Gloves

Not very long ago at all, the Church's edict against sorcery was paid at least lip-service in Montaigne. Gloves were a constant part of fashion. Leather, cloth or silk, embroidered or plain, with lace or without, pearl buttons or gold - they changed with the seasons, but they were constantly there to allow sorcerous nobility to conceal their sins from the Church's sight.

Gloves are still a common accessory - so many years of wearing them have made an impression on the Montaigne mind. But they can now be a topic of some debate in fashion circles. Some say that, since l'Empereur has given santuary to sorcerers, continuing to wear gloves is almost an insult to his prowess - that it somehow implies he is unable to protect the sorcerers within his borders. Others argue that sorcerers shouldn't be ashamed of their birthright and should display their hands proudly.

The replies are many. The traditionalists say that wearing gloves elevates and distinguishes Montaigne fashion from the other, lesser imitators in Theah. The non-sorcerer nobility like to keep the gloves around so that no one can tell that they are not "gifted." And even the sorcerers may occassionally want to hide their talents from rivals. Some make an aesthetic argument - they don't like the red stains (which might clash with an outfit) and want to cover them with gloves of a more pleasing color.

Glove-wearing continues for the most part. Even l'Empereur wears them on occassion, because they suit his mood or his outfit.

Interestingly enough, men's and women's fashions are sufficiently different that, if l'Empereur should not be wearing gloves on a given day, all the male courtiers at the Chateau du Soleil will remove theirs - but the ladies may do as they like.