itookashot | Abraxas Inbox

[ The gift from Claude had definitely been a surprise - but not a bad one and certainly not unwelcome. And while she had shown her appreciation to Claude, she isn’t about to withhold credit where credit is due. And frankly, any excuse to seek out Jesper is a good excuse for her.

The renovations for the Sarstina are well underway by the time she arrives that day with all her promised fabric samples (all Mags approved of course). Unsurprisingly no bright colours had made it into the final selection but Hilda had managed to convince her to add a couple of patterns in there that would prevent it from erring too close to the hospital aesthetic.

After getting one final approval from Mags that she can go ahead and order the appropriate amount for the upholstery, Hilda had commandeered Jesper for a quick lunch break. It’s only once they’re seated with their food in front of them that HIlda is quick to adopt a simpering pose, along with batting eyelashes and doe eyes. ]

I hear that I have you to thank for my new scarf?

[ Jesper could use the lunch break, and the only way to get him to do that is someone pretty batting their eyelashes at him. And he also likes Hilda a lot so he put up minimal fuss. He's been so focused on the project since they got back from the Nether, and it's finally underway. This was Jesper's idea so it's important to him to oversee it, but a man still needs to eat. He's still made time to make a few things, including Hilda's scarf that Claude asked for.

He didn't know when the man was going to give it to her so he smiles when she brings it up, amused by her pose until she explains, and he laughs. ]

Oh good, he gave it to you. Yeah, you're welcome. I'd make anything for you, gorgeous.

[ He winks and scarfs down some food. Fashion is something he's always loved, something he eagerly started getting into once he came to Ketterdam and away from the farm life. It's fun for him to make it, especially for someone who appreciates it. ]

Don't tell me that.

[ She gasps, giving him the lightest push against his shoulder with a finger. Hilda's expression looks completely contrary to her words. The thought of anyone gifting her something, particularly pretty things, will never fail to bring her some level of delight. ]

Otherwise you might never hear the end of requests from me and then I'm going to have all of your lovers coming after me. I can't run that fast.

[ It's mostly a joke. She'd never put anyone to work like that without paying them back in kind somehow whether that's paying for the materials herself or providing them some sort of compensation. The intensity of the simpering pose fades and she's left contentedly watching him eat. ]

Have you thought about doing it seriously while you're here? Fashion I mean.

I already told Claude I had extra ideas on top of that. Knee-high tall boots to go with it, special colorful hair ties.

[ Jesper has an eye for these things and he knows what will look good on her. Well, everything would look good on her, but he likes aesthetics. He started her out with one piece but he already has in mind a whole outfit. It's the way he thinks, and it's also why he always looks so put together. It's not just pants and shirt or jacket, he wears layers, and they're all intricately designed, colorful. He's made an entire wardrobe since coming here. ]

It's okay we can split Sylvain's time with me, I'll bring you new things and jump into his bed.

[ An ideal situation, really. Jesper adores Sylvain, the two of them are really alike and so quick to laugh and have a good time together. He's a little protective of him too, in the sense that he doesn't think Sylvain is used to other people protecting him, he's the protector. Another thing they have in common.

The question throws him as if it is genuinely something he's never considered, and that's because it hasn't. He makes clothes all the time for other people and himself, and he sells bits and pieces, but professionally? ]

No, I haven't. Strangely. [ Jesper puts his food down for a moment, that's when you know something is serious. ] I've always loved fashion and my powers make it easy, but I guess I've seen it as a fun side hobby.

Jesper, you're going to make me swoon. I don't know whether to tell you to keep talking or stop.

[ Her eyelashes flutter and she cups her cheeks giving herself the impression of a blushing maiden being showered with affection. And honestly, it sort of is. Whoever said that money and objects couldn't buy happiness hadn't met Hilda. At this rate she'd have to have a word with Claude about stopping Jesper from going ahead and making all of the things he had described.

The mention of splitting Sylvain's time snags on something, bringing her joking to a grinding halt in her mind. She'd never had a problem with Jesper and Sylvain spending time together before and she still didn't even with recent revelations on her part. At least, she didn't think it did.Thankfully it doesn't do much else except freeze her smile into place for a beat longer before she gracefully rolls out of it. Why think about feelings when she'd much rather talk about fashion? ]

Maybe you should. People would pay for the things you make. And I don't mean that in a, "you should extort people," way. I just think that all artists should be paid for their talents.

Listen if I can't get you to swoon the best way I know how, showering you with gifts is a happy second place.

[ Jesper will always, always flirt, whenever given the chance. And Hilda's gorgeous, funny, charming, kind. He also loves getting stuff. Money and objects can absolutely buy happiness, he's a criminal, he knows that only too well. And as a gambling addict, sometimes that's not always the best thing, but for him it was the rush more than the money. He just also really loves money. Being rich is something he never got to be before.

Jesper's extremely perceptive so he notes something is a little off with her, but he is also someone who lets things slide. If she wants to talk about it, she will, he's not going to press unless there seems to be a door at least slanted open. Claude learned that himself when Jesper gently tried to poke at the situation with him and Hilda, but he did leave himself open to a talk there. So he's a good listener. He and Sylvain have been lovers for a year now. He doesn't understand everything about the way this trio works. ]

You know, it's funny because I've made all my clothes, and for the Crows, and all our costumes and looks at the events we've gone to, but just ... didn't think about it outside of that.

[ And by now Hilda's seen the costumes and formal wear he's talking about, especially from the masquerade. It's all made by Jesper and he had a great time putting together the dramatic and fun looks, but he left it at that in his brain. This is dawning on him now that it doesn't have to be a hobby. But Hilda may see the very rare occurrence of Jesper doubting himself, which is hardly ever witnessed.]

I don't know, professionally, though? Do you really think so?

If you insist. But only if you let me shower you with gifts in return.

[ As always she's so quick to give in. There's an art to the form of give and take after all. And she's not so entirely selfish that she wouldn't shower Jesper with gifts in return even though a part of doubts being able to match the artistry that he's able to create out of thin air. Wanda's works echo in her mind though; it shouldn't be a comparison game. That of course is easier said then done - but she moves on quickly, not wanting to dwell on it longer than she should.

To be fair, she didn't even know what to make of whatever it is she had with Claude and Sylvain. The former was essentially a five to six year mess of bad timing and miscommunication and the latter was so new that she still wasn't fully convinced that it was true. It's no wonder that she'd rather focus on this odd emotion she's never seen on Jesper before than address her feelings that are tinged with jealousy that she can't rid herself of.

Tilting her head to the side, she watches him. The doubt is familiar only in the sense that she often wears it herself. ]

Why not? You could start small. Like taking select commissions for people in town, or asking Jaskier or Julie to wear whatever you make so that people will take notice of it.

[ Her eyes brighten, getting swept along with this idea of Jeseper's talents making themselves known. ]

You could do some work for the stage to expand your reach too! The Old Public Hall is always looking for some stunning costumes and I'm sure that the seamstresses would love working with you. In fact I know they will.

[ Jesper's not really familiar with jealousy himself; he can tell it in other people, since he's so intimately involved with others, but he doesn't really know the feeling. It's probably what made it obvious to him here that he was meant for a more open-minded lifestyle. He and Wylan have gotten past their issues and that was the last piece he needed, given how worried he was about his ex's feelings on the matter. But he's the last person to judge about anything emotion-wise. They're all just human after all.

Which is why he's showing some of his own human vulnerabilities at the moment, the rare display of doubt. He didn't think he could be a merchant at all until he made it happen and started developing trinkets, but he always told himself that was out of necessity. This would be intentionally making things for other people to consume that he actually cares about. A much harder task. ]

I suppose I could get started with costumes, yeah.

[ It's a simple enough starting point and if he works with the professionals, he'll be able to tell if he has what it takes from there. Jesper has already been making clothes for a long time so he's better than he thinks, but when it comes to things that matters, he's much harder on himself than most people know. ]

Well what about you? You've got a flare like I do, and you've been making things using your enchantment skills and stuff, yeah?

[ Human, yes. It's impossible to forget how tender and soft their hearts are, how easily bruised they can become.She preferred her life to be sunshine and rainbows, not so dissimilar to how she dressed and how she tried to present herself to the rest of the world. A bruised heart didn't exactly align with that. Jealousy also felt more like a cold stain that sat at the base of her throat, ready to cut anything that came too close.

But what she perceived to be her own shortcomings would never stop her from supporting those around her. Jesper's answer, however reluctant, lights up her face. ]

Amazing! Once the inn renovations are all wrapped up, I'll set up some time for you to come and meet the head of the costume department. They'll love you.

[ It's not a promise of a job but rather a foot in the door; Krish had a keen eye for design and was a stickler for details. They adored the drama and the fantasy that costume could bring to an immersive experience and the arts. The Hall was lucky to have them. But Hilda also knew how to get the head of costume wrapped around her little finger like the best of them and had spent more than enough time with them to know that Kirsh would immediately take a liking to Jesper and see just how amazing his work was. ]

Me? [ Her enthusiasm fizzles slightly, replaced with a sheepish look. She's quick to dismiss her own passions. ] I guess I have been making some things but it's slower work. I can't just magic things out of thin air like you. And the enchantments are just pretty embellishments than anything useful.

Well of course they will, everyone loves me.

[ See he can bounce back from his momentary insecurity! Hilda may be able to see though with that switch that a lot of it is him bullshitting. His confidence can be real but it can also be hiding the parts of him that he doesn't want everyone to know about. It's easier to be brave and bold and pretend than be honest about the ways in which he doesn't have the highest opinion of himself. It's a complicated tightrope to walk down.

He is good with people though. That's always been one of his primary skills, honed after years of being fairly isolated from everyone else. Another detail not known to most, it would seem like Jesper's always been popular and surrounded by people. It's not the case, he was isolated as a youth, and only after coming to Ketterdam was he able to become his extroverted and warm self.

But he is excited at the idea, now that he's successfully been persuaded to try it out. His hobby made into something he's passionate about? Is that even possible? Apparently he'll find out.

Because Jesper has just revealed a little of his inner self, he's quick to notice it in Hilda too and he gives her an amused look. ]

How about we both give ourselves some credit and say it's something we both could do ... if we wanted to? If you wanted to. There's a bunch of ways I can see using your enchantments as perfect additions to fashion.

[ Her lips quirk slightly as his confidence returns in full force. Jesper’s bounce back is a familiar technique, one that she’s employed herself on more than one occasion especially as of late. For a moment she can’t help but pause; is she merely projecting onto him what she knows she does? Or had Jesper trusted her enough to show him a little more behind the cheerful ease that he wore and breathed?

Absently she thinks that he doesn’t have to try so hard around her. She’s interacted with enough nobles now to discern when people are being insincere or putting on a front for politeness sake. She’s also interacted with Jesper enough now to know that he’s as genuine as the sun is warm; there is no part of him that is insincere when it comes to how much he cares for those around him.

So perhaps if it is that he’s allowed her to see a little more behind the curtain of the ever bright presence that he is — that means all the more to her than he may ever know. There’s a beat before she admits in that same, sheepish tone - ]

I’ve been helping to make some costume jewelry and crowns for the stage. Everything else has been pretty simple so far. Costume jewelry is so different from something someone would wear every day after all. I wouldn’t even know how to being pricing them or where to begin selling them.

[ Just because she was friends with some of the local jewelry shops in town didn’t mean that they would necessarily sell the things she made. ]

[ Jesper's sunny honesty is a staple of his being but she hasn't seen him when he's at his lowest, and generally he prefers it that way. He can crash very hard and it does come from that place she just saw, the uncertainty and the lack of confidence in a particular part of himself. He's spent most of his life being very, very good at certain things, and he's always put all his energy and confidence into that. This is a more creative outlet, something softer than his guns and his smarts, something his mother would love.

He did let Hilda witness a vulnerability he doesn't often let on, since usually he flashes a smile and covers it all up. And he has that instinct now, which he's doing by trying to move past it, but it's not because he's hiding from her, like he sometimes does. Jesper's gotten to the point of trust in her when she can know that he occasionally doesn't think he's amazing at everything he does. ]

Well I've been selling jewelry for a while, I've got a good idea of it. But if I'm making clothes, I don't have time for both.

[ Jesper shrugs. ]

Have you seen some of the Aquila fashion? They seem to love colorful looks. And while we may not live in the Feywilds, I think it'd be fun to bring some of that style here, wouldn't you say?

[ Better to be able to admit that you're good at some things than deflect and say that you're good at nothing at all though! Not that that's what Hilda is doing. Not in the least.

She can't say for certain if what Jesper says is an offer to help price her creations if she ever got to that point, but she appreciates it all the same. Knowing that someone, a friend specifically, is encouraging it at all gives her some solace. It becomes more clear though as he poses his question to her. Her eyes light up at the mention of Aquila and the city's take on colour, fun and daring and a light slowly seems to grow in her eyes. ]

You mean together? [ Her lips twitch a little at the thought. ] I did always wish that it would be fun to see more variety in how people decide to dress here. Not that it's bad, it just tends to err on the side of neutral colours.

[ There's an argument in there for practicality or something along those lines. Cadens was a military town, one that favoured innovation and science over fashion and the arts. And while that was fine, it certainly wasn't vibrant as it could be. ]

Yeah, together. I'm a big team player, you know.

[ Just seeing Jesper around the Crows should make it obvious, but also the way he works with everyone in the Inn, with her and Sam in the welcoming committee. Jesper doesn't do things solo much of the time, he's always looking for other people to work with. It's probably because he grew up utterly alone and only found companionship when he came to Ketterdam and was brought into the Dregs. He adores Hilda and they already are working so well together with the welcoming committee and as friends. Why not throw another venture? ]

I know Cadens is military and boring, but what if we could brighten it up a bit? My mother's people were extremely colorful, and they were also city folk, pragmatic, just also bright.

[ It explains why Jesper favors so much color. He's never in neutral colors, outside of when he has to do some specific work or on the road. He stands out like a permanent peacock on purpose, but he took it from her and the Zemeni. He grins at her. ]

I think we can do it, why not? We're both brilliant people with great taste.

[ Hilda has no doubt that he is - the entire Sarstina renovation has been a testament to that. That doesn't change the fact that it still surprises her that he would want to do things with her, let alone what sounds suspiciously like a business venture if it ever got to that point. Taking things seriously is something she's never been known to wear well. Her penchant for flightiness and airheaded ways don't align themselves well to that sort of thing. But they've already come this far. And designs and creation don't have to mean a business or anything serious - right?

In fact brightening up a drab, neutral city is the complete opposite of that. And if she were being honest, she missed seeing colour outside of the stage. Jesper's idea combined with his infectious smile is enough to convince her. ]

Why not then?

[ She reaches across the table, grasping his hands in hers. ]

And I think we'd have a host of people that we could probably convince to model for us. Or at least wear them around town. Maybe the locals will want to take after us eventually and you'll have a booming business.

[ Jesper has a very good mind for business and no one was more surprised than him. He didn't intend to become a merchant but he had to make money for himself and others, so he didn't have a choice. Now he has a pretty reputable business, albeit a casual street table, but this would mean something larger level. For both of them. But he doesn't see Hilda as some pretty, frivolous person, he'd laugh at the very idea. He's a good judge of character and he knows she's someone of substance.

Besides, this sounds like a lark more than anything else. (That might become something more.) So they make some colorful fun things and sell it out of his stall for a time. They'll worry about it being a business when it becomes a business. ]

I bet we could get some interest between the colors and the fact that people might want to own things made by Summoned. I swear that's why I get some good sales.

[ Jesper is not at all against using their identity as eternal outsiders to make money. It's his favorite thing to do. He grasps her hands too and lifts one of them to kiss her knuckles sweetly. ]

We'll have a booming business, darling. That's the plan

Abraxas Inbox

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— forward dated to the beginning of november

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so I did actually reply to this and DW ate it lol so I had marked it replied to SORRY

it's okay!!

Maybe wrap here or on yours! Yay it begins!