The hyena-men eyed scrutinized their approach but did nothing to hinder the pair as they made their way inside, they pushed open the door and saw that there was a trio of the beastmen inside. Along with the one that was most likely their leader even if that guess was based on the amount of jewelry and refinery adorned by the man. They turned around and the leader’s eyes widened and his jaw opened as he grinned, showcasing rows of sharp teeth.

“I think this is the man we have been waiting for, ya?” He ended his sentance with an odd sound that resembled both a yip and a growl.

Aliami grunted, “Yes that’s the employee who made the dress you were referring to.”

“Splendid!” The gnoll stepped forward and stuck out his hand, which Aeric shook with a slight furrow in his brow as he eyed Aliama and then the excited gentleman who was pumping his hand up and down.

“Can I ask what’s going on?”

“But of course, allow me to explain!” The hyena said as he put a large furry and sharpclawed hand on his shoulder and ushered him further inside the store. Aeric eyed the man and noted his grey-ish brown fur, his amber eyes and his not-insignificant height of seven-ish feet.

“You see a couple of days ago I saw this young woman in a dress that quite drew my attention. What a work of art it was, such craftmanship. I immediately felt the urge to get something of the sort for myself. I asked the girl about it and she told me it was her wedding dress, created by a tailor new to the city. Which after some investigation led me to you. Now as much as I would have wanted to buy the first work of a new craftsman. Trying to buy the girl’s wedding dress is both crude and unseemly. But commissioning a work of my own, one fit for me? Well, that is both within my means and my intention!”

A grin welled up on Aeric’s face, “You want some custom work done?! Fantastic, what kind of clothing are you thinking about. For what kind of occasion, I’ll admit to having never done work for a person covered in fur but I don’t doubt I can live up to the challenge.”

The gnoll laughed, a yipping sound that echoed through the store, “Splendid, I’m quite enjoying your enthusiasm about the project young craftsman. I would like to order a few pieces if possible, a couple for everyday wear. Something that still lives up to my standards of course. But the most important piece would be something to wear to more public events, something that really catches the attention, but in a subtle way. Something classy.”

Aeric hummed in thought, “Something for serious events or more… business casual?”

“Business casual? Such an intriguing term! While we’re at it, why not one of both?!”

Aeric grinned at the gnoll and put his own hand on the man’s shoulder and laughed, “Indeed! Why not both.”

The gnoll joined him in his laughter and the pair of them stood there for a moment merely laughing while the others looked on in either fond exasperation or as if it was merely business as usual. Aliami coughed, “Before the pair of you get too into your own little creative world and leave your wits in the clouds perhaps we could arrange the details?”

One of the gnolls who were escorting the gentleman who’d be Aeric’s second customer, stepped forward. She spoke with a softer voice, with a clear feminine tinge to it, “Yes let’s you and me arrange the details and let the…” She eyed the pair of them with a small fond smile, “More excitable people do whatever it is they do.”

Aliami grinned at the woman, “Then let’s talk business.”

The hyena grinned at the lion, showcasing her many fangs, “Let’s.”

Meanwhile, Aeric was already leading the man whose name he still didn’t know into the shop, guiding him over to his own workstation. “So I’ll be needing some measurements, I’m sure a man as well clothed as you has his own numbers on hand but I’d prefer to try my own hand at it. I find that some of the measurements I tend to use fall outside of the norm.”

The man gave a full-belied laugh, “I would expect nothing less my young entrepreneur. Measure away!” He looked around the room and gave the girls who were looking at the pair with curious gazes. Then grinned, “I never did mind showing off in front of a room full of enchanting ladies.”

Yissilia rolled her eyes, Xii merely grinned and winked. While Treeka waggled her eyebrows and Lshrkr and Hurma pretended nothing had been said. Aeric smiled and patted the man on the shoulder. “Let’s get to work, and I’ll ask you some questions while I’m at it.”

“Don’t hold back! Ask me all you need!”

Aeric grinned up at him as the man took off his shirt, a finely made one, lime green, covered in embroidery. He was more muscular than Aeric would have expected from one whom he had assumed was more merchant than fighter.

“Well first off, what’s your name. We kinda forgot our introduction in the excitement. Mine is Aeric by the way, Aeric Redwool.”

The gnoll stiffened for a second before sweeping into an elaborate bow, “Aaah passion has carried me away again, such that I have forgotten my manners. I am Varush, Pack Leader of the Western Exploratory Caravan. Overall merchant, trader, and a bit of a fighter if there is a need.” He said as he winked at Xii, who grinned at the man in turn.

“Good to know, although I will have to admit I’m not familiar with titles or the meaning of them.”

Varush laughed and patted his shoulder, “Nor should it matter, we are here for clothing. No need to bring formality into it when you are already undressing me on our first meeting.”

Aeric returned the laugh and shook his head, “I guess formality does fly out of the window along with the clothing.”

Both laughed at that while Varush happily patted Aeric on the shoulder.

Treeka groaned, “Oh no, there’s two of them with that lame humor.”

Yissilia punched her shoulder gently and shushed her, although the pair hadn’t appeared to hear them as they were too caught up in their excitement.

“I do need to ask if you have any further requirement as to clothing material and/or colours. If there is a particular style you adhere to or if there are any cultural taboos that I should be aware of.”

Varush tapped his chin in thought, “Well no leather that originates from sentients or the like, though I doubt this is such an establishment. I would prefer lighter clothing as my fur keeps me warm enough so the clothing is more fashion than function. People don’t really appreciate it when I show up naked to a formal event.” He grinned down at Aeric as he stood calmly on the stool letting the length of his legs be measured.

“Bah, nobility has no taste, natural nakedness should be a trend in itself.”

Varush chuckled, “It would be interesting to see various of these stuffy officials without their clothing. Few people can hold onto their confidence when unclothed in front of strangers.”

Aeric smiled at the thought, “Anything other than the lighter clothing? Are there any materials you are allergic to?”

Varush shrugged, “Not that I am aware of.”

“Well that should be enough information to get me started. Any further style requirements or will you be leaving it all up to my imagination.” Aeric questioned with a raised eyebrow.

Varush shook his head, “Giving gifted craftsman rules to adhere to merely limits their creativity and thus their craft. You have met me, have a sense of my personality and have my measurements, the rest I leave up to you.”

Aeric chuckled, “I must admit I do enjoy trying to find something that would be perfect for the customer, figuring that out is half the fun! I’m sure our business-minded associates have figured out the details of our future little escapade. I must admit I’m rather excited to get started.”

Varush nodded as he hopped down from the platform, “As I am excited to see your work. I’m aware craftsmanship takes time so send word whenever you are finished. Take the time you need.”

Aeric nodded, “I will, let’s move back to the store before the logical people start glaring at each other a bit too much.”

Varush laughed, “Let’s.”

The pair headed back to the store to find to their mild surprise that the female gnoll and Aliami were sitting at a table and chatting calmly over tea. Aeric and Varush walked up to the pair. Varush turned to his associate with a raised eyebrow, “Business already concluded?”

The female gnoll looked up and grinned, “It is made much quicker when dealing with polite professionals who are aware of the worth of their product and don’t try to fleece you with extra costs and the like.”

Aliami snorted, “Reputation is important and I make my money fair, I do enjoy return customers after all.”

The female gnoll shook her head, “You’d be surprised how many decently leveled merchants disagree with that mindset.”

Aliami grinned at the woman, “I wouldn’t be surprised at all.”

The woman laughed, “No I suppose you wouldn’t.” She turned to Varush and Aeric, “Well if the pair of you are done as well I suppose it’s time we leave and go back into the city to take care of some details for our upcoming travel arrangements. I bid you a good day Aliami, Aeric.” She bowed her head slightly as she stood up and made to leave the store.

Varush turned and clasped Aeric’s hand in both of his own, “I will be back in a month or two, perhaps a few of the pieces will be done by then. Till next we meet Aeric!” He then turned and sweeped a bow to Aliami, “And the same to you Lady Aliami.”

“See you around Varush.” The leonid gave the man a lazy wave in turn.

Varush spun around, sweeping his cloak as he stalked out of the store. Aeric turned to Aliami, sitting down in the chair the woman had vacated and tapped his fingers on the waxed wood of the coffee table. “Lady Aliami huh?”

She snorted, “Some people call everyone a lady, you know that.”

Aeric grinned, “Of course I do, I could hear the capital L in there though. But if you don’t wanna talk about it or flaunt it or whatever that’s fine. About the… tours today though. I don’t suppose…”

Aliami snorted again, narrowing her brows as she stared at him from across the table. “Let me guess, you wanna postpone and get to work on your new custom order.”

Aeric grinned, “You know me so well.”

Aliami rolled her golden eyes, a claw scratching at her jaw. “I was thinking that the entire city in a single day was too much anyway. Doubt much of the information would stick that way, Maybe instead someone takes you once a week on the weekends? For longer than an hour or two, I doubt that was long enough to actually see the sights anyways.”

Aeric laughed, “You’re the best Aliami!”

She chuffed, “Yea yea, get to work copperlocks. Let the girls know will ya? I’ve got some stuff to do out in the city.” She stood up and stretched, muscles rippling under her fur. She stalked out the door and into the city, people making way for the large leonid. Treeka walked back into the store and took a seat behind the counter.

“Postpone fun so you can go creatively insane?” Treeka asked as she eyed his wide smile.

“Got it in one” Aeric replied.

Treeka rolled her eyes, “Sooo very predictable, Aeric. Go on back and get started, I’ll watch the store. Since… You know, that's my job?”

Aeric smiled and gave her a quick hug, which prompted a little poke in the ribs by one of her talons. “Thanks T!”

“Yea yea, Have fun little human.”

“You’re smaller than I am!”

“Yea but you are grounded with all your useless fleshy height and weight!”

“Don’t make me start waking you up early and start using the early bird gets the worm puns!”

“I’ll punch you! Don’t doubt me!”

Aeric chuckled at the screech as he ducked into the workshop, meeting the eyes of the others and their smiles. Even Hurma had a slight smile as they listened to the sounds of an outraged avian.

“We already heard all about the tours n stuff, so no need to explain it again.” Hurma told him.

Xii looked over and grinned at him, “On the plus side that means we get to have you for longer when it finally comes to it.”

Aeric grinned at her, “And what would you even do with all that time with a wonderful man such as myself.”

She smirked, “Make use of you as a wingman of course, a lady like myself can only go so long without some intimate excitement after all.”

Aeric grunted and rolled his eyes, “I doubt you have any need of a wingman.”

Xii paused and raised an eyebrow at him. Aeric blinked in response and looked at the others who were studiously ignoring him. While Lshrkr simply looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He frowned and looked over at Xii, “Okay what did I say, that’s a really weird reaction for a compliment.”

Xii seemed to come to a realization as she blinked then seemed to roll some words around in her mouth before nodding to herself. “I’m so used to you that I sometimes forget you’re a worldwalker.”

Yissilia chuckled slightly and nodded, “You fit in so easily, but you should know Aeric. Aermineans aren’t exactly… popular bedtime partners.”

Aeric blinked and looked over at Xii who shrugged at him. “Why not though, Xii is hot.”

Xii snorted and smirked, “Not all men like sleeping with women who can most likely kill their entire family without breaking a sweat. Then there’s the fact that I might take a little nibble while… excited.”

Aeric grinned, “Sounds kinky.”

Xii choked and shot a kick at him which nearly pushed him off his chair. “Not like that you gutter brain.”

“Don’t call me gutter brain when you’re the one always making innuendos!”

“That's part of my whole femme fatale personality!”

Aeric opened his mouth then paused, “How do you even know what a femme fatale is?”

Xii shrugged, “You mentioned it a couple weeks ago, while talking about those spy movies you enjoy. I quite liked these... female spies. Although I’m not much of a spy myself, I’m not very subtle.” She winked at him and tapped his arm with a finger.

“Not very subtle feels like such an understatement.”

Xii smirked, “Don’t change the subject, now tell me Aeric. Would you sleep with someone like me? Someone dangerous and who might harm you even if by accident when she lets passion overtake her?”

Aeric grinned at her, “Without a moment’s hesitation, why? Are you offering?”

Xii blinked and pulled back a bit before looking him in the eyes and leaning forward a bit, cocking her head and eying him up and down. She hummed, “You really would, wouldn’t you.”

Aeric shrugged, “As I said, you’re attractive. The fact that we work together and live in the same house would kinda make it weird though.”

Xii smirked, “No mixing business and pleasure?”

Aeric laughed, “Owh I mix those plenty, I’m just not sure how that would be with the whole family status we kind of have going.”

Yissilia looked between the pair of them and coughed, “Did the pair of you forget about the rest of us, while discussing getting into bed with each other so cavalierly.”

Aeric looked at them, Hurma had a bit of a blush on her face, Yissillia looked distinctly unamused. Lshrkr simply looked interested. He smirked, “Merely discussing the logistics of the possibility.”

Xii laughed, “Yea Yi, don’t get your undies in a twist. You're the one with the most experience undoubtedly.”

Yissilia frowned, “I think you are rather mistaken on that assumption.”

Xii blinked, “Really? I know for a fact that you’re extremely popular amongst males, females as well for that matter.”

Yissillia folded her arms, “And what good does that do me when they all approach me simply on basis of my race’s natural charms. Elves are attractive to most humanoid races, and to plenty of the non-humanoid ones.”

Xii frowned, “So your complaint is that too many people find you attractive and that is why you haven’t been inviting people to share the night?”

Yissilia opened her mouth, then closed it and groaned, “Look can we just not talk about… sleeping with people. It makes me uncomfortable.”

Xii and Aeric glanced at each other. Aeric spoke up, “Sure, didn’t mean anything by it, it was mostly just playful flirting honestly. It’s uuuh, it kinda comes natural to me? Complimenting people and making it slightly flirty? There isn’t even all that much actual intent behind it.”

Xii nodded, “I’ll try to tone it down a bit? We didn’t really have a guy around for long terms before Aeric. So I guess we never really got into things like this.”

Yissilia sighed, “I didn’t mean to put a damper on your mood, romance is just different for elves. Sex is worse, if I get pregnant by accident that isn’t just… I mean if I have a child that would mean having to focus on raising it for the next century. Which is… I’m not ready for that kind of thing.”

Aeric nodded sagely, “Raising a teenager for an entire century does sound like torture.”

Yissilia snorted and Xii laughed, dispersing the weird tense atmosphere that had broken out. Hurma smiled and Lshrkr had her head cocked to the side. Hurma turned to Aeric, “So what kind of clothes are you planning to make for Sir Varush?”

Aeric tapped his chin, “I was thinking of something like a mix between a Toga and a Yukata. I could use lighter cloth. Use the classy form of the yukata and mix it with the lightness and airiness of a toga somehow. For the business casual event piece, for normal clothing I’m honestly not sure. Maybe just something regular, a loose t-shirt? Put some more work into the embroidery perhaps, something that can last, a simple shirt and some wide arabian style poofy pants?”

He shrugged, “I’ll just see where my brain leads me I guess.”

Xii smiled and looked at him, “First gonna head to Maddicks?”

Aeric nodded with a grin, “I already paid him back for last time, and unless I’m vastly mistaken. Varush has some serious money, which means I can get a bit creative with the materials.”

Hurma nodded solemnly, “Sir Varush has quite the fortune, he is well known for spending a decent amount of it on clothing. Something of the quality of your previous work would be something he’d wear with pride. The more costly it was the happier he’d be.”

Xii nodded, “Don’t make it too gaudy though, Varush can handle himself outside of the fancy social circles. It needs to be at least somewhat practical.”

Aeric snorted, “I don’t plan on ever making something that’s not practical. That right there when fashion loses function? That’s exactly where I do not want to go.”

Hurma looked up from her work, “Was that a common issue back home?”

Aeric waved a hand dismissively, “Only in the fashion world honestly, but there was plenty of stuff that could only be worn for a short while. Shoes that looked good but were ill-fitted so were more like. Sitting down shoes? The fashion world could do some really weird stuff though, like covering someone and their more private areas with thin strips of tape. Which honestly was a good deal more attractive to the eye than some of the other stuff people did.

Lshrkr cocked her head, clicking her mandibles, “Were you involved with fashion?”

Aeric blanked for a moment at the oddly framed question before he rallied and shook his head, “Not at all, I wasn’t remotely close to the industry or involved in it. I knew more about metal sculptures and paintings by far. Because both my father and roommate were artists and both sculpted and painted. Met my Sof through my dad actually. As for fashion? I barely know my colour wheel, I’m honestly lucky the dress I made for Ingred worked out. I didn’t know much about local wedding traditions. I got lost in my creativity and just went for it.”

Hurma looked up again, “I remember you doing plenty of questioning and research about fashion.”

Aeric nodded, “About every day wear, never asked about weddings and other events. With this many cultures and various races, there are bound to be a variety of traditions, and I doubt the dress I made would have been suitable for all of them.”

Yissilia dipped her chin in a small nod, “You would have been fine in many local traditions, even if merely due to the sheer craftsmanship and how much the dress was worth. Although I do agree it was risky not to check with the bride through-out the process.

Aeric sighed and slumped into his chair, “Yea I’ve been kinda overplaying the creative insanity genius thing. It’s fun, but I get a bit too into it.”

Xii blinked, “It’s an act?”

Aeric smirked, “Partly I guess, I remembered those types of people from back home, I always kinda admired them? With their overabundance of passion, how they went all in on every project and kept experimenting and trying new things. Their flair for drama, so I… Leaned into it? Then as I kept it going it became more natural untill.”

Xii grinned and interrupted “The act was no longer an act?”

Aeric grinned, “Yup, I feel like I've got two personality modes now. Creative insanity, and relaxed go with the flow. They sound kind of like opposites really.”

Hurma shrugged, “People aren’t generally only a single type of person. Depends on mood and circumstance.”

Aeric nodded, “Very true, now about the clothing for monsieur Varush. Help me spitball a few ideas.”

Noises of assent were made and nods were given as he looked around the room, he leaned back in his chair, balancing it on two legs. “Back at home the first thing that would come to mind when we are talking business, is a suit.”

“Suit?” Lshrkr asked.

“Think fitted pants, a blouse covered with a vest and tie. That would be close enough.”

Lshrkr hummed and gestured for him to continue, “Well a suit for someone already covered in fur would be stuffy, and while he would look extremely dapper and I have no doubt he could pull the look off with ease. It would be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.”

Sounds of agreement greeted the statement, Aeric looking at the ceiling as he continued to precariously balance his chair. “So what comes to mind is a Yukata, traditional robes from an eastern country back home. They are… classy, but again likely warm with the fur. So I kinda wanted to combine the idea with what the greeks wore. They lived in a warm climate and their senate and other officials wore what’s called a Toga. It left the arms sleeveless and gave the wearer some room to breath. So maybe a sleeveless Yukata with a Toga like sash over the shoulder? I have no idea if that would look any good.”

Yissilia smiled, “You could ask Aliami to try out some of the clothes, it would give you some idea of how things would work with fur. Plus I have no doubt you’ll be making her something in the future anyway.”

Aeric smirked, “True enough, Also need to start making myself some clothes to wear, wearing common wear is good and all. But I do need to advertise my own fashion sense and craftsmanship a bit.”

Lshrkr, “Sounds like a reason to get to work.”

Aeric laughed, “That it does.” He rolled up his sleeves and rolled his shoulders. Time to get crafting.