lyra has three jobs. she likes her job at the antique thrift store best: it reminds her of OXFORD, and she is at home among old-fashioned curios & bibelots. and the store is often quiet, so being paid to explore the stock at a leisurely pace is almost a dream. lyra likes the work at the college library, too, though it is TIRESOME when people will insist on putting books back in the wrong place. she enjoys -- and is pretty good at -- telling people to SHUT UP when needed, though.
she enjoys the work at the lingerie shop a little less. the clientele are often RUDE; her co-workers haughty; and a few hours in that atmosphere is usually more than enough for lyra. but she has blue blood --- albeit blue blood from another WORLD, so she blends chameleon-like into the scene. plus the discount she gets is excellent.
it’s nearing the end of lyra’s shift when a young woman walks in. she looks timid -- though maybe that’s just her face -- and a little hesitant as she wanders from one rack to the next, questing fingers reaching out to sample the texture of silk, lace, tulle. lyra tugs down the hem of her skirt; straightens her shirt; glides over to her. “good afternoon, ma’am. you doing alright over here? lookin’ for something in particular -- or just browsing?”