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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Graybeard" data-source="post: 6146956" data-attributes="member: 21705">Artemis picked up his uniform and, after holding it up to his body, confirmed his assessment that it would require alterations. He carefully folded the garment and stored it in his backpack. A short time later, he was wandering about the city, impressed by its vastness and splendor. He had never seen anything so large and impressive in his lifetime. It was very possible his parents had visited the city in the past. He knew so little about their past before the married and started a family. The few times he had asked questions, they had given him vague answers and changed the subject. Their answer about where they had met was even more mysterious. His parents had only told him they met at an Inn and that neither one was working there. As Artemis walked about, he nodded a greeting to passerby. It wasn't long before he located a tailor shop. He entered and greeted the older man."Good day sir. I am in need of some alterations to some clothing." "Then you have come to the right place. Show me what needs alterations."Artemis slipped his backpack off and retrieved the uniform from it. He lay the item on the counter in front of the man.A sly smile crossed the man's lips."Well young man, congratulations are in order I see. I know this garment well. You have been selected as a retainer. Step behind that curtain over there and let's see how it fits."Artemis did as the man instructed and a minute or so later stepped out from behind the curtain. The man walked over with a measuring string and some chalk. Without a word, he quickly made small marks with the chalk on various areas of the uniform. When he was finished, he stood up."This should take no more than a day or two.""How much do I owe you for your services?""My services today are complimentary. It is an honor to perform work for someone like you. The Royal Household has not hired new retainers in a great many years. To pass the selection process, you must be very special indeed. I only ask that you recommend my shop to any you encounter.""You have shown such kindness and generosity to a stranger. I shall not forget this.""Before you leave young man, please tell me about yourself and your family. You are clearly not from around here and I do enjoy hearing tales of faraway lands."Artemis indulges the request and proceeds to tell the man about the land he is from, his father, mother, brothers, and sisters. He relates many tales of his homeland, a place he is proud to call home. Lastly, he tells of his girlfriend he left behind to come here and the challenges he anticipates in the coming year.</blockquote>

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