A Fitting
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Eimi, Leigh M-F.
Date Posted: 30th August 2017
Characters: Merlish, Yuuphiginya
Description: Merlish visits with a friendly seamstress...
Location: Harper Hall
Date: month 13, day 22 of Turn 8
Merlish smoothed down her skirts once more, taking a little pleasure from the feel of how much loser her clothes were fitting. Smiling brightly, she knocked on the door of the seamstress. Just a few more measurements and hopefully she would have a few nice new outfits just in time for the new Turn that actually _fit_!
A moment later, the door swung open, letting out air that smelled of cloth and dye, fresh klah and sweet buns. A dark-eyed, dark-skinned lady with curly silver hair cropped close poked her head out, smiling with a warmth and friendliness that brought to mind everyone's favorite granny. "Hellooo!" she chirped. "Come in, come in dear. You're Merlish, yes? Right on time, wonderful. I'm Yuuphiginya. Remind me, are we doing a fitting or your colors today?"
"A fitting," Merlish said, ducking her head with a shy smile as she entered the room. Her eyes immediately were struck by all the beautiful fabrics in a rainbow of colors dotted around the room.
"Marvelous. Help yourself to a pastry or the klah if you like; it's over there in the purple pitcher. I need to get my measurements book. When were you last in?" Yuuphiginya inquired, bustling to a small table with at least four different ledgers on it. She plucked up one with a blue leather cover, flipping through it.
"Before the winter, but I've lost some weight since then." Merlish looked longingly at the plate of sweets. If she wanted to keep the weight off, she would have to resist the temptation a while longer. But shells, they smelled so good!
"Oh goodness, some time then. No wonder you came to see me now. That's enough time for plenty to change." The seamstress turned the pages until she found the correct one. "Here we are." She muttered to herself for a moment, running her finger over some numbers. "Got it." She set the ledger down and turned to a small cloth dummy hung with several tape measures, picking one up and carrying it to Merlish. "Right then, let's start with your shoulders and arms, please."
"Alright." Merlish stood up straight and spread her arms wide so the seamstress could start her work.
The seamstress began with the width of her client's shoulders, then wound the tape around her left bicep. "Hm?" Yuuphiginya gently pinched Merlish's arm through her sleeve. "Oh, you've put on some muscle, dear. That changes things." She finished at the arms, then measured across Merlish's bust, ribcage, and waist. "You've lost a little mass here at your waist. How hard have you been working yourself lately, dear? Are you remembering to eat and get enough sleep?"
"Yes, I'm eating. I'm just eating healthier," Merlish said with a bit of pride. "And my husband and I have been making a point to be more active."
Yuuphiginya looked very surprised. "Oh Ancients bless, I didn't think any force on Pern could get that man to exercise," she said without any real rancor. "Obviously you've done wonders for him."
Merlish stiffened momentarily out of reflex to defend her husband, but she knew the woman's intention had not been hurtful. "He is doing it for me," she said simply.
"Would be better were he doing it for himself, but it's a big gesture from him nonetheless," the seamstress said briskly, moving on in her measurements. "What else does he do for you, dear? He does treat you well, yes?"
"Oh yes," Merlish said with a genuinely tender smile. Master Eilomar had always been nothing but kind to her and her family. "He makes sure I have all I need. He is very generous."
Yuuphiginya felt satisfied with the response, as that was the smile of a woman in love. If Eilomar could get that kind of reaction, then it seemed as though everything really was okay, and perhaps the Master crafter did have a heart under all the gruff bluster. "That's wonderful, dear," she said kindly and sincerely. "Be sure to hold still now; I need to double-check the hem length. I don't suppose you heard what Maollie and Kirish got up to on the restday when they had their little party? No? Let me tell you, dear, they're going to give their families heart attacks one of these days. It started out so simply, too-"
Last updated on the September 2nd 2017