She looked the halfling over as they paced down the street. Deep Raiaera was their goal and Lilly had not considered they’d be unwelcome in those lands. She was too excited about the reward at the end of their expedition. Plus, traveling with a group of powerful mages makes you forget that Raiaera is typically a dangerous place. It took the pragmatism of the shorter elf to bring her lofty expectations back into orbit.

“Do you really think we must dye our skin?”

This was roughly the sixteenth time the pure blood had asked this very question. She already knew the answer, she just wanted to remind Yvonne of her dissatisfaction. Lilly had reasoned that being killed was not a foregone conclusion, sullying her onyx skin was a grave sin if the risk of death was only minor. However, if Yvonne decided they had to dye their skin she would let the dwarf-drow go first. It was only fair.

The pair found themselves wandering the streets of Akashima in search of a disguise. Lilly had never been here before, Yvonne had suggested the detour. The tinkering elf couldn’t remember the reason that the shorter elf had suggested this town. There was certainly a reason but the taller elf was not paying attention earlier. Too distracted with thoughts of fallen meteors.

Just ahead the pair could make out an alchemy shop. Inspiration struck Lilly as she quickly shouted, “look Yvonne, an alchemist shop! Maybe we could find a potion or ailment that could work better than dying our flesh!” This could be her ticket out of tainting her lovely black skin!

Wait, was an alchemy shop the reason Yvonne had suggested coming to this out of the way village? No, that would be something one would remember. Genius had simply struck in the heat of the moment. The half elf must be proud to be traveling with someone so resourceful!

Impressed with herself, Lilly skipped ahead towards the alchemy shop which was situated just across from a desolate tavern. Not many visited taverns in the early morning, any patrons were likely those who had drunk themselves into silliness the night before. The dark elf paid no mind to the tavern, focusing her attention on the shop. There was a large storefront window which Lilthis approached rapidly. Pressing her face to the glass, she used two hands to block out the sun’s glare as she tried to get a good look inside the shop. While the drow was well educated she knew next to nothing about the wonders of alchemy.

As her eyes scanned the inside of the store she had to wipe sections of the window, they had become smudged from the previous onlookers. Amid a variety of plants, wrappings, and strange jars the inventor finally caught sight of the owner. Sitting there with a bottle of some sort of liquor Lilly noticed her. Immediately her face filled with happiness as she reached out to place a hand on Yvonne’s shoulder.

“Do you see that? She has the ears of a cat!” Lilly had never before seen a nekojin, but she absolutely loved cats. There had been several farm cats on her family’s estate but she was never allowed a house cat. It was the one thing her parents had denied her. She still held a grudge.

Suppressing her excitement to a degree the inventive young woman asked, “can we go into this store?” Wanting to make herself more clear Lilly followed up with, “the alchemist looks so friendly! I’m sure she’d be willing to help us.” With a grin going ear to ear she seeked her companion’s approval, “what do you think Yvonne? I mean, really, we must stop in here. That woman has cat ears!”

Her mind was abuzz with considerations. Did the shop keep have a tail too? Would she let Lilthis rub under her chin? Would the alchemist purr!? Today felt like a great day.