Northcliff Pass: Fall Flashback

[sampler]

WHO: Farogil and Leala
WHAT: Teamwork makes the dreamwork!
WHEN: Midday, late fall of 1311
WHERE: Leala's shop

Farogil is still in the early stages of planning his venture. Familial contacts have helped him gather a few leads on merchants and tradesmen in various small towns that might be interested in selling their properties. One of those is a cobbler in Northcliff Pass, and so Farogil packs a bag, swaddles himself in his warmest clothing, and tags along with a trader headed there.

Turns out the cobbler is more interested in moving up than merely moving out, which Faro's mother might not like, but apart from that it seems perfect for him. Within a reasonable ride back to Cliffside, on a pilgrimage route so there's a broad customer base when the season's right. Small enough that he won't be overwhelmed trying to keep track of who is who and where but big enough to have most things he might need.

There's one snag: the town already has someone who does embroidery. There might be enough business for one, but two? Certainly not. According to the cobbler, she's not a specialist like him, and that gives him an idea.

The trader he's with wants to head out before sunset, leaving Farogil no time to prepare a speech before he seeks out her shop. It's a little after mid-day so he's hoping she's open. And if not, he'll knock.

Comments

[befitted]

While her work pauses, it's only briefly; Leala rearranges things slightly, getting ready to be able to work and speak at the same time.

"Oh, that would be lovely! Please, have a seat- would you like some tea, or anything else?"

It would mean abandoning her current work for a time, but Leala wants to be a good host above all else. "I'm Leala Allard, in case no one had mentioned as much; it's a pleasure to meet you."

[sampler]

Faro settles into the chair, shaking his head at her offer of tea with a softly mouthed, "oh, no thank you," then a louder and with a proper nod of greeting, "It's a pleasure to meet you, too"

He takes a deep breath; best get right to the point so he's got time to soothe his wounded pride if she throws him out.

"So... so I'm a broider. Bbut not a tailor, I don't-" He points to the cloak she's working on, then a broader gesture to the rest of her wares, "Nnnot as trade. If- if I move here, instead of- ccommpete-"

Faro makes fists with both hands, holding them near his waist to avoid it looking like he's about to hit her. As he finishes his stumbling sentence, he entwines his fingers together in the center, both to plead and to supplement his meaning: "Work together?"

how does life manage to shit on me every time we get a chance to write together ;~; i'm sorry

[befitted]

He's endearing, and Leala can't help but take a liking to him immediately. A part of her wants to be jealous and jaded and shoo him away, but a far greater part of her wants to tuck him in further into the chair and make sure he's well.

"I would much rather work together than compete," she tells him, a note of earnestness in her voice. She misses working with others, the hustle and bustle of a busier household. She's alone here, and while once she longed for privacy, now... well, now she rather misses hearing someone moving about when she's trying to concentrate.

"It would certainly give me more time to focus on large tailoring projects instead of details... I could get things done faster."