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[alayne]

[ This is evidently the first time she is doing this, anyone can tell and she knows it; it is clear by the little frown, the uncertainty. there is nervousness and fear, too, but those she knows how to hide. A moment later and the confusion is tucked away and she offers a little graceful bow ]

Fellow residents, I hope this finds you well.

[ She knows grace well, the girl. The one who came before wore it a little better than her but a baseborn girl must not have the gracefulness of a highborn lady. ]

I am Alayne Stone, a newcomer to your city. Some of you I have met already, those who have been kind enough to help me upon my arrival, my thanks to you.

[ she tucks a strand of chestnut brown hair behind an ear ]

I ask for advice and counsel. I know little of the ways of the city nor what is expected of me during my stay. I know of the gods, a little.

[ and already she fears them, all of them ]

Are there any vendors in the city? I am searching for fabrics, in specific and if - if there is a need for tunics or breeches or dresses, I would be pleased to offer my services, I was oft told my stitch-work and embroidery are pleasing.

[ a breath. she attempts a smile ]

My thanks for your time and your counsel.

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[alayne]

[ they are very forward here, she has learned that already but it still takes her by surprise. The lack of formal invitations and the small talk that must come before. it takes Alayne a moment to hide the surprise and nod.

A girl, then. and one who could use her assistance. it could be sweet, to be able to instruct another in needlework. ]

You are well-met, Emily, my thanks for the kindness.

[ the invitation to partake in sewing, the offer of a map. She could make a new dress for herself, some clothes for Arya. ]

A memory?

[ a happy memory, the girl says and Alayne looks down at her hands for a moment. she has so few of those and all of them of years past, all of them of a girl she cannot tell anyone of. winterfell and her lady mother and robb from the north, the precious moments spent in margaery tyrell's presence in king's landing. ]

How will she know it to be a true one?

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[unfollowing]

['You are well met.' Geez. This lady is from one of those worlds with nobles and knights. She even looks the part. Once, Emily would've told someone like her to fuck off back to the ren fair. Now, she's glad to meet someone who is actively asking for fabric. Alayne may not know about modern fashion, but she knows how to sew. That's good enough.

Also, bonus: Alayne doesn't seem like a bitch.]

Nice to meet you too.

[That's as polite as she'll get for now. Sorry, Alayne.]

She can feel it. Delight gets power from our happiness. She's actually a really good listener too, and she's so sweet.

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[alayne]

I imagine it might be difficult for her.

[ a breath and she hurries to explain ]

Away from home and held here. Is there much happiness for her to be had?

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[unfollowing]

You'd be surprised. A few months ago, she gave us these magic fireflies that basically got us all high on happiness.

[By far Delight's most effective trick.]

And the nice cotton she's giving us makes me really happy, so I'm pretty sure she'll be fine.

[alayne]

True happiness?

[ it is a confusing matter, a happiness brought upon by magic. Magic at all is entirely foreign to Alayne. There are tales in her land, tales of dragons and magic of old but magic was gone from the world, so they said, together with the dragons ]

I would help with the cotton, if I can and if I may, Emily. It would please me to meet you, when you wish it.

[unfollowing]

[Okay there, Debbie Downer. We'll drop it. You'll see it for yourself someday.]

Of course you can. [It's not like anyone can stop her. But, for the sake of more fabric in different colors, Emily keeps the snark out of her voice and face.] Come by the shop whenever you want. No pressure.

[alayne]

[ there is happiness to the westeroi, Emily, it is Known ]

Tomorrow morning.

[ and she is smiling when she says it, a rare feature with Alayne; but she has been hiding in her house for far too long, fearing monsters and people and everything. It might be nice to be out again, to have something to do. ]

Thank you.

[unfollowing]

Cool. See you then.

[Emily gives her a smile before cutting the feed.]

[alayne]

[ when she does arrive, wearing her blue dress of good cotton, she seems more nervous than she did during their earlier conversation. it is different, somehow, face-to-face. Alayne seems to be younger in person, wringing her fingers together as she steps inside. ]

Good-day.

[ she seems so out of place. She is beginning to think she might never fit into this little odd town. ]

[unfollowing]

[Emily, on the other hand, looks relaxed and less smiley, because the first introduction is in the past, and she's not going to be responsible for creating the false impression that she's upbeat and happy all the time. Like Jess could be.]

Hey. Morning. Come in.

[Christ, Alayne looks like she's never seen a place like this before-- okay, nobody had, before they got here. She must be really new to the city, but not to sewing. Not to fabric and the supplies organized on the tables in the shop. Goddamn. Is she like Ashley? Well, at least Emily has experience dealing with people like that.]

I know it's not much, but trust me, it's so much better than before.

[alayne]

[ there is a certain relief, that she is not. queen margaery and her cheerful cousins had used to make sansa stark quite happy but they also made her sad, made her remember what she could not succeed in being like anymore. there was very little joy in her that she both envied and pitied people who did.

they had so much to lose.

tentatively, she crosses over to the table, almost as if she fears she will anger Emily with this simple action. Inspecting it with without touching ( she is not allowed to, not yet ) she comments ]

it is quite sufficient, there is enough here, I reckon.

[unfollowing]

[In any other situation, Emily would probably snap at her for something so small. But this is the place where she feels most relaxed, most in control. Even if it's fleeting, it's something.

She watches Alayne for a moment. Her assessment doesn't matter, ultimately, but it's nice to get the approval of someone with experience.]

Like I said, we can get more fabric from Delight. My friend Ashley knows how to make dyes, if you don't want to get anything from Delight. [A brief pause, a gesture towards the table.] Help yourself.