Lord Gould's Expedition: They Who Had Lofty Pillars (IC)

[Shark isle]

Charles woke up and groaned. He had been lucky to survive the assualt on the manor the night before. As he got up, he realized he had a massive headache, mostly likely due to a hangover. He suddenly heard a knock on his door. When he opened the door, he saw one of Lord Gould's butlers, who explained to him that Lord Gould was offering a trip to London for supplies and weaponry. After hearing this, Charles walked into Lord Gould's study, nodded at Ese, and said to Lord Gould," Morning Gould, I wish to go to London to get some supplies."

Lord Gould was happy to receive another of his honored guests safe and sound after the previous evening's violent assault on his home, observing the American as he entered the room. Gould could detect what was perhaps the dying scent of alcohol on the man's breath as he spoke quite bluntly and almost rudely, although Jamison supposed that was to be expected from an American, especially one of the man's less-than-reputable background. Despite his father's wealth and quite civilized and mannerly lifestyle, his son clearly was not the same man. Luckily for the lord of course, given his skillset. "Then you'll be quite pleased to know that we're prepared to depart, I've instructed a few of my hands to have my carriage brought at once." he confirmed to Greystone with a matter-of-fact nod. It would do him some good to get away from home given the recent stresses, from slaughtering drunkards to the actual thought and planning behind gathering his companions in the first place.

"Hopefully our fair lady is quite finished teasing the man who will be getting her more familiar with western fashions, he could very easily make her appear very foolish." Lord Gould joked with Ese with a smirk as he gazed back at her smiling countenance, still amused from her earlier jabs at him, his cheeks still colored from embarrassment.

"As for you Greystone, what do you intend to find? I know many men who share your...disposition towards violence, as it were." Gould inquired curiously.

Charles said to Gould while grinning," I just need to buy some new clothes and a hat. Also, I need to buy a new revolver, my old one jammed during the invasion last night."

[Shadowwell]

Cameron Moore, Lord Blackwell

Soon enough Cameron walked into the room the others were gathered in, Wearing casual clothes. He had been in a state of undress when the Maid had entered, the young woman had ogled him for a moment before looking down and giving the lords message. After entering the room he waited for Lord Gould to finish and then Asked him " Do you per chance know an individual that would be able to procure a Bullet proof vest for me. I have acquaintances that could, but i might take too long for them to get the item too me, and i would rather have it before we head into danger, as it were."

[Lancearc]

Lord Gould simply nodded as he fielded the men's requirements, thinking over just how best to optimize their bit of browsing. He knew people that could get all of the things that they required -- several, actually, as he was quite familiar with the operations of a few of the local street gangs. Clothing was simple enough, but even the acquisition of firearms and vest to stop live rounds such as those used by the Koreans extensively was a simple task for a man of his means and more local connections, as the Earl pointed out that his own acquaintances would be unable to deliver it to him in proper time to be of use to him in in the Berber country. Lord Gould politely stepped forward past his assembled guests without a word, opening the door and beckoning to them. "As a matter of fact, I knew just the lot that shall be perfect for everything you need gentlemen, lady." he gave a slight bow as he addressed them, smiling as he heard the approaching hoofbeats and wheel-rattling that was a familiar sound. "I do believe our transport has arrived, what impeccable timing!" he exclaimed, allowing the assembled adventurers to step out of the room before he followed, and at last Timothy, shutting the door securely behind them.

---

The West End
London, England
Midday

The inside of the Lord Gould's personal transportation was, like so many other things he possessed, unexpectedly lavish. The purple velvet that dominated the interior of the horse drawn carriage gave off such an aura of royalty that it was reminiscent of an old Roman Emperor being carried about the city like a conquering hero atop a similarly purple throne, the old Roman color of nobility. Despite the bumpiness of the streets, the ride was quite comfortable, save for when some poor fool's pup was nearly trampled by the leading horses and the driver and Timothy had a few colorful words for the sod and his little boy, which amused the Lord to no end.

Eventually the horses slowed to a stop on Oxford, and Timothy hopped down to open the carriage door with a nod to its occupants, standing aside to allow them out. The street at midday was quite flush with gentlemen and ladies in sharp suits and extravagant dresses, cobblers, paper boys shouting out the latest headlines including the impending launch of the White Star Line's newest vessel, the recent French acquisition of North Africa, and whisperings of a Spanish cut in on the deal. Ignoring the bustling business of the street Lord Gould exited first, allowing the gentlemen he escorted to exit before extending a hand to Ese as she climbed out of the carriage with a smile. "My Lady." he spoke, as if asking for permission to assist her down from the carriage.

"Mr. Greystone, Lord Blackwell," he began while turning to his two companions. "I apologize in advance for the poor company you'll find in the establishment just across the road there. Careful whilst you head over." he cautioned them with a slight nod across the street, where one could just make out a small sign over a door that was nearly hidden away in an alley which, if squinted at, could be made out to read The Sun Never Sets Gunsmith & Armorer - Empire's Finest!, quite the bold proclamation judging from the exterior appearance of the small establishment. "Don't judge it based on what you see, of course. They're good men but poor company. Excellent at their jobs, those two chaps. You'll find everything you need and more whilst I fulfill my end of the deal." Lord Gould finished up, turning his attention back to Ese.

"I believe we have our own tasks ahead, my lady?" he asked, holding out an arm to offer an escort. Despite her clearly...worse-off appearance and the fact she was a foreigner, he would not allow it to even be rumored that he was any less than an exceptional gentlemen. Their destination before them was clearly a nearby, simply labelled shop door reading Seamstress, quite an old-fashioned and straightforward branding. In the windows were large, elaborately detailed ball gowns of striking red, emerald green, and a beautiful purple similar to that within the carriage's interior, the most recent creations of the simple but clearly talented ladies within.

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

The display of the carriage was quite comfortable. The violet velvet interior provided Ese with the most comfortable butt-place she had ever known in her brief years of life. She looked at the numerous shops and displays as they all passed by, enjoying the trip like a ride at a carnival more than a simple jolly voyage into the heart of the city. Even still, the joyride eventually ended and the carriage unloaded. Like the gentleman that he seemed to love to be, Lord Gould offered his hand to Lady Ese, who graciously took it and stepped out. Lord Gould explained the issue of bad company across the street briefly before showing Ese to a seamstress.

She looked into the windows of the shop. Within the windows were gowns of exquisite quality. The girl looked them all over, never once considering how heavy or bulky they might be, instead finding the prettiness inherent to each. The gowns were made of the most luxurious fabrics, some having multiple layers of fabric. Corsets clenched the waist of each dress, their busts were low and their skirts were wide. Beads and pearls and special lining seemed to be present on the dresses, adding even more to their decorative flair. Ese, looking over all these dresses, particularly fascinated by the purple, could only muster to say "They're beautiful."

She turned to look at the other parts adorning the mannequins. Accessories were found accompanying each dress. These consisted of long gloves, full-length, rather than the short wrist-length gloves she had seen in old paintings. One dress was adorned with velvet gloves matching the dress, a few buttons on the wrist presumably to help with actually getting them on. Another pair of gloves was made of shiny golden silk, and from Ese's perspective looked quite comfortable. The silk was thick, and seemed to have a fur lining around the outer edge of the glove. The last pair was made of simple black leather, seemingly unlined, but Ese's experience told her that it was probably the most comfortable, and she certainly liked the look of it. All of the gloves seemed very close-fitting, something she had been told was a relatively recent fashion by the lords of British Egypt.

She admired the jewelry present on each as well. Various golden and silver necklaces, ranging from chains to pearls to segments. Lace and leather chokers hugged the necks of each mannequin. One of the mannequins wore a jacket that was open at the front, although it held a belted waist atop the corset. The boots worn by the mannequins were short, with tall heels. They wore fancy, impractical hats adorned with feathers. Ese thought that the hats were quite silly, although she generally felt an aversion to covering her head, as it reminded her of the Islamic nobility that dominated her homeland and had perpetrated her slavery. If she were from Arabia or perhaps the Levant, it might not have been such an issue, but in Egypt the non-Muslims did not cover their heads, and so she felt it a point to be made more than anything.

Nervously, she followed Lord Gould inside.

[Lancearc]

Escorting Ese into the shop, Lord Gould entered the simple, yet elegant establishment as a man who had often come there. Whilst the windows drew the attention of the fine ladies taking their midday strolls through the streets of the wealthier sides of London, the interior of the store revealed that it also catered to Lords just the same, with primarily fine suits, bow ties, top hats, colored vests, and well shined black shoes to complete the look being pitched to any passing observers of their wares. The store was empty of patrons save for a particularly discerning woman in a large broad-brimmed hat from which pearls dangled like so many distant stars. She spoke softly with a young employee of the shop, likely selling her potential customer on the purity of the fabrics, the great distance it had traveled from exotic lands, or another grand claim which may or may not have been true.

A much older woman was busy near the back of the store, where the exchange of currency was handled, the bulky cash register taking up much of the small counter top it was placed on. This Madame was busy adjusting one of the bonnets on display when she turned to acknowledge the arrival of new customers with a friendly greeting, but a broad smile crossed her wrinkled, but all the same cheerful face when she noticed the new arrivals. "Oh, Jamison dear!" she greeted Lord Gould quite loudly and, oddly, by his first name as if she were his closest friend. Lord Gould simply smiled with more charm than he usually exuded as the old woman shuffled over, leaning down to allow the old woman to peck him on the cheek numerous times. "God is good to an old woman, what brings you by today darling!" she asked enthusiastically.

"A promise, Madame Booker." he revealed the old woman's identity, as she hadn't seemed to notice his company until he gave Ese a glance.

The Madame's eyes lit up from their default dull state and she had to resist bringing her wrinkled hands to cover her mouth. "Jamison! God bless you both, I knew you'd been a bachelor for too long love!" the old woman almost shrieked, and the Lord once again flushed red, something that he'd been doing often that day. He tried to muster a few words, but just like Ese's inability to find much of anything to say when observing the ball gowns in the window, he could only manage a stammered "W-Well..." quite unbecoming of the great Lord Gould.

"Oh dear, tell me your name, please!" Madame Booker took Ese by the arm almost shrieking with joy. "I knew someone could get through to that recluse's affections, where did you meet? Tell me everything!"

[Shark isle]

Charles climbed out of the carriage and stretched. Even though it had been a comfortable ride it felt good to get out of the carriage and stretch. Charles looked at the armory shop that Gould had pointed out. Charles then thought to himself," I will go over there last, but first, I need to get a new suit and hat." Charles then left the rest of the grioup and started to walk towards the tailor shop. Once he arrived he said to the tailor in a gravely voice," I wish to be fitted for a new suit."

[Lancearc]

Charles climbed out of the carriage and stretched. Even though it had been a comfortable ride it felt good to get out of the carriage and stretch. Charles looked at the armory shop that Gould had pointed out. Charles then thought to himself," I will go over there last, but first, I need to get a new suit and hat." Charles then left the rest of the grioup and started to walk towards the tailor shop. Once he arrived he said to the tailor in a gravely voice," I wish to be fitted for a new suit."

The tailor's establishment was quite a bit more minimalistic than the nearby seamstress which Gould had shown Ese into for her own wardrobe. While the seamstress flaunted a great many of their wares in the windows lining the streets and on mannequins spread throughout the store, the simple design of the tailor -- smooth, dark wood floors transitioned up the walls to paneling halfway to the roof, where white pain on the wood took over -- and the fact that it had only a few model mannequins sporting its most precious designs made it quite a bit more relaxed, less hectic. A few men were inside trying on headwear near the front of the store, and the man behind the mechanical cashier glanced up from fiddling with a pen, setting the utensil down and looking up at the sound of a voice. He was a middle aged man, with a finely trimmed goatee being the only hair anywhere near his head.

"I'd say you've come to the right place." the proprietor said without much of an attempt at friendliness. "Don't often find many Yankees on the Isle! How'd you get convinced to hop across the pond and wander in here?" he inquired curiously as he searched beneath the counter of a proper measure with muttered curses of 'Bloody pathetic' and 'Damn it all.'

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

She recoiled a bit, surprised by Madame Booker's evident inquisition against the poor lass. "My name is Ese Miryam..." she coughed, "Isis. My name is Isis. I'm a..." she blushed, "a former slave from Egypt." She looked to Lord Gould, Jamison as Madame Booker had called him, although Ese thought mostly on a much more formal basis. It was at that point she realized she might need to do the talking, which she was not particularly comfortable with, but could certainly attempt to pull off. After all, her improvisational skills were excellent, and she just had to explain the truth of the awkward matter.

"I am not certain if I have breached Lord Gould's Bastille, Madame Booker." She said, a slight smile forming on her lips, likely from awkwardness. "But he invited me to London and, seeing...this." She gestured to her body, wearing the worn clothes of a peasant, the boots of a prostitute, and the jacket of a lady. "He promised me that he would aid my construction of something better to wear, as a return for the skills I may loan to him."

With this, Ese looked around the shop, admiring the fine work done. "Madame Booker, may I simply state that, if these are your crafts, they are quite lovely. In Egypt, such dresses are rarely seen, only talked about by the British officers stationed in the cities. Good men, all, but all the talk they can give could not prepare me to see all of these with my own eyes, and no level of descriptiveness can match the beauty I see before me in this fantastic place. I am glad for the opportunity to even be able to enjoy viewing such masterful crafts." Ese here did a bow, hand-over-heart, and gave a genuine smile to the older lady.

[Lancearc]

Madame Booker seemed a bit disappointed by the revelation, though she still smiled at Ese and gave a quick glare to Lord Gould who had regained his composure by than and approached a bit timidly still. She slapped him on the arm with a loud thwack, though it only brought forth a chuckle from him. "I apologize, Madame Booker." he brushed off the misunderstanding, though she seemed quite irked by it.

"Oh, hush you, getting me all worked up in such a way. In my age that could be the last thing I do, getting so excited." she scolded like a truly well prepared grandmother, before returning her attention to the Egyptian girl. "A former slave?" she scoffed in disgust. "Though I'm not surprised, given the barbaric tendencies of the Easterners. Meaning no offense to you my dear." Madame Booker quickly backtracked, before giving her wares a gaze herself.

"My girls and I work very hard, thank you very much sweetheart. If you ever do get through to that man's heart or mind, if it's there, you should teach him the same kind of manners. I've never heard such praise in two decades of clothing that high lord." she laughed sarcastically. "Does anything catch your eye immediately my dear? We can have you helped in no time at all, they won't be able to tell you from every other peacock-lady strutting around with their bonnets and bows."

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

"Well, Mistress, the violet gown in the window looked quite nice to me, but I do not believe that counts as a dress for daytime use." She giggles a bit, "Violet is my favorite color of the rainbow. It always has been. Such a pretty color: soft, but fancy. It doesn't hold the same passion as red, but it is not as toned down as blue. Just a really pretty color, really." Ese finished her thoughts prematurely, realizing she was beginning to ramble. This was a habit she had often been warned against, as under the Pasha, she was expected to be a good conversationalist, but to appease his desires and thoughts as well, in fact putting them at the forefront.

She coughed, "Other than that, Mistress, I would suppose that I am at your mercy." She did a curtsy with a smile, "I will need a makeover in most aspects, as I have had to compromise much in providing myself clothing. The jacket, though..." She ran a hand over the sleeve, "Is my one fine possession. The one luxury I was able to procure in Egypt, and perhaps the only thing I have only fond memories for. Otherwise, Madame Booker, I would ask that Lord Gould and yourself should guide me."

[Lancearc]

One could almost see the joy in Madame Booker's eyes when she was given full control of the situation, and Lord Gould himself knew it, as he simply smiled and essentially without a word but a surrendering glance handed over the reins to the old seamstress. Delighted, she took Ese by the hand. "Follow us, Lord Gould, I'm sure you'll want to see what you're paying for." she insisted with a wave of her hand as she pulled the Egyptian girl with her towards the back of the establishment. What they passed through were small hallways with, every so often, a door which lead to supply rooms of a sort where fabric, lace, gloves, and all manner of different things were kept, as well as mechanical components for the sewing machines which operated farther behind the scenes than they were being taken. They arrived at what was likely the fitting area, as four empty stalls lined the walls of this aft section of the establishment.

"I shall return, don't get comfortable." Madame Booker insisted, and as promised she'd scooted off and back before the pair really had time to blink.

She returned with a dress that was quite closely sized to Ese. A violet dress of what Lord Gould suspected to be, but what Madame Booker confirmed with an insistence that he feel the texture himself, silk, likely recently arrived from China. "I know that price will be no object to the high Lord Gould." she joked of his reaction to the fine fabric.

"You may go now Lord, we have things to get to." she demanded of him, shooing him away impatiently as the Lord returned to the front of the shop.

Of a deep violet dyed silk in all areas save for the bottom hem of the skirt and the shoulders, it was intended to be well fitted to the body of the wearer, yet remain modest. The shoulders were of black lace skillfully embroidered with an intricate pattern and just as pleasurable to the touch as the primary fabric, and the bottom hem of the skirt was of the same black lace. The bust was low enough to accommodate what Madame Booker insisted was an invaluable component of the outfit, a sterling silver necklace decorated with a pearl inset within a disc separated into two rings, the outer ring being the same silver and the inner ring, nearest the pearl, being of gold. The precious metals were painstakingly engraved with floral patters. The Madame continued to state that the look would not be complete without elbow-high pristine white gloves that seemed to be as pure as any angel's wings, and pointed boots with a heel slightly lifted from the ground.

It was, in all likelihood, entirely foreign to the former slave, but the Madame seemed absolutely in love with what they'd created. "Well darling...thoughts?" she asked of her living mannequin model. "Not only are you a proper lady but you'll be able to hold your head higher than all those high born women out there in the streets now, our dear lord won't even recognize you!"

[Shark isle]

Charles climbed out of the carriage and stretched. Even though it had been a comfortable ride it felt good to get out of the carriage and stretch. Charles looked at the armory shop that Gould had pointed out. Charles then thought to himself," I will go over there last, but first, I need to get a new suit and hat." Charles then left the rest of the grioup and started to walk towards the tailor shop. Once he arrived he said to the tailor in a gravely voice," I wish to be fitted for a new suit."

The tailor's establishment was quite a bit more minimalistic than the nearby seamstress which Gould had shown Ese into for her own wardrobe. While the seamstress flaunted a great many of their wares in the windows lining the streets and on mannequins spread throughout the store, the simple design of the tailor -- smooth, dark wood floors transitioned up the walls to paneling halfway to the roof, where white pain on the wood took over -- and the fact that it had only a few model mannequins sporting its most precious designs made it quite a bit more relaxed, less hectic. A few men were inside trying on headwear near the front of the store, and the man behind the mechanical cashier glanced up from fiddling with a pen, setting the utensil down and looking up at the sound of a voice. He was a middle aged man, with a finely trimmed goatee being the only hair anywhere near his head.

"I'd say you've come to the right place." the proprietor said without much of an attempt at friendliness. "Don't often find many Yankees on the Isle! How'd you get convinced to hop across the pond and wander in here?" he inquired curiously as he searched beneath the counter of a proper measure with muttered curses of 'Bloody pathetic' and 'Damn it all.'

Charles said to the tailor in the same gravely voice," The only reason I am here is because I was invited by Lord Gould. Have you heard of him? He is a decent man, kinda eccentric though." Charles then pulled out his tobacco tin and started to chew some tobacco.

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

It was perhaps a bit jarring for Ese to see Lord Gould rushed out of the room, leaving her alone with the elder woman, and it was especially jarring to be put into such a dress so quickly. although once in the dress, she found it quite to her liking. She looked over herself, both in the mirror as well as simply looking down, and uttered once more, "It's beautiful."

The mixture of violet and black, she thought, was excellently executed. The lace looked as attractive as the silk was comfortable, and she found the dress light enough to easily wear. The gloves were quite soft and quite smooth, and she thought that, while the pristine white perhaps was out of theme with the other colors on the dress, it somehow just worked. The accompanying jewelry was outstanding in its own right, but Ese had absolutely no argument against its placement with the dress. The heels of her boots were low enough that walking, standing, and she assumed running, would all be quite easy, and the fit was comfortable. The only complaint Ese could muster was that her legs were cold, but she knew such a feeling would certainly pass in a few minutes and thus did not vocalize it.

Ese tried out walking around, deciding that it was very much an easy task relative to what she had expected. Then again, these weren't the massive-skirted ballgowns she had seen in paintings, and even the smaller skirt of the ballgowns in the window looked like it'd be more difficult to walk in. Walking around, she examined the various fabrics, lace, gloves, and other nice things lying all around the room. Each looked quite pretty on its own, and Ese assumed that the real challenge came in pairing each of these with other things to make a full costume that appeared just as pretty as its individual pieces. She had thought that the seamstress had done this job quite well, "You have exquisite taste and sense of fashion, Madame Booker." she stated plainly, "Tell me, are you familiar with the leather of goats? In Egypt, it is fairly common. Very soft, but also durable. Much nicer than the cow that the British officers wore." She began to giggle a bit, "It made me feel more well-dressed than they, even if it was so little."

With a bit of a blush, "I do appreciate everything, Madame Booker, but I believe that I will need more than a single outfit to wear. I absolutely love the ensemble you have made, but it would be unsanitary if this was all I wore for each and every day."

[Lancearc]

Tailor Shop

The man had finally retrieved the elusive measure which he'd been searching for with muttered curses and a frown engraved onto his face when his American patron spoke regarding his presence in London while plopping a wad of chew into his mouth. "Heard of him? We hear more about him than the bloody King himself it seems as of late." the bald man chuckled harshly, shaking his head as he ushered Greystone over towards the rear of his own establishment and taking the measurements of the sturdy man's build, clearly a long time professional given the nonchalant attitude and lack of apparent effort it took. "Eccentric isn't the start of it, mate. Why is it he's invited you here? Not often he sees anyone, I hear."

---

Madame Booker

"Oh, of course dear, of course!" Madame Booker spoke quickly, almost dismissively of Ese as she complimented her fashion design and the need for more than a single proper outfit in her very limited wardrobe. "Jamison, dear! Come and see what you're paying for sweetheart, a third opinion is always appreciated!" the old crone called out like a haggard old raven summoning the nobleman.

Lord Gould turned the corner with his usual composure and near grace he carried himself with, but as he laid eyes on the former slave turned proper London lady of the highest fashion he was struck near speechless, stopped in his tracks after arriving and gawking for some time. Realizing he was staring, he shook his head to regain his composure and with his friendly grin managed two words: "It's...beautiful."

"You're absolutely right my dear, now get out, we were just discussing other possibilities for her wardrobe, you'll be relieved of that great weight in your coinpurse soon enough sweet." she shooed him away again, Lord Gould seemingly still rooted to the spot reluctantly retreated once more. "Goat leather? I can't say I'm familiar with working it. And I suppose it would remind you of home, dear? It would be no great trouble for me to possibly pursue the acquisition of a bit for you, perhaps another pair of gloves? Is your coat of the same material?" she continued her relentless interrogation, helping her dress up doll out of the current outfit.

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

As Ese expertly and gymnastically maneuvered, helping in the removal of the dress, she provided a quick answer to the lady. "It is, Madame Booker. I am no tanner, but the goat provides some of the best leather in terms of quality and luxury." She stated, matter-of-factly. She thought of what else she could really have. A dress made of goat would almost certainly look ridiculous, and she already had the jacket, so a pair of gloves really was all that she could ask for unless this Madame Booker was more eccentric than she had anticipated upon first walking into her very fine establishment. "I would imagine that, in the future, you could charge quite a bit more for such quality." she said with a grin.

"What is next in your grand vision, Madame Booker? What fine dress shall you play with next? What gloves shall adorn my hands, what boots shall cover my feet? I must say, my experience in your crafts has been quite comfortable thus far. I just might complain, however, and mind this is the only complaint I can think to muster, that my legs are a bit cold." She gestured to her old boots, those of a peasant. "The nights were cold in Egypt, and, well, they were a cheap solution. It is good to air out, though, I suppose." She giggled, "Forgive my ramblings. I am just excited about all of this."

[Shark isle]

Tailor Shop

The man had finally retrieved the elusive measure which he'd been searching for with muttered curses and a frown engraved onto his face when his American patron spoke regarding his presence in London while plopping a wad of chew into his mouth. "Heard of him? We hear more about him than the bloody King himself it seems as of late." the bald man chuckled harshly, shaking his head as he ushered Greystone over towards the rear of his own establishment and taking the measurements of the sturdy man's build, clearly a long time professional given the nonchalant attitude and lack of apparent effort it took. "Eccentric isn't the start of it, mate. Why is it he's invited you here? Not often he sees anyone, I hear."

---

Madame Booker

"Oh, of course dear, of course!" Madame Booker spoke quickly, almost dismissively of Ese as she complimented her fashion design and the need for more than a single proper outfit in her very limited wardrobe. "Jamison, dear! Come and see what you're paying for sweetheart, a third opinion is always appreciated!" the old crone called out like a haggard old raven summoning the nobleman.

Lord Gould turned the corner with his usual composure and near grace he carried himself with, but as he laid eyes on the former slave turned proper London lady of the highest fashion he was struck near speechless, stopped in his tracks after arriving and gawking for some time. Realizing he was staring, he shook his head to regain his composure and with his friendly grin managed two words: "It's...beautiful."

"You're absolutely right my dear, now get out, we were just discussing other possibilities for her wardrobe, you'll be relieved of that great weight in your coinpurse soon enough sweet." she shooed him away again, Lord Gould seemingly still rooted to the spot reluctantly retreated once more. "Goat leather? I can't say I'm familiar with working it. And I suppose it would remind you of home, dear? It would be no great trouble for me to possibly pursue the acquisition of a bit for you, perhaps another pair of gloves? Is your coat of the same material?" she continued her relentless interrogation, helping her dress up doll out of the current outfit.

As Charles sttod still while the tailor measured him he thought to himself," Should I tell him why he invited me?" After a few moments of thinking, Charles grinned and said inbetween chews of his tobacco," He offered me a position in some kind of expedition. I don't know where yet but, it is sure to be a interesting experience".

[Lancearc]

Tailor Shop

The bald man's brow furrowed a bit on this relatively vague explanation, although he wasn't too upset. It always seemed as though anything involving Lord Gould rarely had a straight answer or a coherent story that everyone told the same way. Hell, there was even some debate among many about what he actually looked like. "I could only guess meeting the man was an interesting experience." he scoffed, shaking his head as he stood from his kneeling position to measure about the breadth of the boxer's chest, manipulating him slightly to have him raise his arms at his sides and wrap the measure over his torso. "I can't imagine the man leaving his house, let alone going on an 'expedition.'" the man again mocked the high lord's reclusive nature.

---

Madame Booker

The elderly seamstress listened to the Egyptian girl's explanation of goat leather wares, a grin creeping across her wrinkled face when she brought up the possibility of the charge for quality. "Oh, I do love making a bit of coin, especially when that Lord of yours comes through tossing it about like mad!" she chuckled jokingly, before addressing the need for her goat leather. "I suppose your Lord wouldn't mind paying a bit more for my shipment, would he? I do love that man but he's plenty of wealth to go around." she smiled shrewdly at the younger woman. "I wonder...certainly you'll need something more suitable for the most formal occasions...did any of our ballgowns catch your eye, my dear?" the woman mused aloud of the proudly displayed gowns at the front of the shop.

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

"I...quite liked the violet one, Miss. As I said, my favorite color." She repeated her earlier statement, following with, "Something about the shade is just so wonderful, although I am willing to submit to whichever gown you think should be willing. They are all, of course, exquisitely beautiful. Whatever you have for me, Madame Booker, I am ready to take it, head-on, and see how it all turns out. Of course, with your wonderful skill, I should think that anything you give me should work out just wonderfully. That is, after all, a very nice product of a skilled seamstress: her crafts can be appreciated universally, turning expectation on its head to produce something more...lively, fun, and exquisite than could ever be imagined." She smiled at her elder, realizing that actually acquiring the goat would be quite difficult to do before they all left. Perhaps, she thought, perhaps Madame Booker had good connections.

[Lancearc]

Madame Booker

"Ahh, I should've figured as much my dear." she acknowledged immediately given the girl's love for the color like she'd stated before. "Very well, you shall have that exact design darling. I do love ball gowns, it's a shame that in your travels you'll have few occasions to wear it." she smiled slightly, displaying more knowledge of Lord Gould's expedition than there was any right for the old woman to have. "That is, if the rumors are true of course! Not a proper lady always has time to listen to gossip." she laughed, taking Ese's hands between her two leathery palms and leading her back down the hallway.

"We shall have to walk a bit and find something just as beautiful as the first. Tell me, Ese...I've been clothing that man and his father for a great majority of my life. I never intended to be on this earth for eighty-three years!" she laughed, exhaling before continuing. "What...is that man out there? What is he really like, how does he treat you and his guests, what of his beautiful estate? I've known for years that I will never get to understand him properly."

[Shark isle]

Tailor Shop

The bald man's brow furrowed a bit on this relatively vague explanation, although he wasn't too upset. It always seemed as though anything involving Lord Gould rarely had a straight answer or a coherent story that everyone told the same way. Hell, there was even some debate among many about what he actually looked like. "I could only guess meeting the man was an interesting experience." he scoffed, shaking his head as he stood from his kneeling position to measure about the breadth of the boxer's chest, manipulating him slightly to have him raise his arms at his sides and wrap the measure over his torso. "I can't imagine the man leaving his house, let alone going on an 'expedition.'" the man again mocked the high lord's reclusive nature.

---

Madame Booker

The elderly seamstress listened to the Egyptian girl's explanation of goat leather wares, a grin creeping across her wrinkled face when she brought up the possibility of the charge for quality. "Oh, I do love making a bit of coin, especially when that Lord of yours comes through tossing it about like mad!" she chuckled jokingly, before addressing the need for her goat leather. "I suppose your Lord wouldn't mind paying a bit more for my shipment, would he? I do love that man but he's plenty of wealth to go around." she smiled shrewdly at the younger woman. "I wonder...certainly you'll need something more suitable for the most formal occasions...did any of our ballgowns catch your eye, my dear?" the woman mused aloud of the proudly displayed gowns at the front of the shop.

Charles turned and said to the man," I don't know, i kinda like him. He is at least better then my father. Get this, my mother gets shot to death by a man he ripped off and he blames me for not protecting her. Isn't that a riot? Also, do you know a good hatter? I need a new hat?"

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

"That man..." she began, "That man is an enigma. Even I do not know if I have fully discovered his innermost personality yet, but if there is one thing I know, it is that he cares not for his vast wealth. The man has treated me with kindness that I could only describe as beyond outstanding. He has aided me and my image among his new companions, helping me to feel....part of the group. To feel like I did belong among all of them, even if I very clearly did not. Even now, he brings me here to give me something other than a single peasant dress to wear, offering me the highest luxury at no fear of repayment and with no concern for cost.

The man seeks companions. He seeks adventure. I would say I did not understand him, that wealth was very much a good thing, that he was out of touch, if I did not know the exact feelings he seems to demonstrate. When I was an 'almeh, a slave, in Egypt, I lived a life of good luxury. Silk pillows upon which I could rest, a room well-shaded and with a comfortable bed just for myself. I had a servant or two meant to attend to me, and I was given the opportunity to eat alongside the Pasha as he conversed with me. I was even given an education to go along with this all, to make myself interesting, a suitable companion for the Pasha.

However, this all came with a terrible cost. With silken beds and fine robes came only the most expensive ropes to be bound with, nothing but the heaviest chains with which to be shackled. I lived a comfortable life, my needs provided, but it was not fulfilling. He gave me much, but I was just his property, a thing to be used and put aside as he pleased. I was educated about the joys of freedom, of arts and the culture of the world, while I possessed none. In a way, I was the wealthiest girl in all of Egypt, but I had nothing. Wealth is not fulfilling, it is an empty promise at life. Lord Gould has a massive museum of artifacts from around the world: jewelry, swords, rugs, pots, all that a museum could ask for, and these items are among the most rare of the world. Despite this, Lord Gould seeks out a life of adventure and discovery, as if what he has is not enough. Lord Gould, to my understanding, seeks to fill this hole, to repair the empty promise, before his chance is gone."

[Lancearc]

Madame Booker

Madame Booker listened with intrigue as this most unexpected source, a lowly slave girl from the far end of the Mediterranean Sea, explained what she knew or thought she knew about the mysterious nobleman. To say that he was an enigma, the wise old seamstress knew as much. She was more interested in how she perceived the man's outlook on life. What she described as little to no interest in his family's incredible wealth. His kindness without request for repayment. His pursuit of companionship and adventure, wasn't this what all boys dreamed of when their nans told them stories of knights, dragons, mountains of gold? "He never did give up on those dreams, the stories." she finished her thought out loud as she strolled alongside Ese.

"Why do you follow him? Do you think he is using the lot of you? Are you using him? Why are you following this man you've just met to the far ends of the world on the promise of treasures they talk about in stories?"

---

Tailor Shop

"It doesn't sound like it takes a lot to be better than your father at that rate." the tailor smirked slightly, having finished his measurements and returned the measure to its location behind the counter amongst many other materials, likely to be lost again to the ire of the next patron to enter his shop. "Any particular idea what you're looking for here? Feel free to browse. I can point you in the right direction for headwear, of course." he nodded politely, though it was clear he had other questions waiting to be asked. "I'd...there were rumors about a bit of an...engagement near his manor. The other night, that is."

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

"I do it because he is so kind to me, Madame Booker. I do it because in this man I see a passion, and he offers me a fulfilling life of both comfort and adventure, something that I had never thought possible in Egypt. He saved me from the streets, paid for me to come all the way to London, and preserved my image as a good person before all of his new companions. He has done so much for me that I, well..." She paused for a moment, "I suppose I feel like I owe it to him. He is helping me out by letting me join him in all of this, and he has been nothing but a gentleman. I've nothing to return to at home, so I have nothing to stop me from leaving with him and his band to find a more fulfilling life. That, Madame Booker, is why I shall go with him wherever he does go. That is why I follow him."

[Lancearc]

Madame Booker

"It sounds like you admire him quite a bit, darling." the madame pointed out with a sly smile, a suggestion, giving Ese a short glance from the corner of her eyes before, as they walked, catching one of the younger girls by the arm whilst she made her way to the rear of their seamstress shop. "Victoria, be a dear and fetch the violet ballgown from our front window, if you would. We'll be fashioning another soon enough." she instructed her employee, the other girl nodding without a word and obediently turning to proceed to the front of the store.

"He despised his father. That's all I knew for certain of the boy." Madame Booker put in her own observations. "Whenever they would come in, at any point of his life when he was old enough to know hatred, I could tell. They both tried to hide it but he hated that man and his father knew it, I could see it in their eyes. I don't know why, but he did." Booker sighed, shrugging slightly. "Perhaps after his father's death, he's lonely in there, all those servants but no one to share that home of his with, no one to truly talk to. Perhaps that's just another reason he's endeavored to go on this grand adventure." she hypothesized out of habit.

[The Ik Ka Ek Akai]

Ese was still blushing by the time Madame Booker had finished her exposition, a bit embarrassed at the way she had been praising Lord Gould. She'd not had such thoughts on her mind the whole time, but she began to wonder if it had come off as such. This was proper retribution, she supposed, for when she had teased him earlier that very morning. "He has one servant that he seems to enjoy the company of, Madame Booker. An Irishman by the name of Timothy. He's quite the cheery fellow, truly. We enjoyed a little joke this morning, in fact, but that time has since passed as Lord Gould took his whole host shopping. Me included." She giggled, finding a bit of humor in the situation, and remembering her earlier joking with the butler. A fun morning, it was, to find she had not been lynched and was not universally despised.

Ese watched the beautiful ball gown brought before her, just as she remembered it moments prior in the store window. Only now, with it right in front of her and about to be hers, did she even bother to consider how heavy the dress must be. She could handle it. She knew she could. If the stuffy European nobility could wear it without too much issue, she had not a single doubt in her mind that she could as well. She was curious, however, to the accents and accessories that Madame Booker might toss onto it to suit the girl's fashion. "It looks just as beautiful as it did minutes ago." She giggled again.