3E 364, 17th of Frostfall
A golden silken dress on a mannequin, scrutinised by the tailor, a hand, equally as golden as the dress, on his chin, scratching at his neatly trimmed goatee, tan in colour. He turned to a box full of jewels and other valuable items, each organised into its own compartment, and he grabbed a few strings of pearls. He held the white coloured orbs, each the size of a pea, up to the fabric. He nodded approvingly, and set all but one string to the side, as he began to magically infuse the pearls to the dress, his hands glowing with magicka, the pearls permanently attached to the gold coloured garment. Once pearls lined the edges of the fabric, as well as bordering the change from the darker golden shade to a lighter, feather coloured shade. He grabbed a hand mirror before going back over to the box full of jewels. He grabbed multiple shades of blue from the box and held them up next to his eyes as he gazed into the mirror, criticising the colours until he gave a satisfied nod to the one that matched his own eye colour. Grabbing multiple, he clenched his hands around them, using magicka once more, only this time, to crush the gems into small shards, before arranging them into bejewelled flowers around the hem of the dress.
The finished dress, once on a mannequin, now fitted a young female Altmer, the silk perfectly fitted to her form. She looked over herself in the tall floor length mirror, admiring how the sapphires sparkled in the mage lights, identical in shade to her own eyes. The pearls, glistening like stars. She turned to the tailor, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she gave him a gentle smile, "it is perfect, Ata*," she complimented, her eyes roaming over the golden, silk dress once more. Said tailor nodded approvingly, "just as I had planned. I wouldn't have settled for anything less than what I made." He strode over to a small jewellery box, containing necklaces and amulets, rings, bracelets and arm bands, and decorative ear pieces as well as hair accessories. He plucked out an enchanted necklace, silver like a pearl, then he went back over to the elven maiden, and fastened it around her neck, "for confidence." he explained as she examined the beautiful necklace resting against her collarbone.
"Now, time for the ceremony. You mustn't be late. The Order would not approve, and would shame you, and your Lenya*. Now go," the tailor commanded, urging the maiden towards the door. Before she could reach the handle however, the door swung open, a tear stricken woman stood before them, her golden skin blotched pink from her emotions. "Eldroonyaran! My dress has ripped!" she shouted, stumbling into the store, her emerald coloured dress having a small tear in the sleeve, her arm held out to the tailor, Eldroonyaran, for him to examine. "I see. Go sit and I will repair it," he spoke to her, annoyed from her bursting into his quiet shop. He turned back to the maiden next to him, her face clearly showing her irritation at the woman pushing past her. His eyes narrowed as he gave her a stern look, which said, 'control your emotions, girl.' She saw and quickly looked away in shame, a mumbled apology coming from her.
In a circular hall, lit from mage lights, on floating platforms stood the Chirurgeon Order. Twenty talented Altmer, both male and female, stood, staring down at the eleven maiden from the tailor's shop. Her hands held neatly in front of herself, intertwined together. From the outside, she seemed almost completely calm, besides her eyes flitting to every face of the Order before her, out of nervousness and anticipation. Today, she'd be inducted into their order as an apprentice to her mother, her Lenya, the skilled Altmer of the name Angalinwae. Wife of the very tailor who had laboured over the dress the maiden now wore. Angalinwae, hair a very pale blond, which made her golden skin stand out, but her hair is also the exact same shade as the maiden down below. They were almost mirror images, if not for the difference in eye colour. Of course, their age difference is quite large, the maiden only being the tender young age of sixteen, while the far superior Lenya is at the age of three hundred and nine years.
"Fairenilis Gaiander," began the head member of the order, an old and wizened male Altmer, his silver hair slicked back. "You have past all of your tests required of a Chirurgeon member, and you are of the minimum age of when your training can begin. Even so, you cannot become a full member just yet. First, you will apprentice under Angalinwae Gaiander until you finish your full training. Then, once you have, you will be inducted into the order," he finished, his gaze moving from Fairenilis to Angalinwae, and once his eyes reached her, her circular platform began lowering back to the floor, where it fitted perfectly into the indentation in the floor, which is where the platforms remain when not needed for a member of the order. Once down, Angalinewae, gracefully stepped towards Fairen. She gave a slight nod, as well as a barely noticeable smile, then stood behind the younger elf, facing towards the order. Fairen, now more relaxed to have her Lenya behind her, stood a little straighter. The head member nodded approvingly, and bid them farewell, the ceremony over. Fairen turned towards her Lenya, who tilted her head in the direction of a hall to the side of the main room, and then went on her way to her work room, Fairen following close behind her. Her training has begun.
By the time the sun had set at eight, a whole twelve hours after the ceremony, Fairen had started learning how to make beauty products to assist in the art of face sculpting. While she continued practicing the few recipes she was given, her Lenya was on the other side of the room, gathering books for her to study, as well as a few busts sculpted into Altmer heads for her to practice the products she made on them. The busts are made out of artificial flesh, so if she had failed a beauty product, such as one that burns the delicate skin of faces, it will show on the bust, rather than having her test it out on someone, like the other scholars of the different races would. Practicality is a given trait to Altmer, and they all took pride in it. Along with the busts and books, an enchanted and very decorated crate sat on an end table, already full of beauty tools and ingredients, however the enchantment on the crate allowed it to make room for all things placed into it, so Angaline had no issues placing the many textbooks and busts into it.
3E 385, 2nd of First Seed
Faienilis had completed her training, she's now as skilled as Angalinewae and most other members of the Chirurgeon Order. Now she is able to permanently change someone's features to however they desire, or even a simple temporary change, for a social gathering or a festival for example. Beside her, a few knapsacks, similarly enchanted like that crate so many years ago, were filled with all of her belongings and equipment. Today, she is leaving the Summerset Isles, of course she has left before then, journeying to Valenwood and Cyrodiil, but never further than that, and she hadn't traveled on her own before. She's leaving her birth country to start the Cyrodilic branch of her Order, to expand their grasp as well as to have a newer assortment of subjects. Of course they were always paid well, and some of the profits would be going back to the Order in Summerset, but most of it will be staying with Fairen. She had uses and need of all of that coinage, but first, she must get to Cyrodiil and set up shop. So, the long voyage from her island nation to the mainland must begin, and with that, she headed off to the main port where her ride awaited, her luggage floating behind her due to a telekinesis spell.
3E 385, 14th of Frostfall
"Welcome to Anvil, Miss Gaiander. Need help with your luggage?" a crew member asked her, having flirted with her since the second day of the voyage. Fairen narrowed her eyes in annoyance, the damned Imperial would do anything if it meant he could get into her sheets, which she would never allow. Especially for a pig such as himself. "No, Josphf, I have my own means to assist me. Thank you," she smiled sweetly, while internally she grimaced. She had gotten quite good at hiding her true emotions over the years, many Altmer pride themselves on that, especially those in the Order. He deflated a little, disappointed at having his help be rejected, "have a nice trip Miss Gaiander," he dipped his head solemnly before he strode away to help his crew dock the ship. Which, didn't even take long as within ten minutes, the vessel was docked and a ramp was lowered to the docks where Fairen was finally able to have her feet on solid ground once more. Her emerald gown with purple embroidery flowed behind her as she strode into the city, her luggage once more following her. She'd stop for a meal, before catching a carriage to Skingrad, a pompous city of Cyrodiil where she knew her business would succeed with all of the nobles that dwelled within its walls.
Knowing exactly where to go in the bustling city of Anvil, Fairen made her way to the highest classed inn, which not only provided lodging for the night, or however long she decided to stay, but they even had a little eatery in the back, which is where Fairen is headed for a good meal, and this being a coastal city, she knew to expect a variety of different meals from different cultures, especially her favourite (seconded only to her own cultures meals) cultured food from Hammerfell, very spicy. When she entered, she saw the female owner of the Inn, a Redguard in her mid thirties, swaddling an infant to her breast. Walking over, she greeted her, "Evening, I'm looking for a room for the night and your finest dish from Hammerfell." Fairen, being taller than the woman, looked down, where she could see the infants small, light brown face. "What's his name?" she asked, making small talk with the woman while she grabbed the key to her room, "Wilbur, he just loves helping his momma deal with customers, don't you?" she cooed to the infant, his shrill giggles ringing through the air. Fairen inwardly cringed at the noise, not being very fond of children herself. The woman called to the back where, Fairen assumed, her husband is tending to other patrons and cooking food, she turned back to the Elf, "and to drink?"
"Honeyed wine is good," she replied, examining her key for which room she'd be staying in, "I'll be in my room, have him bring my meal and beverage to me, thank you," she politely, in her view, dismissed the proprietor as she headed up the stairs, her luggage still following her until she had them set down inside her room. She locked the door and sat in the padded wooden chair, and finally she was able to relax away from prying eyes, her form slumped, her facial features showing exhaustion and stress. It was absolutely not easy having to remain uptight at all times, even while she had slept! Of course, that was due to the fact there were no locks on the doors of the ship she had travelled on, but that didn't mean she didn't ward it… so she'd know if someone tried to enter. She is, after all, an Altmer, and the inferior men of the ship couldn't stop drooling over her. That, and she was the only female on board and she always made sure she looked her best, it is what she was raised to do after all. Even if it is for just the crew of dogs that'd just as much rut her as they would a tavern wench. 'Ugh…' she shook her head in disgust, her face crinkling up to show her displeasure at such an idea of that even happening. She'd never go as low as being with a man nor woman from the lesser races of her own. No, she'd only be with a respectable Altmer like herself, like her parents had done. Both respectable, a gifted tailor, and a member of the Chirurgeon Order, which unless you had connections, you could not get into.
Fairen quietly sighed in annoyance when she heard a knock at the door, so, straightening herself up and putting on a smile, she unlocked and opened the door, stepping aside so the male Redguard could place her order on the nightstand, "here ye are M'lady, anything else I can get you?" He grinned, happy to help another patron, that's why this inn was so high class, the service was great, which brought in more coin, and more luxury, for the patrons. "No thank you," she quietly thanked, placing a tip in his hand, "if ye need anything, call me or Ramara, my wife. I'm Junib, and I am at yer service M'lady," he nodded in farewell and left the room, Fairen closing and locking the door behind him. She turned and went over to the platter with a steaming bowl and a bottle of wine, she picked up the silver tray and carried it over to the table in the room and sat down, her stomach lightly rumbling from hunger as the scent of her food made its way to her nose. She examined the bowl, full of large chunks of chicken coated in a golden brown glaze, the rest surrounding it underneath, vegetable bits strewn about the glaze and meat, and just from looking and smelling the meal in front of her, she knew it'd be very savoury indeed. To the side of the bowl, she grabbed a fork and a knife, and started eating her amazing meal, taking sips of honeyed wine in a goblet she had poured for herself.
When the food was gone, and her stomach full, her mind the slightest bit clouded in a warm haze from the drink, she pulled out a map as well as notes and pointers of the city of Skingrad, of course she would not be in that city for a few days at the most, and she already knew much about the city due to previous studying of her notes, it never hurt to review before she got there, so she knew as well as any local where everything was, as well as the empty buildings she'd have her pick from. Preferably one near the other shops, but also one that stood out, that caught the passersby's eyes. That, and of course it'd need to be of reasonable price and very well maintained. She would not settle for some rundown, vermin infested shack, no she'd need an undamaged storefront that she could both run her business as well as live in for the time being. Plus, depending on which she buys, she may need to make arrangements for furniture to be delivered too…
3E 385, 20th of Frostfall
She's done it. She purchased the best vacant building she could find, had furniture delivered, and had started setting up shop, such as a waiting room, an area where she could work on clients, and a storage room for all of her materials. Of course, she added her own touches to the drab interior as well, using a hefty amount of alteration magic to change it to mimic architecture of her home city, as well as permanent mage lights, and an enchantment on the windows to show the gorgeous scenery of the Summerset Isles. Truly, a store worth visiting. Now, time to make back the money she spent in setting this place up, and with that, she unlocked the door, and the business day began. She moved to the front window, flicked her fingers, golden light blooming from the tips, and the window turned a brilliant shade of yellow, signalling that the store is open. Right when she was behind the front desk, the door opened, a tinkling bell going off to signal the entry of a patron. Looking up, she saw a trio of Imperial women, adorned in lavish clothing, their usually, she assumes, pinched faces showing amazement as they gaze around, as it seems they have stepped into a small shop in the Summerset Isles. "Greetings Ladies, what can I do for you?" Fairen greeted, clasping her hands together on the top of the desk.
"I want the body I had back before I had to bear children to my husband," the middle woman, clearly in her late forties stepped forward, her rounded form exaggerated with the puffy red and teal dress she wore. Another woman, her blazing red hair pinned up in an elaborate bun, her face holding an airiness of snobbery held onto the first woman's arm, "how do we know it'll work? Is it permanent or temporary?" she asked, sickly sweet, her face showing innocent inquiry, her eyes say something else however. "It could be either permanent or temporary, depending on what you'd like, and depending on how drastic the request is, it will take more time, but something simple as this," she pauses her sentence, tapping her golden hair with a magicka charged fingertip, and her once golden hair changes to a deep brown, "can take seconds. Of course, then there's the cost, temporary is cheaper, even if it is more elaborate, it is less expensive than permanent changes. Permanent changes are more expensive, a minor change is about the same price as an elaborate temporary change, but the results are well worth the spending," Fairen grinned, tapping her hair once more and changing it to a bright silver, then her eyes changing from a deep sapphire to a brilliant ruby, before she reverts her eyes and hair to their original colours, she adds, "interested ladies?"
If the three women were amazed at the very idea, if a bit skeptical, they were absolutely speechless as their minds wrapped around the fact that it is possible to change one's looks as simple as that. "I take it the three of you would like me to proceed?" Fairen asked, which the three women responded with nods and agreement. "Right this way ladies," she tilted her head to the back of the shop where privacy barriers were set up, and with a flick of her fingers, three different private cubicles set themselves up, "pick a room ladies, and I'll be right with you," and with that, she went to her storage room to gather her equipment and materials, as well as a piece of parchment, along with a quill and an ink well, to write down their desired procedures, then she'd decide which would be the quickest and start there. Setting her items down on the counter, she went into the first cubicle, the one with the heavyset woman with the red and teal dress. "Now, tell me everything you'd like me to do for you," Fairen stated politely, the nib of her quill ready to write. "I want my waist thin like a peasants, but my hips round and my girls perky. I also want all of those nasty stretch marks on my stomach gone like my husband's interest in me, and I want it done quick." the woman replied, her face is a disgusted sneer as she talked about her current body shape and the unfaithfulness of her husband. Alas, business is business, and opinions must be kept strictly to one's self to keep this a professional environment.
After several hours, well worth the time according to the three vastly different looking ladies, as they left the shop. As soon as they left, many more patrons had come in, wanting the same treatment as the women had, only to their own view of beauty, or grotesque appearances to scare one's in-laws away from the estate. Fairen had set up a log book of appointments, as there just weren't enough hours in the day to treat all of her customers. Of course, being put on a waitlist only deterred them slightly, as they very much planned on waiting for their time. By the time the business day had ended, Fairen was well due to a meal and some sleep, but first she had to organise the front, she had made an enormous amount of gold, and she needed to get it into the Imperial banking system in the morning, it wouldn't do well to leave all of her earned riches laying about the shop. She could tell that her luxurious life from her homeland would be well within her reach here in this city, and it would be for many decades to come. She had no doubt about that. So, with that, she finished shutting down the shop, securely locking away her earnings, before retiring to her living quarters above. Her Lenya and Ata would be proud to see her success on her first day. Of course, they expected nothing less, it still eases her to know she met their expectations.
3E 390, 22nd of Heartfire
Fairenilis Gaiander,
In half a decade you have proven yourself a valuable asset to the Chirurgeon Order, as evidence of the twenty-five percentage of your earnings shipped to the Order monthly. As such, the Chirurgeon Order has decided to award you an apprentice to assist in the growth of the Cyrodilic Branch of the Order. Galathil Dornsky, though not of Altmer heritage, has shown to be a gifted Bosmer, and shall arrive at your station in a week's time. She is of the age when training begins, so she will need the basic lessons taught to further her progress. On behalf of the Order, may prosperity be granted upon you.
Regards,
Andinaro Silinaen, Head Member of the Chirurgeon Order
The white, perfectly shaped parchment laid on the desk, the golden wax seal with the Order's symbol, broken. Fairen sat in her ornate leisure chair, a fine glass of wine in her hand. She didn't expect to receive an apprentice until much later, but the Order had different plans, so she clearly must have impressed them a great deal. That, or they wished to rid themselves of the Bosmer. One can never tell with the Order, as prosperous and regal as they are. With a sigh, Fairen stood up. She decided that if an apprentice is being sent to her, she might as well prepare a place, she still wanted privacy to herself, apprentice or not. Taking a final sip from her wine glass, letting the sweet, tangy taste be savoured and enjoyed, Fairen gathered a few magicka imbued scrolls, and set about constructing another room for her soon to be apprentice.
3E 390, 29th of Heartfire
The day of the arrival of Fairen's apprentice came all too quickly. The crisp sea air of the Anvil docks permeated around her, as she waited for the ship with her soon to be apprentice aboard to finish docking. Resting on a bench, a book laid in Fairen's lap as she waited patiently for her Bosmer apprentice to step onto the docks. As time slipped by, and pages turned, her patience began to wear thin, as the ship docked, yet no Bosmer appeared. Becoming irritated, she snapped the book shut and strode over to the ship, and to where the captain sat perched on a barrel, his eyes gazing over the horizon. "Where is the Bosmer you are transporting?" Fairen let her annoyance leak into her tone, upset from being kept waiting. "Below deck." The captain gave a sloppy grin and a wink, and a seed of suspicion was planted and grew as she went down into the depths of the sea vessel. The suspicion intensified as she neared the barracks, as she could hear animalistic grunts and moans, as well as a dull thumping. Her face creased with annoyance as her sensitive ears picked up even the tiny sounds being made from the room. She, begrudgingly, knocked before entering, and her eyes and nose crinkled into disgust at the sight before her. Her soon to be apprentice is tangled up in two sailors, all as naked as the days they were born. 'Auri-El save me…' Fairen thought to herself as she shook her head, her hand pinching the bridge of her nose, "Would you two-" she stopped herself before she let the word 'pigs' slip out, "-men please remove yourselves from the Bosmer." she commanded loudly, the Bosmer freezing mid-coitus, but the two men only hesitated before continuing, looking over at the Altmer with winks, "dontcha worry yerself Darlin' we almost done wit' 'er." The larger man said between grunts, causing Fairen to scoff in disgust and turn on her heel, leaving the room with a slam of the door. 'Pigs.' She shook her head, the look of disgust remaining on her face as she went back up to the deck. The ship's captain guffawed at her look, which only made he scoff one more.
After quite a few minutes, a wobbly-legged Bosmer came up from below deck, her hair all ruffled, her cheeks and pointed ears tinted a dark shade of red. Definitely not a good impression on her new master, and the young apprentice could feel the irritation emitting off in waves from the stern faced Altmer woman. "I expected your behaviour to be more well-mannered for someone who wishes to learn the profession of the Order. I expected even more considering you're coming from the Isles. Have you learned nothing from the mandatory etiquette lessons? Or were you raised by savage barbarians that rut like animals in heat whenever you feel like it? Have you no restraint? No self-preservation? Must I teach you what a child must know? Or are you ready to act like an apprentice, or should I send you back for being an insolent child who doesn't know her place?" Fairen knew her words were harsh, that was her intent. How else must she teach a rambunctious apprentice but to be stern and harsh? After all, her harshness will pay off. Just look at her now, compared to her early years as a misbehaving child. Now, she has grace, purpose, and wealth, as well as respect. One cannot achieve all those at once without proper discipline. "You will address me as your Lady until your apprenticeship is complete. Until then, you will follow every instruction I give you, I have no qualms over shipping you back to the Isles if you displease me. Do I make myself clear?" her silent apprentice startled when she became expected to answer, and she nodded her head, "y-yes, my Lady, I understand, and I won't continue my…behaviour from before…" she quickly supplied as an answer, holding her breath, before releasing it and relaxing when Fairen gave a curt nod of approval at her answer, before turning on her heels, her gown and curled hair swishing as she did. "Come along now, we've dawdled here long enough, I want to make it back to Skingrad before nightfall."
An hour before nightfall, the door to Fairen's shop closed, two female Mer hung up their travelling cloaks, one with a fluid grace with the simple act, the other a little more fumbled about it. "I suppose I should show you around, the building is larger on the inside than the outside, thanks to Enchantments from the Isles. This room we are in is the sitting room for patrons awaiting their appointments," Fairen gestures around them, at the chairs and sofas, as well as book shelves full of books to pass the time, and platters on the small tables, empty of food for now, but during open hours, full of delectables and beverages to appease the waiting patrons. "Over there is where I will have you be until your training moves on to where you ought to be, you will assist the patrons and handle purchases of cosmetics. I will handle the prices of their procedures," she gestures to the counter against the wall, behind the counter, as well as the counter itself, were full of products behind glass. Fairen then led her to the back, a wall of cubicles, the entry way to each having a curtain drawn to the side, "this is where the procedures take place. You won't be having any dealings back here for quite some time, but in the case I am needed, it'd be good for you to know where I'd be. Now then, the tour of the shop is complete, it's time for the living quarters." She gestured with her hand to be followed, before making her way up the staircase and into her home for the past five years. "This is the main living area where you may spend your leisure hours if you so please," they step into an ornate room with seating, cabinets, and bookshelves, as well as food laden tables of fresh fruit and sweets, the bowls of fruits enchanted to keep them nice and chilled, the platters of the sweets enchanted to keep them warm, as if fresh from the oven.
The tour moved on from the living area to the bedrooms, but never entered Fairen's own room, it did lead to the Bosmer's room, where the luggage that was floating along behind them silently, was finally laid to rest at its destination. After that, they moved on to the kitchen, and through a storage closet that connected the kitchen to an alchemy chamber. Then, they moved on to the privy, which had a very advanced bathing system, thanks to the Summerset Isles technology and their need to have cleanliness over the other races. The last stop is the library, which wasn't too large, but it did have quite the assortment of reading materials, ranging from fictional stories, to history books, to magic tomes, to simple instruction books, and just about everything in between. The tour finished back in the main living area, "I trust you'll be able to find your way back to your room on your own. Now, for the delayed introductions, I am Fairenilis Gaiander, daughter of high Order member, Angalinewae Gaiander, and the fine luxury tailor, Eldroonyaran Gaiander." Fairen gave the slightest of curtsies, her rank being above her apprentice didn't require her to do much else. She raised a brow, waiting for the Bosmer to introduce herself, and several moments passed in tense silence, before she realised and quickly stammered out her introductions, "I am Galathil Clearspring, my Lady, my mother and father are humble workers in the profession of spell tome making. I am lucky to be inducted into the Order as an apprentice, I thank you for this opportunity," she curtsied lower, her head bowed in politeness. Fairen's mouth twitched slightly from suppressing a smile, at least the Bosmer, Galathil, knew some of her manners when talking to a superior.
"I welcome you Galathil."
Ata = father in Altmeris
Lenya = mother in Altmeris
The past tense is due to the events of this chapter being in the past, the next shall move on to present tense as the time will then be in the present, but some years will have passed since the welcoming of Galathil. If you didn't know, she's the face sculptor from the Ragged Flagon in Skyrim. My, how the mighty have fallen. Now you know what she meant by working in the finest of parlours for noble people before she had to work in the sewers of Riften. ^-^ hope this is received well.