.” She thought quickly about the stock of The Fine Gentleman’s Attire and shook her head. “I don’t think he has any fabric that would fetch a similar price if worked into items, but I can work on some items from the Goose staff and that would bring in a bit. At least until you manage to ‘find’ some more fabric,” she said, sliding Artemis a wry smile.

[Katarya Frost]

Kat tried to imagine a sit-down meal where she and Ksenia broke bread and chatted about their day ... and found she couldn't.

"Very well," she said, after listening. "I require absolute privacy, of course." She said haughtily. "I can hardly have people wandering in while I cast circles and enchant my potions; that would lead me to a prison, or worse!" She ran a finger along her brow. "Being a wielder of sacred and powerful magics has some drawbacks, especially in this city."

She glanced to Ksenia. "I have some ideas for some new dresses, if you're willing. You don't have to say 'yes', but your skill dictates that I come to you first. I'm afraid it will involve a lot of feathers."

Nyx squawked at that.

"Oh, not from you." Kat said with a roll of her eyes. "Honestly, a familiar is like a nagging parent at times" She smiled slightly at Nyx's indignant chattering.

[Ksenia]

“Feathers?” Ksenia frowned. “I’ll have to ask Mr. O’Dell if he can show me any techniques for those. That’s not an embellishment I’m familiar with.” She mused a minute, thinking about what Katarya might want to do with feathers. Images of peacocks came into Ksenia’s mind and she suppressed a giggle. That was unlikely, but amusing to consider. Most likely Katarya wanted to look imposing, powerful.

“You’ll probably want to have the feathers be separate from the main body of the clothing so you can wash it easier. I suppose it depends on what your ideas are, exactly.” Ksenia tilted her head to one side. Her fingers itched with the desire to start drawing ideas and to create concepts. Seeing an idea and finding ways to make it not just doable but realistic fed the fire of inspiration.

“I may need to update your measurements that we took during the last contract, but once I’m confident in that, I can create a ‘body double’ so I shouldn’t need to pester you to fit garments besides one or two fittings at the beginning and the end.” I’ll need to see where I can get a dress form, thought Ksenia. I can make covers for Katarya and anyone who plans to commission several garments. Easier to store that than having separate forms.

“Do you have any drawings as to what you want?” Ksenia searched through her bag for her sketching book. She found the fabric-covered volume and opened it to a fresh page, noting Katarya’s name and the date at the top. Glancing at something on the last marked page, she blushed. “Oh. I forgot. Artemis, would it be all right if I...had a cat?”