It's Very Flattering

Writers: Avery, Mirren
Date Posted: 24th January 2016

Characters: Jaffra, Kapera
Description: Kapera picks up her commission.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 3, day 13 of Turn 8

Kapera

Jaffra glanced up as Kapera entered and set aside the piece she'd been
sewing. It was particularly intricate and frankly, she was grateful
for a few moment's respite.

"Good day goldrider," she greeted politely. "Your gown is ready."
She'd been up late last night, (or was it this morning?) to finish it.

"Good day. I'm glad to hear it," the goldrider replied. "What are you
working on now?" she asked.

"Just a gown for someone else," Jaffra replied, waving a hand at it
dismissively. "I hope yours is as you were wanting." She rose and went
to pluck a garment bag from where it hung on a rack to the side of the
room. She laid it across a table and slowly unbuttoned it.

"Do you have a lot of gown commissions?" Kapera couldn't remember if
the weaver had said she really liked doing a particular kind of piece.

"A few." Jaffra shrugged. She slipped the bag off the gown and drew it up
by its
hangar. She held her arm up so the gown was up off the floor. Her gaze
went to
Kapera's face to ascertain her reaction.

The goldrider's eyes widened. The drawings had been one thing. The reality
looked far prettier than she'd expected. She couldn't wait to wear it out.
There'd have to be a very fine event to take it to...

"It's beautiful. Your work is _superb_."

Jaffra half-smiled. "Thank you." It was nice to have some recognition for her hard work. "If you'd like to go behind the screen and try it on." There might be some adjustments necessary.

Kapera took the item from Jaffra and moved to the screen to go change. It took her a bit longer than she expected, as she was unexpectedly tired. The dress fit very well, and she felt pleased as she looked at it.

"What do you think?" she asked when she came out.

Jaffra looked it over critically, walking around to look at all angels. "It's flattering, but it sits well on you." She could see a hundred ways to do it differently next time, but it would do for now.

"Anything look like it needs tweaking? I'm hoping to make quite the impression."

"There's a seam in the side I need to adjust slightly." No one else would notice, but to Jaffra it looked obvious. Why do anything if it wasn't perfect?

"Will it need to stay here a bit longer?" she asked.

"If you can take it off, I'll fix it while you wait. Then you can take it with you." It wasn't a major job by any means.

"I'll do so." Kapera stepped back behind the screen to change out of it. She re-emerged carrying it.

"Has business been good?" she asked as she handed it over.

"Busy enough." Jaffra sat at her worktable and worked on the offending seam with deft, practiced fingers. "A little quiet for this time of turn."

"Usually you have more business in late summer?"

"From those who think ahead to the next season." Jaffra replied without looking up. "They'll all come at once later." And she'd be inundated. She sighed softly.

"Sounds like it gets unpleasant. Does it peak before Turnover or other important events?"

"Yes, people will often leave those until a sevenday or two before." Those were generally the ones in last turn's fashion, as Jaffra could only work so fast.

"That seems shortsighted. Whenever I wanted a Hatching item, I commissioned it right after the flight so there'd be plenty of time. With Turnover at the same time, you'd think people would know."

"Some people don't past their own noses," Jaffra said cuttingly. She tied off the stitch and snipped the thread. "Here, done."

There was a time when Kapera would have been accused of the same. She liked to think she was wiser now.

"Thank you so much," she said, fishing in her bag for the marks. It was the second half of the agreed-upon sum plus an extra quarter mark's tip - not extravagant but she'd wanted to thank the weaver.

Jaffra quirked an eyebrow in surprised appreciation. "Thank you goldrider." Evidently staying up all night had been worthwhile. "I'd be only too happy to make more when you require them." As happy as she ever got.

"I might have to commission you for something fun and daring next time. What's your opinion on something a lot more revealing and daring?" the goldrider asked.

"I'm sure I can create something - suitable," Jaffra replied. "You know where I can be found when you're ready."

"I'll be sure to be back," the goldrider promised, and meant it.

Last updated on the January 27th 2016

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It's Very Flattering