Much Ado About Clothing

    It's a lovely day in Eas. The sun is out, the wind is warm and sweet, and the last bits of evening dew are burning from the grass. But that is all happening outside. Inside the theater, where Elly is, matters are far more serious. If admittedly quite joyful. She has summoned Ayame with urgency to assist in her a matter of great importance.

    Ayame has also likely heard the buzz of Elly being suddenly fascinated by the large numbers of crows that have taken up a new home in the area. They were driven off by the earthquakes happening in other parts of the Fourland Dukedom. While some found them annoying, Elly has taken to watching them regularly. She loves their cleverness and elegant flight.

    This all comes together because Elly adds in her call for help that she wishes to make official livery for those working in the theater that incorporates imagery of these new, winged guests.

Ayame does, of course, skitter along. The clack of her heeled boots precedes her, as the Secretarial Sylph slides into the room with a thoughtful expression. Unlike Wake, she rarely changes; still the same skirt, shirt, with quiet embellishments and security she wears each day. The clipboard is new, and she plays with a half-constructed pen fixed to it as she walks in, thoughtful and glancing for the Baroness.

On spying her, there is a polite bow of her head, a smile, but no words, not yet. As for the crows? She's done little with them. A shield is a wonderful deterrent.

    Elly is not alone. When Ayame finds her, the baroness is upon the stage, flanked by two rolling clothes racks upon which at least two dozen outfits hang. They are mostly black, but there are also a few white and red variants. It is difficult to determine just what they are like until one comes close.

    "Hello, Ayame!"

    Elly's voice is pleased, and her eyes twinkle with delight. She is, no doubt, up to something. Oh, and on the matter of clothing, she is wearing a tight, black dress with a long skirt, slit on the left side. It is hard to tell at first glance just how high that slit goes. Which is probably for the best. The top is high necked, but with a cut out to reveal a pale diamond of cleavage below her throat. In silver threads, crows are on the bodice, carrying the Rose of Eas in their talons.

    "I hope I did not cause too serious a disruption in your day. As you can see, there is much to be considered here."

Ayame's eyes narrow behind her half-moon spectacles, and her fingers tap against the clipboard as she closes the gap. Her suspicion is worn openly, as she appraises Elly, up, down, before she turns her eyes slightly to the racks, and then back to the Baroness.

"My time is at your disposal, Lady Bombast" She assures with a small, quick smile "But I admit, I'm not sure what you called upon it for. How might I be of service?"

    That suspicious look is simply too much for Elly. She breaks into a fit of most unbecoming giggles. Ayame does not say it, but Elly knows she has been busted.

    "I want you to try on some clothes with me!"

    Her smile, innocent as can be, only lasts a short time. And then she has such a guilty face that it is truly comical.

    Trying her very best to resume a professional demeanor, she turns back to the clothing rack. It is, on its face, a rather sudden choice of a garment. White. And this is offered to Ayame.

    "Perhaps start with this one?"

    She doesn't say that Morri and Gwen put these cuts and designs together. That would ruin the surprise!

Ayame gives Elly a long, slow look, as she attempts to negotiate the trap. Working through a conversation with the Baroness is rather like tapdancing through quicksand; it's all well and good until you find yourself up to the neck and still sinking.

Still, she gives another smile, taking the white garment and accessing her menu with the other hand, shaking her head as she begins to don it "So what are these for?" She asks, interested despite herself, as her gloved fingers switch her outfits

    "I want to have dedicated staff to care for the theater. It will be a combination of practical matters and a sort of religious dedication to the arts."

    Which explains the apparel choices. They go from revealing to even more revealing. The influence of crows and roses is very subtle. Their shapes are found on the backs of the long gloves, either in black (on the white gloves) or gold (on the black gloves). They consist of stockings, garters, short skirts, and gauzy, thin tops. Hooded cloaks of an even lighter nature are added to the work. The shoes, as one would expect, are impractical. Fortunately in the game, the pain of such things is greatly reduced.

    As Ayame tries the white, Elly tries the black. It is hardly fun to play dress-up alone!

Ayame adds a strong contrast to the white attire, as her cheeks flame brightly and she clutches her clipboard to her chest as she looks at herself, and then at Elly, raising an eyebrow "Really. Really?" She asks, exasperated and amused all at once, keeping what decorum and dignity she is able to, shifting in the light, delicate fabrics.

"Well, your staff would have to be dedicated to wear these ..."

    "It is a dedication to the Beautiful One, my sweet."

    Elly laughs, walking around Ayame. You cannot hide from her behind that clipboard, Ayame! She herself is not blushing. To get her to blush would be quite an achievement. She rather delights in the black version of the outfit. She is the dark to Ayame's light. A strange feeling, to be sure, but it is appropriate.

    "So... tell me how I pretty I am."

    She giggles again, her posture self-deprecating. She is standing in front of Ayame and turns around, pausing to shake her bottom in a most playful way.

    "Does this look appropriate for a Baroness? Or a Priestess of the Beautiful One?"

"Quite suitable for such a priestess, I admit" Ayame says with a half-smile, turning with Elly's movements to keep trying to face her, though she does not quite stop herself being circled! "And it does suit you quite distinctly" She assures, taking a moment to clear her throat

"The, ah, brevity of the attire will allow the natural assets of your staff to be quite visible, should they wish. The gloves and cloaks add a certain playful mystique, I suppose, if you want to look at this that way" As she attempts to collect herself, and give a formal evaluation, her cheeks quite heated

    Elly pauses in front of Ayame. She will reach out for the clipboard. "Oh, and it is fortunate you brought this. We should record what our thoughts are of each. I think you look breathtaking in yours. I mean to say, that the outfit is certainly in the running to be chosen."

    Elly looks at herself and laughs again. She has a way of moving that can seem so casual in intent and yet hints at other things. She is, in short, teasing horribly.

    "I cannot help but notice that you do not seem to approve of me in this clothing."

The look that Ayame gives at that is a mixture of frustration, amusement, and embarrassment. It is one she seems to find herself wearing increasingly around Elly, even as she smiles faintly and surrenders the clipboard "Well, you should certainly record your impression" She agrees reluctantly.

"As for my own? You impress, as ever. I think the black is certainly more formal, and would allow one to work more smoothly in a theatre. The white would likely be better suited for roles people need to see; assistants, that sort of thing"

And another slow look "But you're very pretty in it" She says finally.

    Elly is certainly aware of how much duress she is inflicting upon her secretary. Well, so much more than secretary. Ayame is the one that keeps Elly on track and moving in the right direction. Plus Elly thinks she is perfectly adorable, sweet, and many other wonderful things besides. Upon reflection, Elly would say...

    "You are a very good partner, Ayame, to handle all the difficulties I put you through."

    She does make notes on the clipboard. They are not frivolous. She likes the idea of two colors to be used. Perhaps more should be considered? She has thoughts on what Ayame is wearing. Shockingly, she wants the skirts to be lengthened by 6cm. As it is, the wind through a door might flip it higher than she wishes.

    "You say kind things to me. Always kind. You bring a grace and beauty to these clothes that others will... well, I fear they will not do so well. Perhaps we should try the next."

"The next" Ayame's steps are short, even shorter than normal, matching the brevity of the suggestion of a skirt as she moves to examine the racks thoughtfully, before she pauses. Another study of Elly, and then she simply extends a hand, a little lightness entering her tone.

"Of course, Baroness. It's important to be honest, I think. And - you do many things, and you always, always, intend the best, and follow your intentions through" She notes, a slightly relaxed edge entering that heavy tone "Please, whichever you think" And it's not even examined, as she moves to tap into the outfit. Her faith, trust in Elly, openly demonstrated as she smiles at the Baroness.

    The next choice has Ayame getting into a black outfit and Elly in red. These are both longer in the skirt, but slit so high as to make little difference. Lace, detached sleeves, a lacy underskirt, and thigh high stockings. All ornately done.

    Elly turns slowly at first, then faster, so that the skirts are carried out in the motion. She pauses suddenly, then laughs quietly at herself. She makes a little show of being dizzy, but does not exaggerate too greatly the playful act.

    "Well, it is remarkable how long a skirt can be and yet achieve so little coverage. However, this does allow for ease of motion! I like the modesty of the chest, though. I am unsure what it says about me, but I feel baring the leg is more appropriate than baring the bosom."

"Generally more socially acceptable" Ayame says mildly "I mean, I wear a skirt to the knee, typically, and high boots" She steps slowly, a hand sliding to grasp and close the slit in the skirt a smidge, and then to twirl slowly, letting the fabric flow freely for a few moments.

"II do agree, though, this is ... certainly focusing the attention downwards. Which I don't typically mind" She admits with a small smile, a fondness creeping into her eyes as she watches Elly's play-acting

    "So you are saying you like this more, then? I think we can both agree. And I had in my mind that the workers here should be women and share their charms. The better to encourage, I hope, the exercise of fertility among those in Eas. We have few people, after all, and much land for those few."

    More softly, she leans in to whisper, "And I greatly appreciate legs, myself. You make those stockings into an art that exceeds anything else in these lands."

    She does not flatter. With Ayame is it simply unnecessary. The truth is enough.

    She looks down over herself again. "I'm thinking there are ways to work in the crow and the rose in ways that are not so over-the-top. I like winding these symbols into things in a way that is almost subliminal."

Ayame's cheeks practically bloom at that commentary, though she does laugh briefly "I suppose your words are spreading a garden of flushes as well" She smiles, tapping her pinked cheeks and shaking her head a little. "I see nothing wrong with your enjoying your preferences. Everybody has their own" She reassures

"I'm sure you can find subtle ways. Roses are a simple floral pattern, and can be woven into most clothing. Then the corvidae can be - be used as accents. Subtle and overt, yes?"

    The blushing of Ayame's cheeks is quite lovely, really. Elly's gaze settles there for some time, enjoying the sight. Then slowly she looks down again, where Ayame has indicated that she does not typically mind it to rest.

    It is a measure of will that Elly must use to ensure she does not blush in turn. Eventually, though, she tears her attention away.

    "There are more to try on," she points out. "Black and white for most. I wonder if perhaps I should have tried more options. I find black to be such an elegant, lovely color. It goes with all other colors so well. It is flexible."

    She centers her focus on the racks. She's not sure which to select next. She looks over her shoulder at Ayame for a moment. Then back.

    "This one, then," she decides. She is not looking when she plucks it from the rack, but she absolutely knows what it is. It's red and she offers it to Ayame.

    "It is time to go for pure class for a truly elegant and lovely woman."

"And what role are you foreseeing for this piece?" Ayame asks demurely, as she dons it via the menu; the long gown flowing, cascading, and even flaring as she turns slowly under Elly's eyes, a small smile coming to her own lips ever so briefly "Perhaps you should share your thoughts on why you're adorning your staff so, and what effects you're hoping to attain with each piece. Then, you can judge it a success or no"

There's certainly a light amusement, teasing, as she takes up the clipboard again, to take down Elly's thoughts on the matter; even as she looks back in turn

    "This work was made to precise specifications," explains Elly. "It was meant to have a lovely, graceful line for a woman who's motions are a delight to the eye. It is lovely, almost as lovely as she is, and though it compliments her considerable charms, it maintains a sense of modesty."

    She looks it over slowly, admiring it greatly. Or, more accurately, to admire the woman who graces this gown. Elly punctuates her compliments with a hand touching Ayame's right shoulder.

    "This is meant for you. And only you, Ayame. I wanted to give you something lovely and that would not likely make you blush too much."

"Well, in that, perhaps a little, you failed a touch" But Ayame smiles as she says it "I do feel exposed. Though not in an unpleasant way?" She hesitates a little "I think it might be nice to be ... admired so, I think. On occasion" She amends, even as she takes notes

    There is, in that moment, a rare hesitation. A debate to express, or not to. It does not last long, but it is notable for it to be allowed to be seen at all. It is not on Elly's behalf that she considers it so. The complexity of her own heart is well understood to her. A breath is drawn in, a smile, and resolution.

    "You are admired always," Elly says gently. "And I am delighted that it brings you pleasure."

    She dares to lean in closer, pressing a soft kiss to Ayame's cheek. "Now... I think it is my turn, yes? Would you like to pick what we try next?"

Ayame smiles a touch, and dips the smallest of curtsies "I think I leave this in your hands. In mine, we would be ... far more modest. Besides, you helped set this up" She chuckles slightly a little, shaking her head

"So. Tell me more. What plans do you have for this place, for this theatre and ... apparent little dating arena?"£

    "Concerts and musicals are my great plans for the theater," explains Elly. "I am hoping to bring some familiar instruments to this world. The piano, first and foremost. I see this as the gem of Eas, the center of what I hope will be the cultural center of the world. A place of music, performance, dancing, and love. Of peace, really. At least, that is my dream."

    She has, as she speaks, been picking the next choices from the rack. It seems that many are similar. Some, it seems, are quite different.

    "I must admit, I am... not entirely certain I recall all of the things I picked. I will try.. this white one, here."

    She does not look it over terribly well before she puts it on. She turns to see Ayame's reaction before she even bothers looking down at herself.

Ayame stares. Her cheeks blossom again, and she coughs, half-hiding her face behind her clipboard, before she smiles! "You do look amazing" She approves "But I wouldn't have the courage to wear it. That ... I think only for very certain times" She notes with a soft cough.

"And yes. A love of peace and the things that come of peace"

    Elly looks down. She doesn't blush! She bursts into a fit of giggles. Frankly, in that outfit, laughter is dangerous! Well, they are grown women. There's nothing unfamiliar to see here!

    "This is.. not quite what I remembered asking for. Perhaps I gave Morri a bit too much creative freedom."

    With another giggle, she says, "I am definitely keeping this, though. I have so many plans." Ayame should be afraid. Or amused. Or happy! Hard to say, really.

    "Okay, let's see.. it is your turn again, isn't it?"

"Sadly, so" Ayame sighs, closing her eyes and holding out a hand. She grasps the offered fabric, and then taps with her other hand, ass they switch places. A pause, a shift, and then her eyes open, a little surprise at the relatively modest dress; certainly, the skirt a trifle short, but otherwise, nothing that would get attention.

"... I'm pleasantly surprised" She murmurs "With tights or leggings, I might actually wear this" She muses, twirling slowly, enough to let it flare slightly

    Elly arches an eyebrow.

    "Sadly?"

    She's teasing. She knows Ayame struggles with this kind of thing. It is rather a minefield for a modest woman.

    Then there is the wearing of that dress. Elly lifts a hand to rub slightly at her temple. Her expression is a bit pained. It's not clear just why at first. The priestess does not leave her partner in suspense long.

    "I never realized that I could get too much of a good thing."

    She giggles at herself. She's trying to admire what she sees-a truly breathtaking expanse of shapely legs-while not being too obvious about it. It's the worst-kept secret in present company that she greatly admires graceful limbs.

    "I truly hope you will," she says at last.

    "Now, to set things to rights again."

    She makes her selection. This time, almost blindly.

"People say this, but I firmly disagree" Ayame smiles a touch. She sits carefully, crossing her legs and resting the clipboard on them as she continues to annote and discuss, considering Elly's outfits "I think we should get as much as we can of what we enjoy" She chuckles just a touch

    "That's a fair and wise assessment."

    Elly keeps trying on more dresses, teasing Ayame into joining her from time to time. Until she finally gets to something that was put on the wrong rack.

    She's not paying attention. Elly hasn't been for some time, really. Everything is a bit racy, but nothing too dangerous (for her) comes out.

    Then she puts on something white, more than just racy, and not meant to be for this try-out. It's meant for more private usage. Elly looks down, breaks into a fit of giggles, and swiftly changes out.

    "I think.. that's the end of our review, Ayame! Let's get back to the castle. Tae will have our meal waiting. She'll want to hear all about our progress, too."