Elsie Kettersen

Description
She has the wide, serious eyes of someone who worries far too much; framed by long, dark lashes, those green eyes continually dart around -- almost as if keeping watch for the unexpected to make its rather tardy entrance.

Her posture is nearly perfect -- back straight, chin lifted -- though if the wooden tension pervading her every movement is any indication, that perfection is borne of uncertainty in her surroundings rather than some sort of innate pride or confidence.

She isn't so much short as she is tiny. In fact, had it not been for the presence of toned muscles in her arms that suggest some form of regular manual labour, her diminutive frame would carry the kind of fragility associated with long-term illness. Instead, she merely looks young, though thanks to generous curves at hip and bust, she is likely spared accusations of being a child dressed in her mother's clothes.

Small, friendly-looking lines hide at the corner of her eyes, suggesting that despite her frame, she is either much older than she appears or cursed with vision so poor as to keep her perpetually squinting. Her face is rather pretty -- the lines gentle and sweet-- though perhaps the most striking of her features would be her lips: full and well-shaped, they seem to be extremely expressive.

She wears her waist-length hair down now these days; thick and with a stubborn tendency to curl, determined strands escape their prison to whisper around her face, occasionally dancing against her cheek until her small hand pushes them back behind modestly pierced ears.

Fitz's Haberdashery
Located near the canals in the Dwarven District, this shop was originally opened by Elsie's father, Fitzreld. It once was a highly exclusive shop: one that catered to the needs of the wealthy by delivering exquisitely crafted items from a man known for his charm as much as his talent.

Several years ago, though, rumours suggest Fitz just up and left everything -- shop, family, and entire life -- behind shortly after the arrival of his half-daughter, Molly, on the doorstep.

Seventeen-year-old Elsie took over the reins of the business, though it nearly didn't survive a few poor decisions on her part. She lost most of the Haberdashery's clientele quickly as most were reluctant to put the weight of their support in the hands of an untested girl, especially not when there are other more talented tailors out in the city.

A couple of patrons, though, threw themselves into support of the Haberdashery -- allowing the business to continue, though now in a different locale with her family's residence now above the shop.