genessia | [Action | Closed] Awaited Meeting

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[Action | Closed] Awaited Meeting

Who: Anastasia Leonheart & Ayame Sasaki
Where: Atelier Iris
Why: Kimonos are in style this season

[Anastasia hadn't expected to hear from one of Satsuki's friends, and in a unexpected way. An adorable panda plush doll and a note hoping to meet. And a meeting was certainly arranged, thanks to Satsuki.

Anastasia was on her way to the tailoring shop in Genessia city, riding in style in a limo with the soft and squishy panda plush in her arms. This trip to the shop had two objectives; to meet Ayame Sasaki and be fitted for her very own kimono.

Anastasia just simply loves dressing up.

In time, the limo slows to a stop outside the tailoring shop, and she steps out, smoothing out her long skirt. After looking around, she doesn't see Ayame, so she must be inside. Anastasia approaches the door and steps through it, still holding onto her panda plush to calm her nerves.]

"Miss Ayame? Are you here?"

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[ Ayame was aware of the time, and even heard the arrival of the limo in front of her shop. But instead of being there to greet her guest, she was frantically dealing with a hyperactive Hibiki running around the shop. Ayame had the silk fabrics ready for Anastasia, neatly folded and coming in various colors both bright and muted, and patterns perfect for the winter season.

When she hears the door chimes ring, Ayame finally manages to pick Hibiki up from the floor ]

In a minute.

[ She responds from the back of the store, putting Hibiki away from the rolls of fabric he likes playing on. Once that is done, Ayame brushes off her dress before walking to greet her guests ]

Ah, sorry. Had to deal with a particularly rowdy cat. Welcome. Come on in, it's awfully cold outside.

[ Ayame gives a welcoming gesture, guiding Anastasia's attention towards the line of silk fabrics she has set up by the wall. She notices the panda in Anastasia's arms, making her smile brighter than her usual tame one

"Cold? Not for me."

[Anastasia is strong in the cold, as evident by how light her own outfit looks. She came in and browsed around, smiling at the beauty of the fabrics before looking back to Ayame.]

"Ayame? I'm Anastasia Leonheart. Satsuki's my big sister."

[ Ah, then that's something they can relate to. Ayame is a big fan of cold weathers herself. Ayame actually has Satsuki's hair clips worn on her own hair too, as one of her Christmas gifts from Satsuki ]

I was told. Your sister is special to me, and is very proud of you. I'm happy to final meet you in person.

[ Ayame gives a small bow in greeting, once again gesturing towards the display of silk kimono fabrics ]

That said, shall we get started? I have a set of silks I've gathered for you. It's quite limited as you can see, but I can modify them to suit your tastes. Let's begin with what color you would like.

[ Ayame has prepared fabrics with bright colors to more muted ones for Anastasia to choose from. With booklets of different patterns waiting on the nearest table for them to browse afterwards ]

"Proud of me?"

[She isn't sure what she did for Satsuki to be proud. Then again, Satsuki wouldn't even pat her on the head. Is Satsuki more open to Ayame?

In any case, the girl nodded at the suggestion to get started.]

"Hmm... Blue and white are my kingdom's colors. Blue could match my eyes, and white stands for purity... But I think I look better in pink."

[Anastasia glances at Ayame.]

"What do you think?"

[ Ayame puts a finger on her chin, humming in thought while she paces closer towards the display. ]

I find pink to be more flattering for you, personally. So we can use that as the base color.

[ Ayame runs her fingers on the folded silk, thinking of ways to combine those colors together and have it suit Anastasia's natural appearance ]

...Or, what we can do is use white as the base color for the kimono, then add the patterns in different shades of pink, with a touch of blue on the sleeves and the bottom. Much like this.

[ Ayame grabs her sketchbook, one given to her by Namur, and opens it up to browse her initial ideas for traditional Japanese attire. She finds a design pattern that spoke particularly well to her, and might be a good match for Anastasia ]

Flowers are a common pattern in clothes like these, particularly for younger women. Traditionally, kimono were treated like works of art that can be adorn. They used to dye these patterns on the fabric, which took time and effort. But since we are in Genessia, we can make the process move at a much quicker pace.

[Anastasia agrees with pink. She had been gradually replacing some of her belongings with pink versions. She still has yet to get pink bed covers, though. She waits for Ayame to show her the sketchbook, then gasps in delight.]

"Oh, that's beautiful! Can we please go with this one, Miss Ayame?"

[ She could only smile, as that reaction from Anastasia made her feel a little proud of herself for a second. It must be a good design if it got that reaction. And then she remembers that Anastasia knows next to nothing about traditional Japanese fashion so she wouldn't have anything else to compare this design to.

Regardless, Ayame folds the corner of that page for later. ]

Yes we can. I can have you browse my concepts and pattern swatches later as well if you're interested in getting yourself more kimono. Or just about anything.

[ Ayame closes the sketchbook and sets it aside, showing Anastasia to the open fitting room ]

Well then, with that done, shall we get started with your measurements? I'm glad you like the panda by the way. Have you named them yet?

[It was true. True beyond true. The only thing Anastasia knows of Japanese culture was from Mamoru, who taught her that girls are typically given the "-chan" honorific. As such, she only knows of "-chan" and "-kun." She knows absolutely nothing else about Japan.

The thought of being able to wear such a beautiful kimono excites Anastasia. Whether to look beautiful herself, or to sample the culture through their attire, she loves to dress up.

Upon being asked about the panda doll, still hugging the doll in her arms, she brought it up to her cheek to feel the soft plush material.]

"I love it. And its name is... Um... Pan. ... Pan the Rolly-Polly Panda.

...Because it's all rolly-polly."

[Princess of the Eternal Winter? More like Princess of Bad Names.

Anastasia steps inside the fitting room and sets down "Pan the Rolly-Polly Panda" on anything suitable and out of their way as she awaits Ayame's next instructions.]

Cute.

[ Regardless of how bad the name is, Ayame couldn't judge. As long as the other person is happy with the gift, she is happy too. Walking behind her customer and friend, Ayame closes the door behind her, taking what looks like padding set aside on one of the tables, right next to the "test kimono".

Ayame takes the padded waist belt from the table, instructing Anastasia to take off whatever manner of coat she's wearing until she's only wearing a shirt, and to raise her arms afterwards so she can put the padding on Anastasia's waist ]

So measuring for kimono is a little different. It's easier than the suits and dresses I tend to make for the locals here, because wearing a kimono requires a cylinder shape rather than a curvy, more hourglass shape more common in other kinds of attire.

[Anastasia didn't have a coat since the cold is where she is at her healthiest. So all she had to do was raise her arms as the padding is applied.]

"Hmm... I think the last time I was fitted for new clothes was when I was a fairy. ... Like, an a actual fairy. 8 inches tall, wings, antenna and a insatiable urge to dance and eat honey..."

[Don't mind her, she's just make chitchat.]

Fairy?

[ Ayame makes sure the padding is wrapped snuggly around Anastasia, giving it a few tugs to adjust it ]

Was this during the time people have magically turned into mythical creatures? For Halloween, if I remember correctly.

"Yes. It happened during Halloween."

[Anastasia quite enjoyed being a fairy, however inconvenient in several ways. She let out a quiet squeak when she felt the padding being tugged on.]

"Judging from what I've seen of the kimono sketch, it looks rather difficult to move in. Am I right to assume it serves a different purpose than fashion?"

It helps make the wearer's movements more gentle and assists in straightening their posture. Being demure is an attractive trait in women back the older times.

[ Big strides and running was often done by the more athletic people back then, and those activities were usually reserved for men. While things have changed and sexes are more equal in Ayame's time, traditions are still kept for the sake of keeping them. ]

Now people have just stuck with the design for the sake of tradition. I can make slight adjustments to make it easier for you. Would you want that? I doubt we'll be doing plenty of running in these.

"That's a lot like my home."

[While Anastasia looked down at the padding on her, she listened to Ayame's explanation.]

"No, let's keep it traditional. Just as my country strives to maintain its traditions and culture."

Sounds good to me.

[ Ayame finishes up, fixing the padding before she grabs the test kimono, unraveling it and asks Anastasia to put her right arm in the sleeve ]

I'm curious about this country of yours now. What city in here is it most like?

[ She is aware that Anastasia is a princess, but there are princess even in futuristic-looking places. She wouldn't have to stray far. Royalties still are alive and well in her world ]

[Anastasia did as asked, putting her arm through the sleeve, making sure to stay still so she won't risk damaging the test kimono somehow.]

"Fayren, if it was always snowing."

[ Once the other arm is in, Ayame did the rest and put the left arm through the other sleeve. Ayame reaches around to close the kimono, pinching the fabric until she gets a make-shift to keep the kimono in place. ]

Ah, so that explains why you're only wearing a single layer in the middle of winter.

[ Ayame chuckles, getting her measuring tape once the sash it tied. The sleeves would be a little long, and the kimono would reach down the floor, but that's normal at this stage ]

I love the winter myself. Your home seems like a wonderful place to visit.

[Anastasia is a pro at staying still as she is measured. This was something she was used to.]

"I have a sub-archway to my capital, if you ever want to visit."

Ah, how nice. I will put that on the list.

[ Ayame jots down the measurements on a small notepad on the table, leaving a note of Anastasia's subarchway there too, so she can remember it. Her memory is pretty great if she's sober, but once she goes drinking, she tends to forget a lot of things ]

What is it called?

Edited 2017-01-30 16:25 (UTC)

[Despite nearing 14 years old, Anastasia is still rather small. A characteristic of her people, who are slow aging and long-lived.]

"Archangel City. I can give you a tour if you decide to visit."

Archangel... Sure. I wouldn't oppose seeing a new place. Traveling a lot for my previous job has me seeking out new places from time to time.

[ Ayame fixes the shoulders and lowers Anastasia's arms with a gentle push, so she can measure that part ]

I have one here of my own. Or rather, it's a colleague of mine's subarchway. Satsuki has been there twice now, as a matter of fact.

[Anastasia can feel the kimono coming together. It will be such a delight to see herself in the mirror. Meanwhile, she was intrigued at Satsuki's multiple visits.]

"She has? Twice? ...she only visited mine once..."

[ To be fair... ]

Yes. Although, her first visit was with a colleague of mine, long before I arrived in Genessia myself. He was the one to open that subarchway.

[Anastasia wasn't sure if she was beginning to feel fussy about how tourism to her sub archway is abysmal. But then again, she did open it out of selfishness and depression rather than to show off her kingdom.]

"Are kimonos worn in ceremonies? If so, what kind?"

Kimono actually is an umbrella term, used to call traditional Japanese clothing. It literally just means "something one wears"

[ Ayame pauses, finishing up on the measurements ]

This one that Satsuki asked for you is a furisode. Literally, it means swinging sleeves. Typically, it's worn by younger unmarried women. Back then it was worn normally, but since Japan become more modernized, furisode like these are only worn during special occasions. Coming Of Age Day being the most popular time to do so.

"Oh... And I certainly am a young, unmarried woman."

[Anastasia believes she is ready to be an adult, but she is in no hurry to grow up. She still has a few more years. It was an exciting thought, but she still needed to be prim and proper, keeping still so Ayame can finish what she needs to do.]

"What is the Coming of Age Day? I think Satsuki hosted one before."

It's simply what it says. Teenagers of a certain age celebrate crossing a threshold into adulthood, wearing the brightest and most colorful furisode like butterflies emerging out of their cocoons.

[ Finishing the measurements, Ayame gently tugs at the collar of the mock kimono, telling Anastasia that she is about to remove it ]

In a way, it's a city-wide birthday celebration, honored throughout the country. I've never got to celebrate it, so that is all I would know.

[Anastasia carefully moves her arms about to allow Ayame to take back the mock kimono, and remains where she was in case any more needs to be done.]

"That sounds like a beautiful occasion. I wish I could take part in one. We don't have such a ceremony like that in my country."

Satsuki didn't invite you? Or was this before you two have officially met?

[ That got a quirk of a brow from Ayame, since Anastasia mentioned that Satsuki has hosted one. Anastasia may be too young for it, but still she could have still joined in on the gathering. It wasn't uncommon for kids to tag along with their elder siblings or cousins during it.

Ayame runs her finger along the edge of the sash that bound the kimono together, then taking the padding off with a gentle stroke that ripped off the velcro, freeing Anastasia from its tight grip on her waist ]

All done. You should have it in five days, give or take.

"Yeah. It was before we became close. And I don't think I met the age requirement."

[She couldn't hide her disappointment when she hears that was all.]

"Really? That's all? I hoped I could stay longer."

[But if she has to go, she has to go.]

If it's your wish to stay a while longer and you have no prior commitment, I won't get in your way. Stay here as long as you like.

[ Ayame flings the test kimono on a rack with trained precision, opening the door of the fitting room and gesturing Anastasia to step out while she follows behind. She places her notepad on her main desk, opening the door she put Hibiki behind in to let the cat run free ]

I have an appointment in half an hour, a female customer wants a dress adjusted. So in the meantime, I have little to do.

"I'll stay for those thirty minutes, then. I only wanted to browse what else you have and ask you questions about clothes.

Like, for example..."

[Excuse her for a moment while she is distracted by a cat.]

"...For example, why do I see some girls wear skirts that come above their knees? Almost to mid-thigh, even. Aren't they embarrassed?"

You wouldn't wear it if you're embarrassed, don't you think? Especially if it isn't a requirement, not in my time or world, to wear skirts that short if you don't wish to. Times have changed and people have become more liberated, and it shows in the clothes they wear.

"So it is socially acceptable to wear skirts shorter than what I wear? It would be okay if I wore shorter skirts, too?"

[Not too short. Maybe knee length or just above.]

Yes. Why not?

[ Ayame shrugs. It's normal in her time, except for places where you obviously need to at least show less skin like in holy places. ]

You should wear what makes you look good, or what you think makes you look good. Long skirt, short skirt, or pants... It doesn't matter as long as they don't look ill-fitted and out of place.

"Pants are boy clothes. I would never wear those."

[Anastasia was taught that, at least. All though, she never thought about any girls she has seen wearing pants.]

"In your opinion, what would I look good in?"

[ Ayame stood behind her desk, moving a few things around while focusing on both her work and Anastasia ]

Pants are just clothes, Anastasia.

[ She notices Anastasia's habit of changing topics on the fly. Just now she made a statement and a question about two different things, making their exchange feel rather awkward. Ayame chooses not to answer her question just yet, preferring to stay in one topic at a time ]

[Anastasia still has a child's mind and can get distracted easily. Luckily, it's also easy to steer her back to a singular topic.]

"But I only see boys wearing them. And they look very uncomfortable."

[Yet she has no comment for any girls she has seen wearing them.]

[ Ayame gives an acknowledging hum ]

Not if you wear pants that fit you perfectly, and with the right material. Buying them in stores, especially for a cheap price, often are the ones you find looking uncomfortable to wear since they come in standardized sizes.

[ Which is why she prefers making her own clothes, other than needing constant distractions from her own thoughts ]

I'm more fond of skirts myself, but pants are not entirely bad. They have advantages that skirts don't offer. Mainly, not worrying about having the wind blow and lift it up, or people getting to see under it.

[Anastasia tilted her head to the side for a second in acknowledgment. That was her concern when she gained the ability to fly, which is why she opted to use just a random ordinary broom to ride upon, so she can sit and not worry about people being able to see up her dress.]

"I still prefer skirts and dresses. I make sure something is weighing it down so I never worry about the wind."

[ Ayame just curled a corner of her lip and nodded, jotting down some things on her journal. Awkward as the girl may be to speak to, there is a trace of stubbornness that Ayame can sense. If Anastasia could harness that properly, that could work for the young woman's advantage ]

And you are welcome to believe that.

[ Ayame closes her notepad and gently puts the pen away. She takes a tablet device from the same desk and pulls out a chair for herself and her guest ]

You asked for what I think would look good on you. My selection in this store are mostly limited to formal wear, but come, take a seat with me while we wait. We can browse online catalogs.

"Sure, okay."

[Formal wear are some of her favorites, especially if they are a fusion with casual wear. Anastasia strolls on over and takes the seat beside Ayame, ready to browse.]

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[Action | Closed] Awaited Meeting

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