thenearshore | Design for Dreaming

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Design for Dreaming

Who: Forrest, Kairi, Cardia Beckford, Princess Celestia, and Orihime
What: Mission 17
When: August 20th
Where: Orihime's temple, Far Shore
Summary: Forrest undergoes the next lesson in his training, with the help of a few friends.

[It's been a little while since the completion of Forrest's last lesson with Orihime, and considering his temple is now located conveniently across the river from his teacher's place, he's decided to pay her a visit to advance his studies. After turning in the last project to Amaterasu, she had hinted that the next lesson would have something to do with making specialized clothing for gods and shinki with unique circumstances. Being the conscientious sort, Forrest had asked ahead of time if there was anyone who was interested in sitting in on the lesson, and that's how he and his current entourage had ended up here. The small group is just about to the entrance to the temple, and Forrest turns to them with a smile.]

Thank you for coming, everyone. I appreciate the help.

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How could I decline, when I seem to fit the bill so perfectly? [Not just because of her personal shape -- though a pony-god is no doubt precisely what this venture has in mind -- but because of her power to assume other shapes as well. Today she will be... a clothes-horse.]

Thank you for inviting me.

[Cardia isn't honestly sure how much help she can be here, although she has to admit she's intrigued. It hasn't escaped her notice that 'clothing for gods with unique circumstances' might turn out to be particularly useful for someone like her.

Also there's a unicorn. She's trying very hard not to stare.]

[She needs this - to get out and about again. With Forrest makes it even better. Between him and knowing this is Orihime they're visiting, she's made an effort today - she has her star-shaped hairclip on, she has her toering, she has a slightly longer skirt on, all kinds of things.

Then she notices Cardia.]

Oh, nice to meet you! I don't think we've met - I'm Kairi.

[But Kairi does send a smile over to Celestia as well.]

And it's also nice to see you again, Princess Celestia.

[She's not sure if the pony is here to help or model, but perhaps both is an option too. Either way, Kairi arrives with a broader smile on her face than she's worn in awhile. It's kind of exciting to be the only Shinki among Gods.]

[When Orihime prepared her lesson, she had done so with a theoretical session in mind. Some basic suggestions, some odd measurements provided and asking him to sketch out what she was describing, that sort of thing. She's no stranger to the strange body shapes of the Gods and Shinki, but she's just not on good enough terms with any of them to ask them over as a favor either.

Hence her surprise when Forrest arrives with some guests.

She's on her front porch reading a book of poetry in a kneeling position, and wearing casual attire by her own standards. In the end of course it's still quite fancy, since she's out where the public can see her.]

Why... Forrest, what a surprise you have set before me. I know of two, but the third... is everyone here for the lesson that I had promised to my first pupil?

I hope it's not too much of an inconvenience.

[He did kind of spring this on her, after all. But she seems in good enough spirits that he isn't too worried about it. Still, the gentleman in him feels it's only right to apologize.]

I thought it would be good to have a few models close at hand for this lesson.

[Kairi has a normal enough body, but it should be fairly obvious why Celestia is here. Cardia... is another situation entirely, and not actually one Forrest knows about personally, but she did ask to come along when he explained the idea behind this lesson.]

I do seem to be the very examplar of 'nonhuman gods', don't I? [She splays her wings slightly further than their usual half-spread, just to make the point.]

[Cardia returns Kairi's smile with a small one of her own and introduces herself.]

My name is Cardia. It's a pleasure to meet you.

[She only has two sets of clothing and went with the nicer option for this meeting, even though it's a bit cumbersome and overly frilly. She does look a little guilty when it becomes obvious that Orihime wasn't expecting so many people. Maybe it was rude of her to have asked to join them? After all she doesn't really know anything about making clothes. And it's not as if she can offer to be a model.]

I was just hoping to observe.... if that's alright.

I wouldn't mind being a model at all!

[She smiles and clasps her hands together in front of her.]

But I do agree that Princess Celestia is a wonderful model for today's lesson, so I was hoping that I'd be able to learn a bit unless you absolutely needed me to model as a sort of... contrast to the Princess.

[She doesn't know Cardia well either, but if she just wants to watch, then Kairi certainly doesn't mind.]

Whatever will be easiest for you to teach Forrest, today.

[Since Forrest is so important to her, she's willing to "observe" in the form of model if required to do so.]

[Orihime raises a hand before Kairi finishes, but can't bear to interrupt. It's just rude. However, she does look like she wants to speak.]

I ah... I have heard of Miss Cardia - one of the New Gods, of course.

[But if Lavi hasn't seen fit to speak to her about his designs for her gift, then Orihime knows that it's not her place to say about it.

Regardless, she does know what Cardia's "problem" is.]

Of course are welcome to observe us today, Miss Cardia - as a friend of my pupil.

[She takes that extended hand and places it to her chin in thought.]

Perhaps Forrest will be able to design a whole outfit today - as I know where his skills lie - but a small accessory to complement his design seems reasonable, does it not? Then our fair model will have two elements to leave with for her trouble today.

[She looks between Forrest and Kairi and Celestia.]

Unless perhaps one of you has already designed a piece for Princess Celestia that I am unaware of?

Oh, good. Everyone knows each other, then.

[Or at least knows of each other. That sets Forrest a little more at ease. He is a little curious as to why she wanted to come along so badly if all she wanted to do was watch, but maybe she's just a budding seamstress herself.]

An entire outfit? Well, I'll certainly do my best. It wouldn't be my first time, but I expect today will be a bit of a challenge.

[Especially if he's going to be making something to fit an alicorn. Still, he's excited about the prospect. He turns to Celestia with a smile.]

Was there anything you had in mind for the design?

I think I speak for many of the gods when I say -- nothing too heavy or confining. To be honest, I don't know of many important people who actually like huge ceremonial outfits, no matter how solemn and important they may seem.

[Thus why Celestia doesn't even wear a gown to a ball. She doesn't get dressed up for anything short of the actual coronation of another princess.]

[Cardia's eyes flicker over Orihime with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Heard of her? From whom? And heard what exactly? It's a force of habit that has all the worst possibilities running through her mind. But she only nods and offers a polite...]

Thank you.

[Trying push aside her anxieties and just have enjoy the afternoon, she latches onto Celestia's comment.]

I agree. Complicated outfits tend to get in the way.

[Never mind that what she's wearing is a mess of ribbons and frills and buckles and also gears for some reason.]

[Kairi's smile turns to shock at Forrest's polite apprehension, made only more cautious by Celestia's comments and Cardia's.]

Wait, 'design' as in draw or imagine or...

[She turns to Forrest.]

You don't make whole outfits in an afternoon, do you? I mean - here, at your lessons?

[She'd seen him at work on the outfits for Niles and his boyfriend. It had been a labor of love, but far more than afternoon's worth of it. She trusts her imagination to consider an outfit - or indeed, an accessory - for Celestia way more than actually making it and right now.]

Edited 2017-09-19 21:23 (UTC)

[Orihime smiles and lightly shrugs her shoulders, opening her hands wide. Forrest at least knows what she's capable of - and the point of his training has certainly been on the design elements so far, and to see how they transform into the real thing. She simply accelerates the process a little.

But she also doesn't know if he's told the others about that.]

I leave that decision in your hands. If it were Forrest alone... ah but we have had a similar lesson like that once before. If your friends are amenable to remain for a time, we can certainly include the creation process as well as the design work.

Lady Orihime is capable of doing things a little faster than I can.

[Forrest smiles back at Kairi, leaving it at that for the moment. It's truthfully a sight to see, so he doesn't want to spoil that surprise. But he starts getting his supplies out, clearly ready to begin. A roll of measuring tape is first.]

I don't mind if the rest of you don't. I had already planned on being here for most of the day. And this way, you can all get a look at what really goes into high fashion!

[There's no small amount of excitement in his voice as he walks over toward Celestia, pausing for a moment as he tries to figure out where to start.]

I suppose I'll measure the length of your legs first and go from there...

[This is territory more familiar to Celestia than she likes, never mind that for the most part she's dodged fashion fittings and whatnot for hundreds of years now. She adjusts her posture slightly, to stand tall with her hooves perfectly square.]

Traditionally we measure from the shoulders for height, and our length is also done from the point of the shoulders.

[Cardia's second outfit took several days, and as she understands it, St. Germain had paid for a rush job. To make an outfit in one day is incredible.

And Forrest is making an ensemble for a unicorn. A unicorn with wings. Won't that be even harder? She wonders if Orihime has ever done anything like that. Best not to interrupt though. For now she keeps quiet and watches.]

[Ah, a knowing look from Forrest. Can't argue with that.]

Well, okay then!

[For her part, Kairi needs something a bit more conventional to start. She thinks about maybe something for Celestia's head or maybe a bow for her tail or--

Ooh, maybe a pair of sleeve-like socks to wear on her forelegs? She listens to Celestia giving Forrest directions and those make a lot of sense as well.

She walks over to Forrest and gives him a pleasant, excited smile.] Can I use your tape-measurer after you? I have an idea too...

[And then she wonders if she can possibly keep it a secret. Probably not.]

I was thinking-- [She holds her hand up to just above Celestia's 'knees' on her front legs - the first joint from her body but 3rd from the ground.] Some fabric that can cling here like a cross between socks and sleeves. At least we don't have to worry about how you'd get them on on your own, right?

[Here Kairi smiles at Celestia.]

[Orihime does her best not to react to Forrest's compliment but ends up raising her hand to conceal it.]

That is to say... Yes, measurements are key for measuring the bodies of the gods that are not the traditional shape. Even if the god is especially tall or especially short or wide of girth, I can often tell approximately what sort of clothing I can make for them.

With gods such as Princess Celestia, I often find inspiration in the very act of measuring the god's body.

[She turns to Celestia then.] I must say I am pleased that you know about the tailoring methods of your world. Many gods will not.

[Then she approaches a bit closer.] Please tell me - why must we not concern ourselves with how you will manage to put on your own clothing?
It is perhaps the second most important consideration after the original measurements for a new client and a new body shape, I find.

[She gestures to the spot that Forrest is about to measure from.] For instance we could not possibly design a belt for you to wrap around your chest and then sit atop just behind your shoulder-blades. I would wonder if your shinki must be able to assist in such an ensemble.

[Forrest nods at Celestia, taking the measurements as indicated and keeping mental notes. He seems to be thinking deeply about what kind of outfit he could make, when Kairi's suggestion causes his face to light up.]

...Ah! I think I have an idea.

[Looking around, he finds a sketchpad and begins drawing out a rough design. It ends up looking something like what you'd get if you took Aqua's outfit from the Kingdom Hearts games and put it on a My Little Pony character, detached sleeves and all.]

Something like this, maybe? It's not quite as cumbersome as royal outfits would be, but it's still got a lot of those same graceful lines. And the fabric would be loose in these areas [he points them out] to make it easy to move around in.

[He'll allow Celestia to answer Orihime's concern on her own, though he's already seen a bit of her unicorn magic. He does, however, turn to Kairi and Cardia at this point.]

And I'd feel bad if anyone left here empty-handed, so... once I'm finished with Celestia's outfit, what if I designed some smaller accessories for you? I did promise you a hat, after all, Kairi. I'd be pleased to make one for you as well, Cardia.

I mean that I am used to wearing clothing, is all! You do not have to design something simple or worry that I don't know how to get it on. [Celestia spreads her wings higher and wider, the better to let them all do their examining and measuring. Being on display is her usual state, after all; she handles it with dignity and grace.]

That looks like a very lovely design, Forrest. I would be delighted to wear that.

[Cardia is very impressed. Forrest came up with that design so quickly. And it's beautiful!

She's especially surprised to hear him offer her a hat as well. Very generous considering how much work he already has on his plate.]

Um, you really don't have to...

[But then an idea occurs to her.]

Oh, but do you think you could make one for Sisi? I'm sure he'd love a new hat.

[[OOC: So something like this :D ]]

We're not her to make anything for ME today, Forrest! But if Sisi wants a hat, then Sisi can have a hat.

[She doesn't know if that's a pet or a shinki but if it's going to be Cardia's "Thing" she gets out of today, then it still counts as designing for a god by request, right?]

Let me see what you're planning, so I can get some ideas too... or am I doing the sleeve bits while you do the rest?

[Maybe that's what his idea was all about. It's certainly a uniform design that she couldn't have put together all herself.]

[ Orihime nods, pleased by the holistic nature of Forrest's design and the fact that Celestia is pleased by the design as well. She wishes she could voice her knowledge about how to work within Cardia's needs, but she will be silent... Unless she can be coy about it. Yes, perhaps she can? The focus is on Celestia after all. ]

As you complete your measurements, I must ask, students... have you thought about what sort of boons a god like Celestia might require in the creation of her regalia? It is meant to be as splendid as the gods themselves, after all.

[ Normally that might be all fluff and politeness from Orihime, but she's genuine about it today - in the case of one such as Celestia. ]

I shall begin by retrieving the lighter fabrics, as your design calls for.

[ For this, she goes to her closet and starts to rifle through them by hand - she wants to make sure she gets a hand on them in order to make the determination. Then she can match by color as well. ]

[Forrest nods happily at Cardia's request, clapping his hands together in excitement.]

I'd be happy to design something for Sisi! He's such a handsome little guy.

[That reaction probably suggests pet. He turns to Kairi next, nodding.]

All right. We'll focus on Celestia's outfit for now, then. Here's what I've got so far.

[He turns the paper so she can see, also showing it to the room in general just in case.]

If you can start on the sleeves, I'll get to work on the rest. Be sure to be gentle - the fabric on that part is going to be thin and delicate.

[And once Orihime is back with the fabric, he'll get right down to work.]

Oh, that's remarkable! I don't think I've ever had an outfit quite like that before.

[Which ought to be considered quite the compliment, given her title and her longevity.]

What more do you need me to do? Stand as a model, or something else?

[Feeling a little silly just standing there while everyone else gets to work, Cardia adds...]

And if there is anything I can just let me know.

[She doesn't really know anything about sewing, but she could fetch thing or hold things for them.]

Edited 2017-10-16 02:38 (UTC)

[Kairi looks over at Cardia with a smile as she points to where Orihime is pulling cloth out.]

What if you helped me cut out those sleeves, Cardia?

[Considering she has no idea where the lines are for Cardia and her apprehension, she thinks the best way to make a new friend is to invite and keep inviting Cardia until she finds out where those lines are.]

They'll be beautiful when they're done, but the pieces will be pretty huge.

[And Kairi's not yet full grown, either.]

[Noticing that her question went unanswered, Orihime opts for patience. The fabrics she selects are indeed the most delicate, as she spreads a few out on her table for Forrest to peruse, she glances again at Celestia. Only then does she notice the various colors in Celestia's hair.]

My student Forrest, will you be choosing a particular color scheme based on the overwhelming white shade of this goddess's body... or perhaps something to compliment her hair colors? For I have noticed there are many. Your previous design has me wondering if perhaps a similar sort of quality might suit our patron today - but then again I confess I know not the purview of your duties here in the Far Shore, Princess Celestia...?

[In fact she's not even sure if she's heard Celestia's god name yet, in the hopes that perhaps it was a god name that she'd heard of before.]

Oh! That's a splendid idea. Maybe we can have the fabric shift colors - perhaps in accordance with her mood? Or maybe just giving it a sort of opalescent quality where it can give off its own light...

[Forrest considers the options as he looks over the fabrics, choosing a few different ones to match the various hues in Celestia's mane.]

I'll start on the hat afterward. Cardia, if you'd like to pick out some fabrics and ribbons that you think would look nice, that would be a big help.

Oh my goodness. [Celestia has to quickly duck her head and curl a hoof over her muzzle to hide her smile and suppress her laughter.] Forrest, that is a very interesting idea, but I think you may have forgotten to know your audience. I am a Princess, after all... an outfit that shows my mood to all might not necessarily be the most diplomatic of choices.

[Cardia nods in response to Forrest's request.]

Alright.

[Let's see.... fabrics and ribbons that would look nice.... Everything she's ever worn was in various shades of brown. Which is certainly a practical color. But somehow this situation seems to call for something... brighter.

After a moment, she picks out a soft sky blue fabric. And then some cream colored ribbon.]

How is this?

Oh, that's a good point, Princess, hmm.... maybe just depending on the weather, then!

[She remembers going through clouds with Celestia that one time and hearing about how she'd changed the weather for a good day on Tanabata.]

I'll just work on these sleeves.

[Since Forrest clearly needed her input more than Kairi needed her help.]

Oh... I hadn't even though of that. Yes, that would be a problem.

[Forrest blushes a little out of embarrassment before nodding.]

Changing colors with the weather, though... that could work. I'll go with that for now, and Celestia, if you have any ideas along the way we can incorporate them as we go.

[Orihime assists with meshing all of the pieces together until they start to take the shape of Celestia's pony form.]

First, we shall add the color-changing facet - then you may decide once and for all the conditions upon which to add the changing effect second.

[She takes a thin straw-like object, dips it into a container on her desk, and then blows air through it until a bubble forms. With her free hand, she swirls around the bubble, and then draws it into her fingers like gently pulling delicate lace off of a table.

She sets the straw down and then uses her other hand to stretch the magical quality outward. It begins to resemble a spider's web or thin bread dough, but with all of the opalescent quality of a bubble shining in the light.

This, she applies to Celestia's garments with both hands gently smoothing it in various places.]

[Oh, if only Rarity were here. She'd give her mane curls to see this display.]

[Celestia lifts her wings slightly, and generally does her very best to be a good model. (Or as Luna might say, a big dummy.)]

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Design for Dreaming

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Mission 18 start

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Forrest can go next and then Orihime

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Mission Success

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