((Mainly just an IC justification for picking up tailoring :P))

One knock. One faint knock was all she had to spare. When it comes to physical movement, she really has the minimizing thing down. I wager she didn’t even knock with her hand, but used her staff or something similar.

“Do come in.” Talking with Shalisa is always somewhat of an ordeal, but especially this conversation will be one of those awkward ones. I can see her entering the room from the corner of my eye while I sort through some papers, I wasn’t expecting her yet.

“Do sit d-“ I end my sentence prematurely as, looking up from my paperwork, I see an already seated Shalisa. Are her knees bothering her that badly today?

“How unlike you to skip formalities like that.” Her expression remains vacant, completely ignoring my remark while she pulls down her cowl.

“You requested my presence.” The voice sounds as usual. It always reminds me of hollow echoes resonating from some dark cave. This is the behavior I have come to expect from her. But still…

“I did indeed.” I shuffle through my papers some more, I don’t really need her file, but I suppose I’m unconsciously stalling…

“My niece will reach adulthood in a month’s time, I intend to give her something special to mark the occasion.”

Just in case she decides to show some manners towards me, I pause to give her the opportunity to offer congratulatory words. She continues to stare blankly at me, or rather, through me.

“I want to give her a dress.” I continue my story.

“I fail to see how this relates to me.” I suppose this means that she isn’t in too bad a mood today. For as far as I’ve been able to discern moods anyway.

“I want you to make it.” There. I’ve said it.

“I refuse.” Her answer came as if it had been part of my own sentence.

“You sure decided that fast.”

“I fail to see how such a task relates to my duties as Priestess.” Oh well, at least now the ‘in my capacity as priestess…’ argument was out of the way. I had prepared an answer for this.

“It does though. There is so much corruption in the world these days. I want the robe to be pure. Therefore, it has to be made by a Priestess of Elune.”

“There are plenty skilled seamstresses amongst the Priestesses. I suggest you contact one of them.”

“But your file here lists tailoring as one of your favorite pastimes.” Shalisa’s expression remains unchanged. I know it's only a matter of time. Speaking of times past is a sure way to get a reaction.

“Incorrect.”

“Oh? Will you elaborate so I can update the information in your file?” This information is already in her file.

“My current favorite pastime is prayer.” I already know this, but continue my line of questioning.

“Just prayer? What happened to flower ar-“ “Just prayer.” I make some notes for show.

“That’s really a pity though… I remember Elynera w-" “You knew her?” The expression remains the same, but the eyes are now focused on me. Perhaps it was the writing that had distracted me to such a degree, that I said something this unnecessary. I smiled at her out of politeness.

“Why yes. I didn’t really know her, just from that one time we met. I remember that beautiful gown she wore, the embroiling was most exquisite. Reading your file, I assumed you made it.”

“You assumed correct. Yet it does not change anything.” No, it only makes things worse, doesn’t it? Perhaps this was the only way this conversation could have ended, getting Shalisa to do something… there really is only one way. I sighed and buried my head in my hands.

“You can sow. I ask you to sow something. You refuse. Why sister Dusksinger?” Peeking through my fingers, I could see Shalisa looking at me without sympathy.

“I do not feel like it. Furthermore, I have not sown anything in a while and know nothing of the recent developments of the profession.”

“Then you learn them. I want you to make this gown, not anyone else.” She observed me for a moment.

“You really are set on this idea. Very well. Provide me with her measurements, and I shall make the gown.” She stood up and pulled the hood up again.

“If that is all.” I couldn’t help but look up at her in surprise. Even though I’d pulled rank, that went unusually easy.

“Thank you! Yes, that is all. You can leave now if you want.”

I watched as OOX-16 hobbled after its owner as she made her way to the door. Opening it, she paused before leaving. Still facing the exit, to my surprise, she begins to speak.

“Priestess, do not think I am unaware of your reasoning on this matter. Forcing me to indulge in a previously enjoyed pastime will not result in me enjoying it again. I will make the gown, and it will be pure. However, only hours after she has donned it, the gown will be soiled. Dirt will attach itself to it, food and drinks will be spilled on it and she will be envious of her friend’s gown when said friend receives more attention. How is this supposed to bring me joy? It always ends the same."

I don't know what to say.

"In the future, please refrain from making such futile attempts. Well then.”

She nodded and went through the door. As far as she was concerned, this conversation is now over. I however, cannot let her go like that.

“I cannot.” she waits with closing the door behind her, a rare opportunity.

“Even if you say such things, I will not give up on you!” Shalisa merely gives the door a gentle pull, and it starts to slowly close.

“I am in no need of saving. Leave me be.”

I suppose... I suppose this is another failed attempt. “Shalisa…” I really do not know what else to say, so searching for words, my own longing makes me say something this hurtful.

I can just make out her dark figure as she silently walks away, before the door falls close with a click, leaving me unsure on how to feel. Because, even though this is the first time since that day that she has allowed me to call her by her first name, I am unsure of her reason for this. Is this what I've been hoping for? Or was she just too tired to care?

Oh Shalisa...

I just want to meet you again.