[OPEN] Ralsei's Custom Clothing Shop

[a_sweet_little_peach]

Who: Ralsei and anyone!
Which: Open Log! She sent invites to close CR, but everyone is welcome.
Where: Ralsei's clothing shop, the first floor of his home!
What: Custom clothing is available!
When: Deep in winter, after the events of the last TDM have worn off
Warnings: By thread, none expected!

[A] Announcement

A page in the journal was black, written on in white ink, with a cutesy drawing -- not imprinting -- of what looks like a two-story house, emblazoned with the words Ralsei's Custom Clothes and Accessories!, exclamation point included. In front is a stick figure of Ralsei himself, in green and black and pink.

Beneath, written very neatly:

[Hello, everyone! It's my pleasure to open up a clothing shop for you all. I've worked hard to put together enough clothes for you all in just about every size and shape I've seen here in Reverein, and I'm happy to make any adjustments you could want or like! If you don't have money, come on down anyway; I'm sure we can work something out!

I'm looking forward to seeing you all very soon! ]

Another little stick figure is drawn below that, waving.

[C] Commencement

The drawing was remarkably accurate to the actual place. There was the wooden gabled roof, the chimney puffing away merrily, and the sign announcing the opening of his shop in simple white letters. That's where the similarities ended, though.

The clothes he promised practically overflowed from inside -- front windows showcasing every size and shape of clothes, from normal coats to ones adjusted for those with wings or tails, even a little cozy that seemed fitted to a flower, strangely enough.

On the note of greenery, in spite of the cold, the place had nearly as many plants as clothes, potted flowers flourishing in the snow. It certainly made his place stand out. Which he did! He stood outside his shop, and his expression brightened the place more than the flowers did as he said in a rush, "Welcome, welcome! Come in, what can I do for you?"

[E] Excitement

Ralsei was having trouble. The opening of his clothing shop had gone well enough, to be sure -- it was afterward that the trouble started. Little things being misplaced, threadwork strewn out to leave him stumbling, and the like.

It culiminated in him reaching down to pick up a dropped thimble (his fault, actually) and being draped in the same bright blue cloth sheet he was working on. He yelped, stumbling out the front door of his workshop, flailing around wildly in the mid-morning air, the air around him filled with mischievous giggles.

It looks like the goatboy could use a little help.

Comments

[a_sweet_little_peach]

"Ahahah..." Ralsei's hat was drawn down over their eyes in embarrassment. Truthfully, the man was spot on in his assessment of the darkner.

It wasn't the first time he'd overwrought himself in tending to others' concerns.

Fortunately, that wasn't the case this time! "Well, while I can't deny my predilection toward that, I've been working on this for a while! I'm not the best at pacing myself, but at least in this I'm not overwrought."

"But!" He brings himself back upright and takes a quick, fortifying breath. "I think I have something that would fit you wonderfully somewhere around here. Maybe a touch on the long side, but..."

He navigates the shop efficiently, leading the man back to the scarves. He peels one off of the rack -- a red dyed such that the centermost threads were darker and those on the side more vibrant, giving it the look of a sunset on water. "I found someone selling these gorgeous swaths..."

He glances back at... "Oh, hah, I don't think I ever got your name?"

[gentryofhermitage]

He can spot burnout pretty easily nowadays; he was once guilty of it himself, and he's an over-6000-year-old deity. No one is immune to the effects of burnout, and everyone should pace themselves and take care of themselves in his opinion.

"I see... Well, just remember that rest is a requirement, not some arbitrary prize to be earned." He just doesn't want you working too hard, Ralsei!

Zhongli follows Ralsei's lead, looking at the scarves in question. He hums in agreement. "I agree, these swaths are of excellent quality. They would make for a pleasant feel against one's skin, as well as a stylish addition to one's wardrobe..."

Ah, right, where are his manners. He bows to Ralsei. "Forgive me, Boss; I got so caught up in our discussion that I forgot to introduce myself. I am Zhongli, a consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour." He pauses as he straightens. "Though, I suppose my consulting duties are on hold for the moment while I am here in Reverein."

[a_sweet_little_peach]

"Oh, I know! But I do really appreciate the reminder. In the past, I might have needed it a lot more." Not to say that Ralsei doesn't need it now, occasionally. Still, no need to burden someone he just met with concern for him.

"Right? It's gorgeous! See how it shimmers when you turn it in the light?" He demonstrates gleefully. Ralsei's not upselling the man at all -- at least, not intentionally. He's just very excitable!

Still, he lets out a soft chuckle, smiling and waving his free hand. "Oh, don't worry about it! I'm just the same. Sometimes I wish I could have a checklist for social interactions, especially with new people."

"Funerary consultancy, though? That's..." He sounds unsure, but not hostile. "Is that a euphemism of some kind? I know mercenaries and assassins here..." He snorts, gently replacing the cloth and taking half a step back to allow Zhongli to browse them himself, should he so wish.

"Fairly large amount of those here, actually. What's it like where you're from?"

[gentryofhermitage]

“Hmm… well, so long as you remember to pace yourself. Success and fortune will come to you regardless, if you run your business with as much passion as I have seen. You do not need to overwork yourself.” And while it may not be a formal blessing and he may not have authority here as he once did in Liyue, he does genuinely offer one to Ralsei’s business. He wants Ralsei’s passion, and this place by extension, to thrive.

“You’re right. It would be a shame not to purchase such a fine item.” He nods in acceptance. “I would be honoured to buy it.” Even if the upsell was unintebded, Ralsei is speaking the truth; it’s a gorgeous piece made with care and skill. Just the kind of thing Zhongli loves.

“Ah, not quite.” Zhongli says with a shake of his head. “When I say a funeral parlour, I mean a business that deals in the burial and funerary rites of those who pass on, whether they be from illness, old age, or battle. I happen to have quite a bit of knowledge on a wide variety of things as well, one of which involves the ancient traditions and rites of Liyue. So I offer my services as a consultant to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlour to ensure that all rites are performed properly so that those who have died may pass on peacefully.” It’s definitely some grim work, but Zhongli takes pride in it. It allows him to put his vast amounts of knowledge to good use, at least.

“As for what Liyue is like? Well, it is a nation that has endured for over 2000 years, and has faced many challenges in its time. Liyue has seen gods wage war across its fields and monsters churn its oceans, and has seen the rise and fall of its patron deity. But it’s people have grown with the land, and continue to thrive upon the civilization that has been built.” He pauses, then chuckles softly. “It is quite the happy coincidence you ask about Liyue, as it is known as both the Land of Contracts and as a successful mercantile hub. Many merchants settle in Liyue Harbour to set up shops and sell their wares much like you have now. It always brings me pleasure to see a new venture starting.”

[a_sweet_little_peach]

"Oh, I..." He trails off, after a moment. He was going to say there's no need to pay, but... From what he knows of the man, he's pretty sure denying him that would be more cruel than accepting payment. Instead, he gives a chagrined smile to Zhongli. "I appreciate it. Thank you!" They can talk about price later, given how little thought he's had on the subject. He sets it aside for now.

Instead, he listens intently as Zhongli speaks of his profession. His expression shifts through confusion and befuddlement to settle on understanding. He might not have given much thought to it beforehand, but... it seems like a rather thoughtful profession. ...If a little morbid. "That's a very kind profession to take, I think. It's good that you are able to handle it well. I wouldn't be able to myself, I shouldn't think."

He seems quite attentive as Zhongli continues, talking about his home. "Oh, that sounds like a lovely place. I see what you mean... my shop seems like it would suit your home quite nicely."

He pauses. "Other than the war and stuff, I'm not much for fighting." Most of the time, anyway. He's not above fighting to keep people safe, though he's more of a backline type, when it comes to that.

"My world... well, my first world wasn't that far off of this place. Though a lot more malleable to my desires. I made a castle town, and cakes from cauldrons, and made sure everyone had room..." He smiles in reminiscence. "It was nice. But I kind of prefer where I ended up. Quirk of my home was that, well... most of my closest friends couldn't spend much time with me. Just how it was."

[gentryofhermitage]

Talk of price can certainly happen later! Now, does Zhongli actually have any money to pay for it? Well... that is something to figure out later.

Zhongli does chuckle lightly at Ralsei's assessment of his current profession. "I commend your perspective on the matter. Death is not an easy thing for people to discuss at the best of times, inevitable as it may be, and it takes a certain demeanour to run such a business." Even if he may frown at Hu Tao's cavalier and quirky approach to such a serious business, he does know that she does take the funerary rites seriously when it comes to ensuring spirits pass on peacefully. Even if she is a bit pushy on the business side of things.

"Well, you would be in luck if you were ever to visit. You do still need to be careful of roaming hilichurls or Treasure Hoarders when traveling, but things are rather peaceful in the cities." He may have a bit of a hard time with his non-human appearance, but perhaps some of the adepti could help him out...

Zhongli listens carefully to Ralsei's explanation of his own world. He hums in consideration, a hand coming up to his chin.

"Your first world..? So you have traveled to other worlds before?" It's always fascinating to see who here has traveled to distant worlds and who hasn't. "And if I may ask, what do you mean by your friends couldn't spend much time with you? Were there extenuating circumstances for their reason to do so?"