Dressed for Success

Log Info

• Title: Dressed for Success
• Emitter: Slixvah
• Characters: Slixvah, Schara, Kira
• Place: Festival Grounds
• Time: February 3rd, 2023

Festival Grounds, Midday

Thankfully, the chilly weather is just in wind and cold, for the skies remain open. The sun sparkling on ice and snow. The Festival Grounds lie mostly vacant, as the large swath of land isn't the best to traverse due to the morning practice of the city cavalry disturbing the ground. But it's still a great landing strip for-

"Watch out on belowwww!" an egalrin calls out. Ribbons fluttering freely behind them as a long scarf trails like a streamer. Massive wings flair out, buffeting the air as she lands with a soft thud. "Ah... never gets old!" she chirps warmly, flipping one length of the scarf over a shoulder.

Schara was out in the less populated areas of Alexandria for the time being, this time, the artificer seemed to be out for a run, judging by the trail left behind in the relatively undisturbed snow that stretched out of the festival ground behind them. She stopped to catch the warning and find the source of it, where the armored artificer watched the landing of the egalrin with a polite nod.

"What never gets old?" They ask. "And hello Slixvah, what brings you out here?"

Slix does a little twirl on the spot to address whoever it is that's talking to- "Oh! Scha-Scha, /darlin'!/" she coos warmly in greeting, bobbing up towards the artificer. "Hello! Oh, ya know. Just yellin' at people ta look below when I'm landin'! Man, flyin' 'round is a ton of fun. I just wanted ta land, lucky I ran inta ya!" she giggles.

She follows Schara's trail across the snow, looking to and fro. "And what, might I ask, are ya up ta, shug?"

"It never gets old yelling at people when you're landing?" The artificer asks, before just shrugging once and nodding. "I guess there is a certain adrenaline to flying, not that I have done it, but it would make sense that it would be particularly exciting. You weren't running though, you were flying, but, It is good to meet you, Slixvah. I was just keeping up with my exercise schedule that was planned with Patch."

"Ya don't fly, ya don't get it," Slix winks playfully. "It's just fun, simple as. But that's good! Stayin' in shape is right important! I'm none too good wit' physical stuff, but if I can work on gettin' my back and wing muscles exercise, that'll work fo' me!"

She puts a hand on her hip. "So, how'd them dresses work out fo' ya? Sell loads of stuff?"

"No, you are right. Any opinion I can offer is based purely upon speculation." Schara nods, accompanied by a small sigh. "It is important, and I am not particularly physically fit, myself, though it may simply be from a lack of use. No arms to damage and repair the muscle fibers in, after all. So I have been running to improve my endurance and lung capacity somewhat, among other things."

"I was unable to sell any of the necklaces I made unfortunately, so I have been holding onto them for another day. The purple thin dress was quite comfortable however, and I have not tried the one made for colder weather yet." They continue explaining.

Slix snickers, her wings giving a little roll at the joins, making the ribbons softly ruffle. "Lotta ways ta exercise. I kno' ya ain't privy to tha' place, but the Temple of Agron loves exercise, they might be able ta teach ya some stuff."

At that, she softly sighs. "Hrm. Perhaps ya doin' somethin' off. Maybe next time ya set up, I could pretend ta be a buyer and see what ya doin'? Give some advice? I am glad tha' ya like the dress, looks nice on ya."

"I would rather avoid any temple of Agron if I can. Regardless of their affinities for excercise, they are still clerics, and I am not comfortable going to them for aid if I am capable of not doing so." The artificer answers with a small shake of their head. "I do not know what I did wrong. Someone I have worked with suggested I tried near the guardhouse, but not actually at the guardhouse apparently. But before I could set up my stand, the guards chased me away. And advice or practice dealing with potential customers would not go amiss, I think?"

Slix offers a plussed shrug. "I'm just layin' options out, hon. Could try the Colossem fo' advice, but they a bit overmuch sometimes."

She quirks hear head to the side. "Hrm. Tha's not a half bad idea, but kinda weird they shoo'd ya off. Guess I'll just have ta drop in sometime when ya sellin' an give ya a hand!" Wings lightly unfurl to hang loose by her sides, letting them stretch out. A gentle breeze wafts the ribbons.

"I know it is an option, it is just one that I would rather avoid. I am sure there are good priests out there, but given the one I know back home has not been excommunicated or similarly punished, then I still see some fault in at least the daeus ones." Schara huffs from behind the helmet. "It was strange, and I can't make any more necklaces until I sell these ones. I would appreciate some aid, but I know I can't come to rely upon it, either."

Slixvah just raises a hand to stave off Schara's rant. "Yes, yes. I know, sugar. You are a logical person and I am merely giving you all the information necessary. I'm not pressuring you to do anythin'."

She tilts her head to the side. "Hrm. Must be somethin' wit' magic properties and th' like. But yeah. I kno'. Ya jus' prolly need a couple mo' tips and less me flashing a bunch of polymorphed skin off," she giggles.

"I know you're just making a suggestion, but you should know how I feel about the subject, and I understand that it is a broad assumption to make, but I do not know if I am ready to confront such things yet." The artificer sighs. "I don't know what it was, something to do with tarts, but I didn't stay long enough to figure it out. Some tips would be helpful, if you have any, Slixvah."

The grounds may not be as generally popular due to the season, but that doesn't mean they're empty. There are always a few dedicated people wanting to practice, or train, or teach, or watch others do one of those things. Even those just having conversations in the sunshine. There may also be those that have nowhere else to really go...

But everyone needs to eat, and be warm. That is why Kira is here. A large cauldron of soup is in one hand, a basket of bowls slung over her shoulder. Under her other arm is a bundle of blankets. All is carried as she moves from one individual or gathering to the next to see what might be needed.

Slixvah quietly sighs and raises both hands. "And it is only through- ya kno' wha', jus' gonna drop it. Ain't productive," she quietly huffs, looking for once actually a tad annoyed. But that quietly smooths out as she bobs her head with an easy smile in her eyes. With a ting of confusion. "Tarts? What does that have anything to do with your wares? Regardless, I'll give ya tips later."

Someone flitting about what few people were on the festival grounds makes the egalrin woman glance over, her brows rising. There's a blink, and a grin. "Heeeey!" she calls out. "Ya need a hand wit' tha'?"

"Yes, please drop it, as it isn't productive for now and I do not wish to discuss it for the time being, Slixvah." Schara nods. "I do not know either, perhaps they mistook me for a baker, but it has been some time since I sold anything like that here."

The artificer looks around to follow the change in attention, and they too nod. "Ah, hello. If Slixvah is offering to help, I should as well."

Kira retrieves a bowl and ladles soup into it for a man on a bench. As she straighten up, she hears the call and turns her head and eye to find the source. SourceS, even. She smiles wildly and gives a wave before picking up her things and heading to the calling pair.

"Hello! Are either of you hungry, need a blanket, or know anyone who might?"

Slixvah shrugs at Schara. "Dunno 'til I see what ya doin'."

The beribboned egalrin woman perks up at the offer, eyes darting over Kira briefly before nodding. "I won't turn down some food! Did a lotta flyin', prolly need some in me!" she chirps warmly. "Thank ya's, right kind of ya's!"

"No thank you, although I appreciate the offer, but I have eaten recently, and while I do not have a blanket on me, this cloak is warm enough when necessary, and I have enough blankets at home." The artificer responds with a light shake of their head. "It should be for those who need it, such as Slixvah here, though I believe she was also offering to help if you needed it."

"Of course!" Kira's smile beams as she sets the cauldron down. This frees her to grab a clean bowl and ladel to fill the former with the latter and offer it to the Egalrin. "May The Healer's Grace be upon you."

Afterwards, she nods to the artificer. "All in need are welcome to what they need, but I thank you for that." Kira looks back to Silxvah after the comment. "Oh! I'm sorry. Your offer of help is very kind. I welcome any help you might offer, and the temple would, too." A pause before she apologizes again. "Pardon me. My name is Kira, Sentinel of The Healer. A pelasure to meet you both."

"Thaaank. You~!" Slixvah singsongs as she receives her bowl, warming her hands with and letting out a soft sigh. "And may Ceiwen leave open skies for Cernan's hunt ta flourish fo' tha' Healer."

The introduction makes the vividly dressed egalrin grin, a squint in the eyes. "Pleasure ta meet ya, Kira! I'm Slixvah! Ain't got no fancy title, but I'm sorta somethin' of a healer myself!"

She holds out her hands. "Here! I can carry th' bowls!"

The artificer stops, and turns on the spot, away from the egalrin and human. "This is not the best for my current feelings." The artificer huffs quietly to themselves, barely audible with whatever mechanism in the helmet amplified and distorted the voice turned off for the moment. Schara sighs, and turns back around. "My name is Schara, but I believe you know that from the last time we met. I will help as I am able, but I am helping you, and the people who need these things, for however little that distinction truly matters."

Kira's cheeks color at Schara's comment and the fact that she remembers late. "Oh! Yes, I'm so sorry. The inn." She offers the basket to Slixvah per her offer, though she doesn't turn fully from Schara. Her smile furrows with some concern. "Is anything wrong? It isn't my place to pry, and you don't need to speak of anything you don't want to, but if there's anything I might do to help?"

Slixvah glances to Schara, her grinding her beak briefly before stepping forward to interject. "Best ta leave that be fo' now, Miss Kira!" she coos warmly, taking the basket. A wing partly extends, and she shifts it onto the extra limb to dangle it there. "What's gotcha out and about today, Healer's duties? Schara here is out on a run."

"Yes, the inn. Do not worry, it's not important at the moment, Kira, and I do not wish to speak about it further." The artificer sighs again. "I m still offering to help if there is anything I can do, but I understand if there is no need as well. I was just out excercising as Slixvah mentioned, so I am not doing anything too important."

Kira nods to them both, not asking anything further. Instead, her smile bloosoms again. "Yes, I'm doing The Healer's work. There are always those without what they need, especially in the winter. Every little bit helps, for all of us." She offers some of the stack of blankets. "You're welcome to help me hand these out to any who are cold or lack shelter. Sometimes they set up litle camps and fires here in the winter, when the grounds are not used much."

Slix keeps a little side eye towards Schara before she bobs her head and retreives a bowl from the basket with a happy hum. "Good, good! I getcha! Loads come by th' Soldier's Defense fo' cold problems an' the like."

More bowls get pulled out, some getting ensared by feathers to ready more servings. "Sucks a lotta ya'll ain't got feathers ta keep warm."

"Ah, yes, this area isn't particularly used much in winter. I thought that was a good thing, but I shouldn't be running through here if people are using it as a place to sleep." Schara muses as they take the blankets in one arm. "Regardless, I'll help distribute this if I can, I think I saw some signs of people staying around here. It is unfortunate we do not have feathers, yes, but people make do in other ways. Like with these blankets."

"Please! If either of you saw anyone I haven't tended yet, we can start there. Your feathers are enviable. They must keep you warm, and they are very colorful,too!" She looks around for where they might walk next.

Slixvah nods a head towards the bleachers, her ambling that way after getting some of the bowls filled up. "Lotta folk use it as shelter, I've noticed."

She blinks at the compliment, face feathers floofing up. "O-Oh, thank you, sugar!" she coos warmly. "I reall' appreciate it!"

As Kira gets to work, Slix is busy passing out bowls with her animated feathers easily. "Blankets are super cozy! Hard wit' feathers, get way too hot."

"Well, it seems to be relatively unused, and there aren't many guards here when there are no festivals on. Which means I doubt they mind people setting up to rest here, especially given circumstances leading to more people needing to stay." The artificer notes as she wanders down to where Slixvah was going. "I can see why you would overheat with a blanket, due to another benefit of feathers. Spreading out feathers like that can create insulating air pockets between them if I remember correctly, but if you added anything more, it would be too much. Maybe you could get some soft sheets instead?"

Slixvah hums, "Mhmm. It'd make people upsetti if they tried ta shoo 'em away form a space wit' no one usin' it."

The egalrin gives a little laugh. "I don't need sheets or blankets. If I wanted ta use 'em, I'd just be human or somethin'."

"Well yes, there is little point in making them leave with no one using the place in the first place." Schara nods along. "But you said they're cozy, I was just suggesting an alternative. You shouldn't have to force yourself to be something else to do something you like after all, or maybe I am just overthinking it. I still don't understand why you change into other things so much anyways."

Slix giggles, turning to Schara. "It's a different kind of cozy. Warm blanket wit' skin is divine as well. Ain't nothin' forced, ya ova' thinkin' it."

She smooths her face feathers down. "It's fun 'cause I like havin' different perspectives on things. Bein' so many different people is really eye openin', ya dig? Being a Sith-Makari is totally different from bein' say, a gobbie. I love novel experiences. Learnin' new wisdom and th' like."

"I'm not surprised I'm overthinking it." Schara sighs. "And I'm probably thinking about it like myself and not someone else. I guess it would be an interesting experience if you put it that way, I don't know what sith-makari or gobbers are like, but I don't go out to experience new things like that much."

"And it would certainly be great to have functioning arms, even for a bit, but having that only to have it taken away immediately after might be worse than never trying at all."

Slixvah hands the basket off to Kira after she's emptied the bowls out of it. "Scha Scha, I love traveling and learning. I love learnin' how people work'. It's great. And sometimes, ya learn a lot! And it can be helpful, like seein' in the dark."

But a soft sigh escapes her. "Gonna keep it real, hon, I don' think such a spell would give ya that. If the form ain't got what ya can give, then... well..." she trails off. "I don't think you'll get tha' result."

"Sorry, I should go and distribute some of these blankets around that I can." Schara states somewhat abruptly, the artificer going off to some of the small tents to do just that, and even managing to give away some of them before she returned. She sighs, and nods once. "Well, I'll have to take your word for it in that case, I guess, which means it wouldn't be particularly useful to me. I don't know enough about the physiology of other races,so I would just be stuck unable to do anything if I tried it."

Slixvah blinks as Schara vanishes to finish handing the blankets out. In the meantime, she scarfs down her soup. Lots of beak clacking. "Welcome backsies," she coos warmly before looking the artificer over. Ponder... "... but if you were a makari, you'd have a tail!" she grins. Then breaks into a giggle. "Ya should prolly get back on ya run, I need ta take a nap after food and flyin'. It was nice ta run inta ya!"

"I would have a tail, but I would be incapable of doing much, not to mention being completely unused to the tongue and teeth, so even less capable than usual, even if a tail would be interesting. I guess it's a fun thing to imagine doing, at least." The artificer muses. "I probably should, I am sure that Kira is more capable of speaking to hand out the rest of these than I am. I guess it was nice to run into you, Slixvah."

Slix winks. "Learnin' how ta use it is part of th' fun! When I first turned inta a softskin, I kept fallin' over and couldn't talk! Lips are weird!"

"Yeah, Kira's got this. IIiiiiiiiiii'm gonna go take a nap, catch ya laters, Scha-Scha!" she hums warmly, an animated feather reaching up to pat-pat the artificer atop the helmet.

The bird woman turns, spreads her wings, then takes off with a large buffet of cold air.

-End Scene-