The Fashion-Forward Faendryl

[Alabaster Spire, Solarium]

Curved, transparent sheets of crystal set at an angle into alabaster walls meet high overhead to enclose the top of the tower. At the dome's apex, the crystal panes become a single lofty spire. On one side of the crystalline chamber, a gilded arch opens onto a slender walkway that reaches into the sky without rails or supports. Opposite the arch is a gold-chased telescope near a low table and scattered lounge chairs that invite stargazing. You also see a cloud of light green smoke that is flying around, a sleek raven that is flying around, the gold-dusted Carren disk crowned with sylvarraend rubies, a ruby-crested greater bearded vulture that is flying around, the rectangular Perigourd disk fashioned of oiled tanik, a lazy wild silver-grey dog, the Yardie disk, a sharp-nosed grey puppy with long corded fur, a timber jaguar, a snow white raven and a ladder.

Also here: Lady Starletdawn, Vorena, Quintess, Chatelaine Carren, Vulpecular, Xorus, Lady Elaejia, High Lord Nazarr who is sitting, Perigourd, Missoni, Imperatrix Lylia, Blade Yardie, Master Aendir, High Lady Ithilwyn who is sitting, Sarissa Tayler, Peltast Vaeldrys, Lady Arenglae who is sitting, Ysharra, Akonite

Obvious paths: none

Lylia removes a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal from in her wrap.

Lylia removes a slim ki-lin horn stylus bound in silver from in her wrap.

(Lylia makes a few quick notes in the margin of her journal before turning the page.)

Lylia nods with satisfaction.

Lylia says, "Good evening; welcome to the Alabaster Spire."

Lylia put a slim ki-lin horn stylus bound in silver in her wrap.

Lylia asks, "It does not surprise me to see someone look and then leave. After all, do we not hear often that fashion is shallow?"

Lylia raises an eyebrow.

Lylia asks, "How many of you here have heard clever jests about how long some of us take to get ready, how many gowns we own, how devoted we are to bedizening ourselves?"

Lylia surveys the area.

Lylia dryly says, "I would ask for a quick show of hands, but I know it is most of us."

Lylia adds, "Particularly the women, if I am blunt."

Lylia chuckles.

Lylia says, "Yet fashion is not the frivolous endeavor some imagine it as being."

Perigourd says, "I thought it was just a requirement."

Aendir says, "I haven't a clue of what you speak about."

Missoni shifts her eyes to Perigourd.

Aendir grins sheepishly.

Lylia says, "On the contrary; a single garment tells many stories, and a complete outfit speaks volumes, both about the wearer and the designer."

Lylia nods knowingly at Aendir.

Speaking to Perigourd, Missoni murmurs, "You can take a fair bit of time yourself."

Perigourd narrows his umber eyes and straightens his suede hood in a huff.

(Lylia paces slowly as she talks, the vivid silk of her trailing gown whispering with every step.)

Lylia explains, "It speaks to culture, history, personal tastes, wealth, goals."

With an imperious flick of its plume-like tail, a large black cat saunters in and pauses to regard its surroundings with a narrow-eyed gaze. Having seen nothing that merits its immediate attention, the black cat moves on.

(Lylia gives the retreating cat a dour look.)

Lylia mutters, "Everyone is a critic..."

Lylia briskly says, "But to return to our subject at hand. You may not know it, but all of you are expert readers of clothing, even if you speak the language of fashion unconsciously, gifted with it innately almost as some of us are given the voice of Rhoska-Tor."

Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "A cat's right, you have to admit."

Lylia says, "I want you to look around you, at the person sitting to your right or left. You will almost certainly see someone dressed for this evening's events and not, say, for pit-fighting or scrubbing pots."

Lylia asks, "How do you know a noblewoman from a washerwoman? Is that man headed to a hunt or a play? Can you tell whether someone seeks a marriage partner or a position in politics by clothing alone?"

Lylia asserts, "You know more than you think you know, in other words."

Lylia says, "At any rate, Faendryl fashion presents some specific challenges to the would-be reader of styles for a number of reasons."

Lylia sardonically says, "One: We do not all dress alike, despite an avowed predilection for black."

(Lylia ticks off the reasons as she talks.)

Lylia says, "Two: Many of us whom you meet beyond the borders of New Ta'Faendryl adapt ourselves to local styles somewhat."

Lylia says, "Three: Most of you are unfamiliar with Faendryl fashion houses -- and this is what I hope to change. By showing you something of Faendryl style as it is worn in the empire, you may read a new fashion language, one you might enjoy speaking yourself."

Lylia dismissively says, "You may be under the impression, for example, that Faendryl fashion consists of layered linen, beaten metal discs, and exotic hides."

Lylia dryly observes, "This is akin to saying that food consists of potatoes."

Lylia says, "Anyone who believes this to be the sum of Faendryl fashion has drawn an entire world-view of us from meeting a pair of Agrestis on their way to a rural tribunal, or perhaps a gathering for a harvest festival."

Akonite quietly says, "Po-tay-toes."

Lylia explains, "Faendryl fashion houses include everything from millennia-old dynasties to bold, inventive new designers."

Lylia says, "The term 'house' is one of art and could as well be termed a 'school' or 'aesthetic,' and the term in Faendryl has nuances of all these meanings. While I shall not attempt an exhaustive discussion of every prominent house, major or minor, I can speak to those with which I am most familiar."

Lylia continues, "In doing so, I may also describe something of the historical roots of designs and, where relevant, some clues as to what they reveal about their wearers."

Lylia adds, "I might even point out a few characteristic flourishes on the clothes I see some of you wearing."

Lylia gazes with interest at her surroundings.

Lylia explains, "In New Ta'Faendryl itself, the finest clothing is often seen in showrooms or galleries as art would be displayed rather than in shops, although those certainly have their appeal too. The great houses design, and the shops mimic, some would say."

Lylia says, "For those who are far from the city itself or who prefer to work directly with designers, illustrated and illuminated texts are a popular way to display a house's seasonal designs."

Lylia says, "I happen to have a few such illustrations to share, liberated from their individual designers' folios and bound into a collection of representative styles."

Lylia adds, "I have also taken the liberty of replacing the original Faendryl text with translations where possible."

Lylia carefully places a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal on the ground.

>read journal

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

"This year, Livia has turned lavish silks into fine art with elegant, sculptural gowns graced with softer hues. Every piece is designed to frame the face and turn the wearer into a work of art too."

The pastel illustration below the text features an angular onyx-skinned model wearing an intricately pleated and gathered gown, each tiny fold of fabric outlined by the raking light of a setting sun. The fabric's deep persimmon hue seems almost to glow in the warm, low light. A square neckline and standing collar put all emphasis on the woman's face in three-quarter profile. Her necklace of fluted beads echoes the graceful lines of her gown.

Lylia clearly says, "The Sintanhali family may be the best known of the great fashion houses. Distinguished by her flair for the dramatic in exaggerated silhouettes and sumptuous materials, Greyce Sintanhali Faendryl quickly became the designer everyone wanted to wear, and the house was an established name by the 4500s."

Lylia says, "Today, Livia Sintanhali Faendryl retains the 'bones' of the line while exploring more unusual and even uncanny feats with fabrics through pleating, draping, and layering. The drama of Sintanhali clothing remains, but layered with more modern sensibilities."

Lylia adds, "'Layering' is an apt term as many Sintanhali pieces are designed to be worn with others in the collection or with specific underpinnings, such as the panniers on the gown I am wearing tonight, which is from a prior season's autumn collection."

Lylia says, "This season's clothing rarely makes it quite this far, and I did not have enough time to shop during the Palestra Trials."

Lylia sighs wistfully.

Lylia turns around.

(Lylia indicates the pleating on the gracefully curved silhouette of her gown's panniered hips, then turns up the hem of the gown to her knees to reveal some of the complicated arrangement of tulle and buckram that gives the outer garment its bell-like shape.)

Lylia gathers the wide skirts of her scarlet silk gown in her hands and hikes them up slightly, revealing the black silk-clad farthingale beneath.

Lylia says, "Buckram, lace, and possibly magic."

Lylia explains, "These designs are particularly popular among Emporion traders and merchants who must travel and wish to 'wear their wealth,' so to speak. Prosperity is important for traders to project, and layers allow one to blend more easily into any clime or culture."

Lylia adds, "The richness of the fabric and its hue are also part of Sintanhali's appeal to wealthier Faendryl women -- and sadly, Sintanhali does not venture into menswear, although there are rumors..."

Lylia thoughtfully taps a finger against her lips.

Lylia says, "Think of a peacock's magnificent tail. It is a costly thing to the bird, yet its plumage serves a purpose. So do the rich hues, unusual silhouettes, and lush fabrics of Sintanhali designs. Anyone reading such a gown takes the message straight away: 'I can afford whatever I wish.'."

Lylia dryly remarks, "Even when it is not entirely true...especially with a festival coming up."

Lylia asks, "Shall we turn the page and look at another?"

Lylia raises an eyebrow.

Lylia picks up a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Missoni nods eagerly.

Lylia turns to the next page of her journal.

Ysharra says, "There's a lot of festivals, honestly..."

Ysharra slowly empties her lungs.

Ithilwyn agrees with Ysharra.

Lylia breathes, "Ah, Naerdrim."

Lylia carefully places a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal on the ground.

>read jour

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

"Stark and slashed are the bywords in the showrooms of Scyldris Naerdrim and its theme of 'What Lies Beneath' this season. After last year's triumphal 'Torment Enshrined' collection, the designer has turned inward, laying bare the pain of creation."

The model's kohl-rimmed green eyes stare directly, almost aggressively, from a page painted in thick layers of gouache darkening at the margins. Crimson linen underlies a long mahogany leather overgown ripped so the tufted fabric peeks out through the torn hide. The overall shape of the garment obscures the wearer's form below the neck, which bears a slash of crimson silk tied about it. Some of the runnels of paint at the pauldroned shoulders suggest faces twisted in torment, though whether they represent the clothing or are the artist's fancy is impossible to know.

Lylia explains, "Scyldris Naerdrim Faendryl was a notable sorceress in her own right, but after certain valential explorations left her afflicted with a malady no healer has been able to cure, she turned her attention to creative pursuits, among them fashion."

Quintess wrinkles her nose.

Lylia admits, "The term 'fashion' is really too tame, though. These are garments that have been tormented into shape. They appear to move on their own sometimes, or to bleed."

Vaeldrys winces.

Speaking to Quintess, Lylia says, "Indeed, not to everyone's taste -- but she is an explorer in her way."

Lylia says, "Some sorcery is almost certainly involved in the preparation of the materials, but Naerdrim secrets are their own, and the house is notoriously zealous -- even vicious -- in guarding those secrets."

Quintess grins sheepishly at Lylia.

Akonite wiggles her fingers.

Lylia says, "If clothing makes a statement, the statement these clothes make is a protracted scream of agony. They are not to everyone's tastes, and they are not meant to be; they are the works of an artist spilling her pain into incised leather and knotted silk."

Missoni breathes, "That overgown."

Lylia flashes a quick grin at Akonite.

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Missoni murmurs, "I wonder if I could send for it."

Ysharra nods slowly at Missoni.

Missoni fidgets.

Lylia admits, "I would love to have even one piece of it."

Vaeldrys says, "I understand her loss.."

Vaeldrys stares off into space.

Lylia says, "Sadly, we rarely find Naerdrim pieces this far into the hinterlands, but they are illustrative of the variety to be found in modern houses within the city itself."

Lylia nods in agreement at Vaeldrys.

Lylia gazes admiringly at a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Lylia picks up a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Lylia says, "Let us move to another sorcerous style master whose aesthetic is less torture and more wit: Vielte."

Lylia turns to the next page of her journal.

Lylia carefully places a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal on the ground.

>read jour

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

"While Anselis will never wholly abandon the purity of black, this season's creations incorporate threads of brilliant metals as startling as lightning in a night sky."

What initially appears to be a cutout silhouette on the white page is actually a finely inked illustration of a slim Faendryl woman in a stiffly mannered pose. Her arms are held aloft to reveal silvered silk lining where the voided velvet robe she wears has fallen away. Finer threads of silver weave through the ink-black sweep of the robe's train. Jagged bracelets striated with light and dark silvered metals complete her ensemble. The only hint of color on the page is the matte crimson stain on the model's lips.

Lylia explains, "Anselis Vielte Faendryl draws his inspiration from the sorcery and necromancy he studies, incorporating these themes into his designs, often with an eye to pleasing his largely Clerisy and Emporion clientele."

Lylia says, "Unlike his counterpart Scyldris Naerdrim, he courts his aficionados with wearable designs that offer thoughtful elements such as hidden pockets and constructed panels to flatter different body types."

Lylia asks, "Do we not all regret the lack of pockets, after all?"

Lylia places a hand over her heart.

Lylia says, "Whether in sweeping robes or slim column gowns, black is the staple hue of any Vielte collection, often designed to accommodate drama in accessories. The house tends to swing from decade to decade between tone-on-tone figural fabrics and an almost austere minimalism."

Akonite asks, "Where would my mamba sleep?"

Akonite shrugs.

Ysharra glances at Akonite.

Lylia notes, "Previous seasons' severity is giving way to a more florid feel with organic or geometric patterns on pieces designed to frame the face."

Speaking to Akonite, Lylia says, "Just so."

Speaking quietly to herself, Ysharra mutters, "Another one."

Lylia says, "The natural world is a favorite theme, particularly when it involves poisonous plants or venomous creatures. Those who enjoy Vielte fashions often cite the designer's dry sense of humor as part of the house's charm, finding whimsy in wearing images of what they summon or animate."

Starletdawn softly says, "Stunning."

Lylia says, "Melikor's socks would fit right in, and Ysharra, I know you are the Mistress of Thorns."

You chuckle.

Ysharra grins at Lylia.

Looking a bit smug, Ysharra slowly taps her index finger against her temple as a knowing expression spreads across her face.

You tap some dapper grey socks with sceptre-wielding lich images that you are wearing.

Tayler grins at you.

Lylia lightly says, "Having embraced the darkness with bitter Naeldrim and delightfully dry Vielte, we shall move into the light with Vellarith."

Lylia picks up a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Lylia turns to the next page of her journal.

Tayler says, "One of my favorites."

Lylia carefully places a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal on the ground.

Lylia smiles at Tayler.

>read jour

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

"Oleira Vellarith Faendryl loves to explore the edges in her latest collection, combining the ethereal with the sharply analytical with gauze and leather. Hems are left intentionally unfinished to unravel over time, allowing the piece to evolve with its wearer."

Two figures occupy this watercolor page, both of them clad in washes of blue and aquamarine silk that seem to rise off them in an unseen current as they hold their taut positions in a complex dance of tension and release. The gowned model's waist is caged in arcs of rigid gilt boning strung together with ribbon, while the other dancer's billowing sleeves are caught from wrist to forearm in geometrically precise mithril curves ending in stylized thorns.

(Ysharra leans back against the writhing Wall of Thorns bordering her tall frame, resting seemingly comfortably upon its spined tendrils.)

Lylia says, "Although my current collection of illustrations does not feature Fiselle Sauvere Faendryl's designs, Oleira Vellarith Faendryl's style may initially resemble them in their lighter hues and airy fabrics."

Yardie glances at Ysharra and begins to sweat.

(Lylia holds up a manicured finger.)

Lylia cautions, "Such resemblances are only superficial, however."

Lylia explains, "Vellarith designs play with with space and volume versus constraint, more than with revealing or concealing the body on which they are draped. Floating on the faintest current of air, ethereal chiffons and gauzy silks caught or cinched in rigid forms typify Vellarith designs."

Lylia glances at a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Lylia says, "Oleira herself has claimed inspiration from the desert lands near New Ta'Faendryl and the constant flux between it and the imposition of Faendryl order upon it."

Vulpecular says, "I like this one best."

Missoni agrees, "It is lovely."

Lylia agrees, "I think both the illustration and the magnificent designs of Oleira Vellarith are lovely. They may be inspiration for me soon at the festival coming up."

Ysharra says, "Definitely."

Speaking to Missoni, Lylia says, "You would look magnificent in these, or in any Vellarith design."

Carren nods at Lylia.

Missoni blushes a dark red shade at Lylia.

Lylia continues, "Or even a sack, for that matter."

Lylia grins at Missoni.

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "Oh, you flatter..."

Missoni grins sheepishly.

Lylia says, "Only truths from these lips, Madam."

Lylia raises her voice in merry laughter.

Lylia exclaims, "So, another!"

Lylia picks up a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Lylia turns to the next page of her journal.

Speaking to Missoni, Ysharra says, "Your coloring would definitely suit the metalwork."

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "We shall get matching sacks, then."

Ysharra nods at Missoni.

Missoni blushes a dark red shade at Ysharra.

Lylia carefully places a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal on the ground.

Missoni murmurs, "Perhaps I will send for one of those, too."

>read jour

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

"This season, skin is the unifying thread winding through Dyrian Cominius Faendryl's showroom. Threads, indeed, are all that hold some of his gowns together, yet masterful construction ensures the only show the wearer will make is one she intends."

At first blush, the illuminated page looks to be a nude study, but a closer look reveals that the back-lit model is wearing diaphanous silk so fine that only strategically placed convergent lines of beading cover her. She wears a Y-shaped necklace yoked to a slim waist chain that peeks out from the gown's deep neckline. Her heeled sandals, the same rich hue as her skin, lace to mid-thigh.

Lylia says, "Sophisticated showiness, or ostentatious over-design? Dyrian Cominius Faendryl's designs tread that fine line between them in pieces that demand the wearer adapt to the garment instead of shaping it to its owner. You do not dare wear this unless you have already sculpted yourself."

Lylia says, "While other designers whisper, Cominius shouts, and for his efforts, many younger Faendryl embrace the flash and dazzle of it all."

Akonite says, "That looks like something Xanthium would wear."

Akonite nods once.

Nazarr says, "Or Kothos."

Lylia says, "Sometimes gilded or heavily textured with re-embroidered designs, other times held together with chains of pearls or tiny threads of silk. these clothes do not lack for drama, yet unlike Sintanhali's constructed silhouettes meant to highlight or exaggerate a single feature, Cominius' designs are busy everywhere at once."

Speaking to Akonite, Ysharra says, "Or not wear, as the effect seems to dictate."

Ysharra flashes a quick grin at Nazarr.

Lylia says, "And they have to be busy; look at how much work they must do."

Lylia chuckles.

Arenglae gazes in amusement at Ysharra.

(Yardie clears his throat, glancing at Ysharra.)

Speaking to Akonite, Missoni says, "She could be the hired model for it, truly."

Lylia says, "Plunging necklines and high-slit skirts in backless gowns require a certain fearlessness in the dressing room, and Dyrian Cominius readily acknowledges that his designs are not for the timid."

Speaking to Nazarr, Akonite says, "He's a bit given to prancing, too."

Speaking to Ithilwyn, Tayler says, "I'm not flashy or showy at all."

Speaking softly to Tayler, Ithilwyn says, "Mhm."

Lylia confesses, "They are not entirely to my taste, but the influence of this relatively young house is unmistakable. Others must grow bolder to keep up."

Lylia picks up a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Lylia turns to the next page of her journal.

Lylia flips back to the previous page of her journal.

Lylia mutters, "Now where did that one go...?"

Lylia flips back to the previous page of her journal.

Lylia nods with satisfaction.

Lylia carefully places a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal on the ground.

>read journ

The page, written in Common, reads as follows:

"Fine-spun linen and silk layers offer protection from the sun in style. The stark beauty of the Southron Wastes inspired this palette of sandstone, weathered alabaster, and the sapphire blue of a cloudless desert sky."

The image in this plate is of a dark-skinned Faendryl man, gaunt and sharp as a blade, dressed in artfully draped robes of pale linen and silk. One of the layers in the man's robe bears a tone-on-tone stripe in tawny shades, the patterned fabric mostly hidden between fine linen. A leather-trimmed collar sweeps into a folded hood. The inner surface of the hood is lined in a deep lapis lazuli shade that matches a scaled leather belt around his waist.

The only jewelry he wears is a single large fibula at one shoulder, the curved pin large enough to hold the robes and hood in place.

Lylia says, "This image may be closer to what many believe is 'traditional' Faendryl clothing, and indeed it is -- for some Agrestis and Rachis members. That is the nature of Gallius."

Akonite gazes with interest at a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Lylia muses, "What is 'tradition' when it spans so many millennia, though? The best answer may be that it is fashion that pays homage to our more distant origins as a distinct culture."

Speaking to you, Akonite says, "A few more skulls and spiders and he's nearly a facsimile for you."

Lylia says, "I did note earlier that 'reading' an ensemble could speak volumes, and Gallius speaks to millennia of history."

Lylia says, "This style of clothing is perhaps the closest historically to what was available in the Southron Wastes when we were first cast there."

You chuckle at Akonite.

Akonite flashes a quick grin at you.

Lylia says, "Fierce windstorms sometimes howl across the trackless desert, and the sun is cruel. The land itself is inimical, and anything one wears must guard against it."

Speaking to you, Ysharra says, "I prefer your black, of course."

Ysharra leans softly against you, and you note the scent of nightcap, white amber, and tobacco flower over orris root and soft resins clinging to her.

Speaking in Elven to herself, Quintess muses, "I guess they don't wear pants at all then, hmm?"

Lylia says, "The layered linens some believe is the totality of Faendryl fashion are part of what Aulaine Gallius Faendryl has made her signature style. Her designs often draw from the desert itself with rare skins and hides, linen, and cotton in natural hues."

Vaeldrys glances at his baggy byssus serwals.

Speaking to Quintess, Ysharra says, "Pants are not as common as loose robes and chitons in the desert."

Speaking to Quintess, Lylia says, "Not that often, no. They are far more common here, for both men and women, whereas robes and gowns are practical in more southerly desert climes."

Lylia nods.

Lylia notes, "Recently, the house has softened its once almost martial aesthetic to one of elegant simplicity. Draped fabrics, often crafted from a single length of fine silk or linen pinned in place and held with cutwork hide belts are the current state of Gallius' art."

Tayler brushes his fingers along the front of his pants, smoothing out a wrinkle.

Speaking to Quintess, Akonite says, "No one wants sand to get stuck in your..."

Akonite shrugs at Quintess.

Lylia says, "I regret that I do not have more images and shall have to vex my cousins with requests for more."

Speaking in Elven, Quintess says, "Oi but your hearing is sharp, apologies, was just mumblng to myself. Speaking of the women folk mostly."

Ysharra says, "It's a treasure trove as is."

Quintess blushes a pleasant shade of deep rose.

Lylia grins at Quintess.

Lylia says, "A trove that has, I fear, run quite dry."

Lylia picks up a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal.

Akonite asks, "It was a lovely lecture, I feel a little more and less homesick, somehow?"

Lylia says, "I hope you have enjoyed a brief exploration of some of our most notable fashion houses."

Tayler says, "Robes are quite freeing, but the temperature here isn't quite so harsh."

Lylia says, "And of course, if you have any questions at all, please do ask."

Missoni exclaims, "How wonderful!"

Lylia gently closes her burgundy silk journal.

Speaking appreciatively to Lylia, Missoni says, "Thank you."

Vaeldrys says, "I definitely enjoy my robes."

Aendir says, "Quite well done, as always. I appreciate your taking the time to speak on this intriguing subject."

Lylia bows.

Speaking in Elven to Lylia, Quintess says, "Thank you for sharing your knowledge M'Lady."

Speaking to Lylia, Vaeldrys says, "That was a lovely lecture. It was nice to catch up on the fashions of the city."

Akonite says, "Yes, thank you, Imperatrix."

Speaking in Elven, Lylia replies, "Thank you for being here."

Lylia nods at Quintess.

Speaking to Lylia, Carren says, "That was very enlightening, thank you."

Speaking curiously to Lylia, Missoni asks, "I noticed very little bourde. Do you suppose it is falling out of vogue?"

Lylia says, "Truly, I draw as much or more inspiration from what I see about me than I do from home these days."

Elaejia says, "The example sketches to accompany the lecture were most interesting, thank you for assembling and translating them."

Vaeldrys gasps.

Speaking to Missoni, Vaeldrys says, "It better not be."

Missoni grins at Vaeldrys.

Vaeldrys glances at his bourde tunic.

Speaking sympathetically to Vaeldrys, Missoni says, "I do not think it will."

Lylia confesses, "Personal taste. I do not like bourde much, and my cousin who sends me these illustrations knows this."

You rub your bourde longcoat.

Missoni nods understandingly at Lylia.

You glance at Missoni.

Lylia says, "Bourde is quite beloved still."

Speaking to Missoni, you say, "I certainly hope not."

You nervously tug at your silk cravat.

Missoni agrees with you.

Lylia says, "Just, ah...not by me. Or for me, more accurately. It is charming on others."

Tayler says, "Bourde is nice, but I've become quite fond of sea silks and silk from the ridgeweavers."

Lylia nods at Tayler.

Vaeldrys says, "I have grown partial to Elesine myself."

Missoni agrees, "Lotus silk is lovely as well."

Speaking to Lylia, Ysharra says, "You feel that way about a number of them, do you not? The...traditional fabrics."

Lylia says, "Ridgeweaver silk has such a sumptuous 'hand.' The texture is wonderful to wear."

Lylia nods at Missoni.

Perigourd says, "Golvern is always en vogue."

Missoni gazes in amusement at Perigourd.

Speaking to Lylia, Tayler says, "I have these lovely boots I had made out of it, they are perhaps the most comfortable thing I own."

Speaking to Perigourd, Ysharra says, "You use the terminology well, at least."

Speaking in Faendryl, Xorus says, "Bourde has a nice personality. It is a great dancer.. for dancing, I meant..."

Lylia snickers at Xorus.

Xorus clears his throat.

Speaking to Lylia, Carren says, "Nice to see your husband is here to support you."

Lylia smiles at Carren.

Lylia says, "I am glad he is too."

Lylia says, "This is part of why having two husbands is wise. At least one will attend a fashion lecture."

Speaking to Lylia, Carren says, "You make a wonderful couple."

Ysharra says, "In any case, thank you, Imperatrix, for your fascinating and beautifully illustrated presentation on the subject."

Lylia winks.

Lylia nods in agreement.

Xorus says, "I sometimes slip into the wrong language. I was simply casting vicious disparagements on bourde in the form of compliments."

Lylia says, "This is just the beginning of tonight's festivities."

Speaking to Lylia, Missoni says, "You have given me a great many dangerous ideas."

Lylia says, "Yes, please confine your vicious disparagements to the Common tongue so all of us can appreciate it."

Speaking to Ithilwyn, Tayler says, "My parents are quite deep in the fashion circles, it takes time to get shipments out here but perhaps on the next shipment."

Starletdawn says, "This was delightful."

Ysharra says, "I hope you all have a fantastic evening, and thank you for letting us be your host."

Lylia put a lace-tasseled burgundy silk journal in her wrap.

Aendir says, "Quite the intriguing lecture."

Lylia says, "I should get settled for Xanthium's tale."

Lylia asks, "That is, unless there are further questions...?"