[Frontdated a little.]
The Great Forge...

"Yes. I spoke to Inspector Jou and it matches his tale. The Great Forge of Ankaia, where all of Lord's Arms of past were crafted, is but a part of this Discovery of Self! ... But as much as I wish, I cannot make the trek myself. Crucial talks with Earth's ESUN will be going on soon. There is much to discuss on matters of policy, and standing, between the two realms."

"I will accompany Ynya of course. We leave this matter in your and your allies' capable hands, Sielje. You have met the Lady of the forge already, I believe? She is a woman of honor, I do not foresee any problems. But, as apologies allow me to gift something to you. With adjustments made, I am sure you will find it fitting."
Oh?
[1]
... Adjustments, she said.
[A package arrived to Sielje soon after the talk she had with her friends. With only a moment of hesitation she opens it, to reveal.]

... Ah!
[A dress. A black, vaguely leathery dress, with a tight fitting bodice but flaring, frilly sleeves and a skirt. As well as a veil, and a few assorted trinkets.]
This is what Kimhone wore ten years ago. A rarity like no other.
You wanted me... to have this?
[2]
[Travel to recover the Discovery's relic takes you to mountainous parts of Ankaia - inhospitable and barren even by the planet's standard, with barely any vegetation amidst rocks and crags. But eventually, the Unity Group party arrives at the forges: and the workshops where many an Arm was assembled now lie in ruins. Thanks to Ishin's destructive actions, artifacts put at work here now are shattered, half assembled Knight's Arm skeletons left on their own in empty halls.]
[As you approach the main building of the forges, a convoy leaves from the opposite direction. And surprisingly, it's a convoy of people from Earth! Several Genoaces and Lions are guarding a large all-terrain transport truck. The convoy responds to hails - a small independent company it seems, but their IDs check out in ESUN roster. Someone willing to help the Ankaians during their hard times, it seems. But that's not why you're here.]

"Warriors of Unity Group, the Guard of the South. Welcome to my home."
[The main building is the only one showing signs of life and activity - and its master greets you at the threshold. Lady Xion the Bulwark - she was on Earth once already, but now you visit her own domain.]
"I heard the news and know why you are here. You are fortunate, all other forges may lie in ruins but the Great one holds still." Her face takes on a solemn expression.
"To take the last one from me... I would reject your offer any other day, but I understand the cause is grievous. Very well. You may take the Great Forge as soon as it is in a movable state, and before that, you will be my guests."
"But I warn you, stay here no longer than you need to, nor stray from my domain. Brigands have taken refuge in these mountains, more than ever before now that Lord Ishin ruined their livelihoods."
The Great Forge...
"Yes. I spoke to Inspector Jou and it matches his tale. The Great Forge of Ankaia, where all of Lord's Arms of past were crafted, is but a part of this Discovery of Self! ... But as much as I wish, I cannot make the trek myself. Crucial talks with Earth's ESUN will be going on soon. There is much to discuss on matters of policy, and standing, between the two realms."
"I will accompany Ynya of course. We leave this matter in your and your allies' capable hands, Sielje. You have met the Lady of the forge already, I believe? She is a woman of honor, I do not foresee any problems. But, as apologies allow me to gift something to you. With adjustments made, I am sure you will find it fitting."
Oh?
[1]
... Adjustments, she said.
[A package arrived to Sielje soon after the talk she had with her friends. With only a moment of hesitation she opens it, to reveal.]
... Ah!
[A dress. A black, vaguely leathery dress, with a tight fitting bodice but flaring, frilly sleeves and a skirt. As well as a veil, and a few assorted trinkets.]
This is what Kimhone wore ten years ago. A rarity like no other.
You wanted me... to have this?
[2]
[Travel to recover the Discovery's relic takes you to mountainous parts of Ankaia - inhospitable and barren even by the planet's standard, with barely any vegetation amidst rocks and crags. But eventually, the Unity Group party arrives at the forges: and the workshops where many an Arm was assembled now lie in ruins. Thanks to Ishin's destructive actions, artifacts put at work here now are shattered, half assembled Knight's Arm skeletons left on their own in empty halls.]
[As you approach the main building of the forges, a convoy leaves from the opposite direction. And surprisingly, it's a convoy of people from Earth! Several Genoaces and Lions are guarding a large all-terrain transport truck. The convoy responds to hails - a small independent company it seems, but their IDs check out in ESUN roster. Someone willing to help the Ankaians during their hard times, it seems. But that's not why you're here.]
"Warriors of Unity Group, the Guard of the South. Welcome to my home."
[The main building is the only one showing signs of life and activity - and its master greets you at the threshold. Lady Xion the Bulwark - she was on Earth once already, but now you visit her own domain.]
"I heard the news and know why you are here. You are fortunate, all other forges may lie in ruins but the Great one holds still." Her face takes on a solemn expression.
"To take the last one from me... I would reject your offer any other day, but I understand the cause is grievous. Very well. You may take the Great Forge as soon as it is in a movable state, and before that, you will be my guests."
"But I warn you, stay here no longer than you need to, nor stray from my domain. Brigands have taken refuge in these mountains, more than ever before now that Lord Ishin ruined their livelihoods."
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...Is there any special meaning to that style of dress? Or is the significance just the story?
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She just found the style to her liking.
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... Does it, really?
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Other than getting married, I mean. Not that I intend to...
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[Sielje suddenly coughs. Why is the room's atmosphere so dry? And hot too, otherwise she wouldn't be getting red.]
Anyway, this is an outfit made of beasthide, you know.
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So it's really strong compared to normal clothing?
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Beasthide is normally used for Arms, not clothing of men and women. It is far too thick and hard to work with for that.
This dress really is one of a kind.
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[That, or a stray cosplayer.]
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I will try putting it on then, I suppose.
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Somehow, I suspect I would end up doing that quite a lot. The correcting, I mean.
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[Jen stares.]
...What...is that...?
[Don't make any assumptions don't make any assumptions don't make any assumptions-]
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Umm... Jen... is it unusual?
[That stare does not escape Sielje's attention.]
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-Not that that's bad or anything...
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Anyway, it is no wedding dress. Even if it may look like one, I presume... but it really is made for everyday wear in mind!
[Sielje is really quick to try to direct the conversation it seems.]
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Is it normal to get gifts like this back on Ankaia?
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[Sielje looks a bit down and says more quietly.]
I am glad you like it.
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...How long will it be before the forge is ready to move?
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Lady Xion turns, with a welcoming sweep of her hand.
"The mechanists will be done by tomorrow. Until that time, you may rest in these halls."
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[As someone very familiar with wearing a black, frilly and vaguely leathery dress, Fyra gives the one in question a good look over. It's not the first time she's seen Sielje play dress-up.]
This...
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This was Kimhone's. What made her gift such a valuable thing to me, I wonder...
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[A very certain statement.]
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It is true that I do not dislike this kind of thing... I am happy to receive this gift.
But it is no mere present. Clothes made of beasthide, human-sized... It is almost as if I had a Champion's Arm gifted to me. Something that is one of a kind.
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[Naturally, after hearing that, the Rider approaches and proceeds to poke the dress. She doesn't know what to expect here.]
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[No threat of that though. The material is both smooth and resilient.]
I suppose it would mend itself back together, even if that were to happen. Such is beasthide.
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[Sielje glances to the sides.]
I hope not to find out.
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But as attire...I like it.
[How much of that is personal bias is a complete mystery.]
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