"I think...we're done." The very exhausted Lydia slumped against the work table, turning desperate pale blues on Griffith. "Really, the hat's a great addition, but there's not much else to be added to the uniform Griffith."
Standing just in front of the mannequin that donned the uniform he and Lydia had worked on for some time now, Griffith carefully looked it over. Nothing less than perfection would be acceptable! Which is probably why he fussed and fussed about it...."Are you sure" I don't know....I think maybe we could add some-"
"-finishing touches?" Pale blues widened as the elf regarded him with no small amount of bewilderment in her eyes. "Griffith. We've been working on the 'finishing touches' for two days now." Her voice bordered on whiny, but it wasn't quite there. "We're done. And before another sound could be uttered from the tailor's opening mouth, Lydia rose to her feet. "Done."
A slumping of shoulders and a sigh showed that Griffith had accepted defeat. "Alright, alright, we're done....I'll pack it all up then."
"And I'll write up a letter for Matt..." Already, she set off to locate some nice stationary and a pen.
"Should we include that list Carley wrote up for you to send the governor too?"
"Gods no..."
~~~~~~~~~~~
It wouldn't be too long after Lydia and Griffith finished up their uniform submission that it would arrive at the governor's office, pressed and wrapped up neatly in a small brown package. It was relatively simple in design: The majority of the uniform was a polyester/cotton blend in a dark plum color. Over pockets and along cuffs, there were polished silver buttons with the Rhy'Din crest embossed on them. The complete uniform consisted of a matching dark plum cadet style hat, a dark plum button up shirt with pockets, dark plum trousers, a black leather belt with matching black leather steel-toed boots, a white thermal under armor shirt, and a simple looking thin leather vest. The magic-infused leather vest is to be worn over the under armour thermal shirt, and beneath the dark plum button up shirt.
Also in the package was a drawing of said design with basic explanation as to some of the uniform's 'features' as well as an envelope. Inside said envelope, with A Stitch in Time's address on it, was a letter written to Matt with black ink on simple, white floral stationary that smelled oddly of tea....The handwriting was print, rather than cursive, and just a little messy. Contrasting with that, however, was the slightly flourished signature.
Dear Matt,
I hope things are going well for you in your new role as governor. I was really happy to see your plans for redesigning The Watch's uniform, since I think they can definitely be a lot safer. I didn't set out in designing a uniform alone though. The uniform I have sent you is a combined effort of myself and Griffith Alcott, a tailor I work closely with at A Stitch in Time. Rather than explain it all to you, I believe showing you is better, hence why we worked on a prototype to send.
Unfortunately, cost is an issue. The reason why is because of the vest- the material it is made of is very, very expensive. I used the same material to craft myself some light leather armor for the Madness tournament, should I end up dueling someone not willing to give up their blade since I have a strong aversion to healing magic, and it cost me a good amount. The material is actually magicked leather, and you can't stab through it or penetrate it or damage it. If you try to rip it, the weapon seems to pass through but really doesn't, and when you pull the weapon out the leather looks unharmed. I really recommend you test it out for yourself since I can't fully explain it. I believe it will make things much safer for the guards, since it will resist sharp weapons and even bullets. There's no telling what else it can resist.
Initially, I estimate that the cost will go a few thousand silvers over the budget, and as more uniforms are made, and as the Watch increases and with the addition of RASG I believe it will go around ten thousand silvers over the budget, if not more. However I believe the extra cost is definitely worth it, to ensure the safety of those working in The Watch. Also, if you do accept mine and Griffith's design I am more than willing to work at raising the money needed to cover the budget's deficit. I won't have it overnight of course, but I'll try to get it to you in a timely fashion.
I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Lydia E. Loran
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t6/VirescentElf/uniform-1.jpg