1/2 Donut 2021/09/19(Sun)19:43 No. 1011089 ID: 8483cf
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My own shop! My very own tailor’s shop!

I’ve picked the perfect city, right at the crossroads for adventurers and carriages of hobnobbing high society. I’ve picked the perfect landlord, who’s got beds upstairs and a nice big storefront downstairs. I’ve trained my skills for years and bought the perfect tools that’ll let me imbue cloth and leather with any one of dozens of mass-produced enchantments! I even have a blacksmith neighbor down the street to get help on heavy-duty projects!

All I need is a name. I’ve brainstormed so many, but I’m not sure if any of them are that good. I hope one of them is good… or maybe I should think of something else.

-A Cut Above
-A Stitch in Time
-Altered Fates
-Dress Express
-Decency Delivered
-Fix it Fast!!!
-Sew Simple
-The Naked Seam
-The Cutting Edge

Or maybe I should just put my name on the sign! Should it be my full name? Or just my first name? I’m so excited, I can’t even remember if my name will fit on the sign!

2/2 Donut 2021/09/19(Sun)19:43 No. 1011090 ID: 8483cf
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I put on my tailor’s apron. It’s so heavy and reassuring, full of tools and protective spells against magical recoil. I can’t cast spells myself, but I work with enough toxic materials and bottled spells (they’re called distillations, but nobody uses that terminology anymore). Magic has come a long way: it lights our lamps and lets us communicate over long distances, but clothing is where the real innovation’s taking place, and it’s so exciting!

I pause and look at my own outfit. It’s casual wear- very comfy and modern, but hardly adventuring gear or suitable for high society. I should think about the image I give to my customers.

Should I wear:
- Something traditional and professional, like a seamstress’s dress?
- Something fancy, with expensive fabrics and daring hemlines?
- Something to appeal to nobles and high society, with lots of frills? Or I could dress like one of their servants or maids?
- Or I could wear this casual outfit. I’m just going to put my apron over anything I use anyway, why bother dressing up?

Choose your name, your store’s name, and your working outfit.

Your name is Taylor

wear something professional. Going too fancy or too noble might make adventures think your place is only for the rich and scare them off. wearing an apron over your regular clothes makes it look like you're not taking this job seriously.

Oh yeah, and your place is called CLOTHES CALL

I'd say wear something that shows of your tailoring skill, ideally you want to earn some big clients and you don't want to look too cheap

for name you are Teresa "Terry" MacTavish
and your shop's name is "Decency Delivered"

A Stitch in Time is my pick for store name. It expresses the speed of our work, while not making us appear as a purely budget store as something like Sew Simple might.

I like this outfit, let's stick with it.

And on the subject of our name... I mean it's gotta be Taylor, right? Too perfect.

I'm going with Sou Taylor for a full name, because I like Ace Attorney-level puns.

Genevieve Smith, of Make it Sew. Dress like a maid - as long as you actually keep the front of your store nice and tidy!

One last thing: clean your place up! you've got paper all over the floor

Your name is Saiorse Byrne.

Adventurous Apparel (subheader: tailoring, repair, and fashion accessories) is the shop name. (I also like A Stitch in time)

Look professional, but not too prim and gaudy. Dont want to turn off the adventurers.

It's already been established your name is Taylor.

The shop's name can be "Make it Sew".

Taylor
The Naked Seam
and your Casual clothes, but you should wear your specially made ones that show off your TECHNICAL SKILL. they're casual and very comfy that on initial inspection looks mundane, but with closer inspection shows excellent seamwork and design with embroidery on it. People who truly pay attention will take notice and feel the energy in your work!

Stacey Stencil

Give it a mysterious brand: cwsN.
(Cotton Wool Silk Nylon)

Wear something that is technically legal but shows a lot of curves.

Wear nothing but an apron. Your job is to fix the clothing of people's clothes that tore apart and they'll probably be naked. Wearing nothing underneath your apron will make them less uncomfortable with their nudity.

Dont worry, your store is private property that you open to the public, so you wont get in trouble for public nudity. And even if you did, youre not naked, youre wearing your apron!

Saiorse 2021/09/20(Mon)19:51 No. 1011206 ID: 8483cf
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So many options for my shop’s name! It’s such an important decision. I have trouble deciding between:

-A Stitch in Time
-Make it Sew

I don’t want to put my name on the sign. Saiorse Taylor MacTavish is very, um, prone to mispronunciation, shall we say? I’ll just go with one of those two shop names.

While I think it over, I also ponder my outfit. These casual clothes are so comfy and some of my better work! The stitching is top notch. If I want to wear it, I don’t think anyone will complain, and those who have keen eyes will probably appreciate the little details.

But…

This is the first time I’ve been allowed to set up shop by myself, with no one watching over my shoulder.

I look left. I look right. The shop’s windows are shuttered, and no one’s upstairs.

I could go naked under the apron if I wanted to…

No! What am I thinking? I have to be professional, not perverted! Professional, Saiorse! You’re a professional!

I hurry into the changing booth and whip the curtains closed because I am a PRO FES SHUN AL.

Saiorse 2021/09/20(Mon)19:52 No. 1011207 ID: 8483cf
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I open the curtains open once I’m done changing into my gift to myself once I graduated. It’s my journeyman’s dress, and it is so pretty!

But it’s not quite finished. It’s a little plain. I tell myself that I’ll just be wearing my apron over it, but I can’t help but think I can accessorize a little bit.

Suggest one of the two shop names, and also some accessories for Saiorse’s work dress (remember she’ll be wearing the apron!). You may post or link images for accessory references if you want.

Pearl necklace, and add some lace around the hem. Make Make it Sew, so.

Sticking by A Stitch in Time!

Your dress makes me think of the ocean, so how about a sun inspired necklace to represent the horizon?

Thimbles! One for each finger!
And makeup! Like lipstick, eyeliner,

Make it Sew, but instead of a necklace what about a brooch or like a clip or pin on the shirt, I like the Sun idea!

A Stitch in Time

I agree that the dress is a bit plain if you weren't wearing the apron over it. Some embroidery would probably work well, but I don't have any ideas for a design.

> NAME
A Stitch In Time

> ACCESSORIES
Detached sleeve cuffs (in a matching color to the dress) are the most visible, what with your apron covering the center. Maybe a dark blue ribbon choker for accent, with a hair ribbon to match.

Saiorse 2021/09/21(Tue)20:31 No. 1011322 ID: 8483cf
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It’s decided. I shall call my shop A Stitch in Time!

Now that I’m the face of the operation, appearances are important! It’s just me minding the shop, so I should put in extra effort to look good!

Does that mean I might actually have to put on makeup?

I groan. Then I immediately wince- my master can’t hear me complaining, or he’ll make me work twice as hard!

Oh.

It’s just me here. There’s no one to complain about me complaining! Ha!

I groan extra-loud and give a mighty UGGGGHHHHHH

I’m terrible with makeup. I don’t know how to do my eyebrows, or eyelashes, or do foundation, or anything. I just get it everywhere and it’s horrible.

Maybe I just don’t need makeup. Maybe everyone will focus on my clothes and not my face! Yeah!

I’ve got plenty of fabric. I should show off my stitching with some detachable sleeves! I can take them off when I get hot, and it lets me show off how good my stay-ups are when it’s cold!

Next I spend hours stitching in my best floral lace to my underskirts. It looks great! I top it all off with a ribbon choker and tie the extra around my hair bun.

I should accessorize, maybe with a necklace or a brooch. But those are doodads I didn’t have the money for starting out. I’m nearly broke after spending the money my old master loaned me.

I even spent most of the parting gift from my family. I know just how hard they for that money, and it pained me to spend it. Mum, dad, sisters and brothers way back home… I’ll do you proud!

My landlord is giving me a break on my first month’s rent. Should I go out and buy makeup or accessories with the little money I have left? If I buy makeup, I’ll have enough for food for a week, but if I go out and buy accessories, I might not even have that.

You can't eat makeup. You look fine.

Go all out! Makeup and accessories. The better an image you can put front and center, the more likely people will be to stop by your shop, and then you'll have plenty of food money. Besides, it's the beginning of your quest, what better time to be a little reckless?

Stitch in Time is fucking corny as hell, Make it Sew is at least original.

>>1011326
Wordplay's still better than an outright pun. Nobody will take you seriously if you do that.

Meanwhile, I doubt accessories will help your brand enough to justify going hungry, and you said it yourself that you're terrible at applying your own makeup. This is all you'll need as uniforms go for now.

People come to you for CLOTHES not for you to be super pretty. You can get makeup later, food is more important, what if it takes a while to get business or you get an order that takes longer then a week to complete but pays well!!?!?

1/2 Saiorse 2021/09/22(Wed)19:03 No. 1011390 ID: 8483cf
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I could go all-out and make myself look pretty with makeup and accessories, but that would mean I’d be almost broke. I’d be living off scraps until some money came in, and there’s no guarantee I’d be able to sell anything soon.

No money would mean I wouldn’t be able to enjoy any local cooking! It’s half the reason I came to the province of Liguria. Busalla may be only a moderately sized town, but it’s at the crossroads of so many adventuring paths, trade routes through the mountains, and between two provincial capitals, there has to be more than a few great chefs waiting to serve high society and hungry adventurers!

I can’t wait to eat all the foods in il Settentrione, especially the famous pizza!

I’m jolted out of my sweet and savory dreams by a knock at the door. A customer? Already? Before I’ve even made a sign? What luck!

I dash to the door and throw it open. “Welcome, welcome!” I beam. “Congratulations on being the first customer at A Stitch in Time!”

I look up, and up, and up… well! My first customer is one of the wild kin- a gazelle! She is appropriately tall. And skinny. And wearing a loose-fitting robe and rope, with no coin purse to be seen.

“Uh… hello!” the gazelle girl says. “Thank you for the welcome! Blessings on your shop.”

I glow. She’s so nice! “Come in, come in! We’re not really open yet, but I can make an exception just for you.”

“Are you sure?” the gazelle girl says. “I’m not really a customer.”

“Then you can browse all you like!” I say. “Tell all your friends about A Stitch in Time! Opening soon!”

I grab her by the wrist and tug her inside with a clip-clop of hooves. She’s tall, and her horns are even taller, but the door is extra-large sized. I think it might have been designed for centaurs at one point. It sure made unloading bales of fabric easy!

She looks around at the fabric and leathers and tools and tables for enchanting clothes. It’s a lot to take in, I know.

“I’m Saiorse, by the way! Nice to meet you!” I shake her hand eagerly. “What do you think of the shop?”

“I’m Elaine,” she says with a slight pause. She looks to the strewn papers and my discarded clothes on the floor. “It’s a little mess- I mean, it’s very nice.”

“Thanks!” I beam, kicking my pants under a sewing table. “See anything you like? Can I convince you to come back with two or three or ten of your friends?”

“Well…” Elaine hesitates. “I like everything here, but, well, I can’t pay you for it. Or own it. I kind of just took my vow of poverty.”

“Oh,” I blink. “Well, that does kind of limit our options.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” Elaine shrugs. “But attachment to the material is detachment from the spiritual! No matter how nice the material is.”

2/2 Saiorse 2021/09/22(Wed)19:04 No. 1011391 ID: 8483cf
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“So what brings you here?” I ask, a little wind leaving my sails.

“I’m collecting donations for my monastery,” Elaine says. “Oh! I forgot to ask you for donations! Would you like to donate to the Way of the Wayfinders? We protect travelers, nobles and merchants passing through the mountains, and we’re prohibited from owning anything of value ourselves, so you know your goods are safe with us watching over them!”

“That’s a very noble goal,” I say. “But I don’t plan on taking any trips soon. I’m a little short on Lira myself right now, too. I just set up shop.”

“Oh! You don’t have to give money,” Elaine says. “We’re happy to take food or scraps of unused fabric you have lying around, or any clothes that don’t sell. We tend to need to repair our robes with whatever we have on hand.”

I ponder. I do have a few scraps of fabric from my dress and sleeves, but I can usually use them myself. Every square inch of fabric is wasted money. But if I don’t give them a donation, they might think I’m stingy. First impressions are important in a community.

Elaine sees me pondering. “It’s okay if you don’t have anything!” she says hurriedly. “It’s completely fine.” She hesitates again. “But…”

I cock my head to the side.

“Well… I didn’t expect to run into a seamstress or tailor today,” Elaine says. “And my first mission is coming up. Um…”

I lean forward.

“Do you have anything that you can do for me to make my robes a little stronger, so they don’t tear if someone grabs on to me?” Elaine asks sheepishly. “Or maybe you could loan me a few sewing tools? I don’t want to spend the entire trip in my underwear if someone gets a lucky grab on me. The stronger monks don’t get hit at all, but this will be my first time guarding a caravan, so I’m a little nervous.”

“But you don’t have anything to pay me with?” I confirm.

Elaine nods. “We’re technically not allowed to own anything of value, but there are exceptions, sometimes,” she stares at the reinforced fabric with a longing look, trying to justify something to herself.

Well, this is a dilemma. I could reinforce her robes, but she can’t pay me. I could give her sewing tools, and it sounds like she’s allowed to accept, but they would be of limited value if she doesn’t have fabric to work with, or if her robes get damaged beyond repair.

Should I just give her order a donation of Lira (for the good of the community, of course) and send her on her way?

Reinforce her robes. It's just material costs, it's a nice 'donation' and it'll get an example of your work out and about. Just ask her to mention your shop if it ends up coming in handy.

Maker her a nice tough cloak! It's simple, and it's an ablative layer that'll go before the robe does. Or you could make a corset that'll be an extra layer concealed by the robe. Ask for a favor: Anyone loses their cover on this caravan trip, and she sends them to you, see?

>>1011393

Agree with this. Forget reinforcing her robes, let's give her a layer to wear below. Even if she gets unluckily grabbed then, her modesty will be retained.

Do some practice work on her robes. Favors have their worth.

Reinforce it. Make sure she tells others she got it reinforced from your tailor shop... but tell her not to tell others you did this as a freebie of course

Reinforce it. Also make sure to clean up the place before you open.

Don't forget that you're in debt. There's no shame in not donating if you can't handle it yourself. But if reinforcing her robe won't put you out of business, let's do it.

1/3 Saiorse 2021/09/23(Thu)18:23 No. 1011456 ID: 8483cf
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First impressions are important. I should try and fit in with the community- they love their monks, and I saw some people giving donations of food and Lira earlier. For me, I guess my donation can be a little advertisement, too!

I’ve got plenty of basic stiff fabrics. All I need to do is properly size a few cuts to Elaine’s robes, make sure the fit is good so she can move freely, and all’s well!

“I’d be happy to donate my services, and some reinforced fabric, too!” I say proudly. “I’ll make sure your robes are nice and strong for a fighting monk like you!”

“Thank you!” Elaine says. “I’ll be sure to tell everyone about your generosity.”

I smile. Perfect! “Okay! Let’s get to work. May I have your robes, please?”

“Of course!” Elaine reaches for the laces on her robe, the pauses, realizing she’s standing in the middle of a shop. “Oh! Um. Where are the changing stalls?”

I point in the back corner. “They’re over there, but we’re technically closed,” I say. “You don’t have to use it if you don’t want to.”

Apparently, she wants to. She slides the curtains closed.

I go and grab some stiff fabric and get set up. A few seconds later, Elaine kicks her robe out from under the changing stall. “Here you go!”

I pick it up and realize something. I don’t have any spare clothes for her, not even a robe. Normally, adventurers have more than one set of clothes, but a monk with a vow of poverty, on the other hand, does not.

“I can get you a blanket if you want!” I call out. “Sorry I don’t have anything for you. I’m still setting up shop.”

“It’s okay,” Elaine says from behind the curtain. “I’d just get fur and hair all over it. I’ll wait in here. Patiently.”

“If you insist,” I say. “I just need to take your measurements, and I’ll be done as quickly as I can.”

“Oh! Right. Measurements. Of course. Um, come on in.”

2/3 Saiorse 2021/09/23(Thu)18:24 No. 1011457 ID: 8483cf
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Elaine opens the curtains and I see that we’ve got problems.

True to her vow of poverty, her underwear is literally worse than worthless. She only has a long strip of fabric as a chest binding and a loincloth made of twisted-together scraps. It hurts to look at.

More than that, I can’t get accurate measurements if she’s bound her bust. Her robes just won’t fit if she wears anything other than that- and even worse, a properly tailored robe would be obscene if she took the bindings off.

Elaine looks at my downcast expression and glances down at herself self-consciously. “Um. Is something wrong?”

Yes. Everything is wrong. She desperately needs new clothes from top to bottom. But her budget is literally nonexistent, and she has taken a vow of poverty. I push the thought from my mind. I need to be a PRO FES SHUN AL and do the job I’ve been asked to do.

“I can’t take proper measurements if you’re all wrapped up,” I say, pointing at her chest bindings.

Elaine grabs the curtains reflexively. “Um… maybe we can skip measurements. Can’t you just reinforce the robes as they are? They’re a little loose, but they fit. They’re fine! Seriously.”

3/3 Saiorse 2021/09/23(Thu)18:24 No. 1011458 ID: 8483cf
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I frown. Everything about Elaine’s outfit is driving me crazy. She’s asking me to give her a substandard product- but she obviously doesn’t want to take her chest bindings off. Technically, she’s right- I don’t have to take measurements if the fit doesn’t have to be 100% to her body.

I could be PROFESSIONAL, do as she says and guarantee she’ll recommend me to everyone,

I could be PUSHY and PERFECTIONISTIC by insisting she get a proper fit, despite how much she wants to keep her chest bindings on,

I could be PRIDEFUL and insist she get rid of those rags and wear something that will make my shop look good, despite the lost profits (I won’t go bankrupt, but it’ll hurt- I AM in debt),

And I could be PLAYFUL and lighten the mood.

Or I could combine them all and get creative.

Your suggestions will help determine Saiorse’s personality. How much free stuff is she really willing to give away in the name of a high-quality product? Does she insist on getting proper measurements, or is “good enough” good enough if it means putting Elaine at ease?

I think we should push for her to take off the binding. Peoper measurements are important, and poverty or not that just isn't acceptable. To coerce her into accepting, why don't we promise to craft her a proper bra/corset/whatever would best suit her. Nothing fancy of course, as this is pro bono, but something stronger, more comfortable, and more appealing to look at than that scrap.

She doesn't have to completely take off the binding. She can just loosen it, and keep it covered. Compromise! Then you can get a proper measurement while she keeps her modesty.

Insist that we take proper measurements. Offer to take a loss on the clothes, the reputation you gain from a satisfied customer should drive sales up to make up for the loss.

Even though she’s taken a vow of poverty, comfortable underwear is a matter of hygiene and safety, since she’ll be able to stay cleaner and more productive with properly fitted clothes. You don’t need to sell anything *excessive,* just something durable and practical.

Finally, you *are* running a business: what she leaves the store wearing is a reflection on your business. It’s important she leave both with a product of yours on her body and a smile on her face.

Ask about the binding. Unless there's a serious medical condition involved, binding the chest for long periods of time is unhealthy. As your good deed for the day (no charity because your budget is in the red), you're willing to help her accustom to a bra that can support her chest without appearing slattern. And yes that is possible.

insists that you can't in good conscious allow her to wear such unhealthy and un-hygienic under garments. and state that it is your civic duty to provide her with decent quality underwear.

>>1011458
be Prideful but take the edge off with some playful banter.

Saiorse 2021/09/23(Thu)21:08 No. 1011471 ID: 8483cf
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“Proper fitting is important,” I urge. “You can’t fight your best if you’re getting tripped by your robes, and you can’t stay in good health if you don’t take care of what’s underneath them.”

“What does that mean?”

“Um…” now it’s my turn to be sheepish. “I’m not sure your underwear is healthy or hygenic. I can’t in good conscience not bring up what’s going on downstairs,” I try, making an attempt to be playful.

“Unhygenic?” Elaine flushes. “I’m perfectly hygenic!” She lifts the front of her loincloth. “See? Squeaky clean!”

“Uh,” I do a double-take. “Very clean. I can see that.” I shake my head. “Well, at the very least, please let me make you something for your chest that isn’t so tight. I don’t think that’s healthy to keep your boobs bound up for too long.”

“My bindings are fine,” Elaine says. “I’ll gladly put up with a little discomfort to keep covered up. And I can’t afford a bra anyway.”

“Bras don’t have to show off your chest,” I say. “And I’m willing to do the bra pro bono too. Please, could you at least try one? You don’t have to keep it if you don’t want. I promise you’ll feel ten times better with a proper fit.”

Elaine puts a hand to her chest. “…I guess it is a little stifling at times. But you have to keep it simple. Nothing slattern! I don’t want to show off my boobs, okay?”

“Simple and plain. Got it,” I say. “I’ll think of something.”

My PRIDE swells and I grab my measuring tape. Elaine looks down at herself and sighs. “The knot is in the back. Give me a minute, it takes some effort to undo. Sorry…”

Elaine struggles with her bindings, giving me some time to think.

She’s still very protective of her chest, and not very comfortable showing it off. Should I compromise and let her hold them over herself while I measure around them? I don’t want to make her too uncomfortable.

Also, should I try and convince her to replace the loincloth too?

Let her hold it over herself, dont convince her to get a new loincloth either. We want to have her send a good word about us to others, so comfort is key.

Offer to let her keep some cover, but make it clear that working around her hands will make the interaction take longer than it needs to, and that you're a PRO FESH UN L who sees this stuff all the time and isn't phased by it. If she still prefers it that way, then let her do it.

As for the loincloth, I think we may want to drop the matter for now. There doesn't seem to be any practical need to replace it at the moment, and she clearly isn't interested in appearance. Do a good job on her robes and bra though, and she'll come back when she eventually does need it replaced.

when you sell her a bra, give her the panties. as part of a matched set.
they're valueless, since you can't sell them without the bra

… is she wearing underwear under her underwear??

>>1011471
Compromise.
Let her keep the loincloth, it's functional and people probably won't see it.

Recommend she get a pair of boy shorts.

And explain to her that public nudity is illegal by royal decree, superseding most minor infractions. Therefore, the kingdom is obligated to give free underclothes to the poor for the explicit purpose of ensuring they follow the law - and since the essential underclothes are free, it technically does not break the vow of poverty.

No accessories, lowest-cost materials, open-source blueprints, and take what is publicly available because the alternative is to seriously break the law. Simple.

Don't push her. Making sure she's comfortable is important since you're doing this for her. I'm sure you can come up with some kind of sports bra that will work for her.

No to both.

>>1011471
She can't hold her breasts with her hands, it'll distort their shape. If we're determined to give her chest support that truly will be supportive for her in an active environment, we need to have a good idea of the shape of her breasts in their resting form.

That said, if she wants you could probably take the measurements while she uses her hands to cover her nipples, at least.

Saiorse 2021/09/24(Fri)18:55 No. 1011511 ID: 8483cf
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I decide not to be too PUSHY and not insist on swapping out the loincloth. It’s a ragged thing, and looks to be made from twisting two scraps of cloth into a belt, stitching in a “hygenic” (i.e. cute-patterened) scrap to the crotch and flap and running it through the crotch, all secured around her tail.

If Elaine is really worried about someone grabbing something, she should be worried about that one critical knot atop her tail. But she didn’t bring it up, so I won’t worry her about it. To get to the loincloth, someone would have to get through her robe first or flip it up. If I do a good job, Elaine’s weak spot will be perfectly protected!

My PRIDE’s satisfied that she’ll be wearing a well-tailored robe and something other than that stifling chest binding. It’s a sure thing that she’ll recommend my shop!

I look over to Elaine, who finally undoes the knot of her chest bindings. In an incredible release of tension, the whole thing whips loose. Her breasts explode outward and she gives a deep sigh of utter relief.

She quickly cups her hands to her chest just as her bindings fall away. She looks down and flushes.

“You can keep covered up if you want,” I say, putting on a PROFESSIONAL air. “But really- you’ve got nothing I haven’t seen before. I’ve been doing this for years.”

That’s technically a lie. I haven’t seen a tuft of chest fluff like Elaine’s. This is the first time I’ve seen one at all, actually. Should I bring it up? No, probably not. Unless I can be playful and lighten the mood, I don’t think I want to draw attention to her chest carpet.

“Thank you,” Elaine says, holding her hands to her chest. “I’ll just, um… stand here, then. Just tell me what to do.”

“Just hold the measuring tape where I tell you to, and try to let your breasts hang naturally. Try to stand up straight, too.”

Elaine nods and stiffens up, keeping her hands glued to her chest. I grab a footstool to get up to where I’m comfortable measuring her.

As I take her measurements, I brainstorm ideas for how to give her the support she needs. She obviously wants to minimize her bust. I have a few cups large enough to mold into minimizer bras, but her chest fluff would pop out the cleavage. Would she mind? Again, I’m not sure whether to ask her if she plans to trim her chest fluff. It’s a silly question, but it absolutely affects whether she’ll be comfortable showing even a hint of cleavage.

She sees me looking at her tuft of hair and flushes deeper. “I’m sorry. I must look like a mess. I haven’t really been… you know. I’ve just been cramming it in my bindings and not trimming it. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” I say. “Seen it all before,” I lie again.

I could go all-out and give her the cutting edge of clothing technology- the sports bra. The sports bra would be incredibly comfortable, but it would wear out over time- I'm not sure how quickly, it's new technology. But it would also be incredibly expensive for me to give, and the materials are special-order.

The safest option is to give her a vest and sew padding into the bust. I could even tighten it around her chest to minimize her bust. It would maximize coverage, but it would be sweaty and only a moderate upgrade from her bindings in terms of support. It would absolutely be healthier long-term, though, and she wouldn’t have to worry about her fluff poking out.

Or I could give her a concealing corset. It would be horrible for flexibility, but I could soften the material. However, since she’ll be in a fight, it would be the most durable option.

What style of underwear should I propose? Should I just come out and recommend she trim her chest fluff? She’s obviously embarrassed by it.

Go with the corset for fighting. While it's nothing to be ashamed of, she may want to shave the tuft for comfort under the corset.

>>1011512
It pains me conceal or reduce any part of elaine, but the corset is probably the best option

>>1011511
If the sports bra is expensive then she can't have it at all due to her vow of poverty.
Concealing corset would affect her combat performance, which is again a no-go, even if it's more durable.

Gotta go with the minimizer bra or the padded vest. Ask her opinion on that. Main difference seems to be how well it would hide her fluff? Though maybe the minimizer bra is cheaper?
It sounds like she would trim her fluff if it was visible so it shouldn't be an issue.

Corset's the key. The flexibility is a trade-off, but it'll make a greater difference than the vest would. Sweating under your robes is uncomfortable, and while the vest would still be better than those original bindings it's something we should aim to prevent. Doing away with that problem will result in a much more noticeable immediate raise in comfort. Stick to a softer material to diminish the flexibility con, and this is the best option.

Not counting the Sports Bra of course, but we just barely got the go-ahead to do this. Do you really think she's gonna want to wait for a special order?

Use scrap-waste chainmail padding for a combination of cost-efficiency and defense. That way, everyone who stares at her bust will notice you stuffed her bra with an ugly misshapen armor and think less of it.

Go with the vest. Try and be playful about the chest fluff, say you think it's cute.

Saiorse 2021/09/25(Sat)14:08 No. 1011562 ID: 8483cf
File 163260408860.png - (178.21KB , 694x934 , CR_13.png )

I review my options for Elaine.

The Sports Bra is perfect for her. It’s super comfortable, absorbs sweat, and even lets her keep/conceal her chest fluff if she wants. However, it’s too expensive to give away for free and materials have to be mail-ordered. Elaine can’t own one anyway; she’s taken a vow of poverty.

The minimizer bra is better for Elaine than her chest bindings, and will make her happy by, well, minimizing her bust. However, it’s less comfortable than the vest and Sports Bra. It’s the cheapest option, though! She’d probably have to trim or shave her chest fluff for this one.

The corset is the most durable option I have for her, and will hold together even if it’s hit by a fireball. Great for defense if she wants to prioritize protecting her modesty- nothing else I have comes close for last-line defense. However, the corset is the worst option in terms of comfort and flexibility, even without stiffening bones in the design. I can make a sport corset that’s more flexible and comfortable than a heavy-duty corset, and it’s still more comfortable than her chest bindings- but it’ll still take her some getting used to, is restrictive, and I wouldn’t recommend she wear it daily. She’d probably have to shave or trim her chest fluff for it to fit best. Also, it would show some cleavage, but not too much.

Finally, the vest option is the most comfortable one I have available and lets her hide her chest fluff, but I’d be jury-rigging a pale imitation of a Sports Bra. I’m not very practiced at the techniques for making them, so the vest wouldn’t be as durable. And the newly invented Sports Bra isn’t known for being long-lasting.

I finish taking Elaine’s measurements and give her a run-down of the options. When I describe the vest-bra, she seems ambivalent about the advantages of having a comfortable fit- but then, she has been wearing bindings.

I bring up the corset, and she seems to like the idea of having her last line of defense being her strongest.

“For the corset, you might want to trim or shave your tuft,” I say quickly. “But just between us? I think your fluff is really cute!”

“O-oh!” Elaine flushes and stares at her unkempt chest carpet. “Um… w-well. I… ah… I’ll… um…”

“Moving on,” I say, letting her trail off somewhat gracefully, “We could also do a minimizer bra. It’s the option that’ll take me the least work, but I don’t mind spending extra effort to give you a good product.”

“Wait, wait, I’m sorry,” Elaine says, overwhelmed. “You’re being so generous, and I’m not helping. I’m not used to any of this. I thought that taking a vow of poverty would make things easier, not harder.”

“If taking a vow of poverty was easy, everyone would do it,” I say warmly. “It’s very selfless of you.”

“Thank you,” Elaine smiles, then sighs. “I guess the real problem is my chest. Ugh! I wish I didn’t have to deal with… with… these. I just wish I could take them off and put them in a drawer somewhere until I need them. Which is never!”

“Detachable boobs!” I slap a hand to my forehead dramatically. “Elaine, your idea’s revolutionary! It’ll change everything in tailoring! First order of business: can I borrow your boobs?”

Elaine giggles. “You can have them! I’ll take yours. Or maybe I’ll just have no boobs at all!”

I gasp. “We could walk around topless and nobody would care!”

“The dream!”

Elaine seems happier! I should try being more playful with her.

“While I work on your idea,” I say with a laugh, “Do you have a preference for a bra, a corset, or a vest?”

Elaine shuffles her hooves with a nervous clip-clop on the hardwood. “Um… I’m not that good at dodging yet, so I really like the corset, for missions, but… for day-to-day stuff, I’ll be happy with anything that lets me forget my boobs exist.”

“Is that your clever way of asking for more donations?” I tease.

“No! No, you don’t have to! I can’t accept any more of your generosity,” Elaine says. “That, and… um… I’d feel weird owning a bunch of new clothes right after taking my vow.”

Now this is a dilemma. Elaine clearly needs more than one set of underwear and that loincloth is a disaster waiting to happen but she can’t own too many nice things (exceptions to a vow of poverty have to stop somewhere). Plus she’s just not comfortable accepting too much generosity, and I can’t afford to give away too much in the first place.

My issues are:

1. Do I give her a durable corset for her journey, or a weak but comfier and more flexible supporting vest-bra?
2. Should I try and convince her to accept more clothes? How can I sell her on it?

>>1011562
There is a simple option here that allows Elaine to pay you back for additional clothing, and maintain her vow of poverty by never acquiring a single coin to give you. She can work it off by working for us! We could use her for modelling, for showing off styles to new customers, and probably for odd jobs too! Everybody wins!

>>1011563
Also yes, if it comes down to choosing one or the other, definitely the corset.

>>1011562
...mmmm...nah, I think this is a good point to let it ride. Give her the corset; ideally she shouldn't be front-lining anyway even if she's guarding, right?

Give her the corset for now, and try to convince her simply to COME BACK to report on how well it held up and what she thinks of it after she's had it for a bit.

We can then take the opportunity to sell her or perhaps a friend she's made on the vest-bra if we want. Free of charge.

Why free? Because if we work this well enough, we might be able to get a serious promotional boost out of having the Wayfinders sport our wares, provided they're willing to tell people about us.

Durable corset, and no. Restrain yourself and remember that you are giving what you can, but no further. Else you'll end up being the one depending on charity, and that's less than tenable in your position!

Just the corset I suppose, and you can’t be too generous, remember, delicious foods await you.

Stick with the durable corset, and wrap up the "sale". Don't worry about selling her on anything else, just let her know that she's free to come back here in the future if she's desperate, whether because her clothes get destroyed or she simply craves something more comfortable.

Saiorse 2021/09/26(Sun)03:11 No. 1011604 ID: 8483cf
File 163265108075.png - (270.96KB , 803x1365 , CR_14.png )

I doubt Elaine would accept more free clothes right now, and I can’t afford to give away too much either. I briefly consider offering her an exchange of goods for services- maybe she can model my clothes for me? She wouldn’t technically own the clothes- they’d be my work, so she wouldn’t have to worry about her vow. Mannequins only go so far, and she’d definitely stand out in a crowd. However, I decide to table that idea until I can actually afford to ask for more help.

In the meantime, I should focus on making Elaine happy. If she likes my work, that’s a huge boost for my business! As an initiate monk with the Wayfinders, she’ll be traveling with merchants and high society: people with lots of money to spend, and more likely to trust Elaine’s recommendation since she’ll be guarding them.

I decide to make her a semi-flexible corset with a modern two-piece busk so she can take it on and off herself. It’ll be a very durable option, and she’ll definitely be more comfortable than she was in her chest binding (though that’s not saying much). Her modesty is safe with this!

I give Elaine a cloak to cover up with and get to work on reinforcing her robes and making the corset. We talk as I work, and I learn more about Elaine’s life as an initiate. Her parents passed away on an especially harsh journey with the Wayfinders when she was very young. To make amends, that the Wayfinders raised her as a live-in member of the monastery. She grew up with a steady stream of new faces treating her like a little princess.

Soon she was demanding to be taken along on the Wayfinders’ travels. They all turned her down, saying it was too dangerous. Elaine swore she’d join them one day, and now that she’s taken her vow of poverty, she’s ready to venture out on shorter journeys. Eventually she hopes to be a worldwide traveler if she proves herself to be a smart, strong and selfless. She has a lot of work and danger ahead of her!

I finish reinforcing her robes, making sure the splits in the sides go high enough for her to kick and run freely. For decency, I add some tight buttons along the splits so she doesn’t have to worry about showing too much thigh or the robes fluttering open outside of a battle.

Finally, I finish adjusting one of my corsets to Elaine’s size and making it more flexible. Her chest tuft is puffing out between the cups, which hurts the fit a little bit, but it still works well enough to confirm the fit.

“It’s wonderful!” Elaine gushes. “I can’t believe it fits so well. I can actually breathe!” She puffs out her cheeks and blows a raspberry.

“I’m glad you like it,” I say. “Just be sure to come back if you need any adjustments, or if you want anything else.”

“Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Elaine bows deeply. Her huge mass of hair falls forward in an unruly mess around her face, and she pushes it back quickly. “Um. Oops!”

She puts on her newly reinforced robes and thanks me again. I tell her it’s nothing, and wish her the best of luck on her first journey… and also ask her to consider mentioning A Stitch in Time to anyone who needs clothing repair!

I wave her goodbye. I hope she comes back happy!

Wow. What a day. I’ve already had a customer, and I haven’t even opened my shop. I should probably clean up, but I’m just so hungry…

Oh! It’s just about dinner time!

Busalla is only a moderately sized town, but no matter how small, we’re still in Liguria, and the food is great!

Should I go to the Osteria, the small, casual bar favored by the locals?

The Taverna, the bigger bar popular with adventurers and travelers?

The small Trattoria, run by the family who’s lived here for generations and serves secret recipes with local ingredients?

The Rosticceria, with delicious, delicious meats?

The Enoteca, the wine bar with some small appetizers and tapas?

Or the Pizzeria, serving the legendary Pizza with wine, salads and pasta?

Or I could grab some raw nuts or vegetables from the local market for some quick energy, skip dinner and prioritize cleaning up, but… that wouldn’t let me go out and eat delicious food, cooked with love and care!

Get some Za from the pizzeria. Get it delivered

Head to the Taverna and meet some clientele.

Taverna! Seems like a good place to run into business opportunities, and bar food is great for celebrations.

Tavern, advertise a bit.

Saiorse 2021/09/26(Sun)21:42 No. 1011704 ID: 8483cf
File 163271774304.png - (149.97KB , 551x519 , CR_15.png )

My first visit to the adventurers' bar! I'm so excited! And hungry!

I can't wait! I can't wait! I'm dreaming of all the big, strong adventurers weighed down with money I'll meet at La Taverna!

I throw the door open, spread my arms wide and bask in the awesome adventuring air! Pub drinks! Pub food! It smells like home, but ten times tastier!

"I love it! I love it all!" I declare to the tavern.

Who's here? Did anyone notice me? Do they like me?

Moth lady, they did notice you, and they like your outfit. They really like it.
Gnome barbarian, she hasn't noticed you because the table's in the way.
The tavern bard noticed and seems friendly enough.

a lot of people just turned their heads, give you a weird look, and just go back to whatever they were doing, others just ignored you, one person (a male jackalope) got shocked by your sudden appearance and is catching their breath, but a small few went "YEAH!" or "WOOOO!"

one of the customers who catches your attention is a bee who seems like a fighter, sitting at the counter in front of a bartender. She seems busy looking at some paperwork, looking at a list of materials she needs. Maybe some clothes? we should strike a conversation and find out.

>>1011708
as far as the moth lady goes, she heard rumors of a fancy new restaurant opening up, something called "A Stitch in Time" and is wondering if Saiorse is the chef based off the tailor uniform she has on.

Yeah you're on a fast track to feeding a cute moth girl.

I'm also gonna suggest a male kobold playing card games with a half-elf and a human, dressed very pitifully. Clearly someone in need of new threads, but not one with any eye for what looks presentable. He's noticed you, and his only observation was that your dress makes you look like you have a fat butt.

>>1011711
They are playing strip poker

A moth lady, she noticed your tasty clothes and heads over to you to get a nibble, asking if thats a free sample as she picks up the hem of your dress

There's a bar fight, and the healers are exasperated immediately regenerating crippled limbs just for the patients to get back into the fight.

And a bat girl and moth girl are kissing while the bat's upside down.

...I got nothing to add, but why a moth girl when that wouldn't much help us in terms of money or showcasing our wares? It'd just be food to her, which isn't great in the long run for advertisement.

(Also I'm gonna be That Guy and mention that adult moths don't eat clothes, it's just a couple types of moth larvae, but this is magic n' shit so it doesn't really matter, I just wanted to point it out.)

1/2 Donut 2021/09/29(Wed)21:33 No. 1011994 ID: 8483cf
File 163297639505.png - (453.33KB , 986x1365 , CR_16.png )

“WOO!” a human shouts back at me, waving his mug and spilling some beer on the floor. He’s playing cards with a fuzzy kobold who looks like an adorable pupper and a half-elf woman wearing glasses. They’re all in ragged clothes that could use a tailor’s help. Like me! Have I found my first paying customers? I hope so!

The tavern bard waves at me. I wave back. Hi! He looks really nice! And handsome. I wonder if he’s single?

In the front of the tavern, I notice a moth woman is eyeing my dress very intently. She’s very noticeable. And long.

There’s a gnome barbarian a few tables over, at least I think so, because all I can see of her is a leather helm with the word BLOOD stitched in it, so it’s a safe guess.

The rest of the tavern ignores me and carries on with their conversations.

I skip over to the bar and prop my elbows on the countertop and bounce on my heels until the bartender notices me. “Hi! I’m Saiorse, I’m a tailor and I’m hungry! Got any Ricotta?”

“Welcome, and no,” the bartender says. He’s a skinny human with sun-bleached hair and a deep tan. As he talks, he fills a mug of beer without even looking at the taps. “We’ve got plenty of garlic bread and sliced tomatoes for appetizers, though.”

“I’ll take them!” I say with a big smile.

“You’re in a good mood,” says the bartender. He slides the frothing mug down the bar, where it comes to rest in front of a bumblebee woman writing something in a notebook. “Can I get you something to drink, too?”

“Do you have any cream ales?” I ask, mouth watering. I love the caramel flavors so much!

“I think we’ve got some hiding somewhere,” he says. “Let me go check.”

I let out a happy sigh. This place is the best!

“Did you say you were a tailor?” a soft voice asks behind me.

I spin around and look up… and up… and up at the moth woman. She is longgggggg. But she’s a little nervous for some reason. Well, nothing a little friendliness can’t solve!

“I am!” I say with a big smile. “I’m Saiorse MacTavish, and A Stitch in Time is just about to open up for business!”

“Oh! Oh, how wonderful. My name is Tineola,” she says, placing two of her four hands together in delight. “I had heard there was a new brasserie in town.”

“Yes, I sell bras,” I say. “I just served a monk of the Wayfinders a corset and robes earlier today! Are you looking to buy some clothes?”

“Why, that would be delightful,” she says. “Um… did you prepare this dress yourself, by any chance? It’s quite a feast.”

2/2 Donut 2021/09/29(Wed)21:33 No. 1011995 ID: 8483cf
File 163297640616.png - (157.20KB , 717x989 , CR_17.png )

“Aw, shucks! My work outfit? A feast for the eyes? You’re too kind!” I say with barely concealed pride. I show off the lace on my underskirts. “Look! Here’s a free sample of what I can make for you if you want!”

“Oh my…” Tineola’s eyes go wide as she stares at the lace.

“Got your cream ale!” the bartender calls out.

“That’s me!” I spin around and grab the ale with both hands.

Suddenly I feel my dress being lifted up.

Huh?!! I want to slap the offending hand away, but I’m holding the beer. I freeze up.

Tineola’s tugging on the lace of my underskirts hard, and I’m suddenly showing off a lot more of my work than I’d intended to.

Is she about to eat my dress?! WHAT?!

I realize my terrible misunderstanding.

Ohhhhhhhhh nooooooooooo

Do I:

A: Stop her as soon and as forcefully as I can, which will protect my modesty and my dress?
B: Politely stop her, which might save my dress, but will show off WAY more of my work to the tavern than I’m comfortable with?
C: Set down the mug and tear off the lace from my dress, which will protect my modesty but sacrifice all the hard work I’ve put into it?
D: Don’t stop her, but try and cover up somehow? She’s guaranteed to visit my store and probably buy lots of “food” if I do that, but I’ll be putting on a show that I am NOT happy with.

B. This one's a floor model, be gentle with it Tina!

C. As much as clothing damage is fun, That dress is an important gift to you from yourself, and you need to look PRO FES SHUN AL for customers.

But the lace was something you added to it. Save your dress by giving her the lace. Plus it will guarantee the moth coming to your shop later.

>>1011995
B! Your modesty is less important than a potential sale!

B. C is tempting of course, because it would mean you don't have to draw the lace anymore, but a polite correction with only mild showing is your best choice.

B. Be sure to tell her you meant she can have a free sample at your shop not here, that way we can tempt her to come to our shop... we'll need to make some lace when we get back unfortunately, but at least we won't upset the customer too much.

D, let hungry moth eat

B. It'll be embarrassing, but so would spilling your bear all over yourself and getting into a fight.

Just say "You rip it, you buy it."
If she retorts with "Ooh, a sale on coutier slaves! How much?" respond with "YOUR SOUL."

C. Well, you said it’s okay! However unintentionally.

D. Let's see where that goes~

D. We got more clothes at the shop.

>>1011995
Tell her she'll have to pay, if she does, then C, if she doesen't then B, if people see the insides they might just come to your store because you're cute!

Saiorse 2021/10/01(Fri)20:44 No. 1012173 ID: 8483cf
File 163314627570.png - (318.64KB , 686x1487 , CR_18.png )

Play it cool, Saiorse. Play it cool, don’t drop the beer or scare off the customer, and just grin and bear it. It’ll pay off later. I hope.

I straighten up and clear my throat. “Excuse me?”

Tineola keeps tugging on my dress, examine the lacework with big, hungry eyes. I try not to make a scene and make things worse, or think about how many people might notice the show I’m putting on.

“Excuse me? Tineola?” I glance back at her and clear my throat even louder. I have to get her attention, fast, before the whole bar’s first impression of me is my butt. “I’m off the clock right now. Drop by my store for samples later, please!”

Tineola snaps out of it and immediately drops my skirts. “Oh! How presumptuous of me- the drink must be going to my head already. How mortifyingly ill-behaved I’ve been.”

“I-it’s no big deal,” I say hefting my mug and pretending nothing is wrong. “My work is very eye-catching, I know. I’ll be happy to serve you tomorrow.”

“Of course,” Tineola says. “Please allow me to make it up to you then.”

“Great!” I give a big smile. She likes my work, that’s all that matters. Nothing else matters! “See you then!”

I remove myself from the situation, ignore the wolf whistle from one of the tables as I pass, grab a seat on the other end of the tavern, slam my mug down and bury my head in my hands.

Ughhhhhhhhhhh

I take a sip of the ale.

Rich, sweet caramel and toasted vanilla fill my world.

Yessssssssss

I wait for my garlic bread and tomatoes, pretending the last few minutes didn’t happen, and keeping my eyes glued to my mug. I listen to the tavern bard, and glance up a few times at him. He doesn’t make eye contact, thankfully.

Halfway through a song, I notice there’s someone trying to get my attention.

Who’s there?

A. The girl gnome barbarian
B. The half-elf woman in ragged clothes
C. The WOOOOOOO human dude in ragged clothes
D. The pupper male kobold
E. Other

>>1012173

B. Somebody in ragged clothes is a potential customer, and you just gave away some free work before coming out for dinner. Might be a chance to get back in the black.

E) A priestess from the rivals of the Wayfinders, THE CHURCH OF THE ROTTED BLOOD.
She begins harassing you with filthy lucre for a better dress than what you gave Elaine.

>>1012173
D. Turns out he's the party face. Because of his cute face.

E the Bee next to you.

>>1012173

D, because too much discussion went into kobolds behind the scenes for this pupper to not even show up.

D) sounds cute!

or possibly C) I think it's important to get a male customer so you don't get pigeon holed into only making clothes for women

>B. The half-elf woman in ragged clothes
>C. The WOOOOOOO human dude in ragged clothes

either or really

The gnomebarian!

D: Gooooood pupper.

A

Saiorse 2021/10/16(Sat)16:43 No. 1013015 ID: 8483cf
File 163442780194.png - (273.39KB , 698x1355 , CR_19.png )

There’s a kobold waving at me.

And he’s shirtless. And in ragged, short pants.

Very shooooort pants.

I stare just a little too long before I check myself. My eyes whip up to meet his, and I thankfully don’t linger on the fact that I can’t see his nipples. Where are the nipples

“Ah! Hi!” I say, trying to play it off like I was daydreaming. Which I was!

The pupper kobold raises his hands disarmingly. “I didn’t mean to startle you. It’s just, well…”

He sighs and holds out the ragged shirt he was wearing just a minute ago. “This just gave up the ghost, and I couldn’t help but notice you saying that you ran a tailoring shop.”

I flush. He totally saw the show I was putting on earlier.

“When is the soonest you might be opening?” He stares at his defeated shirt.

My heart’s beating so hard. I have a customer! And he’s cute! Really, really cute! C’mon, Saiorse, be professional… be professional… but he’s so cute!

“Garlic bread n’ tomatoes!” the bartender drops the plate on my table and I nearly jump out of my seat.

What do I do?!

Choose one or more. If you choose to flirt, how aggressive will you be?

A. Forget the food and drink, and drag him to my shop right now!
B. Share my food with him
C. Tell him to come back when the shop is ready to open and isn’t messy
D. Flirt with him [Insert pick-up line here]
E. Try and get his entire adventuring party to buy clothes from me (but then I won’t have him all to myself!)
F. Other

Aggressively devour garlic bread.
E. You can come in the morning after a good night's rest. Don't mind the shop's looks, we're still setting up. How new is he to adventuring?

>>1013015

Test the waters with flirting, don't go too hard as that might scare him off. See how he takes to it, and push harder or let off on it based on how he responds.

No force on the face of this planet will pull you away from this meal though, so A's off the table. Share a bit of your food with him to aid your flirting efforts, and tell him you can help him out as soon as you're finished eating. He might choose to sit with you and chat until you're done, giving you more time to flirt. If he goes back to his friends instead, probably a good sign he isn't interested.

B. Share my food with him
C. Tell him to come back when the shop is ready to open and isn’t messy
E. Ask what happened to his old shirt

Flirt! talk about his tattered pants suggestively

"Now!
Do you need a better handbag, or improvements to your bag of handling? Our underwear is tailor-made not to chafe with fur! And for discerning customers we have levitating breastplates, they can even stop a dragon headbutt flat!"

D. Flirty with moderate aggression. Ramp up gradually from small talk (reply to his question about your opening hours as an opener) and make your interest clear but don't come out and say "hey, wanna fuck?" At least not yet.

>>1013015
C. Because that's the honest answer.
E. Because you need the business.

Saiorse 2021/11/21(Sun)18:26 No. 1015747 ID: 8483cf
File 163754798526.png - (101.40KB , 900x619 , CR_20.png )

He’s a cute customer, and there’s food in front of me… what do I do? I’m nervous, but I’m also hungry. I have to decide what’s most important in life!

Wait. What kind of question is that?!

I pick up a slice of tomato’d garlic bread and blow on the piping hot dish, just a little suggestively. “Do you want some?”

Pupper kobold nods. “Yes, please! Thanks.”

“Help yourself!” I take a bite and wink. “And no, I don’t make that offer to just any cute, topless guys at bars.”

He looks at me, then gets flustered and looks anywhere but at my chest. He’s nervous- nooooo! Does that mean he thinks I’m hot? Or am I making him uncomfortable? Is it because I flashed my ass at him earlier?

ABORT ABORT ABORT

I aggressively devour my garlic bread to bury all embarrassment in cheesy deliciousness.

“So…” the pupper Kobold clears his throat. “I’m Celyn.”

“Saiorse,” I say. “Nife ‘oo meet ‘oo.” I swallow. “Um… you wanted to know when my shop opened, right?”

Celyn nods.

“We open tomorrow,” I say, “And you’d be my first paying customers! I’d be more than happy to help fix up your shirt. And pants. And anyone else in need of A Stitch In Time can come along too. Bring ‘em all! I’m just by the blacksmith’s smithy.”

“Thank you,” Celyn says, taking a bite of garlic bread. “I’ll drop by first thing in the morning.”

He gets up and walks back to his table hurriedly. He says something, and then his entire adventuring party laughs uproariously.

I drink my beer and bury my head in my hands.

----

I spend the rest of my meal stewing in self-consciousness. I just get a basic sandwich, nothing special, so I can scarf it down and disappear as quickly as I can before I get laughed at again.

There’s always tomorrow, there’s customers coming tomorrow, things will be better tomorrow …

Because I’ve left the bar earlier than the evening crowd, I have some time left before bed. I don’t really feel like being social, not after my experience at the bar. Should I:

A. Go back to my shop/lodgings and clean up? [This is draining, and Saiorse will wake up tired]
B. Visit the town square with a beautiful fountain and lights
C. Dip my toes in the Scrivia river running through town
D. Go to sleep early
E. Other

I would usually say A, buuuuut

C. Lets go for a swim skinny dipping?

Let's do C. It sounds nice and relaxing, and we may run into an aquatic race while there who would be interesting to design for.

Visit the town square. Maybe someone shares your attraction to bright glowing orbs and stagnant water.

D

Big day tomorrow after all.

>>1015747
C. You need to calm down.

(No, no skinny dipping!)

Saiorse 2021/11/26(Fri)15:23 No. 1016203 ID: 8483cf
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I’m a little tipsy from the cream ale, and don’t want to bump into anyone who might have seen me at the Taverna. I just want to relax, calm down, and clear my head so tomorrow can be a great opening day for A Stitch in Time. A trip to the river is just what I need!

The Scrivia river runs through Busalla. It isn’t very deep or fast, so there’s not much shipping going up or downriver- but it’s very clean!

I head to a secluded brick embankment I found when I first moved in. There are a few buildings built around the top of the brick wall, so there’s no easy way to get here unless you know how to sneak in, and it’s very well hidden by a bend in the river. It’s like my own little slice of solitude!

I kick off my flats and stockings. The sun’s setting, but the evening is still warm.

The water is nice. Really nice.

A devious idea crosses my mind. Maybe I could clear my head from my earlier embarrassment by having a little fun? Granted I don’t know Busalla very well, but maybe I could take a chance on this nice little secluded portion of the river- and it is a work night, so there’s even less risk…

A. Play it safe and just relax with my toes in the water.
B. Swim in my underwear. Not illegal, but not very comfy on the walk home.
C. Go skinny dipping! Very risky (and very illegal), but very fun.

C, go skinny dipping. It may be dangerous, but that just makes it all the more rewarding. Plus, meta knowledge that the worst case scenario is realistically not going to be arrest, as then the quest stops happening before Donut does all the things he wants to do with it.

B. Just go commando on the walk home.

B. If its too uncomfortable for walking home just take your underwear off for that.

Yeah, B.

>>1016205
This version of B

I'd say C, but I think it makes more sense for Saiorse to have to gain the courage to do something like that first. B is a good starting point. (after all, she did consider naked apron for work, so she wouldn't be above doing B)

C.

Defy the horny police and dodge horny jail in a grand display that you avoid having anyone see.

>>1016203
I'm the sort to play it safe, but considering A is unlikely to win much, I'll throw my support behind B.

B

C.

Might as well get your reputation as the local exhibitionist established early.

Saiorse 2021/11/27(Sat)14:07 No. 1016277 ID: 8483cf
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I give a furtive glance around. There’s nobody here, and no windows on the brick buildings surrounding the little bend in the river. This is a hidden corner of Busalla. My little secret.

I could have some fun and go skinny dipping…

But the thought of getting caught is just too much to bear. No matter how secluded this bend in the river is, it’s still inside the town! I don’t want anyone to think of me as THAT NAKED GIRL. I can’t risk it!

But I still want to jump in. The air is warm, I’m still a little tipsy, and the river is nice and cool. It’s perfect!

I shuck my dress and underskirts, untie my hair and give a small giggle. Nobody can tell me what to do here- this is my place!

I don’t hold back. I jump feet-first in the slow-moving river and let it wash my worries away.

It’s heavenly.

A few minutes of floating later, I notice something shimmering underwater, close to the end of the bend in the river. It’s not a bottle- it’s far too bright, even when covered by sediment. Is it enchanted glass? Did someone lose it in the river?

I swim over to get a better look, sticking close to the brick walls. I’m getting near the edge of my secluded little spot, and if I go further, I might be visible from the riverbanks around the bend in the river.

If I wanted to dive for it, I’d have to swim to the middle of the river and dive as deep as I can. I’d really have to push my limits.

Should I risk it to try and get close enough to dive down for the oddly shiny glass?

We gotta get that glass. Dive for it, and then swim back to your secluded space.

>>1016278
Dive for it, realize it's just a shiny rock, keep it anyway.

Get the shiny!

Might as well get it.
If anyone spots you, you can use it as a chance to show that you're "underwear" is water proof, thus coming up with the concept for the two-piece swimsuit that you're planning on making and selling. Best way to gain more customers!

Get the shiny thing. Don't drown.

1/2 Saiorse 2021/11/27(Sat)16:27 No. 1016288 ID: 8483cf
File 163805923752.png - (29.00KB , 814x895 , CR_23.png )

My curiosity DEMANDS I get the shiny!

I cautiously swim out over the spot it’s submerged at. I’m around the bend in the river- and outside my secret spot- so if anyone is walking along the riverbank, they might be able to see my hair above the waterline, but hopefully not much else unless they get close. Thankfully there’s no one right now.

Good enough for me! I take a deep breath and plunge! I just have to remember to not drown. That’s all I have to do. Don’t drown…

I abort mission and swim back to the surface. I take a minute to tread water and catch my breath. Wow, that’s really deep… Well, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. And if that doesn’t work, try harder!


I take a deep breath, flip upside-down and swim with all my might. My hands scrape the riverbed, and I search with muddied vision for the shiny thing. My chest burns. I’m almost out of air.

Where is it? I can’t find it. I can’t find it!

I’m gonna drown! NONONONO

NO-wait! I can kick off the bottom of the river! Yeah! I orient myself quickly and launch upwards like a catapult. I burst above the surface of the water and gasp, coughing and hacking. That was close!

Can I really do this? Is the shiny worth it? It might just be a rock. My heart is beating fast, and the cool river water is even cooler with the icy touch of terror.

No, Saiorse! Be brave and grab the shiny rock! I steel my resolve, breathe deep once more, flip and dive, dive, dive!

I open my eyes and plunge right for the spot I saw the shimmering at earlier, but the sediment I kicked up is blinding me. I’M BLIND! AHHHH

No! Be calm! You’ve still got air… just a little bit of air. I trust that I’ve found the spot and just start fumbling with my fingers. Please, please, please…

This is taking too long! Far too long! I fumble faster, faster, faster- there’s something smooth and glassy! I’ve found it!

I grab it and kick off the bottom as hard as I can once more, shooting straight up, the prize in my hand! I burst above the surface of the water, coughing and gasping and hacking and coughing and feeling AWESOME!

I swim to the brick riverbank and grab ahold, heart pounding but full of triumph. I’m exhausted, but it was so worth it. I hold up my prize. It’s definitely enchanted glass! It’s perfectly sheen and without a scratch, and there are some kinds of dials and buttons on the tiny chain dangling from the lens.

As I examine my prize, I realize something feels off. The river is definitely colder than I remember it being.

Wait a minute...

Oh COME ON

I look around desperately for any tell-tale signs of purple in the river, but there’s nothing. Nothing! I don’t even know when I lost them- probably when I was kicking off the riverbed. They could be all the way at the bottom buried in sediment, or even worse, floating downstream somewhere.

I blow bubbles in frustration. My one comfort is that there wasn’t anyone to see that.

2/2 Saiorse 2021/11/27(Sat)16:27 No. 1016289 ID: 8483cf
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I swim as quietly and stealthily as I can back to my secret spot in the river, double check that there’s nobody around (good!) and climb out as quickly as I can and jury-rig a towel out of my stockings, so I’m just dry enough to cover myself and not soak my dress.

I finally calm down now that I’m safe. I let out a long, tired sigh. This thing had better be worth the trouble.

I pop it over my left eye and test a few of the buttons and dials. What kind of enchantments are on this thing?

One of them is a zoom lens. Nice! I try another one. It doesn’t appear to do anything at first, but my question is immediately answered when I look at my shoes and stockings.

They’ve completely disappeared.

I twist the dial, and they fade back in.

Very handy for getting measurements without hassle with dressing rooms… but also very lewd. This power must be used responsibly! Fortunately I am a VERY responsible girl.

What do the other dials and buttons do?

-A spyglass of enlarge/reduce, meant for quick adjustments of clothing. Be careful not to combine with the x-ray function...
-A color scanner. You can use it to compare fabric colors in any light and get a perfect match.
-An aura reader to detect people's emotions.
-Mustache projector. Because a monocle wouldn't look complete without a fancy handlebar moustache. Top hat sold separately.

One of the buttons lets you see ghosts of the dead that had not crossed to the afterlife to reincarnate for one reason or the other (because of lingering regrets? Or maybe just don't want to leave this planet yet?)
Unfortunately, you find out a whole bunch of ghosts witnessed you earlier if their smirks and laughter is anything to go by.

downside is you can't hear them, but they can hear you. You'll have to have them play charades to understand them.

One of the ghosts looks concerned about you instead of laughing at you like the others and decides to follow you, (maybe it can be our guardian spirit?)

LENS MODULES

True Sight - Allows the wearer to see through illusions. Also allows sight of invisible creatures and objects.

Magical Sight - Allows the wearer to see magical energy for the purposes of detecting magical items. All creatures capable of using magic will be lit up by this lens. In the hands of a someone not studied in magic, only helpful for detecting the presence of magic.

Thief Vision - A weakened form of the X-Ray enchantment that is perfect for seeing inside bags or pockets. Could be used to detect thieves, seeing unpaid for merchandise in their possession, or for thieves scouting out potential targets.

Reflection Scout - Pairs with a single reflective surface of your choice, selected surface can later be changed. Allows the wearer to see through the paired reflection if its view is not interrupted for any reason (destruction of the surface, an absence of light, magical interference, etc.).

Lens modes:
Color Preview/ Hue Modification
Extraspectral Vision (normal colors desaturate a bit to give visibility to UV/IR markings. Should be easy to tell this is working since some birds and flowers would look different, and the IR portion would let Saiorse spot hidden animals)
Inner Sight (can see soul auras, chakras, mana flows, etc around living beings. useful for recommending magical items or telling when a customer is lying)

There's another mode on this thing that doesn't seem to do anything, but when you turn it on you feel... watched. (it's ghost sight. but ghosts are attracted to those that can see them... that is why the monocle was thrown in the river.)

Has a magic micro-portal function. Unfortunately, you don't have the other lens... yet.

Measurement Module The lens can get you the exact distance between any two visible points, useful for measuring heights!

Color Mode Allows you to alter and compare colors that you can see with perfect accuracy

Introductions Mode You can see the full birth name of anyone targeted by the lens.

Saiorse 2021/11/28(Sun)14:03 No. 1016344 ID: 8483cf
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I’m mostly dry, but my bra is still soaked through. It’d be an absolute disaster wearing it home- it’d bleed right through my dress. I check to make sure the coast is clear, then slip my bra off as quickly as I can and put my dress on.

I take a few more minutes to mess around with the enchanted lens and figure out what the buttons do. Upon close inspection, the casing appears to be modular and detachable- there might even be a paired lens out there somewhere, meant for use in a different frame.

I press one button, and a few visual indicators pop up in my vision, including something like a gauge of magical energy. It looks like the lens is fully charged up, but it’s ever so slowly ticking down. My guess is there’s a limited amount of energy, and it has to recharge somehow. Maybe sunlight?

Here are the abilities I’m able to figure out at the moment:

1. Telescopic zoom. Can be combined with any feature.
2. X-ray vision (Doesn’t work on my skin, thank gooness. I can turn it up and down for various levels of clothing transparency. Can also be set to only peek into specific items of clothing- maybe for decency, or to search specific bags?)
3. Hue adjustment (Can be set for specific items of clothing. I can see what different colors of fabric would look like on a client! Hooray!)
4. Aura View (I am very orange right now, with some pink and red. As my emotions change, so does my color! I need to practice with this one to figure out what else it does.)


------
META STUFF

Saoirse doesn’t know it, but the single lens also has the following settings:
- Socialite Mode (Shows birth name of target, can be upgraded to show additional info)
- True Sight (See through illusions, invisibility, and see in both magical and nonmagical darkness)
- Detect Magic (Works on magical creatures and items alike)
- Reflection Scout (Can sync with a reflective surface to act as a toggle-able security camera)
- Shapeshifter’s Unveiling (Can see true form of suspicious shapeshifters)
- Can be upgraded and even paired with another sibling lens. Where might it be?

FOR ALL FUTURE POSTS, SUGGESTORS CAN NOW:

- Request an aura check, truesight, or other effects when Saiorse is using the lens or has it handy. Uses lens energy.
- Test out and vote on various outfits and color schemes for customers. Make sure to suggest specific combos, and I will shade them and post them! Does not use much energy at all.
- Suggest that Saiorse peek under people’s clothes. Purely for professional purposes, of course! Suggest using it at opportune moments, but beware! Saiorse might not be able to remain professional, and could get flustered.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming!
----

I’m tempted to try out the lens right now, but, well… I’m very obviously not wearing underwear, and it’s very obvious that I’ve just gotten done swimming. Even worse, I’ll have to carry my bra and stockings, making it even MORE obvious unless I leave them here and let them dry out overnight.

Still, the temptation to try out the lens right now is pretty strong…

Should I walk home on a street, leave my wet bra, stockings and stupidly hot pink garter belt here and get a chance to test out the lens, or should I just go home through the back alleys ASAP and do my best to avoid anyone seeing me like this?

walk home on the street and test out the lens

Back alley blitz! Take your underwear and go through the back alleys to make your way home. Even if you get caught, the worst that happens is you get slightly embarrassed by someone knowing you're going commando and maybe seeing the type of underwear you wear. You don't want some creepy guy who probably reads quests to steal your underwear, and taking the possibly crowded street is just begging for an inconvenient gust of wind to blow your dress up in front of everyone. The alleys are your best bet rn.

Careful, back alleys tend to have thugs and thieves and criminals hiding there since not a lot of people really goes through there. Not to mention it is getting pretty late in the day close to night making the risk more riskier. You could get mugged

Just leave behind the underwear garterbelt and underwear, and take to the streets. Try to stay far away from others to make it less obvious.

Also, consider waiting until it gets darker before heading out so you'll stand out less when it's slightly dark out.

Yeah definitely go on the streets, alley seems like a bad move when you just got something valuable. Way too high a chance things go wrong. On the streets just play it safe on the walk home, plus you can test out the lens without fear of some alley gremlin snatching it.

Take the back alleys and head home. What a haul!

You could just wait a bit to dry off. Soak up the sun.

Go through the back alleys

>>1016352
Yeah, enjoy the daylight!

1/2 Saiorse 2021/11/28(Sun)17:18 No. 1016356 ID: 8483cf
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If A Stitch in Time is my pride and joy, this place will be my peace and solitude. I soak in the sun and let my thoughts drift away.

Soon my hair, dress and detachable dress-sleeves are just dry enough to be presentable. I tie my hair back up in a mostly-presentable bun. My stockings and bra are still soaked, but I hang them and my garter belt on some vines growing in the brick. It’s like a whole wall of clothes hangers! I’ll come back for them tomorrow once they’re nice and air-dried. I can’t bring myself to wear the stupid garter belt again, especially if I don’t have to, so I leave that too.

I slip on my flats and primp myself just enough to be presentable, and secure my newfound treasure over my eye. The tiny, almost invisible chain winds around my ear and can magically extend down my dress-sleeve, ending in the palm of my hand. I press one button and it zips back up- the buttons and dials merge into lens casing itself. Neat!

It’s getting dark, but the lens lets me see in perfect clarity. I climb out of my space of solitude and squeeze carefully through the entrance between the buildings, making sure not to get any dirt or grime on my work clothes. I carefully pop through the exit, making sure no one can see me leave. It’s my hideout- gotta keep the entrance secret!

And just like that, I’m trying to act perfectly normal as I walk down the streets of Busalla. I can do that. Right?

I overhear conversations as I pass. There are a few adventurers headed from La Taverna and other restaurants that showed up after I left, apparently.

A arctic fox-girl wearing a thin pink dress is boasting about how much more powerful she is than a beleaguered wizard woman.

“You ran out of magic missiles so fast! Bet you wish you had some fox spirit blood, huh? Jealous? I bet you are!”

“Not really,” the wizard says. “If fox spirit ancestry is the reason you don’t know how to cast a Endure Elements and have to run around in pajamas just to function in the heat, I’ll pass.”

“I knew you were jealous,” the fox says. “But, uh, maybe I can go shopping for some better clothes.”

“And shoes,” the wizard adds.

“And shoes.”

2/2 Saiorse 2021/11/28(Sun)17:24 No. 1016357 ID: 8483cf
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Following them are a motley collection of adventurers headed back to their inn. There’s no fully-equipped guild outpost here beyond a few beds, so the inns get a lot of business.

Should I try the lens? Should I let them keep some decency?

My heart pounds. I could turn it all the way up and no one would know… but I might get flustered, and people might be able to tell if (and where) I’m staring.

The adventurers are:

- Green Fairy Girl
- Big, Buff Fighter, Human Guy
- Cool Bard, Human Guy
- Feline Rogue Girl twirling a knife
- Astral Sorcerer Arctic Fox Girl
- Beleaguered Wizard Human Girl

I won’t get as flustered if I peek at the girls, or keep things professional and just test the lens’s features.

But I’m very, very tempted to peek at the guys. But would that be right? Maybe just a little… it’s so tempting!

Or I could just ignore them and wait for someone else to come by, if I'm not brave enough to try it right now.

Choose up to 3 of the above, and how specifically Saiorse should test the lens. Or you can propose a new person/persons to test the lens on. Choosing fewer people to test the lens on will result in Saiorse being less flustered, and she is less likely to be noticed.

Try the X-ray(true-sight) on the green fairy girl, and the aura on the wizard girl.

Test it on fairy, try to see past the fairy dust before you attempt to see through her clothes next...

But find out she is not wearing anything behind her fairy dust, even if you're not using the lens to see through clothing

Then lets advertise our service to the artic fox.

Okay, let's break this down.

Right off the bat, Arctic Fox, Knife Cat, and Green Fairy are the three girls I'm picking, no contest. The real question is the best way to test out our different lens modes.

I think Knife Cat and the Green Fairy will give you the widest gap in results (fairy is very magic, cat seems not magic, and "astral sorcerer" seems somewhere in the middle), so you should try out all the buttons and switches you couldn't figure out on those two. On Knife Cat specifically, you should also try out the scalability of your X-Ray vision. She's the rogue, she probably has the sweetest loot. She if you can scope it out. If she's loaded, she'd be a valuable customer. (You get to be a little greedy, you worked for free earlier).

You can do the same for the Arctic Fox girl, but I'm gonna be honest and just say that I want to try the X-Ray vision on her. We gotta do it on one of them at least, and I already put the helpful things on the other two. It doesn't see through skin, so set it to max and pray it doesn't see through fur either. Unless Saiorse is into that kind of thing.

>>1016357
Gotta get the x ray on Knife Cat, Aura on Astral fox, and maybe get the zoom on this beleaguered wizard girl, she got any nice styles on?

Try the buttons that did nothing before.
Do not use x-ray to make anyone naked. Test it out on one of the girls.
Try out aura sight just to see the pretty colors in a crowded room like this.

X-ray and zoom on fairy! for science . . .

also taje a peek at the nude bodies of blue fox and bard, also for science

1/3 Saiorse 2021/12/02(Thu)20:46 No. 1016594 ID: 8483cf
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I glance at the guys and finger my lens in anticipation…

But no! I must resist. I am a PRO FE SHUN AL. Peeping isn’t right, no matter how low the odds are of me getting caught, and no matter how much I want to do it!

…Right?

Still, there are plenty of ways to test my lens guilt-free! I should focus things that aren’t naked guys. Like giant balls! Balls of light! Not guy balls.

I zoom in on the green fairy trailing the bard. She’s happily reciting the flowers she saw on the way to Busalla- she must be really into nature.

For the longest time, I just assumed fairies were little glowy balls of magic and hyperactivity. But now, maybe this lens will give me a chance to see what’s really going on!

I click an unknown button, and I’m surprised to see text floating above the fairy in easily legible letters- Zinnia. That must be her name!

I zoom in and click the second unknown button- and Zinnia’s glow fades away, revealing a cute little redhead. Like me! She’s wearing a tiny strapless dress that’s too small for her- I guess fairies can hold on to clothes longer when they assume nobody can see their outfit.

I wonder what else this thing will show me? I click another unknown button, and Zinnia’s green glow erupts into a vivid garden of vines, flowers and fluttering petals. It surrounds her like a protective shield. As I watch, some petals flutter to the ground and burst into tiny sparkles, lighting up the cobblestones and leaving them warm with greenery. It’s mesmerizing- and if my guess is right, those cobblestones are going to have grass growing between them soon. I’m literally seeing magic!

2/3 Saiorse 2021/12/02(Thu)20:47 No. 1016595 ID: 8483cf
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I excitedly turn my gaze to the wizard and astral sorcerer, and I’m not disappointed. Their auras aren’t as powerful or outgoing, but they’re still obviously magical. The wizard’s ruby aura is angular and methodical. It catches and refracts itself, projecting tiny glimmers of mana in tight, focused lines following her line of focus- all pointed toward the astral sorcerer, whose aura sparkles and shines with a warm, glowing blue boreal backdrop.

I take a quick peek at their names: the wizard is Samantha Stevens, and the sorcerer is Naomi von Minga.

“C’mon, Sammy!” says Naomi. “Can we hit just one more bar tonight? I haven’t had wine this good in forever!”

“You just promised to go shopping for new clothes,” Samantha says. “Do you really think you can afford to go bar hopping and gear up?”

“Of course we can! I’m gonna get every guy at the bar to buy me a drink. Just look at this face!” Naomi smiles. “You can’t say no to this.”

“Practice makes all things possible,” Samantha sighs. “What if we run into a crowd of people who mistake you for a fox spirit again? I don’t have enough spells to bail us out again.”

“Busalla’s a friendly town. I don’t have to worry here!” Naomi says, but her expression dours slightly. “At least, I think so. Maybe. Let me know if they start sharpening the pitchforks so I can get a head start.”

“If our strategy is to run, I’d rather you have shoes first,” Samantha says.

“Fair. First thing in the morning, like you said, we’re going shopping. We don’t have a lot of time, though, so let’s just hit the first place we find.”

They’re shopping! And they’re in a hurry! Frantically, I wonder if I have anything pre-cut for Naomi’s size, and any shoes I can fit her paws in. What’re her sizes?! I hit the x-ray button and zoom in- and her dress fades away, leaving her standing there in her underwear. It’s a surreal sight, but nobody’s taking notice of me or her- so I quickly check her out and confirm that yes, I should be able to fit her. Thankfully, the lens strips only her dress away, leaving the wizard decent.

I briefly consider offering my services in person, but I’m the only seamstress in town, and my open-for-fitting sign is hanging (even if it hasn’t had the name affixed yet). They’ll find their way to me soon enough in the morning. No need to reveal that I was eavesdropping on them…

3/3 Saiorse 2021/12/02(Thu)20:47 No. 1016596 ID: 8483cf
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In terms of customers, though, maybe I should be focused on the big moneybags. Fighters probably have more business at the blacksmith than at my place, but the bards always like a good outfit! Or maybe the feline rogue is loaded. I could definitely check if she’s carrying a lot of cash…

I look around for the rogue and use my low-light vision to pick her out. She’s still twirling her knife, but she’s distracted by a display of weaponry in a shop we’re passing by. I nervously twist a dial on my lens- and suddenly everything she’s wearing disappears. Absolutely everything.

She stands on her tip-toes to look at the knife at the top of the display. I stifle a giggle.

She has a heart on her butt!

I’m not sure if I can take her seriously if I see her come into my shop.

The cat’s ears twitch, and she moves as if to turn around. I my heart jumps out of my chest and I practically sprint home, hoping she didn’t notice me. I move quickly enough to put the wizard and sorcerer fox between me and her. Please don’t knife me, please don’t knife me, please don’t knife me…

Thankfully, I peel off from the group soon enough, and I slip into A Stitch in Time without any issues.

What a day it’s been. I’m exhausted, poorer, and less dignified than when I started- but I’ve found a magical item that’s probably worth ten times my monthly rent, or more. If I have to, I can sell it. It’s a comforting thought.

I head to bed absolutely beat, but ready for another full day ahead of me.

----

Tomorrow’s First Customer is:

1. Naomi von Minga, Astral Sorcerer
2. Celyn, a cute pupper Kobold
3. Zinnia, a fairy

Zinnia!

Naomi is a good start.

I'm gonna say Zinnia, because you'll be drawing Dotti for Secret Santa already and I'm sure you'd appreciate having some variety between pieces.

2: Celyn

>>1016596
Celyn!

Zinnia

Naomi

>>1016596
Naomi. They were serious.

>>1016596
Naomi. They were serious.

Celyn

>>1016596
Naomi

Celyn!

I'm gonna swap my vote to Celyn because pupbold (also because the last vote tied things again, and he was my second choice anyways).

Celyn

Saiorse 2021/12/11(Sat)23:38 No. 1017140 ID: 8483cf
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I wake up just as the sun crests the horizon.

It’s my first day!

I leap out of bed, careful not to trip over my laundry. Thankfully I was smart enough to hang my work uniform so it doesn’t get wrinkled- that would take a little work to fix, and there’s so much to do!

I hurry downstairs and shove wood in the stove, then strike the flint to kindling and pray it catches. A few tries do it, and I hurry upstairs to get properly dressed, freshen up and do my hair. When I’m done, the stove is nice and hot- perfect for making breakfast. Step 1: Don’t set the place on fire: complete!

I make myself some delightful tea, eggs and buttered toast. I splurged a few days ago and picked up some honey to flavor the tea. It was expensive, but so worth it! I finish breakfast ready and energized. So energized, in fact, that I feel ready to start cleaning my shop up. Might as well get it done while I’m in such a good mood!

I’m about halfway done cleaning when I hear a knock at the door. It’s before any other businesses to be open- who could be asking for me so early?

I open the door and do a double take.

It’s the cute pupper Celyn from last night who I very awkwardly flirted with. Easy, girl. Easy! You can do this- even though he is most definitely not wearing a shirt!

You can do it, Saiorse! You can handle a topless cutie first thing in the morning!

“Um … Hi!” I say, master of conversation that I am.

“Um … Hello,” Celyn says.

We both stand in awkward silence for far too long.

“Do you want to come in? You must be, uh, cold,” I say, finally finding my manners, and most definitely not wondering where his nipples are.

“Yes, thank you,” Celyn says.

I let him in and check outside. His party isn’t here- he’s come all by himself so early in the morning.

“I’m not really open for business yet,” I say, scratching my neck over of the half-cleaned-up-store around me, “But I’m happy to help you if you don’t mind the mess. I’m just happy you found the shop- all I have outside is a generic needle and thread sign. I need to put the name out there. A Stitch in Time.”

“It’s a good name,” Celyn says, shuffling his feet. “Um… I’m sorry about last night. I’m not the best at conversation. My party was encouraging me to … well, let’s ignore what they were saying.

I am so very, very curious, and so very, very embarrassed, but I don’t press. For now. “It’s fine! Everything’s fine. You’re fine. Except for your shirt. And pants. I can fix those!”

Celyn stares at the floor, obviously embarrassed by something. “I’m sure you can, but I have an … interesting problem. I was really hoping you could help me with it.

“I’m a druid, and I’m responsible for keeping my party’s defenses up. I carry a lot of enchanted berries, and they’re very powerful- and very tasty, too. So … I’m the first to get attacked by wild animals. Every time.”

“Ooooooohhh,” I say, looking at his shredded shorts. “Do you have a scent-proof bag?”

“Yes,” Celyn says, “But it doesn’t do me much good when I have to open it up and enchant the berries every day or so, and I can’t stop the animals from going after me. The berry smell gets everywhere. Um, I’m a member of the Circle of Dreams- do you know our customs?”

I nod, and he gives a sigh of relief. I think for a moment. I know his circle’s rules- his clothes and armor need to be as close to their natural forms as possible, no manufactured materials or refined metal. The lighter, the better, so he be nimble in a fight, like dreams themselves.

If the berry smell gets everywhere, then everything he’s wearing needs to be cleaned regularly. Even what he’s wearing now.

I have decisions to make.


What should I suggest to keep the berry scent off his clothes?
1. Cover the scent up with ______________
2. Make the clothing scent-resistant by __________________
3. Sell him cleaning agents
4. Other: _____________

Should I be thorough and ask him to get rid of everything berry-scented he’s wearing now?
A. Yes! Everything must go!
B. Yes, but he can keep the underwear.
C. No, he can get rid of his clothes later, or wash them on his own time.

What clothes should I suggest for Celyn, a druid healer?
I. Robes
II. Padded Armor
III. Leather Armor
IV. Vest and shorts
V. Other

Cover the scent up with: marigolds, for a smell that wards animals but not people. He can ditch the clothes later. Padded armor to better resist animal attacks.

Armor that's as close to its natural form as possible would probably involve layered hide and furs. Or dragonscale, but I doubt that's within his price range. I feel like other sources of animal scales would be too heavy to work as a full suit, but maybe just in vital spots...

I feel like he'd need to either apply a dangerous animal's scent to his clothing to scare off attackers, or splurge on an anti-scent enchantment...

So basically:
1 or 2 depending on his budget and how much he would dislike his clothes smelling like an animal
B because that's professional and probably JUST lewd enough to be enjoyable without scaring him off.
V: some sort of tough animal hide/leather(is leather better or worse for him? It's processed, but definitely more protective for sure) armor, reinforced with scales over vital spots. You can make it look nice with fur in places.

1: cover up the scent, something unappetizing to wild animals

A: everything must go! look how tattered and ratty his clothes are, better to start fresh.

II: padded armor, if he's going to be attacked he should be well defended

4: Let's teach Celyn a few common remedies for removing the scent from clothing instead of making him something special. A bit of baking soda or Sandalwood in his clothing bag will leave his clothes with a nice neutral scent. If he only carries one outfit at a time, then a natural air freshener or cologne of some sort could overpower the berry scent with something that won't attract animals. A bottle of lavender oil could probably do the trick, with the added bonus of helping him rest at night!

B: Though the scent can be treated, those pants are shredded. We shouldn't let him walk out in rags, so we should encourage him to get rid of them. He can keep the underwear as long as they aren't in bad condition. (Though if we're feeling frisky, looking through a single layer shouldn't take up too much of our monocle's energy :wink::wink:)

II: Padded armor is the way to go. Cloth is far closer to the plants they originally were than leather is to a cow. It'll fit his circle's beliefs nicely, and make for a happy customer!

Saiorse 2021/12/12(Sun)13:51 No. 1017184 ID: 8483cf
File 163934588708.png - (148.30KB , 661x1181 , CR_32.png )

“I have just the trick for you,” I say. “There’s plenty of ways to clean clothing in the field, and if you have spares, I have some powders and sandalwood to keep the scent neutral. If you can grow specific plants, you might even be able to cover up the scent!”

“As for new clothes…” I look Celyn up and down. “I have a padded gambeson in your size. Combined with your enchantments, it’ll stand up to wild animals no problem.”

“Good,” Celyn says, and he lets out a breath of relief. “My party is calling me the chew toy. I don’t mind the teasing, but the awkward part is they’re usually right.”

“Oh, dear,” I say. “Well, first things first: let’s get you something to wear. Then I can teach you how to de-berry your clothes.” I point to the changing stall. “You can hop in there and get rid of those ragged shorts.” My heart beats a little faster. “Do you mind if I take a few measurements when you’re ready?”

Celyn glances down at himself, obviously wondering what kind of measurements I’ll be taking that require his pants to be off- but he brushes the question aside and nods.

“Great!” I give him a big smile. “Your headband is probably fine, but the flowers are wilting- they’d need replacing soon anyway. I could make you something special if you want.”

“I’ll grow a new one,” Celyn says shyly. He takes off his headband and rubs the flowers nervously between his fingers. “Thanks, though.” He glances at the door to the shop.

“We’re not open yet. It’s locked,” I say. “Nobody’s gonna barge in, if you want to just take them off right here.”

Celyn still heads for the changing stall. Just like Elaine, he undresses with the curtains closed, then opens them when he’s done. I guess privacy is important when undressing, but not when they’re undressed, if that makes any sense.

He pulls back the curtains, and OH SWEET MERCY he’s standing there in nothing but a jock strap and collar.

I am a PRO FES SHUN AL and only do a single double take.

I grab my measuring tape and quickly take his measurements, being as professional as I can despite the fact that he is incredibly cute and oh my goodness look at that butt.

“Celyn?” I do my best to keep my voice level. “Could you lift your tail for me, please? I have to get your inseam.”

He lifts his tail. I have to remind myself to keep measuring.

I finish, and he just kind of stands there, still holding his tail like an obedient puppy. I am SORELY tempted to see what else I can get him to do.

But that would be unprofessional.

Should I have a little playful fun and get Celyn to follow my commands?
1. Yes! Have lots of fun with it!
2. Yes, but only order him to pose for armor measurements. It’s not really necessary, though, but maybe he’s used to following orders?
3. No, don’t order him to do anything- it’s not needed.

What should I talk with him about to make him comfy?
A. His druidic circle
B. His adventuring party
C. His current quest
D. Busalla and the local town
E. Delicious food

2
C (to figure out what kind of outfit to make him that could fit his quest.)

2C

And ask if he would like to purchase armor-patching lessons.

2. Talk about the DROODS.

2 C and D!

>>1017184
2, A&C

use monocle to take a peak at his goods

Discuss his adventuring party

>>1017184
We TRY to be profeshunal, but we know the sordid and lewd truth about ourselves.

We can only resist for so long...

2. Get him in a few extended (and sexy) poses. Call them being for 'extra measurements for all athletic situations'. Because frankly, the only chewing that should happen is you on your lip- or maybe that butt- NO.

Talk about C (and maybe swoon over whatever it is he's doing because MY GOD HE'S CUTE)

2C and I second using the monocle to peek at the goods

2
C

Saiorse 2021/12/13(Mon)22:57 No. 1017344 ID: 8483cf
File 163946506864.png - (112.33KB , 674x1270 , CR_33.png )

Celyn is still holding his tail up and waiting for more directions. In my apprenticeship, I’ve never seen someone present themselves for so long.

No! Don’t stare, Saiorse! You have a job to do!

“You can stop now,” I say. He lets go and his tail immediately plasters between his legs, but stands at attention (but not like that).

He’s ready to take direction, and my instincts tell me to give it to him.

“Let’s make sure the padding doesn’t chafe,” I say. “Celyn, please stand with your arms out.” He raises his arms at once, and I measure his wingspan. “Thank you. Now show me your arms’ range of motion.”

“Like this?” He windmills his arms.

I smile. “Yes, like that. Good!”

He smiles back and I absolutely melt oh my goodness he is so CUTE

I order him through a few more poses, enough to get into a rhythm and for me to get plenty of measurements. He’s loosening up a lot and getting steadily less self-conscious with every direction I give, and just like that we’re making small talk. It’s the complete opposite of last night at the bar.

He tells me about how his circle has asked him to check up on the local wildlife. The animals have been growing agitated and extremely aggressive lately, and it’s not clear why. Celyn’s been trying to commune with the local fairies to see what the matter is, but they’ve been hard to find.

“I ran into a fairy last night,” I say, directing him into another pose, slightly more risqué. “She was green, with pink triangle-teardrop markings on her wings.”

“Green fairy… hmmm…” Celyn takes the pose without hesitation. I bite my lip at Celyn’s display and give him a thumbs-up, then turn around and fan myself. It’s getting hot in here.

“Oh!” Celyn says. “I saw her last night, too. Her name was Clover.”

That’s weird; I thought her name was Zinnia. Was my lens wrong? I take it out of my apron pocket and pop it over my eye. I’m shocked to see how little power it has left. Does it still work? Was it malfunctioning yesterday?

I should test it. Just to make sure. Right! It’s only practical.

I glance over my shoulder. Celyn is relaxing against the shelving, perfectly calm and content, practically presenting his package for inspection.

“Clover’s not helping me very much,” he says. “I tried to ask about the local fairies, but she’s too shy to talk to anyone but her adventuring companion.”

I quickly click the button to take a peek under that jockstrap and nearly faint.

Every inch of him is perfect. I quickly turn off the lens as quickly as I can, but not before I confirm that yes, it’s correctly displaying his name as Celyn of Everspring.

There’s no going back from what I’ve seen. I need Celyn. I need him real bad.

Flirting with him the way I did last night didn’t work. I have to try again! But how? How do I ask him out? Or should I just tackle him right here and… no! I have a job to do!

How should I act to get Celyn to like me back?
1. Polite and professional! I should ask him out once we’re done.
2. Assertive and bold! Order him to come back to my shop later and bring flowers, ‘cause it’s a date!
3. Coy and flirtatious: It’s getting hot in here! (it really is, I can’t handle it)
4. Other

We're not cool enough to be coy about this, and while we tout ourselves as PRO FESH UN AL, that's debatable as well. I say we take an assertive stance here and just say what we want: Him on a date with us. So that's a vote for 2 from me, be bold!

Prrrofessional.

2. He wants to be told what to do. So take charge.

>>1017344
2!

"I'm glad you've loosened up so much! ...do you think you've loosened up enough to keep me company tonight? I think you have."

>>1017344
B, and you got a different name because the monocle gave you the fairy's true fey name! Thats powerful!

>>1017344
"by the way, just in case there's any room for doubt: yes, I am flirting with you while I work. do with that as you will~!"

Prepare some lace. Feeling fancy and looking lavish too.

Saiorse 2021/12/18(Sat)00:49 No. 1017715 ID: 8483cf
File 163981739781.png - (111.87KB , 1040x531 , CR_34.png )

Celyn’s clearly most comfortable when he’s being told what to do. I can’t leave any room for doubt! I have to make it clear I’m interested in him, and tell him how to step up and wow me back!

But I can’t flirt with him now, not when he’s standing there in his underwear. I need to do my job, and THEN flirt as hard as I can!

I make more small talk with him, and Celyn tells me about his adventuring party. When he asked around about who was interested in going into the mountains, he found a human warrior (Giuseppe Giovanni Giorgio) and half-elf bard (Cierce Cormorant).

Giuseppe is making good money from a local land speculator by bringing in proof he’s managing the aggressive animal problem (e.g. ears and heads). Cierce is trying to find any remains of what might have been an elven settlement from a thousand years ago, before the war between humans and elves.

While Celyn talks, I pour my focus into tailoring a set of padded armor for him, and making sure the materials are as close to natural as possible. That means the fastenings are a little weaker than metal buttons, but I put enough of them down the front that it shouldn’t matter.

Celyn watches as I work and his tail is wagging and it is just TOO CUTE. Everything about him is just so happy and eager and I need him like I need air. I distract myself by telling him all about how to de-scent his armor and how much cleaning reagents to use, and to keep other outfits from getting berry’d.

Somehow, I finish my work without swooning. It’s simple: no decoration, no frills; just sleeves and leggings, and extra padding over the naughty bits. It’ll stand up to a good gnawing and slashing, no problem. Of course, if he’s fighting against swords and spears, those might do some damage to his clothes, but his protection spells will keep him safe, just like every other adventurer.

“Does the armor fit okay?” I ask.

“It’s great!” Celyn beams. “It’s so free! Those extra poses really must have helped.”

“They did!” I giggle.

“How much do I owe you?”

“Well… Let’s see!” Now’s the perfect time to flirt! I pull out a quill and paper to add up the prices, and lick the quill tip just a little lewdly before dipping it in the inkwell. “Here’s the price of the armor and fitting, and here’s the price for the reagents. And here is a quick reminder of how to clean up that berry scent. And here are my favorite kinds of flowers!”

“Flowers?” Celyn looks at me all confused like.

“Uh-huh!” I give him what I think are bedroom eyes that I really hope isn’t me looking stupid. “Those are very important because if you want to give pretty girls gifts when you visit their shops, you can give them a nice big druid bouquet!” I lean forward and look him deep in the eyes. “And yes, in case there’s any room for doubt … Yes, I am flirting with you right now. Do with that as you will~!”

“O-oh!” Celyn’s tail wags exactly three times before he catches himself and clears his throat. “I’m going to be out of town for the next few days, but… hypothetically…. Do you like getting flowers on Fridays? Maybe this Friday specifically?”

“I love Friday flowers.” I give him my biggest smile. “It’s a date!”

Celyn is smiling back and my heart, it’s MELTING

He pays me and I don’t even count the money cause really who needs money when you have cute boys

“See you Friday!” I call after him dreamily.

“Friday!” he echoes back, and steps outside the door in his padded armor that fits so well I am so PROUD.

Everything is nice. Better than nice. Everything is great. I glide over to make lunch on the stove and am just so very, very happy that everything is so great. I have some time to myself to do things other than giggle with glee over my date.

What should I while I wait for a new customer?

A. Finish cleaning up the shop floor
B. Paint the shop’s name on the sign, so it’s properly decorated with A Stitch in Time
C. Prepare some lace for if Tineola drops by for food
D. Brainstorm ideas for how to increase sales, how to handle more than one customer at a time, and scale up my business, including hiring assistants

A. Then B.

>>1017715
We can do C while we do A, presumably we have some lace samples already pre-made.

A and then B. If Tineola stops by, she can wait and make a bit of conversation while we prepare lace.

>>1017715
A first, and then C. Branding can wait.

>>1017715
Gonna say A and B.

Saiorse 2021/12/21(Tue)22:33 No. 1018047 ID: 8483cf
File 164015480326.png - (116.99KB , 640x1002 , CR_35.png )

I groan at the prospect of finishing the clean-up work. It’s boring. It’s agonizing. It’s dull. It’s also necessary if I want to put on a professional appearance.

It takes a while (mostly because I keep getting distracted and daydreaming), but I finish my clean-up. Hooraaaaaay.

Still, there’s no one dropping by. Maybe I need to make my sign more visible? I grab a set of leftover paints and a brush from the last tenant, take down the sign for a bit, and get to work painting the name on. Branding is important!

I’m almost done when there’s a tug on my sleeve.

“Excuse me. Pardon me. Are you the tailor I have just been so kindly reminded that I have, in fact, promised to visit first thing five hours ago?”

I turn around and there’s an arctic fox spirit- no, an arctic fox girl – standing there in what appears to be a light pink shift. She swooshes her tail idly, giving a peek of a drop seat for her tail in back. It’s not a shift- she’s actually wearing pajamas in the middle of the street, confirming what I overheard last night. If my lens was right, her name’s Naomi.

“That’s me!” I say. “Can I help you?”

“Yep!” she responds. “But hey- are you looking to make that sign really pop? I can make it sparkle! For a small, small discount on some clothes, of course!”

“I’ll think about it,” I say. “I’m a little short on cash right now. It’s my first day open.”

Naomi shrugs. “Your choice. But I don’t make this offer to every shopkeeper out there! You’d be super special. It’ll really bring in business, or my name’s not Naomi von Minga! You can tell how trustworthy I am because of the von Minga.”

I’m not sure how trustworthy she is, or what the von Minga means, but I consider her offer anyway. I open the door and lead her in. “So what brings you here?”

“I’ve been told I need shoes. And actual clothes for this unbearably hot weather you’ve got here.”

“It’s not even that hot,” I say. “Um, are you sure it isn’t… you know…”

“My fur? No, I never considered the possibility that all this fur was contributing to it.” Naomi rolls her eyes. “Of course it’s my fur.” She hops up on a bench and fans herself. “Whoof! You probably had the stove going for lunch, didn’t you? It’s a sauna in here.”

“Um. I did,” I say, unexpectedly flustered. I can’t lose a customer just because it’s too hot in here!

“Ugh,” Naomi flaps her skirts.

How do I offer to cool Naomi down?
A. Keep the door and windows propped open extra wide.
B. Grab a clipboard or something else and try to cool her down by fanning her.
C. Get her some nice ice-cold drinks.
D. Offer to lock the door and windows to let her strip down while she shops.
E. Other

Let's shutter the blinds so she can shop in comfort, and the buff.

C & D

D "anyway, i wasn't going to ask if your fur was making you hot, i was thinking more your dress . Even though it's not that hot out, it isn't winter or autumn, and you are wearing a long sleeved dress over your furcoat... ummm. Since youre already getting new clothes, you could remove what you have on now until we get you something lighter to wear. i'll lock the store up and get you some water."

C: Get her a glass of water. With ice!

C
D

E - Oh! You have mass-produced enchantments don't you? Are any of them related to heat protection, and do you have a sampler item she could try on while you get ready? Give it to her to wear if so or maybe you can whip up something quick-like! It'd be like a test of what you could offer her!

D - A nice cool drink might also do wonders, she could be a bit dehydrated from the heat (or yesterday's drinking... probably yesterday's drinking).

Anyway, it should be useful from time to time to keep a bead on the customer's mood so you know if what you're doing is working... so check Naomi's aura! How is she feeling? This could be a great opportunity to identify what color matches 'annoyed' - and possibly which is 'pleased', if you can ease her heat problem a bit.

C and D. We were going to have to ask her to strip to take her measurements anyways. Get her some nice cold water or whatever else you've got, and hopwfully it'll be enough.

>>1018047
c and d.

also, if she's offering to enchant our sign into an eye catching neon for a discount, we absolutely NEED to take that. that will draw in so many customers, god damn

as for preemptive cooling ideas, mesh air vents are always smart.

1/3 Saiorse 2021/12/22(Wed)13:58 No. 1018104 ID: 8483cf
File 164021029236.png - (95.30KB , 650x596 , CR_36.png )

I have to cool Naomi down, or else she’ll walk out the door and I’m gonna lose a customer- a customer that can make my sign glow and blink and sparkle! That is NOT OKAY.

I briefly consider opening the door and windows as wide as they’ll go, but that would take time, and it would be bad for privacy. I wish I could give her an enchanted t-shirt or something with an endure elements enchantment, but all the mass-produced enchantments affect the clothes themselves, not the wearer. They’re mostly strengthening, stiffening, or resistance spells, with a few fun ones that don’t do much but look fancy. The dozens of mass-produced enchantments I have aren’t really “smart” spells (the kind that ramp up or down based on the user or the environment); they’re meant to cast during the stitching process, be always-on, and last for a good amount of time without needing to recharge, usually six months or so.

If I’m going to keep Naomi here, I need to let her cool off as fast as possible.

“Well…” I give her a shrug. “I wasn’t actually going to ask about your fur. Summer’s just starting, and you’re wearing a long sleeved-outfit.”

Naomi glances down at her arms and frowns slightly.

“You don’t have to keep that on,” I say. “It’s fine if you want to take it off while we find something lighter to wear. I could lock the door to give you privacy while you shop.”

“You sure?” Naomi asks hesitantly. “You might lose customers, locking the door on your first day open. Weren’t you short on cash?”

“I can’t really serve more than one customer at a time anyway,” I say. “Why don’t I get you some ice water while I’m at it?”

Naomi’s ears perk up at the mention of a cold drink. “Yeah, that’s good!” She bites her lip, considering her options. “If it’s just me…” She sighs. “All right. Go ahead and lock that door. Give me the VIP treatment!”

Naomi’s eyes follow me as I lock up and check that the shutters are tight. The moment I give her the thumbs-up, she undoes her pajamas’ drop seat shucks them over her head. She has short, vivid ice-blue fur on her belly and chest. Her upper arms and legs are lined with light blue streaks, some of which end in vivid turquoise highlights, the same color as her chest.

“Whoo!” she says, fanning herself with a hand. “Still pretty hot, but that drink’ll help. Ugh!”

Naomi’s tugging on her bra straps uncomfortably. Well, if she’s not going to propose it, then I’ll be the one to say it.

“Um…” I scratch my neck. I hope this doesn’t sound awkward. “You can go au naturel if you want.”

“Huh?” Naomi’s tail swishes in indecision. “Really? Is that okay?”

“It’s fine,” I say.

Naomi glances at the door, then down at herself, then throws caution (and her underwear) to the wind.

“Oh, yeah,” she says. “That’s way better.”

Aaaand she’s definitely a natural pink.

I quickly look away and busy myself getting some chilled water and ice from the icebox.

2/3 Saiorse 2021/12/22(Wed)13:58 No. 1018105 ID: 8483cf
File 164021032189.png - (315.00KB , 804x1355 , CR_37.png )

I come back with the drink. Naomi is still getting used to the idea of walking around a shop in the buff; her ears are flat to her head and her fluffy tail is plastered between her legs. I’m feeling confident I can lighten the mood, though; I had practice with Elaine and, I got Celyn comfortable eventually. I’m sure I can pep Naomi up.

“Here you go! One ice water for the VIP,” I smile. She swipes the glass out of my hands and gulps the water down with gusto. I guess arctic foxes don’t get brain freeze.

“Good! Good!” she says, licking her chops. She thrusts it back towards me. “Another!”

“Three more, coming up. Let me know if you see any styles you like while you’re waiting.”

I grab two additional glasses and by the time I’m done filling them up she’s started browsing. That’s a good sign.

“I’ll leave your water here.” I set the glasses down on a workbench.

“Yes!” Naomi says, downing her second as quick as she can. She stretches out and swishes her tail back and forth. “This feels real nice.”

“I’m happy you’re comfy! You said you wanted shoes, right? And I’m presuming a lighter outfit, too?”

Naomi nods. “Yeah. Sort of.”

“Sort of?”

“You mentioned I was wearing long sleeves,” she says, reaching for a third glass. “You see these patterns on my arms? They’re personal. And they change sometimes, when the heavens change houses. I don’t exactly go around showing my patterns off.”

“So you prefer something that covers up your patterns,” I note.

“Yeah.” Naomi holds the cold glass to her chest and looks down at herself. “And let’s be 100% clear up front: on top of that, I’m not okay with any outfit that shows even a peek of my tummy.” She points at the turquoise starting below her collarbone. “So there’s the job. Think you can handle it?”

“I’ll see what I can do,” I say. “May I take your measurements?”

“Go for it,” Naomi says, holding her arms out.

I take Naomi’s measurements and ponder my options. This is going to be tough. She obviously wants to keep her long sleeves, and showing her midriff is absolutely out of the question.

3/3 Saiorse 2021/12/22(Wed)13:58 No. 1018106 ID: 8483cf
File 164021033672.png - (76.64KB , 408x568 , CR_38.png )

“Tail up, please,” I say, and she lifts obligingly. Her turquoise pattern continues between her legs, but I note that it doesn’t extend to her inner thighs. A leotard might work if she could be convinced to show the patterns on her legs. She’s a 28C, so I can design the leotard to fit her bust without a problem.

She wears a dress right now, so people can already see glimpses of the patterns on her lower thighs if she moves around too much. Maybe she can be convinced to show a little more in the name of keeping cool? If not, mesh vents would help- but I have to make sure the vents don’t allow any glimpses of turquoise. It would mean having a little bit more of an under-layer, and that increases the price. If I’m going to give her a discount on that, I can’t make it too big.

If I want to make a deal with her, I could use my lens to sense her aura and figure out how much she’s willing to haggle on the discount. That would for sure drain my lens’s power, and I don’t know how to recharge it.

What base layer should I propose to keep Naomi cool?
1. None
2. Regular underwear
3. Breathable leotard and panties underneath
4. Other

Should I prioritize cooling or coverage in outfit design?
A. Maximum cool; she could get heatstroke if we don’t go lightweight!
B. Lightweight materials with okay coverage, but some potential for peeks of patterns, such as a loose skirt.
C. Keep everything covered by default, including arms and thighs, but have option to remove portions.
D. Maximum coverage; I can sew more vents in, and maybe invest in cooling enchantments later, but she’ll love me for following directions and maximizing durability in combat. Expensive: good for my profits, too!

Should I use the last of my lens’s energy to get a better deal on enchanting my sign with neon?
I. Yes, use the lens and negotiate the best deal/discount for me.
II. Don’t use the lens, but negotiate the sign for a discount on Naomi’s clothes.
III. Don’t use the lens, and don’t take her offer to enchant the sign.

Breathable leotard, and D. Removable portions have the problem of coming off when you don't want them to, vents are an interesting challenge and look cool to boot!
Use the lens to get your sign bejazzled.

How about some silk robes? Each piece can be taken off in seconds, but together they make a tasteful, wholesome - well, sort-of-wholesome-not-really - ensemble. Yes.
Maximum coverage but she can take off whatever is too hot. (And of course, if she loses armor pieces you can sell her replacements. Especially handy if she wants to tease her suitors with articles of collectible clothing.)

Haggle without the magic lens - she might detect it.

>>1018106
3 and D, just bear in mind the discount. Try to keep it above materials costs at the very least, and we're gonna need to avoid too many more discounts moving forward.

As for using the lens, yeah, we should go for that.

3- It sounds like she'd want it for privacy, despite the complications even a breathable added layer would give involving heat. There's also secondary benefits to a secondary layer - as an adventurer she's liable to get her outer clothing gets compromised at SOME point and having a layer of underwear will then keep her in the fight rather than be busy covering up (at least that's what you can sell it as).

She may wish to invest in those cooling enchantments in the future, to be honest. Sounds like it'd be worth it to her, at least for summertime clothes, or if she travels to even warmer climes. And if she'd be investing in cooling enchantments anyway...

D - Recommend the full package.

II - With such a hefty purchase, she will for sure need the discount, and we'd want her coming back for those cooling enchantments so we shouldn't gouge her. Also, even if she's low on cash she can repay you with the "A Stitch in Time" sign (how long will that last, by the way?) which should hopefully pay quick dividends... and you could also ask for her help with recharging the lens!

She is a magic-user, after all! Even if she doesn't know how herself, someone of that community that she knows (her wizard friend) might know how or can find out for you. Favors for favors, yeah? Granted, that doesn't pay as many bills, but it might get you another contact and an additional opportunity for a sale (if you can convince them to drop by and pitch them something).

3, it's a little more expensive so make sure you don't give her too nice of a discount on it. Better haggling should make this alright.

Gonna have to agree with the majority and say D here. She's made it clear that she wants her markings covered, so we should give her exactly what she's asked for. We can split the top and bottom since we're doing a leotard, which will cover the tummy for her, to allow for some airflow in the outfit. It wouldn't be a ton, but it's better than nothing. Also, if we're doing shoes, maybe sandals? About the same brethability as flip flops but far less likely to just lose them.

I, use the lens to negotiate. Even if she catches you with her magic know-how, as long as you don't have any pervy X-Ray modes on you aren't doing anything wrong (and she's already naked, so that wouldn't really matter). When you're done haggling though, maybe ask if she knows how to recharge your monocle. Who knows, if any magic user can do it then you could make a deal with her or someone else to give a discount on your wares for free recharges whenever they stop by.

>>1018106
You can have air circulation while covering everything by utilizing layers. As in, loose cloth covering openings that allow hot air to escape. Perhaps that's what a vent is. Definitely recommend an optimal solution despite the cost. She seems unwilling to compromise on coverage so that's the priority.

2, D, II

2, D, I

Saiorse 2021/12/24(Fri)10:57 No. 1018281 ID: 8483cf
File 164037226575.png - (14.26KB , 680x417 , CR_39.png )

It’s my first day, so for now, the customer is always right!

I put on my lens as surreptitiously as I can and start sifting through my fabrics, describing the options to Naomi and gauging her aura’s baseline. It brightens every time I mention vents and full coverage, and doesn’t seem to dim at all whenever I bring up difficulty or price. She doesn’t seem to be overly concerned about price too much (or at least not enough to affect her mood) and she definitely wants a cooler outfit that keeps her markings 100% covered, even if they move around. She also knows how difficult that is, and she responds well to my confidence in recommending it. She also likes the idea of sandals. Success!

I recommend her a breathable leotard with built-in bust support, but mention that she should still wear panties underneath. She nods approvingly- above all else, she absolutely wants to keep her icy blue tummy concealed.

All of my recommendations make her happy- right up until I tell her how long an outfit with mesh vents will take to make.

“Three days?!” Naomi’s aura sours, turning from a vivid blue to a dour navy. “I can’t roast for three days! I need to go out and adventure! I can’t wait around here and be bored for three whole days! That’s costing me money! Lots of money!”

With my lens (which Naomi still hasn’t noticed as magical), I can see her aura darken on the things she actually cares about: being hot, and being bored. She’s not actually concerned about money or adventuring; she might not even have a job lined up. Her real issue is the time it’ll take me to make the outfit. I can work with that.

“How about I work late?” I say. “If I start right now and work as hard as I can, it’ll be done in two days.”

Naomi pouts. Her aura’s still dour. I need to sweeten the deal.

“Or, if that’s not fast enough, I can make it a high-priority VIP job! If you’re willing to pay extra, I’ll go from sunup to sundown, and I’ll work on your outfit- and only your outfit- until it’s done. That way I can guarantee no distractions, and I’ll have it done by tomorrow evening!”

“That’s still a day of sitting around doing nothing!” Naomi says. “You’d better give me a big discount for that. No extra fee for VIP.”

She’s not actually looking for a discount- she’s just bored. If I give her something to do, I think she’ll take the deal.

“I can’t give you a big discount on such an important VIP project,” I say. “But how about you take a little time to enchant my sign? I might bring the rate down to normal if you do that. And I’ll have the sandals done today, so you can at least go out adventuring in your paja- I mean, regular clothes.”

Naomi’s aura is still sour. She might not take the deal unless I can guarantee she’ll be cool tomorrow, and give her something to do when she’s done with the sign. I have to make this sale! This is BIG MONEY. I’m about to get what is essentially a free neon sign and a major high-quality sale (but I’ll be working hard for a day and a half to do it).

It pains me to do it, but I could guarantee the sale at this price if I tell Naomi about my secret swimming place. It would cool her down and she’d probably have lots of fun- but then it wouldn’t be my own personal secret hideaway anymore.

Should I guarantee the awesome sale and free sign by telling Naomi about my secret swimming place?

Share the swimming location. It probably isn't really a secret anyways, locals definitely found it before you, and would we really be upset to find Naomi there in either a swimsuit or underwear? Just ask her to keep it secret. She won't, but if she's trying she might at least tell fewer people than she would otherwise.

>>1018282
Yeah, makes sense to me

tell her!

Nah, don't mix business and pleasure. She'll have to freeroam to discover that secret. Can you give her a quest to retrieve fifty bear asses or something?

Reveal the deets

Saiorse 2021/12/24(Fri)13:15 No. 1018290 ID: 8483cf
File 164038053601.png - (124.35KB , 644x816 , CR_40.png )

I could probably make the sale (and get the sign) without telling Naomi about my secret swimming spot, but the way she’s acting, she just might walk away in a huff, realize she still needs a new outfit, then come back with her more-responsible wizard friend who cares about money. I have to close the deal now, and make Naomi happy enough to defend the price!

Naomi’s insistence on how trustworthy she is makes me suspicious. I’m pretty sure she’ll let the secret slip to the adventuring crowd, and my spot won’t be secret for long. But worst-case, the swimming spot might get popular. Maybe I could start selling swimsuits?

I prrrroooooobably won’t need to make them as sturdy as my other outfits…

“You drive a hard bargain,” I say, and put on a show of lowering my voice and leaning close. “Can you keep a secret?”

“Yeah! I’m great at keeping secrets,” Naomi says eagerly. “Tell me! What is it?”

“Only if you promise to keep it to yourself,” I say solemnly.

“I promise!”

“Good! There’s a hidden riverbank about fifteen minutes’ walk from here,” I whisper. “There’s brick walls sealing it off from the streets everywhere but one little gap, and the river bends just right so no one can see you take a dip. It’s perfect to cool off in privacy.”

“Really?” Naomi’s eyes go wide. “How do I get there?”

I give her the directions to the gap between buildings, and where to look for the hole in the brick walls to climb down to the riverbank. She takes it all in eagerly.

“That should let you cool off tomorrow while you wait,” I say. “Between that and the sign, time will fly! You’ll have a new outfit before you know it.”

“Yeah!” Naomi gives me a big smile. “I can’t wait! Let’s do it! How much was it again?”

I tell her, and she agrees to the price without batting an eye and I am absolutely STOKED FOR THIS

“It’s a deal!” I immediately start pulling out soles and start fitting Naomi’s new sandals. “No time to waste. Do you mind if I give you details for how I’d like the sign to look? And what colors to use?”

Naomi nods and listens closely. We get through the fitting and adjusting and describing, and when we’re done, Naomi leaves in her pajamas with a nice new pair of sandals, carrying my sign over her shoulder to work on it first thing tomorrow.

As for me, I’ve got a long day and a half of highly paid work to do!

Donut 2021/12/24(Fri)13:16 No. 1018291 ID: 8483cf
File 164038056211.png - (119.52KB , 687x549 , CR_Title.png )

CLOTHING REPAIR will now take a break!

There will be a brief timeskip for the local adventurers to go adventuring, and for Saiorse to work on Naomi’s outfit and build up extra lace and food for Tineola, and other necessary restocking after her first few customers.

While we wait for this to finish, CLOTHING REPAIR will update with glimpses of what the adventurers are doing in the meantime.

Feel free to suggest which adventurers we see and what they’re doing!

Let's see how long Tineola takes to realize her invisibility enchantment has some strings attached.

The Wizard Samantha Stevens, her shopping complete, peacefully reading a book and drinking chilled lemonade in a tavern - until a giddy Naomi drops by, chugs her drink and asks to borrow a change of swimwear - something fully-body, please! Or maybe an illusion spell could do. Samantha's not using her spells on anything now anyway, right? Riiiiight?

a completely normal middle-aged salaryman who is totally not suspect or out of place in this high-fantasy setting, and DEFINITELY not asking for very surreptitious modifications to his suit for hazy and unsettling reasons

Knife cat, she will be on a adventure... or maybe she is an assassin and was sent to kill someone. But whatever happened, she failed and her clothes are ruined, causing her to think about visiting our place

Gonna suggest we peek in on Elaine, and see just how well her mission is going. If her robes get damaged and the corset comes out, maybe she'll return our kindness by telling people where she got it from. Of course, she'd probably rush to explain why a monk with a vow of poverty is wearing something so high quality and expensive looking. The idea of being seen as not taking her vow seriously is far worse than a spot of clothing damage.

1/3 Saiorse 2022/05/12(Thu)19:40 No. 1032058 ID: 8483cf
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One exhausting all-nighter (and all day-er) later, Naomi’s outfit is done. I’m absolutely exhausted, but it’s worth every moment when I see that big bag of gold Lira jingling and jangling.

I open it up and carefully set aside this month’s rent, my first month’s repayment to my master for the loan he gave me to start the shop, the cost for resupplying my for materials, some money for groceries, and…

It’s still a good amount of money left over.

This pile of gold is pure profit, and I haven’t even finished my first week in Busalla.

OH MY GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWDDESS

I wipe my eyes and sniffle. I’m gonna make it. I’m really gonna make it!

I place each gold coin in my pouch and wobble unsteadily to the stairs, but I can’t make it, instead passing out in a strewn pile of lycra.

2/3 Saiorse 2022/05/12(Thu)19:41 No. 1032059 ID: 8483cf
File 165240967036.png - (52.03KB , 857x466 , CR_42.png )

I blearily wake up the next day, still in my work outfit. I’ll need to clean it.

Or not.

I don’t have to work a single day this month if I don’t feel like it.

I giggle. This is a nice feeling.

I roll around on the shop floor and toss my work clothes in every direction, reveling in my complete freedom. Then I fall asleep again, this time in a pile of nylon.

I wake back up at noon, slowly this time, and wander over to the kitchen for some food.

I see my sketchbook lying there. I munch on some bread and cheese and doodle ideas for my sign, getting absorbed in the possibilities.

I settle on this one!

Happy with my work, I find some casual clothes and spend an evening back at La Taverna, hoping Celyn is still here. He’s not. In fact, it’s pretty dead tonight. Oh, well.

3/3 Saiorse 2022/05/12(Thu)19:44 No. 1032061 ID: 8483cf
File 165240986550.png - (83.05KB , 472x911 , CR_43.png )

The next day, I wake up a little late and decide to spend a little more energy refining my shop’s brand. I’m still in my nightie, but I open the door and take a look at what I can place in the windowsill.

And of COURSE that’s the moment a sheep girl barges in and asks if I’m the proprietor of this fine establishment.

“Aaah!” I let out a yelp and cover myself. “Y-yes! But can you come back later? Maybe when-”

“Not an option,” the sheep says. “I’ve been told in no uncertain terms that I’ll get arrested if those bloody Censors see me again without some clothes on.”

“Okay, okay!” I wince. “Come in. Let me get dressed at least.”

“Dressed?” the sheep’s eyes narrow. “It’s eleven o’clock. That Wayfinder girl had better be right about you.”

She’s mad. Real mad. But she’s basically being forced to buy something from me, so it’s a guaranteed sale.

How should I treat her?
1. Ask her to please wait while I make myself decent and do my hair up a little. Someone else might come in while we’re working or after she’s done, and I can’t have it get out that I stay in my nightie all day.
2. Ask her to have a look around and sneak into the changing stall and put on the first thing I have in my size.
3. Apologize profusely for my state of dress and just serve her in my nightie.

3 - She wants a rush job, you'll get to charge her extra for a rush job.

>>1032061
2. You'll be advertising your own clothes that way!

2, because if you do 3 then UNDENIABLY somebody else will walk in while you're helping her, and you'll never have a chance to get dressed.

2, Everything you've designed is surely a hit. Right?
Right away if she doesn't want to shear everything else, it's clear she's going to want loose clothes that are good on top of thick wool. Got any bellydancer outfits?

>>1032061
2. She's not going to give this up, and hopefully you've got more than a little fashion sense- as long as it fits you should be good to go.

2

>>1032061
could offer her a sketchpad and have her doodle some ideas for what she wants to wear while you get something on.

Saiorse 2022/05/14(Sat)08:59 No. 1032204 ID: 8483cf
File 165254395828.png - (197.24KB , 944x1129 , CR_44.png )

“Um, it’s nice to meet you,” I say, guiding her inside and hastily shutting the door behind. “I’m Saiorse.”

“Lamisa,” the sheep says, glancing around at the mess I’ve made in the last two days. “What a pigsty…”

“Um, I’m very sorry for the mess,” I say. “I just had a big order, and-“

“Yeah, yeah,” Lamisa interrupts. “Just tell me where there’s something in here that’ll make those Censors happy and won’t boil me alive.

I point Lamisa in the direction of some loose wrap dresses made of light fabric. Her hooves stomp loudly on the wood floor despite her small size. I quickly grab a blouse and skirt, slip into the changing stall and whip the curtain closed, shucking my nightie as fast as I can and trying to make myself look somewhat professional in thirty seconds or less. The blouse and skirt aren’t tailored to me- they’re loose and a little big, but they’ll do for now. Thankfully there’s a spare pair of pantyhose lying around too. I do up my hair in a rush. I throw open the curtain and hide my nightie under a table. Pretty good for less than a minute!

I find that Lamisa has abandoned her search for clothes. Instead, she’s standing with her arms crossed and tapping her hoof impatiently.

“Took you long enough,” she says. “Look, I don’t care what it is. I don’t want clothes anyway. Just give me something cheap that won’t get me arrested, and I’ll be on my merry way. Busalla can rot for all I care.”

“Are you sure?” I ask softly. “I know the Censors can be strict, but…”

“I paid for a permit- to wear my own wool, mind you -and the Church is still threatening to arrest me!” she huffs. “It’s all a big scam.”

“I’m sorry the Church isn’t being fair,” I say. “Um… maybe you can get a refund?”

“Fat chance,” Lamisa says. “And now I have to roast all day in this stupid heat in a stupid dress I have to pay for with more money.”

“I used to help my brothers shear wool back home,” I offer. “If it’s really that uncomfortable, I can-“

“Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you?!” Lamisa interjects. “Free wool and a tidy profit off a cheap dress. The Censors are really helping your business, aren’t they?”

I can tell I’m getting nowhere with her. I glance at the ground. “I was going to offer you a discount,” I mumble.

“This isn’t fair,” Lamisa says, ignoring me. “All I wanted to do was go to market, and I can’t even do that without getting fleeced.”

Lamisa is really upset, and I haven’t made a good first impression. I don’t know how she really feels about the idea of shearing some wool off to make clothes more comfortable- it sounds like she can still wear it outside Busalla where the local Censors are more lenient.

How should I deal with Lamisa?
1. Maybe she’s most upset about all the money she’s losing? Give her a nice outfit for free in exchange for her wool- it’s high-quality and I can make it into something comfy later. I can charge extra for “locally sourced ovine wool,” too.
2. Perhaps she’s most upset by feeling judged and singled out by the local Censors. I could make her an outfit that just BARELY passes decency standards, as a way of thumbing her nose at the Church.
3. Or maybe she really likes her wool, and is upset at the idea of giving it up. I could try and make her something comfy and cheap, like she asked.
4. Other

Tempting as 1 is, I think 2 is the way to go here. Lamisa complained about having to roast in a dress, so an outfit with less material would suit her well I imagine. Plus, Censors are terrible horrible people who sell bullshit permits and then don't respect them, so fuck their rules.

2. Less material = less heat = more pissing off the censors.

Though uh, doing that mayyyyy cause you problems later since if she really likes it, she absolutely will advertise your services.

On the other hand she's already in a pissy mood, was recommended to come here, and will likely leave in a bad mood anyway, blaming you and your store, bringing you bad press.

Doing nothing also invites the same but worse problem, and as far as I know you don't have any connections to the clergy to get that permit verified.

Its a lose/lose/lose situation so 2 at least means she'll spend the least on the last amount of clothes and can get out of your hair the fastest at least until she calms down.

I'd also even suggest being more pro-fe-shun-al with her. Cut out the smalltalk, she thinks because you werent prepared and your shop is a mess that you're not a professional, prove it by stepping up your game even if you are a bit tired.

(side note, maybe use some of those funds to hire a weekly maid, yknow, just to make your life easier)

>>1032204
2. Also tell her you can give her a fair price on any wool she is willing to sell.

3. She'd be singled out further if her outfit was toying with the decency standards, and you'd be bringing scrutiny on the tailor who made them too. Perhaps she'll come around on the clothing instead if it's comfy, or you could suggest making it with utility in mind - when you don't want to get your wool dirty with slime or ichor.