2444/The Dollmaker and the Dressmaker

The Dollmaker and the Dressmaker
Date of Scene:	13 June 2015
Location:	Tomoeda-865
Synopsis:	Alice Margatroid sends her two favorite dolls to Tomoyo's Boutique to shop for unusual materials.
Cast of Characters:	Tomoyo Daidouji, 807

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Tomoyo Daidouji has posed:
     The day is ending in Tomoeda, the air still rather warm and sluggish from the warm summer day. The sky is starting to shift to purple, preparing for the dark night that is to come, the waning moon clearly visible. Thin wisps of cloud are being painted in yellow and orange by the setting sun, a momentary daily spectacle.

     The lights are still on in Tomoyo's Boutique, illuminating the mannequins that stand in the store windows. The girl herself is inside, sitting at the counter as she does some accounting before closing up properly.

Alice Margatroid (807) has posed:
    Ah, the evening sunset, the beautiful yellows and oranges and purples filling the sky with their vibrant and time loved colors. Such a sight is something Alice herself takes in pride, a shy smile upon her face. With Hourai and Shanghai floating ever so next to her, she gives the two a small nod, keeping herself tucked away, her Grimoire tucked under her left arm. "We're here, if the directions are right. Japan is a beautiful place, perhaps I should host some of my puppetry here." she comments.

    Hourai and Shanghai, Alice's two signature dolls take a look a each other and give a light nod, floating off away from Alice and to the direction of the shop. Hourai, in red and white. Shanghai, in blue and white. Both dolls hover around and take a look at the sign of the lighted building, the botique the two's Owner was meant to go to. With another nod, the two drop down and, with a bit of effort, push/pull the door open and slip in. Hourai's face frowns while Shanghai's brightens as if Shanghai was leeching off Hourai's happiness. A soft voice, coming from the Blue/White one, speaks up. It's a soft, child-like tone but one of a respectful nature. "Hello~, is there a Miss Daidouji here?"

Tomoyo Daidouji has posed:
     The door is heavy oak, so it would take a bit of effort on the two doll's part to push it open! Tomoyo looks up from her receipts to smile at the inbound customer, blinking in surprise at the sight of the two floating marionettes.

     "Oh my~ Yes, I'm Tomoyo Daidouji, and welcome to my Boutique!" She picks up her paperwork and places it under the counter. Resting her elbows on the counter, she links her fingers and rests her chin atop them, a serene smile on her face.

     "I'll admit, I've not had the likes of you two visit my store before~ This is very exciting, if I may say so. How can I be of service?"

Alice Margatroid (807) has posed:
    Shanghai's quick to slip her shoes off and unload them on Hourai, "Hold these please!"

    "Do I have t..." "Yes."

    Hourai begrudgingly holds the shoes as Shanghai floats over to stand upon the counter, giving a curtsey while Hourai sets them over by the door, then floats around to look at the outfits. Shanghai looks over, shakes her head then turns back to Tomoyo. "Hello! I'm Shanghai, that's Hourai. We were sent on errand by Alice to pick up some cloth that Sanae said that you made or this botique can make. Sanae said that you make clothing and cloth with..." she trails off, Hourai speaks up in a bit more of an adult tone. "Elite's in mind. However, I'm not sure what she meant by that."

    "Right, elites! Alice is in need of cloth so she can make some more clothing for the rest of her dolls, and make some new ones. We were hoping you could be of service!" with this, Shanghai makes a very formal bow, on her knees and head to the 'ground'.

Tomoyo Daidouji has posed:
     Tomoyo suppresses a giggle at the banter between the two dolls. It wouldn't do for her to laugh at potential customers! Hourai would see that there aren't actually that many examples of completed outfits on display. A couple are on the mannequins in the windows, but a majority of the store floor is dominated by wooden shelves that hold examples of the materials Tomoyo has to make clothes from. Mostly fabrics, but also unusual things like wood, scales, liquids and feathers.

     Tomoyo listens as Shanghai explains why the two are here, wondering why this 'Alice' couldn't come herself. But, she's sure she has her reasons~ "Clothes for Elites is what I do, yes~ Elites are always getting into fights, so they need clothes that are sturdy and possibly defensive. In addition, some Elites have powers or abilities that could damage clothes they wear, so I use materials or styles that can minimize damage~" she explains to Hourai.

     She nods to Shanghai, understanding her request. "So she wants to buy some materials from me? I can certainly do that~ Do you happen to have any idea on what she would like to do with those new outfits?"

Alice Margatroid (807) has posed:
    Shanghai perks up, moving to stand back up and nod then makes a twirl, "Well, outfits like these, only a bit less fancy. She made this and what Hourai is wearing because we're her first." she beams proudly while Hourai gives a light sigh, looking at some of the liquid in curiosity. Shanghai speaks back up, "Something that's easily replacable, fixable and can hold a magic aura on it. She does need a lot of it." Shanghai looks behind her a bit, eyeing the sun setting. "I am sorry if we came so late though. Alice wanted to make sure that everything was okay before she came."

    Hourai floats over, nodding, "Our Maker does not do well with people." she states flatly, "She does not have much to offer, perhaps she can create a small doll in your likeness and have it lightly animated." a pause, "I do not think she will enchant it at all beyond that." Hourai looks around a bit, "Do you do all the sewing yourself, and if so, how do you have the time to run a store and make the outfits for your customers. I am just in a curious mood as you look very young to own a buisness." a pause, "Though, I should not speak, there are girls who run stalls in the Human Village that sell things as well. Forgive me for an odd question."

Tomoyo Daidouji has posed:
     Tomoyo giggles. "They are very cute outfits! She's obviously very good at making them." She listens close to Shanghai as she rattles off what Alice needs the fabric to be. "Oh~! I'll recommend to you what I'll always recommend. Over here." She offers Shanghai her hand to ride on if she so chooses, and walks out from behind the counter.

     As she passes Hourai on her way towards what she had in mind, she offers the other doll a ride on her other hand as she explains. "Heheh~ I do handle most of the sewing! The simple stuff I leave to my assistant. As for how I manage it all..." She pauses for a moment, and bites her lower lip. "Well, I have to be able to handle something as simple as this~"

     She comes to a stop before the rolls of fabric. "You're right though, I'm only in my first year of high school. Much younger than most business owners~ It took a lot of appealing to the local government to let it happen, but I have precedence on my side. They have someone a few months younger than me working a council job, you see~" She places the dolls down, assuming they took her up on her offer, and unfurls one of the rolls labelled 'Spider Silk Weave.'

     "This is my favourite fabric to use! Spider silk is soft, strong, and pretty easily enchanted. But I can't really do the last thing..." She smiles down at the two. "How does that sound?"

Alice Margatroid (807) has posed:
    Shanghai blinks a bit and smiles, shaking her head, "It would be rude to use Alice's potential seller as a ride. I appreciate the gesture!" as she floats around, hovering close towards Tomoyo with a nod, "She is, she's spent quite a long while in Gensokyo making them. I think she's perfected the art." she gives a firm nod, obviously speaking with a lot of pride for Alice. Though, listening to what Tomoyo says in response to Hourai's question, she gives a light nod, "You're very good at what you do then. I'm sure everyone is very impressed!"

    Hourai nods in agreement, "Of this, I will not argue. Shanghai is correct." she follows along, floating on the other side of Tomoyo, "Perhaps some of the humans in the Village could learn a lot from your acumen and your ethics." once more, a firm nod as the two look at the unfurled fabric. "Spider silk? Shanghai, have you heard of it?" Shanghai shakes her head, giving a touch of the silk.

    That touch turns into all out rubbing "It feels so good!" Shanghai exclaims, "It's okay, Alice can do the enchanting herself, but if it's a strong as you say, she may not have to do much to it." she nods, "Perhaps I can convince her to enchant a bolt for you to use too!" Shanghai's practically rubbing the silk upon her face, making happy little noises at the feel. Hourai, however, gives a sigh, "She's always this way, don't mind it. How much would it be for a few bolts of this spider silk? Is it also easily accepting to dyes? Alice loves her colors."

    Meanwhile, outside the Botique, Alice gives a sigh, looking to the sky. "Marisa, why didn't you answer your door?"

Tomoyo Daidouji has posed:
     Tomoyo is clearly very pleased by the compliments from the dolls! She smiles softly and sways on the spot, her cheeks a little pink. "You're both kind to say~ Thank you." She giggles as Shanghai rubs the silk, loving the feel of it. "Ooohhh... enchant it for me, you say? Hmm..." She starts rubbing her chin, a distant look in her eyes. "That could work..."

     She looks down at Hourai and smiles. "Oh yes, it dyes quite easily. As for the price? Hmm..." She looks a little conflicted here... and she eventually comes to a decision. "I'll be happy to sell you some bolts, at the same price as the people who sell them to me. I'll even give you their names and address so Alice won't have to go through me to get it~" She nods firmly, clearly satisfied with her decision to be an ethical businesswoman.

Alice Margatroid (807) has posed:
    Shanghai gives a nod and smiles, removing herself from the silk, "Yes. I'm pretty sure she can and will as part of the payment. And I think if she does buisness with you, she might get out and see people more too!" she gives a firm 'this is right' nod, "And you've been nothing but kind to us. I do not know why some people would treat us different, but I pay them no mind, Alice loves us and we are fine with this." she gives a light nod, and turns to Hourai.

    Hourai gives a light nod, moving to press up against the door, leaving the building for some reason. Shanghai gives a nod, "Hourai's going to get Alice. She's not too far off, she'll have some payment for you." she nods, "And, out of respect for you, Miss Daidouji, Alice will more than likely not deal with someone we haven't met. So if you will permit us, can we keep shopping with you as a cloth buyer?"

Tomoyo Daidouji has posed:
     Tomoyo is a rather perceptive young lady, and she's begun to realize something about this 'Alice' as she spoke with her dolls. "Goodness, is she a shut-in or something?" The look on her face is an empathetic one, no trace of judgement to be found.

    When Shanghai mentions that people treat them different, she frowns and kneels down to take the doll's hands in her own. "I would never do that. I can tell that the both of you are lovely, and anyone who can't look past what you're made of is a fool." She speaks with firm conviction, with no trace of the lilt that she had before.

     She waves to Hourai as she goes off, and looks down at Shanghai, pouting a little. "Oh my goodness, is she that shy?... of course, I would be happy to keep selling to you." She beams, and stands back up to wait for Alice's arrival.

Alice Margatroid (807) has posed:
    "She is." Shanghai simply puts, "She does go out on occasions, even attends festivals and banquets to put on shows, but once she's done and collects her due, she's off into the forest again. Occasionally she makes trips or helps the occasional lost human but she keeps to herself..." a pause, "Unless Marisa comes over..." she shakes her head and gives a light smile, "Thank you, Miss Daidouji. I'm sure that Alice and you will be best of friends!"

    Meanwhile, outside the Botique.

    "Alice, she's ready for payment. Shanghai found some good cloth that you can use." Hourai starts tugging at Alice's dress, the Dollmaker still staring at the sky. "Alice, come on."

    "I'm coming, Hourai. How do you like her? You won't let anyone get close to me if you don't like them."

    With a sigh, Hourai gives a headshake, "She is not one that I feel will hurt you. She seems to have the interest of everyone at heart, I will allow her close."

    With a walk, Alice starts to move towards the Botique. Stopping at the front door, Shanghai is interrupted with talking as her head shoots to look, "Alice is here!" and with a zip and uncanny agility, she's from the cloth to the door, pulling it open to allow Alice inside. And with a few steps, Alice crosses the threshold, the girl wearing multiple colors gives a slight nod, "Miss Daidouji, I presume?" she pulls out a small purse, jingling with some coin, "Hourai has not stated a price to me, shall we negotiate?"

Tomoyo Daidouji has posed:
     Tomoyo nods to Shanghai, smiling. "She must be lonely at times. I understand that feeling all too well... don't you worry, I'll do my best to get along with her!"

     When the fabled Alice finally enters, Tomoyo bows to her. "Welcome to my Boutique, Alice~ Please, call me Tomoyo." She pulls some of the spider silk out and shows it to the magician. "This is the fabric~ Spider silk is really wonderful, I highly recommend it! But, I think you should start with just one bolt, just in case you decide it's not for you."

     Tomoyo starts to rattle off a reasonable price, but then seems to pause and shakes her head. "I'll let you have the first bolt for free." She smiles and giggles softly. "If you're going to be a repeat customer, we should do our best to get along, after all~ Consider it a gift!"

Alice Margatroid (807) has posed:
    Alice gives a curious nod, "A pleasure, Tomoyo." she gives a gaze around the shop, a small smile is given. "Quite the botique, Tomoyo." and as the silk is recommended, Alice takes a bit into her hand and as she does, Shanghai pipes up, "It's really comfy! It feels so good too, Alice!" "Shanghai can't get enough of that silk, Alice." though all three turn towards Tomoyo as the prices are being rattled off, and the word 'free' hits her ear.

    Alice closes her eyes, silently looking at Shanghai and Hourai who both look at Alice and, in a voice together, "Alice? Is something wrong?" Alice shakes her head, turning towards Tomoyo and gives a soft frown. "I could not accept it as free." she states, "As I make my dolls and perform, I am paid a due. Please do not take offense when I say I would rather pay for a fine cut of cloth such as this than accept it as a gift. You mean well and I appreciate it, but I would want to make sure you're paid for your service as well."

    Alice pulls out some high value coin from her purse and a few bills, a bit more than the asking price initially stated and then, a smile. "Alice Margatroid. The Puppeteer of Gensokyo. This is Shanghai and Hourai, I do hope they were not too much trouble."

Tomoyo Daidouji has posed:
     Tomoyo giggles softly. "Thank you~ I came up with the layout myself! I'm not much of an interior designer, but I think it turned out quite well." Again, she is clearly very pleased by the compliment.

     When Alice begins describing how she makes her money, Tomoyo actually looks a little... envious? "Wow... being able to make a living off of your art? A lot of people in my world would never be able to pull that off. I should visit Gensokyo sometime." She blushes a little when Alice is being so insistent on paying, and accepts the money when it is handed to her.

     "You're very kind Alice~ I'll be right back with your cloth." She slips behind the counter once more, and heads up a flight of stairs behind it. Minutes later, she comes back down with a paper bag, sealed with tape which she hands to Alice. "There you are! I hope it is of use to you~"

Alice Margatroid (807) has posed:
    "It did." Alice comments, "I do not make as much as you may believe, it's enough to keep me with materials." she nods, "It is okay, however. I do save to afford... extravanagt materials such as this." she gives a good nod once more and tilts her head at the visiting Gensokyo part. "If you do, I recommend you do not venture past the Hakurei Shrine or the Human Village. And do not enter the Forest of Magic, there are fairies there that are known tricksters."

    Shanghai and Hourai give a smile, Shanghai's being brighter as she speaks, "We'll wait here!" she cheers on, before the two dolls float around Alice, "See, she is nice. I'm glad you came in, Alice." Alice gives Shanghai a stoic look then a smile, patting her head, "Eee..."

    As Tomoyo comes back with the cloth, she gives a graceful bow before accepting the sealed cloth, "I may not venture out, but a kind word goes a long way to make sure you are welcome back." a pause, "Thank you for the cloth, I will send you a result of what I make as a secondary form of payment if the coin is not enough." a pause, she looks to Shanghai and Hourai, "Shall we go?" with an enthusiastic nod from Shanghai and a curt nod from Hourai.. "I shall come visit again soon."

Tomoyo Daidouji has posed:
     Tomoyo nods to Alice's advice! "I'll be careful~ Thank you." She pokes at her register, opening it up to reveal a weird combination of all sorts of currencies, and does her best to file away what Alice gave her into the best possible slots.

     She bows to Alice and both of the dolls, smiling serenely at all three. "Thank you for your business~ Please, come again if you find the cloth satisfactory. I have so many other wonderful materials I could share~" She goes to open the door for all three, waving goodbye as they depart.