The Beauties and The Beast [Tags: female Weyrlings & Candidates

N'kai was drawn deeply into the focus of his task. His eyes tightened at the corners as he gave his next mark on paper greater thought. But his hand was soon moving again, and did not stop until the sketch on the desk before him was nearly complete.

The Bluerider set down his charcoal pencil then, and took up one of the coloured chalks from the selection of many available. Since he was always drawing, he tended to keep drawing supplied in abundance.

With carefully measured strokes, the Bluerider added the graceful wrap of a deep blue dress around the feminine figure he'd created on parchment paper. It was one of a kind, and one of many in the wardrobe of his imagination. When his artistic eye was satisfied, N'kai added the final touch to the gentle lady's up do -a large wire frame of a blue beaded butterfly set delicately amoungst the rolls of braided hair piled there. It added a tasteful, but gently daring appeal to the entire ensemble.

The final detail about to be set on paper, N'kai's blue chalk utensil touched the paper, only to fudge at the last moment when Kaisoth interrupted the silence.

N'kai. The others have said they're on the way. They wanted me to tell you.

Staring down at his paper, where the blue chalk had missed its mark, the Rider sighed and grumbled to himself. Why had Kaisoth waited until just that moment to say something? Couldn't he have waited just three seconds longer?

Well, at least... at least the sketch was done now. Regardless of the mistake where the butterfly hair-pin was concerned, the rest was perfect. N'kai was pleased with the outcome, and now just had to find someone who would wear it.

Who's they? Jezefene and the others? There was of course the typical few who gathered together at this rather small hide away nearly every day, but the Bluerider also remembered that they were about to receive a number of other visitors; there were many Candidates and Weyrlings who would be looking to have new dresses made for them for the coming Harvest Gather and Masquerade. And N'kai had promised to make it a glorious affair for them -as far as dresses went. His were well-known for their unique qualities and fine craftsmanship.

Though N'kai was a weaver by trade, turned Dragonrider, his love had been for creating great individual designs, fit to specific people, their varying personalities and moods. Having come from a weaver's family, he'd known how to have a steady hand for the weaving craft since he was young. Now that this group of friends he'd made here at the Weyr helped him and played a large role in the physical crafting of each piece, he was able to devote more time to envisioning and drawing out those pieces. Several of his dresses had ended up being worn by the Junior Weyrwoman, Headwoman, etcetera, but there were many more which had never been sewn to fruition. N'kai kept several patterns on hand in a catalogue for ladies to pick from if they so desired. Otherwise there were designs that had already been created in the past, which could be personalized to one's tastes. Other times though, when a woman walked through the door, there was a moment of inspiration which immediately spawned a new gown that he could present to her later.

N'kai however, was never able to retain any sense of muse for long. His muse came and went and sometimes was difficult to come by at all. It was frustrating for him when all he wanted to do was bring out the most comely expression for each individual.

No, more than that. He wanted the perfect muse. If he had that, he'd be able to draw forever.


Yes. Jezefene. Having noticed the hint of irritation in his Rider's voice, the Blue thought to add a bit plaintively. Did I mess you up again?

Don't worry about it, Kai.

Filled with remorse however, the dragon didn't let his rider slide it under the rug at that. I'm really sorry. Will you accept my apology?

Kai, the Rider, was piling his chalks and charcoal pencils into a box which he put away in the top drawer of the desk, while the Blue went on pitifully. Since when don't I accept your apologies?

I know. But I had been trying to be quiet and not disturb you while you were so focused.

Rider Kai didn't acknowledge his bonded over the matter any further. Instead, he was placing the new sketch with great care into another drawer which held a long row of cataloged designs yet to be used. On the other side of the desk was another catalog of drawings, but they'd already seen the creation process at least once.

Just as he was closing the drawer to stand when the door opened, admitting the usual crew of five. Three girls and two young men, N'kai made their male/female division even. All had been involved in the weavercraft at some point in their lives, or had learned to love it and learn it through some other means in their lives. They were all primarily junior journeyman age and skill level, but together, with each their own brand of expertise, been able to piece together dresses which would have made N'kai's father, who was a Master Weaver, proud.


N'kai waved his hellos and then disappeared across the room behind the clothing racks where he was looking for a particular piece they'd been working on, but put the project on hold.

The club room they'd managed to garner perusal of per the kindly understanding Headwoman a few turns back, was relatively small for their needs, but the six of them had made it work. The walls were lined nearly to the ceiling on every side with tables and storage crates, bolts of fabric piled high, rolls of ribbon, baskets of every colour of thread imaginable. There were baskets also of beads and buttons, hook and eye closures, grommets and steel boning, innumerable needles and then... there were the clothing racks. Some of the dresses that hung there had been finished, awaiting pickup or delivery, but others were still incomplete for whatever reason. For how closely packed into the room everything seemed to be, it should have been easy to get lost within it. Especially amoungst the hanging clothes. Many of the dresses looked like, in their awkward and unfinished state, they might swallow a person whole.


Jezefene had brought refreshments for everyone and some meatrolls and fruit, being that they made the easiest snacks for everyone. Her tray was full and appropriately prepared for visitors in case they should get any today. The days had been slow though, over the summer. Fewer and fewer people had been needing new dresses made; but they all knew that come Autumn there would be many gathers and festivities to be attended, so people would want to prepare.

Of course, many people still sought out the full time Weyr Weavers for such things and didn't bother paying any attention to the young talent right under their noses, so the small group spent all their free time trying to make people happy who couldn't afford the more recognizable Maker's Mark of a master weaver or even one of his senior journeyman. Thus, when the opportunity arose, these few put every bit of their effort -every bit of their heart and soul- into their dresses.

With refreshments set out on N'kai's drawing desk, the rest of them gathered around to discuss what they wanted or needed to focus on today. So far, no new orders had come in, and almost everything they were working on were pieces that they hoped to use for trade at the upcoming Harvest Gather in order to afford themselves other things.

News of the masquerade had reached some of the Candidates ears and they were all abuzz with how they were going to get dresses made by the weavers with their marks they had saved up. Veyani had come to the Weyr with barely anything, pretty much the clothes she was wearing and herself. Her siblings were in a similar boat but they had both made some friends who helped them restyle some older outfits that were not worn out.

She had plans with Emerene anyway, she thought with a smirk. The other young woman had made it clear that Veyani could not go to such an event without the proper outfit. Not when Veya was going to be on the arm of a certain handsome Bronzerider. At least she was assuming that was the case. He probably didn't feel the need to ask her to attend with him and she would naturally assume they were going together so there would be no reason for him to formally ask her, right?

Of course there was still his sham engagement. So she might not be going with him afterall. It seemed silly for him to be keeping up pretenses though, the whole Weyr knew he was with Veyani. At least anyone who wanted to know knew that. There were probably plenty of people who didn't care to know.

She went to the place where she promised to meet Emerene, a large tree near the Lake. They could talk about everything on their way there. Veyani was not normally the type to get excited about clothing but the idea of a masquerade intrigued her. Being unable to see other people's faces and knowing you had to guess. It was going to be fun. Some people would be easier to tell than others.

Veyani supposed it would be easier to guess people whom you were close with. Not only looking at body type but by voice. She wondered what prompted such an extravagant celebration but then it didn't really matter. People here were used to having Gathers to attend and such.

Well, Emerene appeared beside her friend shortly after Veyani herself had arrived, looking lively as ever. "Veya! I can't wait to get to this Bluerider's club cavern you've been telling me about."

Having jumped right into the topic, it was clear that she was excited. Of course, Emerene was usually up for trying new and different things, especially if it had to do with clothing -and the upcoming masquerade! Emerene was already busy imagining what colour scheme she wanted her entire ensemble to be in. Of course, those ideas might change once they got to the Weaver's place and got to discussing things over with them. Emerene hoped they had lots of dresses to try on. She wouldn't be disappointed if they had to make a brand new one for her, personally, but it was more fun trying them on than waiting for them to be made.

As the girls started walking, Veyani of course leading the way, Emerene asked her, "Do you have a colour or style of dress in mind? With your figure, a gown with some volume in the skirt would be perfect. Maybe one with some taffeta or a layered look in the skirt?" Pausing, she wanted to hear what Veyani had in mind for herself, too, but perhaps it was best just to wait until they got there and heard what the weaver's suggestions were.

Still, Emerene was no lack of knowledge and experience when it came to wardrobe. Even if she didn't have over-loads of clothes, she had an eye for these things.

Which reminded her. Maybe she and this N'kai character would get along pretty well. It was rare to see a mature man/ rider with so much care for attire. It was certainly attractive to her. So, Emerene thought to interject real quick, "This Searchrider we're going to see.. is he cute?"

Emerene’s enthusiasm was catching as Veyani grinned to reply to her. “Oh you’ll see they are fashion geniuses! Although to be fair I’ve never really seen fine clothes like they make. I could be overstating the genius part.” She shrugged, “They are much nicer than the Master Weaver and his crew. A bit more imaginative and willing to make something perfect just because they can’t stand to leave it as anything less.” She couldn’t wait either. I mean how often would she have the chance to get something made for her in her lifetime. Up until this point everything she has was a hand-me-down.

“I really don’t even know what I should wear. I’ve never had anything made for me before. I’m sure I’d look better in certain colors. I bet N’kai already has an idea. Do you have a style or color in mind for yourself?” Veyani didn’t know much of anything about fabric, she only knew dresses to be uncomfortable for working in. For an occasion like this, she could see the purpose. After all they dressed up so that they attracted men who would then sleep with them. At least that’s what she got from it.

She only wanted to attract one person in particular. “I feel like I should look a bit different than I normally do. I’d like to surprise people at the masquerade. Wearing masks should be so much fun. You can say things to people and act like you didn’t know it was them. Play tricks on people. It will be so entertaining.”

Veyani led the way to the club’s meeting place as she spoke with Emerene. “N’kai?” She thought for a moment. “I suppose he is, but he’s a bit too like a brother for my taste. I suppose my opinion should be taken lightly since I’m besotted with one particular person. You’d be a much better judge of his attractiveness.” She finished and led them down a corridor and then another before turning to the small, cluttered space that was the club’s meeting area.

Her personality was at full force, so she didn’t bother to knock or let the rider and the other weavers know that they would be coming in now. She walked in saying, “Rider N’kai. It’s sooo good of you to have us. This is Candidate Emerene. I told her you were the best.” Grinning she looked around at the other weavers.

All heads were turning toward the door as guests came through, the only one that wasn't visible at the moment was N'kai. Of course, he was well hidden behind the racks of dresses at the moment.

The rest of the crew was giving their greetings, each dressed in the most eclectic and spontaneous looking outfits one could possibly imagine. Including Jezefine, who pranced up to Emerene and Veyani. "Hi, Veyani. Good to see you again. Please, help yourselves. We brought enough to last us all night." That was, depending on how artistic muses were treating them. Otherwise, they'd retire early and decide to come back to their many varied projects later.


Shortly thereafter, N'kai stepped out from behind the rows of wardrobes packed with their projects. The glasses typical of him were no longer worn, and he didn't seem to come across as the same, somewhat insecure bluerider everyone was used to.

In fact, he seemed much more secure, being that he now held up to himself a deep fiery red and dazzling orange dress clipped to the hanger with clothespins. It obviously wasn't finished just yet, but with a little imagination, one could envision quite the fine gown of it. "Veya. What do you think? I have fantastic plans for this one. I think you'll agree."

Of course, he meant that the dress was going to be for her, and he had been meditating over just what kind of gown she should wear, but when he said it like that, holding it up to himself, he could just as well have meant it for him. Anyway, amoungst their crowd, no one would criticize.

N'kai seemed to notice Emerene then, and his brow lifted slightly, expressing interest. "Oh, You brought someone with you."

---

Nicer than the master weavers dresses? That was quite a complement Veyani was paying this Bluerider and his friends. Emerene wondered at that, even more pleased now with their choice of dress makers. The way that Veyani described their work, Emerene couldn't help but envision the most spectacular designs. And with that, her excitement grew.

Emerene had only thought as far as the colour of her dress, though. She'd only just found out about the Masquerade, so had had little time to prepare anything yet. "Well, I do love purple. I guess jewel tones, is what it is."

She was giggling then, bringing a hand to her mouth as Veyani started joking about wearing masks. Yes, for that reason, Masquerades were a great deal of fun. Emerene started to wonder then, how many people would choose a full mask this turn, over a half-mask. There were so many options.


When they entered the club's own little cavern space, Emerene at first looked shocked. Momentarily however, her face became aglow with the thrill of discovering such a marvelous place. Her eyes darted from one wall or corner to the other and she beamed.

Then Jezefene arrived, and Emerene was smitten with her. She knew they would be instant friends. Especially when this Jezefene understood the importance of good clothes AND good treats. This was going to be her new favourite place to be!

That uber-bubbly trait in her though, shut down briefly when N'kai appeared; not because she was less excited to meet him, but because of Veyani's previous relationship and vague details about him, she was quite curious of him.

Emerene stared at the Bluerider unblinking for a moment. Well, he was quite handsome, but she wasn't sure he was her type, per se. Then again, what did she know about all that? Not just yet, anyway.

She took care to thank them all for having them there. Talented artists might need muses now and then but they also needed to not feel crowded and Veya did have two other people coming to the little meeting.

Seeing N'kai though she completely forgot about everyone else in the room for a moment. She was excited to talk to him about the gown and everything. "Wow." She said slowly, letting her hand gently touch the fabric. Was she even allowed to touch it? She thought as she drew her hand away.

"N'kai its so beautiful. Just like flames..." She said softly. Then smiled, "so who is lucky enough to wear it?"

Then said, "Yep. This is Emerene, she is a Candidate too." Veyani added. She didn't think it neccesary to bring up that Emerene was the Weyrwoman's daughter. She also didn't think Emerene wanted anyone to mention it. If she wanted to add that in there, that was her prerogative.

----
After dragging V'nius out of the Barracks on the pretext that he had nothing to wear to the Masquerade, she thought the directions she had received sounded valid. However, they were shortly lost and then had to ask for better directions to the Weaver's little hole in the wall.

Raelestriata grumbled under her breath about horrible directions. "You'd think Veyani would be good at directions. She seemed to know exactly where this place was!" She looked over at Vinnie," Not to worry though, we're on the right track now. I'm sure we'll be there in no time. "

She spoke more to console herself than the other Weyrling. No doubt Veyani and Emerene had already arrived. When she came through the doorway, sure that Vinnie was right behind her. She said, "Hey. What have we missed?"

While she spoke she took in the small room and the weavers gathered there. They seemed very nice at least, even if the room was a bit cluttered for her own tastes.

V'nius knew next to nothing about fine fabrics or the best color for various skin tones.  Sure, he knew what he thought was pretty, and might have his own opinion, but his specialty was with wine, and the making of it-- he knew the right time to pick grapes and a few other fruits, how long to let them ferment, how many it would take to make a single keg…  Nothing in his experience could tell him how many threads were used to weave various fabrics, or what made one material more appropriate for a particular use as compared to another.

So he felt quite out of place amidst the various colors and fine dresses and piecemeal outfits worn by the weavers, despite Raelestriata's original assurance that he'd find something perfect for the masquerade.  He was so out of his depth, he wasn't even sure where to stand once he followed his classmate into the cavern, wasn't sure what he could touch and what he should stay away from.

That didn't stop his gaze from falling on some of the unfinished dresses and-- just for the barest of seconds-- wishing he was the right sort to be looking for one.  Just so he could catch the eye of a particular bronzerider who was highly unlikely to even notice him without the right… assets…

Snapping out of his temporary musings, the greenrider gave a small smile to the weavers and the candidates.  "Uh, hi," he told them, thinking that wasn't the most brilliant of things to say, but not coming up with anything else, either.

"A pleasure making your acquaintance, Emerene." N'kai had smiled up at her before returning his attention to Veya.

But after Veyani and Emerene, there were even more people who started piling through the door. N'kai had to look up from where he'd been paying more attention to Veyani's interest in the fabric he'd chosen for her, to greet them. But there was no need for him to do so, really. Jezefine was already doing so.

Jezefine had her tray of goodies in hand, bounding over to V'nius and Raelestriata. Jezefine wasn't the only one who'd taken an interest in their coming however. One of the other weavers in the room, another young man, who now dressed in a dress and large floppy hat, was peering over at the newcomers, seeming to think he was rather cute, too.

Of course, Jezefine was the first one to talk. "Here! Help yourselves. But... were we expecting you? I suppose it's okay. The more the merrier as long as you're here about dresses."


It was a lucky thing Emerene was quick to snatch one of the treats off the tray before she went bouncing away again, otherwise she'd have to wait to get the girl's attention again.

Not knowing what else to do, Emerene stepped further into the Weaver's lair, nibbling on her treat as she began to look about the room, eyes turning every which way to take it all in. There was such much stuff piled everywhere and against walls and... how was it all organized? She started then to go to a mannequin where a particular cream-coloured dress had been fitted, all neatly pinned into place, wondering if some off-the-shoulder gown like this might suit her.

Just as Veyani's hands had reached to touch the fabric Emerene too, reached out to sample a touch of the silky dress.


N'kai finally smiled back down at Veyani, seeming to take more interest in her than in their newcomers. "I'm glad you approve of it. This one will be yours." His grin was already broadening, anticipating her response.

Raelestriata grinned, "Oh she hasn't told you!" She said, looking over at Veyani and Emerene. "Sorry, we were invited by Candidate Veyani. She claimed you were all geniuses and much better than any of those snobby weavers that most people go to around here. Although I can't say I've ever cared overly much about my clothes. I do have some marks saved to contribute..." She trailed, then looked over at Vinnie and gave him a shrug.

"We are definitely here for dresses. Well at least I am, not sure about Vinnie in a dress..." She didn't know if the boy would be interested in wearing a dress or not. He might be? Some male greenriders could be quite effeminate.

Raelestriata took one of the goodies offered and ate it. She wasn't one to eat a lot of sweets because she wanted to be as healthy as possible. People who ate a lot of sugary things ended up being overweight. She had to concern herself with such things because she wanted to be a good rider and running in and of itself would not be enough to keep her fighting fit.

---

Veyani waved at Raelestriata and V'nius. Her focus though was soon on the dress again and N'kai. "Are you for serious?!!!" She jumped up and down once then wrapped him in a very exuberant hug. "But you know I have nothing to pay for it?" He could sell something like that to someone at some point.

She felt like he was wasting his talent on her. Maybe he saw her differently though. Maybe seeing her in the dress would be enough for other people to find out more about this club and ask for dresses in the future. She did want to wear it. Wouldn't it be spectacular. And she would be with S'jiro. He would want her to be wearing something nice.

Still she was having trouble coming to grips with the thought that the dress was in fact for her.

V'nius' spirits fell a notch as he heard the word 'dresses.'  While that tiny part of him wished he could somehow attract Sh'nar with one, the rest of him knew it wouldn't matter.  So if that's all this particular group of weavers made, then he would be highly unlikely to find a costume for the masquerade here.  But, he'd stick around just to see.  If nothing else, maybe Raelestriata could use his help in picking something out?  Or something…

Still, he shrugged when his classmate looked to him and gave a goofy grin.  "I wouldn't fill it out very well," he replied.  "But I'm sure we can find a really nice one for you."

Not that he would… object… if someone offered one that might somehow fit him...

Just like with the treats.  He wasn't above eating too much sugar, and took two with a smile of thanks for the girl offering them.  "Did you make these?"

"But you know I have nothing to pay for it?"

Taken into her embrace, N'kai did not return the gesture, but to blush a little and smile in a sheepish manner.

"Of course I'm serious. We'll find some way for you to pay it back; though you could just borrow it for the night." Or rent it? But he didn't suggest that. He'd honestly rather she be able to keep it. He was making it with her in mind. He couldn't see anyone else in it. For that reason, it would be a shame to have to sell it.


N'kai was glancing toward where Emerene had trotted off to, then. Leaving Veyani, he was folding the dress over his arm as he lengthened his stride to make his way to the other candidate.

"Do you like it?" The Bluerider was referencing the dress on the mannequin that she had been admiring. His eyes seemed to flicker up and down her form, taking in her face and eyes and hair just then. "This dress isn't for you. But there should be another, if you would like to be fitted."

---

Just like with the treats. He wasn't above eating too much sugar, and took two with a smile of thanks for the girl offering them. "Did you make these?"

Jezefine, with the tray in hand, was beaming at V'nius. He seemed like such a pleasant sort. "No. But the bakers are always left with extras after meals, which they send our way. Though, sometimes they send us samples from new recipes to try before they make them in bigger batches for everyone else." And Jezefine did think that was rather thoughtful of the kitchen crew. It certainly kept them spoiled.

Veyani didn't take much notice that she had made him uncomfortable. She was busy admiring the dress. "I'm sure I can find some way to repay you. Maybe once I'm a rider..." Then she could afford nicer things though it still might take her a good deal of time to pay him back. Of course...she was dating a Bronzerider who could afford it, but she didn't think it would be right to ask him to pay for this.

Maybe once they were together for a while he would want to pay for some things for her but then he would be offering. She would never ask. Veyani was determined to make her own way. In any case, she had decided not to mention that she knew someone who could pay.

When N'kai walked over to Emerene, she followed. Thinking as she watched the other Candidate that she had a good eye for gowns. Maybe she had picked that up from her mother. "That will look even better on you, Emerene." She said in excitement. "Now all we have to do is figure out masks."

---

Raelestriata felt slightly saddened by Vinnie's response. "You can wear whatever you want you know. This is the Weyr after all. No one will judge you if you want to wear a dress. The weaver's can fit it to make you feel gorgeous. The whole point of dressing up is to look like a million marks and feel like you do. If a dress will make you feel extravagant, I say go for it."

In the meantime, Raelestriata found herself at a loss for where to start. "I'm definitely going to need help finding something. I don't even know what fabrics are better or what colors would suit..." She sighed, she had been a bit of a tomboy growing up. Afterall most of her friends had been boys. Her best friend was one hundred percent boy and couldn't tell her the difference between lilac and lavender. Not that she could either.

"My mother would be so embarrassed..." She trailed, realizing how silly it was that she didn't feel comfortable picking a dress because she didn't know what she should be looking for.

V'nius had to admit he was a bit jealous of the special treatment the weavers were receiving from the cooks.  But then again, it wasn't like some of his classmates hadn't charmed the kitchen workers into handing over some special treats, too.  So he couldn't really complain, could he?  "That's… very nice of them," he responded to Jezefine before taking another bite.

Mostly, he had to do it to cover up his embarrassment at his classmate's comment.  "I don't… I don't know.  I would look awfully silly in a dress.  Maybe a nice vest and a new pair of pants would be better?"  He didn't quite sound convinced, but he'd never really envisioned himself in a dress.  He was a guy, after all.  And guys didn't wear dresses.  Right?

Right?

Extravagant probably wasn't the word he'd choose for how he'd feel in one.  Ridiculous maybe.  Or something.  He'd never convince anyone he was a girl, at any rate, and then he'd just feel embarrassed.  And everyone would laugh...

N'kai was looking to Jezefine then, where she stood, visiting with one of the weyrlings. "Feena, would you show them my archive of sketches to get them started? They can  take turns looking there or through some of the garments already hung up, that we've been working on."

With that, he turned back to Emerene and Veyani. "Why don't we go over here, Ladies. I will get both of your measurements down."


Emerene motioned for Veyani to go first, since she was the one with a dress already started for her.

---

Cocking her head at V'nius' comments, the Jezefine went on smiling. "Don't be shy. You should wear what you feel most confident in. Confidence in themselves is what makes a person beautiful. That's why we do what we do, here." Motioning to another greenrider, a young man who was also an active weaver in their little group, only a few short turns older than V'nius himself, she pointed out that V'nius wasn't the only one who toyed with the ideas of cross-dressing. The greenrider, sitting across the room, busy adding embellishments to a gown, wore a skirt and blouse, low heels, and grew his hair out to be rather long. Of course, he was slight enough in frame to possibly be mistaken for a girl at a distance.  

Jezefine went on matter of factly, "If anyone else wants to judge you for what you wear, then wouldn't that just reflect on their poor character? Anyway, if you want to think about it, that's fine." She only wanted to be encouraging of whatever made him happy.


Jezefine pranced to an empty counter top space where she could set the tray of sweet pastries down before leading the Weyrlings to where they could choose to shuffle through Kai's sketches, where they were filed in an orderly manner in a drawer, if they so pleased. 

"If some of you would rather, go ahead and take a look at some of the dresses we have already begun working on with the Masquerade in mind. Any of these racks on the left side of the room. Also, if someone wants to volunteer to be first, I can go ahead and start taking your measurements, as well."

The girl snatched from the top of an open basket a measuring tape, standing beside the desk N'kai kept his writing tools at, so that she could write their names and measurements down.

Raelestriata did not know if there was anything else she could say to convince Vinnie just to choose whatever he thought would make him comfortable. What would make her comfortable was knowing what she wanted. Raelestriata never liked feeling indecisive, and rarely was. Why she was even concerned about how a dress would look on her was strange. Maybe it was Solieth's interest more than her own.

Or maybe she was just kidding herself if she thought she didn't want some of the guys to take notice. She wasn't a boy, she was a girl and it would be kind of nice to be seen as one.

When N'kai asked Jezefine to show them the designs they had on paper, she found herself excited. She would likely choose something simple. Something that wasn't overstated. Not because she didn't like extravagant gowns but she did not see herself in one.

"Yes, lets look and see what styles might work..."

----
After he spoke with the other weavers, Veyani saw that N'kai's attention was back on her and Emerene. Well at least she knew he would be in charge of her and Emerene's outfits. She wondered what the weavers thought of wearing for themselves? Or maybe they preferred to see their art on other people?

She followed N'kai's lead. "Oh?" She had never been measured for anything before. Veyani saw that Emerene was going to insist she go first, so Veya did. Might as well and measuring was probably fairly easy. Right? "What do I need to do?"

"I don't know that I'd be most confident in a dress…" Vinnie responded.  Since he'd never worn one, he wasn't sure what it would feel like.  And he still wasn't sure he wanted to find out.  Even if others were apparently willing to try it.

Trying not to be obvious, he did have to sneak a couple of glances at the young man in the skirt, trying to visualize what it might be like.  But he couldn't.  He wasn't built the same, so he doubted he'd be able to pull it off, anyway.

Really, he didn't think this Jezefine understood-- if one wanted to impress someone, shouldn't you want them to judge you?  To see you in a new light and to see what they'd wanted all along in you?

Still, he was glad when the attention moved away from himself.  He was happy to let Raelestriata take the lead as she'd already been doing, and followed her over to where the weaver indicated the sketches were.  He honestly did want to see them, since this whole thing was such an alien experience.  "You can go first," he told his friend, gesturing towards the table and Jezefine-- whichever the other greenrider would choose to start with.

It might be the case that one would use costume to be perceived differently by others -to put on a face. In truth however, shouldn't the design of what one wears be used to to express and accentuate ones own qualities? Then, no matter who you impress, it will be in honesty, and they will appreciate you for you, and not for false images. If someone was only willing to see surface appearances, then it wasn't love that they had for you.

Wasn't that what Vinnie was hoping for?

In any case, Jezefine was whirling away at that point for the measuring tape, opening N'kai's drawer filled with drawings all filed away. "Who's first?"

Looking toward Raelestriata as the girl was ushered forward by V'nius, she was ready with a measuring tape in hand, she waited to see who would step her way first; and who who go for the files of sketches.

---

N'kai was at the same time, reaching for his own measuring tape.

"Veyani." Beckoning her, he was glad to get her measurments first. The Bluerider had a secret appreciation for a woman's measurements -a woman's form in general. He didn't discriminate, whatever the body type, though he did have his stronger preferences.


Taking his hands on Veyani's shoulders, he turned her so that her back was to him. He could more easily take measurements from there. Stretching the tape down the length of her arm, from shoulder to wrist, N'kai started there. Then it was across from shoulder to shoulder, and then the bust. But as he reached the measuring tape around her body, he asked her to place it across her chest; that way she couldn't accuse him of touching her inappropriately.

Not that it really mattered to him -the touching, that was. N'kai was quite a sensual person, and he didn't really hide the fact that he participated in many flights. Nor did he really hide the fact that even outside of flights, he liked bringing women to his weyr; and periodically men.

One day, he might just want to get close to Veyani. For now, however, in this setting, that was out of the question.

She shrugged, " Whatever you want to wear V'nius. I'm sure it will look great." Raelestriata was trying to be supportive but since she had very few female friends growing up she found it difficult to empathize with his inability to choose whatever he wanted to wear and run with it. Then again, she was having trouble herself. What should she wear? She didn't ever really dress up.

It did surprise her that she wanted to dress up. Maybe it was the influence of the other girls and the male greenriders? Who knew? Allt she knew was she had to figure something out. Jezefine seemed perfectly willing to help.

"Me, I guess."

She said as she was practically volunteered to go first by V'nius. Here went nothing. "I'm not really someone who dresses up, much." Raelestriata added, thinking maybe that would give the weaver an idea of what she was up against.

---

Veyani walked forward when beckoned. She stood still when asked, raised her arms, pretty much anything that N'kai needed her to do. Being measured sure took a lot of time and energy. No doubt this would be tiring for N'kai too. After he was done with her he would have to measure Emerene.

Much like N'kai, she didn't mind the touching. This fact may have been surprising if she had behaved like a normal hold bred girl. Veyani though was anything but normal. She saw N'kai as a friend. Then there was the fact that when S'jiro touched her, her whole body reacted. Being touched in that way was a far different experience.

This measuring thing wasn't so bad really.

Since Raelestriata moved towards Jezefine and being measured, Vinnie hesitantly stepped towards the table and drawers of drawings.  Figuring it couldn't hurt to look, he glanced around as if making sure it was really okay to be looking through them, then decisively pulled the first drawer he could reach open.

He pulled a stack of sketches out and gingerly laid them on the table, not wanting to ruin them accidentally, or mix them up if their order mattered.

Picking up the one on top, he didn't find it very remarkable, and so set it to the side on its front.  The second was a little more interesting, the patterns on the skirt of the dress distinct enough that it would be noticeable.  Even if the greenrider wasn't quite sure how anyone would make such a thing.  It would certainly appeal to some girls, he was guessing, especially if they wanted something a little more unique.

But it wasn't for him.

The third drawing was a little more normal.  A pretty standard gather dress, though it looked like the designer had come up with some creative way to make it adjustable for pregnancy?  Not something V'nius would ever need to worry about, so he put that one aside as well.

He wasn't having much luck so far, was he?  Then again, they were all dresses, not men's clothing, so maybe he was just looking in the wrong place...

[Closing thread. Remeber to check the dates for important events on the left hand side bar from the home page. Dates for major events now posted there.]