She works hard for the money [Open]

[showsnopiety]

Who: Caren and you!
When: Throughout the month
Where: Knit's Wit, Daisy Chain, throughout the city streets, various brothels
What: Quest time good time
Warnings:



I: Knit Wit

[Thanks to Justine, she's been able to find work, and a new set of clothing, at the Knit Wit. Which means that Caren can be found in the shop fairly often, quick and nimble with her fingers as she works on whatever project it may be-whether it is doing up a hem or adding embroideries to sleeves or other bits of clothing. It could be easy to hover and watch her for awhile.

Or she could take notice of someone crossing the doorway, and have to stop her work, and ensure her needle was stuck in the fabric so it wouldn't unravel.]

May I help you?

[Let's hope her customer service isn't terrible.]

II: Gardening with Class

A: Flowers and the City

So if this also has a magical property...

[She's excited, and leaning forward as she types down notes. For those who have seen her before, in any location...Caren is far more animated. She's absorbing everything, or as much as she can, even as she writes it all down in her Watch.

But she also has to wonder...]

Does this mean we could make a profit off of our plants? Sell the surplus to witches?

[If that means she can sell excess basil when she's sick of it...that's not a terrible idea.]

B: Arrangements and you

[She'd rather that the plants stayed in the dirt, but well-that was the price of doing flower arrangements that were pleasing to the eye. But...there were a few things that caught her eye. While some had given certain flowers, there were her favorites in anothers hands. So she had to go around, with other flowers in her hands.]

Excuse me. Do you mind if I exchanged my flowers for your hydrangeas?

[She looks actually girlish and hopeful for once.]

III: Festival Preparations

A: Harbor Cleaning

[It was good to do some cleaning. True, she was doing that in her new home quite a bit-there was who knew how much dust there-but she enjoyed making the Harbor presentable as well. Cleaning was something she knew how to do, and do well.

Though she never helped with a city wide clean up before. But the latest project-that she had to get to one of the windows and clean it off-was somewhat difficult.

It was a little out of reach.

She went up onto her toes. No dice. She tried to hop up and get it in bits, but it didn't help either. Seeing someone come by, she called out:]

A little help?

B: Blooming Pastries

[She wasn't always assigned to the harbor. Most of the time, she showed up on a day she wasn't working at the Knit Wit, since she needed to save up. After hearing what had happened to Connor-and how he just suddenly had a tail-she wanted to be certain that she had ever had that happen, or that Somnus had it happen to him-that there would be a nest egg ready.

Having 2000 cunes a day weren't anything to sneeze at. So she was working whenever possible.

Maybe it wasn't surprising that in the midst of making Apple Rose tarts, that her knees buckle. She might knock against you against as she starts falling to her knees.]

Sorry...

IV: Gardens with Class

A: Language of Flowers

[So they're supposed to...learn how to flirt and ply other people with drink was it? Well, this should go well. She could do this. And it was time for an exercise! They were paired off randomly, just so they could see if they could do it without the tips that were offered, more or less.

Shouldn't take more then a minute or two they said. She could do this. Easily!

Caren took in a deep breath, and leaned over, so she was pressed arm against arm with her companion. This might look intense, or it might just look slightly ridiculous, depending on the height difference.]

Good evening. Have you been enjoying your time here? I have, no that you're here.

[And she smiles. She's doing great, right?]

B: Flowering in the City

[All right. She doesn't understand this class at all. She huffs a little, and folds her arms under her chest, before murmuring to one of her class mates.]

Isn't it just a matter of flashing a little skin and making some false promises to charm someone into giving you money? That's how I thought it worked.

[Caren why are you saying such horrible things so casually.]

C: A perfect Arrangement

[Caren sighed. She didn't have anyone to bring with her, not really. She didn't know who she would ask to come with to this class. So it was a random pair up for the dancing, and she was standing there, shy and uncertain.]

I've never...danced before. So I don't mind if you take the lead.

[She paused, and continued:]

I'll try not to step on your feet.

Wildcard:

This can be for exploring the city, settling in Haven, all sorts of shenanigans! Or for making something completely different. If you have questions, you can contact me on plurk at nammah

Comments

knit wit

[topslug]

[ There's a flustered-looking girl in a post carrier's uniform looking terribly sheepish at the shop's threshold. When she's addressed, she looks up quickly and sheepishly. ]

Hello! Um, I'm sorry ... you do clothing repairs here, right?

[ As for what might need repairing, well ... it's not immediately obvious right now. ]

[showsnopiety]

We do. That also happens to be my specialty.

[Making super fancy things in a hurry? Not so much. Making it so you can wear old things and can't tell there was a rip? She's got it.]

What seems to be the problem?

[topslug]

Well...

[ Yako turns around to show off the back of her jacket -- there are small vertical tears from the middle of it to the coattails, rather like someone might have clumsily dragged their claws down it. ]

C-can you fix something like this?

[showsnopiety]

[Huh. It looks like something ripped it, possibly on purpose.]

They're small enough. I should be able to fix these without needing new material.

[She made a soft noise, glancing up at Yako. They almost look like...no.]

Dare I ask what happened?

[An accident with a cat? It has to be too early for claw growth. Right?]

[topslug]

[ If anything, Yako’s expression grows more embarrassed. ]

Well, since I took up a job delivering mail, I’ve gotten to know the neighborhood children a little better ... I thought I’d play with some of them since I was done for the day, but one of them tried to jump on my back and...

[ She trails off. The results speak for themselves, and she pulls the jacket off, holding it out to Caren. ]

[showsnopiety]

[Bemused, Caren took the jacket, looking it over. Still small, still one handed. And the conclusion that she takes from this is:]

One of the children is part cat...? Or bird?

[topslug]

Part cat, I think ... [ Telling a turnskin from a chimera at that age is pretty difficult, though maybe someone from this world could manage a better job at it than Yako. ]

How long do you think it will take to fix?

harbor cleaning

[catasstrophy]

[With the slight mugginess of the weather these days, Konoe has finally given up on wearing his hood to cover his ears... and, surprisingly, the world hasn't fallen apart. People don't look at him any funnier than before (mostly because the outline of his ears was obvious anyway, not to mention how his tail stuck out from underneath his mantle), and somehow that makes him feel a little less out of place.

Not that he needs people to accept him, or anything. But it's nice to not feel like an outcast for being the only cat... even if he still is.

Unsure what to expect when he's suddenly addressed in the streets, his ears turn sideways. A little help, she said?]

The window..?

[showsnopiety]

[It wasn't the most comfortable weather, that was for certain. But, there had to be some work in order for the festival, and she wasn't adverse the work.

It was just...it was hard when you're small, the window is high, and there's no crates in sight.

Even if the person who stopped had cat ears and a tail-it didn't really matter. So long as he could help.]

Yes, the window.

[She wrinkled her nose, annoyed with the window. Why so high. It's rude.]

Do you know where I can find a step ladder...? Or could you help me reach it?

[Though he's also a little on the short side too, wasn't he? Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all.]

[catasstrophy]

[WOW he's not that short? And he totally wears platforms heels, so that's a few more inches for him.

His tail swishes as he considers the questions, still a little uncertain for no reason in particular, but willing to help.]

... Maybe if you sit on my shoulders?

[That seems safe enough, and gains her a fair amount of extra height. A step ladder would no doubt be better, but he has no idea where to find one, unless they want to ask around businesses and see if anyone will lend them one.]

[showsnopiety]

[Maybe she'll get some platforms of her own...when she has more money that is.]

That...might work out, yes.

[She looks him over, and makes a quiet noise, before she straightens.]

All right. Did you want to kneel, or crouch, or should I...climb on your shoulders...?

[catasstrophy]

[It's at about this point that he wonders why he agreed so readily in the first place, but... it's not like he's rushing anywhere in particular, so he had no good reason to refuse. Besides, he knows what it's like, being in a city and having everyone flat-out ignore you when you ask for help. Doing the same thing just feels wrong.]

I'll crouch.

[And so he does. He is honestly not the strongest cat, clearly built more for agility and speed than brute force, but he's strong enough when times get rough and desperate, and he can definitely manage to carry her.

For a little while, at least.]

[showsnopiety]

[No regrets Konoe, only cleaning. And she's not going to kick, promise! Instead, she nods, and moves to carefully climb onto his shoulders, cleaning supplies under her armpits.

She's a light woman thankfully, so it shouldn't be too difficult-especially if she hurries.]

All right. I'm ready.

[She's positioned! And she's holding on with her legs, and ready to reach for that window.]

blooming pastries

[thisisamazing]

[When Hiccup steps into the pastry shop, he's just looking to get a quick bite before he heads out again, either to do some fishing or to buy some construction materials - always busy, this one, but he'd rather be busy than bored and lonely and thinking of home - he certainly isn't expecting a woman knocking into him as she falls.]

Woah, hey-! [He's quick to catch her, stronger than his noodley arms might look, and he helps ease her down gently instead of falling and cracking her head against something.] Are you- uh, are you okay?

[showsnopiety]

[She made a small sound, surprised when she was caught. Oh-she thought that he'd swear at her, not catch her. She needed a second to catch her breath.]

I'm-I'm fine. Just a little dizzy.

[She grimaced, and wiped her hair out of her face.]

My apologies-I got in your way.

[thisisamazing]

[Hiccup helps her get situated against the counter, just for something to lean on.] What? No, no you've got- no reason to apologize, it's fine. Are you okay? Can I get you some water?

[showsnopiety]

[She makes a disagreeing noise. But she doesn't say anything-else they'll get in a cycle.]

That-yes. Please.

[She bit down on her bottom lip, and stared down at their feet. She should be used to this but-she's still embarrassed.]

[thisisamazing]

[It would absolutely become a thing. Hiccup will not be apologized to for nothing because he is a gentleviking, okay.] Okay. Just a minute. [He offers an encouraging smile before he heads back to find a glass to fill. What are employee only areas? He's a chief, he does what he wants.

After a moment, he comes back with a glass of water and hands it to her, looking her over with a little concern.] Are you sure you're okay? You could have hit your head on something.

[showsnopiety]

[A gentleviking. That's a first for her. She watches after him as he leaves-and he comes back, not smacked by the staff. Huh. Guess having the walk of someone who's meant to be here helps a lot.

Caren thanks him quietly as she takes a long swallow of water. She meant to have a sip but-she needed a drink more then she realized.]

I don't think I did. Else-I'd feel worse then I do.

[Her gaze flicks up at him briefly.]

You can feel for swellings if you want but-I think my head is fine.

Knit Wit

[hearthebell]

[The man stepping through the doorway doesn't look like he really belongs anywhere. He's pale and disheveled, concerningly skinny, and his haunted, hollow eyes have a tendency to settle somewhere and stare with a disconcerting intensity. That being said, he does look like he belongs in an establishment that makes and sells clothing, because that single set of robes that the Coven gave him on his first day is finally giving up the ghost. It's threadbare, with one sleeve torn at the seam and the elbows especially almost completely worn through. Though L's a Witch and could theoretically mend his own garments, he's having a fair amount of difficulty picking up spells that make things whole again, even extending to healing spells.

He nods at her good-natured question, pulling a disorganized assortment of money out of his pockets. He's not sure how much it costs; even if he was very familiar with the currency here, he's never actually purchased clothing himself before.]

I think I need some new clothes.

[As if it's not incredibly obvious, looking at the robes that don't fit him well, that are just barely clinging to wearability if they're not already beyond it.]

[showsnopiety]

[She wasn't sure what to make of him at first. He looked as if he was most certainly a customer but...how did his clothing get to that state in the first place? Did he take the Coven robe he had and go running through the woods?

Hard to know. At least he has the money for it.

Some things are better not to know.]

I would have to agree with you.

[She said it evenly, looking him over. Was that his shin? That was likely his shin that she saw, pale and thin.

Not that she could say anything about pale and thin. She motioned for him to sit on a stool, as she went for the measuring tape, paper, and ink.]

We can mend, but you may be better off with new clothing all together. A few changes of clothing perhaps?

[hearthebell]

[Everything about L says that he's sort of wayward, and that he's had a rough time since arriving. Though his expression is trained and placid, there's something harrowed around the edges, as though he's just a little too tired, too hungry, too stressed and overworked, and he's having some difficulty balancing everything. That's probably why it's taken him this long to come to a place like this, and it's possible that it was actually suggested to him not-so-subtly by his employer at the Runes shop.

He nods, accepting the delicate young woman's assessment doggedly. It seems to be all the confirmation he needs that it was, in fact, necessary to run this errand.]

If you think it would be a good idea.

[There's resignation in his tone as he sinks into the stool and slouches over his knees, but also something like relief. Thinking about things like this has never come naturally to him, never been a priority.]

If the fabric is soft, doesn't scratch, and breathes... that's what I'm looking for. Three sets like that, maybe?

[With... absolutely no direction on the cut, the color, the style, anything. After a pause, and a moment's thought, he adds]

Also, if it doesn't draw too much attention, that would be best.

[showsnopiety]

[She knows a few people who have been through a lot of stress since they arrived. L is-well, he's wearing it on his clothes, on his face. If he's going to run around, he'll need clothing that can keep up with him. ]

That way you can have something fresh while the rest if laundered. The cloth that you want is easy to find...perhaps too much so.

[Aka there's still a lot of choices. There needs to be a way to narrow it down.]

Lighter colors may be better for the warmer seasons, and should last you until the fall. So-if we go with the common styles, I have a few questions.

Do you know if your body will go through alternations? How many layers do you want to wear-and would you rather wear a male or female style?

[hearthebell]

[It makes sense, of course. Everything she's saying makes perfect sense, and it's mildly galling that these aren't things he thought of for himself. If he did, the solutions seemed beyond reach or insurmountably difficult. He's not sure why, because he used to do far more difficult things daily before breakfast. Maybe it's because it's a change to years of habit; maybe it's just the most glaring way his newness to this place is manifesting.

Either way, he's grateful that she's being kind and helpful about it, instead of dismissive or condescending.]

I see...

[His brow furrows, and he hugs his knees closer to his chest as he considers her questions.]

I'm a witch, so... it shouldn't go through those kinds of changes.

[He's lost weight, but it's negligible on his already very spare frame. It's not like he'll be sprouting wings or claws or extra limbs.]

Multiple layers are OK, if that's what wouldn't stand out too much in a crowd. I just care about being covered and warm. And...

[That final question seems to surprise him the most. He blinks, something he does very rarely.]

I suppose... unisex, or male.

[His former uniform, consisting of jeans and a t-shirt, weren't particularly gendered. Nor were the robes from the Coven.]

When I say that I trust you to just choose something for me... and it's unlikely that I would object to your choices, if you believe that they are what a male of my general dimensions and age would look typical in... I do mean what I say.

[showsnopiety]

[It's a new world. There's a lot of things they need to catch up on. Some people are lucky, having transferable skills. Like sewing. She gets that. Even if he's a little particular to her, she has no room to judge.

She's also a particular sort of person.

She's listening though, for all of that. Caren offers a nod, even as she starts moving back towards some ready made clothing. It might not be his size, but they'll both get a better idea of what would suit him.]

It's not that I don't believe you.

[A white shirt with beige pants and suspenders, a blue tunic over light grey slacks. A green jumpsuit, and a light cream coat. She comes back with these selections over her arms, frowning.]

But if you leave and say something carelessly, word will spread. And I'll be fired.