A Bath and Talk of Loyalty

J. (jalen.francois) the bath girl returned to her post near the fountain, peddling her wares and body and talents as per usual. She smiled, a timid one, to the free woman standing near. “Enjoying your day, Mistress?” J inquired as she adjusted the basket of wares she was carrying with her – a sampling of what the baths could offer, for the right amount of coin.

Kaitlin Riverstone (kaitlin.eiren) stared into the flowing water of the fountain. Unlike most days it wasn’t having its almost instant calming effect. Her glance swung to the left as she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye just before the slaves words, “I have yet to try the public baths. Are they worth the bother?” Taking a step closer, she peered into the basket curiously. “So far my day has not been going well.”

J. (jalen.francois) at the pit of her existence, J was a salesman. And she was good at taking coins out of the pockets of the Free, to faithfully return them to the ones that owned her. In this case, the bath manager. She lifted the basket of items and set it down upon the ledge of the fountain, turning a blue gaze to the woman. “You appear to be a Lady who would enjoy the soothing elements of eucalyptus and mint.” And then J lifted a smile sample vile of the oil and held it out in offer to the woman. “Uncork and hold it to your nose, Mistress, if you wish. Inhale the fragrance with your eyes closed. You see, this particular one is good for soothing the nerves, relieving stress in the bones. I assure you, the Baths of Kaelus are the finest in the lands. I’ve worked in many across our world, from Tharna to Ar to Kaelus.” And then J left the basket balanced there to kneel before the woman in a proper tower. Although she could be a total slut for the men in the baths, she knew how to please a woman’s expectations. Hands folded in her lap should she take the vile from her fingers, “I am 10 coppers for an ahn in the baths. The price hefty for I am the first girl of the baths, but I assure you Mistress – your day will be much better after a trip to the stone oasis.”

Kaitlin Riverstone (kaitlin.eiren) knew the girl would believe she was talking about the services of the bath slaves but what she truly missed was the raucous sound of gossip one could find from the lowest to most luxurious baths in Ar. If one was canny enough you could sift through the half truths, tall tales and catty exchanges to find those kernels of truth that would benefit the pursuit of coin or influence. She arched a brow at the offer of the oil and decided to give the girl a test. With delicate fingers she pulled the cork free and slipped the vial beneath her veil. “This does indeed smell divine girl but tell me about the other patrons. Are they a tight lipped bunch or can the pulse of the city be measured inside your ‘stone oasis’? Is the silence soothing or will something entertain me in the hushed whispers one typically finds in the best baths? I do need something to improve my day.”

Zander and Kait Renew

Zander smiles seeing his companion was finally dressed and ready for whatever the evening brought “Perfection takes time I see my Kait, you look scrumptious” giving her a playful wink as she enters the room

Kaitlin Riverstone smoothed the varied layers down self consciously. She had taken time to dress as formally as possible leaving much to his imagination which he had to be using at the moment given his words. “It seems a year has come and gone Zander. Or at least that will be true in a few ahns time.” She held up a box she knew would be familiar to him. It contained the finely crafted goblets he had gifted her with while they were in Ar.

Zander had completely missed the box she carried having concentrated on her hidden curves. He was used to her carrying their daughter, “I’m glad you remembered Kait! A whole year has passed and you’ve accomplished a lot this year! Travel, a change of Caste, a healthy gift in Brielle! I much prefer the outcome of this year than the previous year we spent companioned some time ago” his eyes now focused on the box recognizing it as the one he had given her that night in her shop in Ar. “I see you’ve kept the gift all this time Kait” reaching out and taking it from her hands and moving to the table setting it down and turning back to motion her to follow.

WE <3 ROLE-PLAY!

 

I can’t wait!!!  It is such a great concept and evidence that sometimes people match words with action.

No need for me to add much when Arica has provided a great summary of the event.

What is your GOAL with this event?

We want to promote creators who offer high quality content in general or high quality original content. We have nothing against templates if used WELL and if used to create a unique look. We want to spotlight  and bring appreciation to stores that do not dish out mediocre work five times per week, that do not sell blatantly ripped stuff, that do not undercut everyone’s reasonable prices. We have a feeling that a lot people are not aware of all the GOOD stuff that is out there that isn’t blatantly stolen.

Who will participate?

We’ve handpicked a nice list of stores who will either appear as regulars or as guests. So far, we have gotten positive feedback from these stores:

Regulars:
1- EZ Weaponry /The Forge (Weapons/Accessories) – Deccan Arida
2- Centipede (Weapons/Accessories)  – Kendra Zaurak
3 – Trident (Furniture) – Laufey Markstein
4 – Trident Jewelry (Jewelry) – Rossana Llewellyn
5 – Gspot (Clothing) – Jalilah Jewell
6 – The Library (Clothing) – Dream Resistance/Sabina Takakura
7 – Essences (Skins) – Inka Mexicola
8 – Dysfunctional Dolly Designs (Furniture, Landscaping) – Anke Hatchuk
9 – Roawenwood (Furniture) – Searlait Nitschke
10 – Tia (furniture) – Tia Biscuit
11 – Soedara (Clothing) – Marbella Pronovost
12 – Rainbow Co. (Furniture, Houses) – Huntress Blackrain
13 – Xanimations (Animations, Accessories) – Xanxan Jervil
14 – The Fallen (Clothing) – Triad Fallen
15 – Lightsstar Designs (Clothing, Shoes!) – Krystal Silverweb
16 – Rue (Accessories, Bodyparts) – Ruina Kessel
17 – Alchemy (Skins)- Nina Helix
18 – Panda Express (Accessories, Bodyparts) – Kioko Kumaki (from May on)
19 – Bilo (Clothing) – Mayaa Thistle
20 – The Muses (Clothing) – Dolce Blackflag
21 – Evie’s Closet (Clothing) – Evangeline Miles
22 – Innocuous (Clothing) – Circuitous Resident
23 – Kouse’s Sanctum (Clothing) – Kouse Singh
24 – Knickknack (Clothing) – Levia Larsson
25 – Silkworms (Clothing) – Trippy Fall
26 – The Plastik (Clothing, Skins) – Aikea Rieko
27 – Aeva/Heartsick (Skins) – Amesha Jewell
28 – The White Armory (Dresses, Weapons) – Colton Drechsler/Bee Dumpling

Guests:
1 – Handverk (Accessories) – Daphne Klossovsky (Guest)
2 – Arwen’s Creations (Clothing) – Arwen Serpente (Guest)
3 – Rochambeau (Clothing/Buildings) – Leviathan Flux (Guest)
4 – Tokidoki (Clothing) – Maya Levane (Special Guest)
5 – Deviance (Clothing) – Surreal LeShelle (Guest)
6 – Es-kimo (Hair, Skins) – Ziekling Bunnyhug (Guest)
7 – Aeros Avatars (Skins) – Pi Rain (Guest)
8 – Fallen Gods (Skins) – Alia Baroque/Elizabeth Tinsley (from June on, Guest?)
9 – Zaara (Clothing, Jewelry) – Zaara Kohime
10 – C’est la Vie (Clothing) – Larcoco Mathy

Please be aware that due to rl circumstances or any other reason this list might change. This is what we have NOW.

When and where will the event start?

The event will likely start on May 4th. I’d like to keep the location a secret for now, since I am still working on it. We do not want the usual boring box-look most shopping events have.  However, if you open your eyes, you might stumble on it anyways. 

What kind of items will be offered? Will there be a discount?

All items that fit into the medieval/medieval fantasy, gorean, ancient Rome/Greece/Persia/Egypt theme are allowed. Furniture, clothing, hair, skins… whatever fits.  A minimum discount of 25% is planned, a maximum discount of 50%. Anything in between will be decided by each creator. The items do not have to be a new release, but have to be looking 2013. No old stuff. Both genders will be considered.  We’d like to offer a good deal to customers while at the same time not devalueing the hard work of our creators.

How will the promotion happen?

We will promote through various blogs, forums, we’d like to start a blog for the event, through the logo in stores and on role-play sims. We’d be glad for any simowner who’ll be willing to let us display the logo there. There will also be an updategroup or a subscribo (not yet decided) for customers. Plurk, Flickr, Facebook…so many possibilities. 

I’d like to be an official blogger!?

That’s great! We are both looking for role-play bloggers as well as casual fashion bloggers. If we haven’t contacted you by April ~ 10th, feel free to contact us (see below!). There are but a few expectations:

1. Your blog must be older than 3 months.
2. Your blog must contain quality pictures.
3. If you knowingly support stores that sell blatantly ripped content and are aware of it, you will not be considered. We ask you to understand this (see ‘goals’).
4. Please do not ask the creators for review copies! They will contact you instead if they want.
5. You should have a unique, tasteful style.
6. You should be syndicated in at least three of the major feeds such as Iheartsl.
7. Please announce the event every month on your blog and add a link to the blog to your blogroll: <a href=”http://weloveroleplay.wordpress.com/&#8221; rel=”nofollow”>weloveroleplay.wordpress.com/</a>. If you would put up the banner as well, that would be fabulous. 

I have a store and would like to join in!?

Please contact any of the four persons listed below. We will have a look at your store and will get back at you. 

Who do I need to contact if I’d like to blog, have any questions, suggestions, concerns or ideas?

Feel free to contact either of us: Ost Clawtooth, Arica Storaro, Tera Varriale, Kaitlin Eiren.

I am really looking forward to this whole adventure. I am sort of putting my heart into it (and so are the other three!) and it has been an idea I have long been mulling over. I really hope it works out, it will bea firsttime for us as well.  Keep fingers crossed and stay tuned! 

❤ Arica

Why I love mesh!

I’ve fallen in love with mesh clothing.  I snapped this picture and couldn’t help but smile when I thought about how this would have looked if I had been wearing a prim skirt.

Sticky Buns

Zander turned seeing Kait had stopped along the way, seemingly in conversation with someone he smiled and shook his head having been so focused on the promise of sticky buns and lured by the aroma of fresh baking he slipped inside the small bakery “Something smells delicious in here” he called out listening for a reply or movement from behind the curtains and hearing none. Boldly moving to the table of fresh baking and leaning down inhaling deeply the smells that had lured him inside he scraped his finger across the top of one of the buns lifting it to his lips and licking the sugary goodness. “MMMM” Glancing around again and thinking the proprietor of the bakery must be out delivering her goods as Brooke the baker had done in Ar he reached down and lifted the now damaged bun taking a bite just as his companion slipped inside. Lifting the bun in his hand towards her and trying to speak with a full mouth “Delisos” then motioning to the tray before him for Kait to try.

Kaitlin finally caught up to her companion just before his entry into the shop lured by the smell of fresh baked goods. She looked around the room curiously before focusing on a menu plastered on the wall with prominent pictures of what was available turning her back to her companion. Obviously the owner served high and low caste with the absence of words on the over-sized parchment or perhaps she simply thought the pictures were far more descriptive than a bit of ink scrawl of name and price. She could also of course be illiterate. When her companion spoke she half-turned to him curiously as the garbled words were impossible to understand. “What did you say Zander? It’s not as if you have the thick brogue of the citizens of Kaelus but I didn’t understand you at all.” She laughed loudly when she solved the mystery of why his clear and distinct Arian accent had been unintelligible, “From High Builder to bread thief. You have fallen low companion.”

Wine And An Appeal

Kaitlin smoothed her skirts nervously with her free hand holding the Cosian ta wine bottle carefully in the other. Taking a deep breath she stepped forward and announced herself to the Regent’s guards. “I’m not expected but could you please inform the Regent that lady Kait of Ar would like an audience?” Despite phrasing the words as a question it was clear from the imperious tone she not only expected them to act quickly but she also was confident she would be admitted.

Theoden would look up from his scrolls as he would oversee debriefings of the Hochburgian attack earlier from the Hand as well as other reports of their forces being repelled at an earlier advance. Of course, all this drew a dark cloud over Theoden, as if it were raining always upon his head, for now , at least. It did not help him in the least to alleviate his now brooding nature. His eyes were rather disappointed mostly going over the reports… as well as being anxious about raising the high taxes and broaching the topic with the financial network of Kaelus, namely, Xamirus the banker and Erasthenes the treasurer. It was then a guard came into the room from the door ways and announced the unannounced arrival of Lady Kait. “Really, what could she want?” he looked up a tad annoyed, really more propelled by the lingering issues over his head than really any distaste at the woman. He would not send her home; the woman, though perhaps rather touchy the last time she spoke to her, was still the woman who had fixed him up years and years ago… and the companion of Zander. “Let her in.” he grunted, as the guardsman made his way back to the door and opened it up for the lady to walk inside.

Fountains And Perfume

Kaitlin gazed into the fountain lost in her thoughts completely oblivious to what went on around her

Clementine (balljointdoll) had been running around, taking a look at the white stones that caused the floating lanterns to illuminate garishly. She took in the smells of dry texture and then the moisture of the water before noticing the free woman. Her dress just as bright as this place. Cocking her head to the side she wondered if she should speak but made up her mind.”Tal Mistress. I..err, may I ask a question?”

Kaitlin spun on her heels in surprise hearing the unexpected voice. Clearing her throat and the fog of confusion she took in the slaves measure and then responded. “Ask away girl. I might find what you have to say of interest”

Clementine (balljointdoll) glanced around idly before scratching her head.”Um.. oh! I was just wondering what this place was. It is so.. white compared to the rest of the city.”

Kaitlin laughed at the description. “I suppose it is white to suggest the majesty of its inhabitants. We call it the keep. You will find only those who rank high in the city or have found favor with the regent taking lodging here. Even this fountain seems to rarely be enjoyed by the riffraff of the city.”

Things To Like About Kaelus

 

Zander led Kait around the new apartment still a little shocked himself at the resignation of Berethin “This apartment is one of the perks of my appointment to the High Builder position, there is plenty of room here compared the cozy two room apartment we were in and I’ve arranged to have all our belongings brought here” wandering around the rooms not entirely happy with some of the decor choices of his predecessor “I do think it will be a wonderful home once we put our tastes to the decor…..tell me Kait what do you think?”

Kait turned first one way and then the other taking in the luxuriousness of the space despite the color choices. “Do you really want to speak about decorating choices or would you rather focus on why the First in caste decided to high-tail it out of the city in the direction of the wagons that litter the area beyond the walls. I find that a far more fitting conversation since your appointment is yet another oddity. What if the mans job was hell and the city is falling down around us?”

Zander pondered her question for a few ihn then his eyes meeting hers he spoke confidently “I have completed a large amount of the work here in the city since my arrival…sure Berethin was the head of Caste but the only thing that will change now is I no longer have to report daily to him, “Smiling as he finished speaking his gaze drawn to the hideous wall covering he offered “I have no idea what drove the former Head Builder to the wagons, he is Alar perhaps that had something to do with his decision I never spoke with him prior to his departure Kait….only he knows the answer to that question”

Dren And Brielle Get Aquainted

 

Dren Bernard grumbles ” the answer is ‘not likely’ who ever you are.” he then looks up and stands “kait” he says.

Kait held the bundle so close to her that her daughter begin to wiggle in protest as she neared the door with her guards shadowing every step. She smiled as her brother greeted her seeming to have missed the significance of the load she carried. “Greetings Dren. Not exactly Ar but I suppose it suits you.”

Dren Bernard looks at her bundle of squirm and stares at it for just under uncomfortable time, “Brielle” he says … He then looks up raising his eyebrows as he scans his workroom “not Ar indeed, tell me sister dear, what do you think of the decorating? Is it all condusive to roping in my potential patients?” He then looks back at the child in her arms.

Kait looks from one boldly painted wall to another before whispering to the babe, “Brielle I present to you Dren Bernard, your uncle. As to the suitability of this place it depends on the mindset of your patients. The paint job is enough to drive a sane person insane so perhaps for the addled few it will have the opposite affect making you instantly effective and the legend of your skill will have them beating a path to your door.” She finished with a smirk and then adjusted the child with a few deft movements to begin nursing her under the cover of the various layers.”

Who Said There Would Be A Strike?

Zander (zander.riverstone) nodded to the man in red, “Tal Sir, I am Zander of Ar looking for the Head of the Builders Caste…..a man named Bearathin” glancing around and seeing the sign above the door, “Would you know if he is in”?

Beren Puch (beren.acacia) turns toward the man. “Actually, I am not sure. I’m not sure if I’ve ever actually met the man, though I saw him once in a city meeting.” He looks over this Zander a bit. “Zander. I feel like I have heard the name … but no matter,” he shakes his head. “I am Beren, Captain of Kaelus. I will see what I can do to find the man, if possible.” He noted the man was from Ar, and his curiosity got the better of him. “Should I tell Berathin why you seek him, if he asks?”

Kenzumi (quinnlynntessimal) swung the last of the cell gates closed, her gaze following the man in the gold scarf as he circled the arena and began to climb the stairs leading to the Builder’s Hall. She glanced around to make sure her absence wouldn’t be noted, and then followed at a discreet distance, suspecting by his garb that the hall was indeed his destination. As Berathin had left her the open invitation to visit him at any time, now seemed like a most advantageous opportunity. So pleased with herself, she nearly ran into the man she was tailing. Giving him a nod, and then another to the warrior, her long-limbed stride, hindered only by the chain tethering her ankles, she stalked into the Builder’s Hall as if she owned the place. Clearing her throat, her chin lifted with a dignity that could not be stripped from the former free woman, she addressed the Head Builder. “Tal, sir. I hope I am not interrupting?” She drew near, kneeling in his presence as she spoke, minding his recommendation that she up the ante when minding her manners.