Ruethwyn nodded in agreement, then blinked as Korima cleared her throat, looking to the side before admitting, “Actually, my father and mother are members of the Starlight Troupe. They’re coming to Tyrness for a few performances next month, and I… I just want to make a good impression. Mother was a little dubious about sending me here, so…”
“Ah, that explains it,” Ruethwyn said, nodding in understanding even as grief welled up inside. The memory of finding her own mother and father… Ruethwyn blinked back tears as she murmured, “I can entirely understand, even if my parents were excited for my enrollment.”
“Yeah… my father was, too. He hopes that I’ll be able to graduate and get a good position with the kingdom,” Sella said, hesitating before looking at Tadrick. “What about your parents?”
“Mother only cares about court functions and finds my disinterest in them appalling. I think she was relieved to have me go away. Father thinks that my decision was a good one, as I likely won’t inherit anything, so building a career as a mage-knight will give me a secure future,” Tadrick replied easily, smiling. “Navaan thinks I’m a bit insane, but I’m happy with things. He can have the earldom; I don’t want it.”
“Um, that still doesn’t answer if you’ll go shopping with me,” Korima said, her eyes glittering with determination. “Please? I want to impress Mother, if possible. I can even get you into one of the performances, according to my letter from her.”
“I don’t know… I don’t have that much money, and tailoring is expensive,” Sella said, obviously hesitating, and Ruethwyn paused, debating internally for a moment.
“Honestly, if it’d get us into a performance for free, I could cover that for you, Sella,” Tadrick offered, shrugging as he added, “I don’t know how your finances are, Rue, but—”
“Thank you, Tadrick, but that’s unnecessary,” Ruethwyn interrupted smoothly, taking a deep breath before she continued, bracing herself. “I’m at least modestly wealthy, actually. I was unaware of it until I reached the academy, but my Master… she’d made me her legal heir when she enrolled me here, and she left me quite a bit. Beyond that, I don’t need a tailor or dressmaker since I learned to make clothing from my father.”
“You did? Isn’t that going to be, umm…” Sella paused, then looked at Tadrick to speak. “Thank you, Tadrick. I appreciate the offer. I might take you up on it, but I’m not sure yet. I… Rue, I just have to ask. Won’t you find it hard to make clothing? You only have one… one hand.”
“A fact I’m quite aware of, thank you,” Ruethwyn replied tartly, the comment irritating her, especially after they’d discussed their families. “As it so happens, that doesn’t matter in this case. My father was a minor mage himself, and his sphere was so narrow that I don’t believe it’s officially taught anywhere. He used the sphere of cloth and had reached the third circle via his own efforts. I practiced it to the second circle, which is more than enough to make clothing.”
“There’s a sphere of cloth?” Korima asked incredulously. “I’ve never heard of that!”
“I’m sorry, Rue, I didn’t think…” Sella flushed deep red, turning partially away as she spoke. “I just… I apologize. As for the sphere, it does make sense. My teacher taught me that almost anything can be a sphere of magic, and that the narrower it is, the easier it is to understand and advance. It’s why ice magi are more common than water magi, or lightning rather than weather. I haven’t heard of that one before, but I’m not surprised a cloth sphere could exist.”
“I have my doubts as to how far anyone could develop it, I’ll admit, but I have enough of a grasp for simple clothing. It helps me keep my clothing in good repair as well,” Ruethwyn said, relaxing softly and ignoring the snort of derision from Madeline’s table nearby.
“That would be useful,” Korima said, flushing as she added, “Especially growing up. I was… rambunctious.”
“I’d believe that. You’re incredibly active as it is,” Tadrick interjected dryly, smirking.
“Hey! I’m not that bad!” Korima protested, then her ears drooped slightly as she asked, “Am I? Sella?”
“You can be… a little overboard, Korima, but you tend to be quite sincere,” Sella replied carefully. “Still, I have to ask… Rue, is there any way I could convince you to help me with clothing? I hate to take too much of your time, but I could probably afford decent fabric off my allowance.”
“Maybe. We’ll have to see if I’m still able to use the spells properly, as my vision…” Ruethwyn paused, then looked at the others and asked, “Do you know how hard it is to judge distance with one eye? I’d no idea, but sometimes I think things are closer or farther away, and just… miss. I hope it doesn’t affect tailoring, but I can’t be certain.”
“Ugh, that’s horrible,” Korima said, scowling, then paused and asked, “Is that why you move so carefully all the time?”
“Pretty much. It’s not much fun to bounce off a wall because you thought the stairs were closer than they are and explaining to the healer why you fell down the stairs is just embarrassing,” Ruethwyn admitted. “I prefer not to have that happen.”
Madeline began laughing, and Tadrick spoke up, his voice a bit louder as he said, “Anyway, how about we go shopping in the morning, since we’ve got a free day? I know a couple of stores in town that carry cloth and the like.”
“Sure,” Sella said, sounding a bit uncertain as she glanced at Korima and Ruethwyn.
“Of course!” Korima said, her voice growing more excited. “It’ll be amazing!”
Ruethwyn nodded after a moment, her voice soft as she agreed. “Why not? I suppose something a little better wouldn’t be out of line.”
“Great, it’s a plan,” Tadrick said, smiling broadly.
Ruethwyn nodded and looked at her food, debating how to go about spreading the soft cheese on the bread. Soft was a relative term, unfortunately, which meant that getting it properly spread wasn’t going to happen. She also wasn’t going to ask for help, so instead, she just picked up the slice of cheese to nibble on. Alternating between the cheese and bread wouldn’t be quite the same, but it would have to do.
Chapter 15
“Welcome, Master Daskar! It’s a pleasure to see you today,” the shop owner said, smiling broadly as he gave a half-bow to Tadrick, then straightened and glanced over the others, his eyes hesitating on Ruethwyn before he continued. “You have unusual company today, it seems. I’m used to you being brought by your mother.”
“Fortunately for me, I’ve been freed of my mother’s yoke now that I’m attending the academy,” Tadrick replied, smiling broadly as he gestured at Korima, Ruethwyn, and Sella. “These are some of my classmates at Tyrness Academy, Master Vorin.”
“I see. Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you young ladies,” Master Vorin said, nodding to them as he smiled broadly. “I am Vorin the Quick, proprietor of Threads for Thrones. What can I do for all of you?”
Vorin was a tall man, Ruethwyn thought, the elven man standing nearly half a foot over six feet, but despite that, his clothing was immaculately tailored, as he wore an expensive deep scarlet coat over a fine silk shirt and matching scarlet trousers. His brown hair was slicked back, and the man wore white gloves that had an odd shimmer to them, which Ruethwyn suspected meant they’d been imbued with magic.
The shop was also not what Ruethwyn had been expecting when Tadrick had said that he was taking them to a store that sold cloth. She’d been expecting something like one of the general stores she’d seen in the capital, with wares on the shelves. Instead, he’d brought them to a fine wooden building that practically gleamed a honey-gold in the morning sun, with perfectly clear glass windows and a sitting room. Ruethwyn couldn’t help letting out a soft sigh internally at him. Nobles could be so… strange, at times.
“I’m just for company!” Korima said brightly, then patted Sella on the shoulder, continuing. “Sella and Ruethwyn are here for cloth, though.”
“Is that so? Not tailoring, then?” V
orin asked, looking slightly taken aback. Sella looked slightly flustered, so Ruethwyn decided to step in.
“My apologies, Master Vorin, but I believe that Tadrick may have made a mistake,” Ruethwyn said, taking a step forward. “It’s obvious that your establishment is intended to provide the best garments to nobility, not to function as a mere supplier. I had intended to make my own clothing, and possibly do so for Sella, as I learned enough magic to do so from my father.”
“I see; that does explain why you’re here,” Vorin said, his expression clearing slightly as he gave Tadrick a sidelong look, and the young man flushed.
“I… but…” Tadrick hesitated, then asked, “Don’t you have a large variety of fabric, though? I’ve seen you show it to my mother enough times! I just thought you’d be the right person to approach about getting fabric.”
“Maybe we should’ve talked to Delvin about this…” Sella murmured quietly, and Ruethwyn couldn’t help but agree with her. Fortunately, Vorin spoke first.
“The cloth I have is for use with my patrons, Master Daskar. However, you are here, and it would be impolite of me to simply send you on your way without a word. May I ask what you’re looking for, and perhaps I can point you in the right direction?” Vorin asked, glancing at Sella and Ruethwyn.
“I honestly don’t know. I was planning to just browse…” Sella admitted softly.
“I was looking for three types of cloth for different projects. Fine-weave wool from Dukarth sheep, particularly if they have a fire aspect, imported silk from Kalpher, and any form of mana-infused cloth,” Ruethwyn said directly, not batting an eye at the surprise that flickered across the man’s face. “I prefer shades of blue, but other colors are acceptable as well.”
“I see; you do have good standards. I don’t suppose I’d happen to know who your father is, Ms. Ruethwyn?” Vorin asked, looking unruffled once again. The question made Ruethwyn wince, but she steadied herself quickly.
“Was, I’m afraid. My father was Beran Sylaris. He was in Mellesyn,” Ruethwyn replied softly.
“Oh! My deepest apologies, young lady, I didn’t know. You have my condolences,” Vorin said, honest shock appearing on his face as he gave another half-bow. “As to your father, I had heard of him. He made a particularly fine linen that I encountered a few times. Alas, I’m afraid he didn’t do much trade outside your unfortunate village. I’m sorry to hear about his passing.”
“Thank you, Master Vorin. Knowing that he’s remembered favorably is appreciated,” Ruethwyn said, blinking back tears again.
“He is, at that. As to your requests, I’d recommend going down to Calla’s Imports,” Vorin suggested. “She’s down on Tulip Street, and she carries a good variety of cloth from other nations. It sounds like she would carry what you’d prefer.”
“Many thanks, Master Vorin. I do apologize for my mistake,” Tadrick said quickly, giving a bow.
Ruethwyn gave a clumsy half-curtsy while the other two women gave better ones, and Vorin smiled, shaking his head as he said, “Not at all. It was quite interesting. But come see me when you next have need of my skills, hmm?”
“I’ll do that,” Tadrick said, and quickly opened the doors for Ruethwyn and the others to leave.
Only moments after they’d left, Sella spoke up incredulously. “Really, Tadrick? I think that has to be one of the best tailors in the city, if his clothing was anything to go by!”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that much, I just… look, I went there with my mother to get clothing for Court, and it was the only place she really considered while here in the capital,” Tadrick explained quickly, looking sheepish. “I had no idea that asking them for cloth wasn’t a good idea.”
“It’s more than just that,” Ruethwyn said softly, glancing at Tadrick and shaking her head. “If we’d been nobles, I suspect he would’ve done so without a second thought… then charged us four to five times what he paid for the fabric and other supplies.”
“What?” Korima exclaimed, her eyes going wide. “I mean, I’ve heard from my mother about some towns overcharging visitors, but that’s… that’s a big increase!”
“My father often made linen, as you heard. He bought the materials from foresters and farmers, and I once heard him say it cost him up to a hundred and sixty silver to make a twenty-yard bolt, and he sold it for about twice that. Yet here in the capital, do you have any idea what I’ve seen linen of similar quality sell for?” Ruethwyn asked, glancing at the others, then turning her head to scan the path. Others were out today as well, dozens of elves and the occasional human or half-elf going along the wide roads that crossed the city.
“I’ve no idea,” Sella said, frowning. “That sounds about right, though… a bit low, actually. My mother bought it for about twenty silver a yard, if I remember right.”
“I saw one bolt as low as forty silver a yard. Most were fifty or more,” Ruethwyn said, shaking her head. “I find it… shocking, how expensive things are here.”
“That’s insane! I mean… I have some allowance, but even without tailoring you could be looking at several gold for a dress!” Sella exclaimed, her eyes widening. “I just…”
“That does seem like a lot,” Korima said, her voice hesitant as she frowned. “Though, umm… I really don’t know.”
“What? Why wouldn’t you know?” Tadrick asked, looking disconcerted. “I mean, I didn’t realize the prices were that much higher here, but I’d think you’d know how much was normal for you.”
“I’m from the Lightweaver tribe. Money is for use with outsiders,” Korima explained, shrugging. “Inside the tribe… if you need something, you go to the person who makes it. If they’re not sure you need it, they ask the Headman or Headwoman, and they decided based on why you need it. That’s it. I was given money when I came here, but I didn’t know how much it was worth.”
“I guess that makes sense. I’ve heard of some places that did that, but I didn’t realize there were any inside the kingdom,” Ruethwyn said, then paused and asked, “Your tribe does live in the kingdom, doesn’t it? I’m sorry, I can’t quite remember if it does or not.”
“Yes, down south a way, and—hey, watch your step!” Korima exclaimed, then quickly reached out just as Ruethwyn’s foot hit something on her blind side. If it hadn’t been for Korima’s quick reactions, Ruethwyn would’ve fallen.
“Ack!” Ruethwyn said, pulling back from Korima as heat rose in her cheeks. Once steady, she glanced back and saw that she’d hit a rock on the path, one which would’ve been obvious if she hadn’t been distracted and had been scanning her path properly. Her toe was throbbing slightly, but she doubted it was anything too bad. A couple of other people had glanced over at her, but Ruethwyn focused on Korima and the other two as she apologized. “Sorry about that; I wasn’t watching where I was going. Thank you for catching me.”
“Not at all. You should be more careful,” Korima replied, then frowned. “The question is, where’s Tulip Street?”
“Right over there,” Sella said, nodding in the direction of a street not far ahead of them. “See?”
“Oh, you’re right. That was silly of me,” Korima said, looking a bit chagrined.
“Hey, it happens. So does tripping, Rue… I’ve certainly done it when I’ve been distracted before,” Tadrick said, grinning at her. “Come on, let’s go. I’ll treat everyone to lunch afterward, considering my mistake.”
“That’d be nice. Thanks, Tadrick,” Sella replied, smiling at him.
They continued down the street until they saw a building with a sign out front that named it Calla’s Imports. The building was simply built but looked sturdy to Ruethwyn’s eye, and the fired tile roof was a nice touch. The structure was fairly large, and likely doubled as a warehouse, she assumed. It’d make sense if the owner was involved in importing goods.
Approaching the front door, Tadrick opened it, which rang a bell as they entered the dimly lit room, and Ruethwyn looked around and relaxed. The room was far more what she’d
been expecting at the other store, even if it wasn’t as spotless.
The crowded room was lined with shelves that contained backpacks, crystals, cloth, jars of reagents, and more. Ruethwyn saw a few unusual blades that she’d seen pictures of in books from Kalpher and down across the Sea of Mists, and other items she wasn’t even certain what they might be. It was intriguing, and quite heartening, after the disappointment of their visit to Threads for Thrones.
“Hello, welcome to Calla’s Imports! I’m Calla Wainwright; what may I do for you?” a woman asked brightly, and Ruethwyn looked at the speaker in surprise.
Calla was shorter than average, standing only about five feet tall, which was a marked contrast to how tall Vorin had been. She was a blonde, blue-eyed half-elf, and obviously enjoyed her food, as she was plumper than most people Ruethwyn had known. Still, the woman was attractive enough, and she had a bright smile on her freckled face. Even better, she didn’t seem to even blink at Ruethwyn’s injuries.
“Hello, ma’am, we were sent your way by Master Vorin of Threads for Thrones. He said that you’d likely have some fabrics that we could look over,” Tadrick said politely.
“Ah, of course! I have a small selection out on the floor, coming from as far as Kalpher or the jungles of Algaria, and more valuable ones in the back,” Calla said, smiling broadly as she stepped out from behind the counter and briskly headed over to the section of shelves with the bolts of fabric Ruethwyn had seen before. “Are there particular amounts you’re looking for, or anything else you can tell me?”
“Sella, what color would you prefer?” Ruethwyn asked, tilting her head curiously as she added, “I’m assuming a relatively simple style of dress, but even so, I’d expect you’d want about ten yards on the whole.”
“Um, I’ve been told that I look good in red, but that’s fairly expensive…” Sella said, obviously hesitating.
“I have a slightly deeper red cotton that I’ve brought in recently, and the price isn’t too bad,” Calla offered quickly.
The Avatar's Flames (Through the Fire Book 1) Page 11
