Himari the chemist visits another nation

The voyage home was made with everyone in good spirits. Everyone was happy that it had only been a short excursion. Cedric and Joan had taken the hydra to be processed and were to come to the castle so a report could be written up about the events and the hydra. The trip had been shirt but the salty air had slightly dried out Himari’s skin and lips and she had asked Duncan where they could get lotions and something to help with her chapped lips. She had explained what the lotion and the stuff for the lips did. Duncan said most people just used tallow. Himari made a quick mental note of what she would need to make her some lotion and lip balm and asked Duncan where they could find the ingredients. Duncan said most if not all of those items could be bought from the market. Himari wanted to head straight the market and Duncan couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. And a part of him was curious to watch her turn the items into what she had described. They ended up going to the market instead of heading straight to the castle. They took their time winding through the stalls and people chatting and looking at all the goods. Himari found everything she needed, including containers and tools to help blend it up that she had accidently left off her list. She didn’t find herbs in oils so her lotion would smell but did buy dried and fresh herbs to make the fragrance oils herself and she was getting excited thinking about what else she could make using the fragrances. It was getting late and so they stopped at a tavern to have dinner before they headed back to the castle. They had opted to stroll back to the castle instead of using teleportation. They laughed and chatted the whole walk back to the castle. Himari was buzzing with excitement when they reached the castle and headed straight to a room Duncan told her she could use to make the lotions and lip balms in. Duncan followed Himari watching with astonishment as she took everything out of storage and set it up. He watched her meticulously work. Duncan knew Himari could feel his wonder as she said without looking away from what she was doing “My dad was a chemist. I learned a lot about this kind of stuff and about molecular components in everyday items.” Himari then explained how everything weather living or inanimate was made up of molecules. Duncan watched Himari’s cheeks turn a beautiful shade of pink as he watched her with wonder. He knew she could feel his wonder and admiration coming through their connection, just as he could feel her shyness and happiness coming from her. Himari poured the stuff into containers and turned to look at him saying “We need to wait at least forty-five minutes for the emulsion to have thickened. This way everything has a chance to mix together properly and the fragrance can get stronger.” Duncan nodded his head feeling like he kind of understood. Jameson walked in and announced that Joan and Cedric were waiting in the study, so Himari and Duncan headed straight there. All four of them wrote down the occurrences that took place while out at sea. Cedric and Joan then explained it might take a while before the hydra is processed since the person processing it was overwhelmed with 12 hydra heads. Cedric laughed and said “You should have seen all our faces when we actually took the time to count them. We were just as surprised as the processors. They said they would get started on it immediately but it might take a couple days give or take.” Duncan nodded his head approvingly and said “That gives us enough time though to get in touch with the queen and king Dausland Auseis and see if they are interested in meeting with us of having us meet with one of their representatives about buying some stuff from us and selling some of their goods to us. Hopefully they are open to a trade agreement with us. Let’s send out a misses immediately.” With that Duncan went to his desk and drafted a letter and used a type of teleportation magic that set the letter to the king and queen of Dausland Auseis.” Duncan said stapling his fingers together “Now all we can do is wait and hope we can enter a trade agreement with them.” Himari asked “Do they usually not enter into trade agreements.” They explained to Himari that for the most part they were so far north none of the other nations thought they had any goods worth trading for except their weaponry and therefore were more self-reliant so they were not sure how they would respond to their request for a meeting and trade agreement. Most kingdoms just outright bought the weapons and didn’t offer trades. Everyone was feeling a little nervous about how they would respond, since they were hoping Dausland Auseis would be one of their biggest buyers and or traders of hydra scales. It had been about an hour since they started their conversation and since there was a lull in the conversation Himari jumped up to check on the lotion and lip balm she had mixed up. She explained what she was going to do and everyone decided to follow her out of curiosity. Duncan explained on the way there what Himari had been up to that afternoon and about her creation. Himari rubbed some of the lotion on her arms and hands and some of the lip balm on her lips and the relief was instantaneous. She explained as she gave everyone some of the lotion to try that she had used the lotion as an apparatus and fused a little healing magic into it to make it even more effective and this way the spell was only done once and she wasn’t wasting energy doing it every time her lips or body felt dry. It was more mana, energy, and time efficient to use the lotion and lip balm as an apparatus to hold the spell. Everyone was impressed with the different smelling lotions and lip balms Himari had created and how wonderful they made their skin feel. Himari explained that they were great after showers helping one retain moisture so their skin was soft. Joan told Himari “You would make a killing selling this. Not only here. But all over the world. Everyone would be interested in this.” Himari thought about it and grinned widely and said excitedly “We can make this all over the kingdom and sell it. If we wanted we could only sell it here drawing in tourist upping our countries revenue.” Duncan laughs and said “That’s our Himari, always turning an idea into a way to help our kingdom.” His pride in her he knew was zinging through the connection as he watched her cheeks flush the cutest shade of red. They decided to go back and discuss the plans moving forward and headed back to the study. Surprising everyone a letter appeared out of thin air beside Duncan bearing the crest of the king and queen of Dausland Auseis. Duncan opened it and read it and reread it three more times letting the words sink in. he couldn’t help the grin that spread his face as he exclaimed with excitement “The king and queen of Dausland Auseis have agreed to meet with us personally to see our wares and if it goes well they are open to negotiating a trade deal. Cedric let out a whoop of excitement and Himari and Joan high fived. Duncan and Himari’s eyes met and they made their way towards each other smiling widely at each other. Duncan couldn’t help himself and grabbed Himari up in his arms and spun her around before setting her down and before he could stop to think he placed a kiss on her cheek. He watched as Himari wide eyed gently caressed the spot his lips had been. His heart hammered wildly in his chest and he was sure everyone could see it. He didn’t want Himari to feel embarrassed or pull away so he concentrated on his happiness, his proudness of what they had accomplished, and his gratitude for her help. Duncan meant it when he told her he appreciated her help and that this wouldn’t have been possible without her. Joan said this called for a celebration and Duncan laughed and said “You will use any excuse to feast.” Duncan calmed himself enough to write a letter back so they could set up a date and time for the meeting. They held a small feast at the castle with just them and the castle staff and their families.

The next morning Duncan found Himari working in now what they had dubbed as Himari’s chemist room. She was working quietly and efficiently making lotions and lip balms. She was even using her magic to multitask. A pen was writing in a note book, while a mortar pounded the contents by itself, and ingredients pouring themselves in a bowl and mixing themselves all while Himari worked steadily herself. Duncan found it beautiful and if he was honest with himself a little terrifying and told Himari as much who just laughed her melodious laugh that tied Duncan in knots. Who knew a laugh could hold so much power? Just then Himari moved and the light coming through the window hit Himari’s hair, making it shine like copper. Duncan itched to run his fingers through those soft tresses and study each strand, but knew trying would spook Himari so he held himself back and placated himself by instead watching the sun dance in her hair instead. Her voice pulled him out of his thoughts. He questioned “What did you say?” Himari said never taking her eyes off what she was doing “Did you and the King and Queen of Dausland Auseis ever decide on a day?” Duncan said “We decided four days from today. This gives us to time to get the goods from the processor and with storage box the meat will never go bad. It also gives me time to make sure your wardrobe has warm clothes so you will not get cold while we are there, especially when we go out exploring.” Himari turned facing him face aglow with excitement and said “I’m going with you? We are going exploring? Where? Tell me all I need to know about there.” Duncan chuckled enjoying her excitement “Woah slow down with the questions. Yes, you are going. I want you to get to enjoy my world thoroughly and t be honest I will need your help to ensure this trade deal goes through. We will visit the shops and stores and of course their markets. We will also hit up their taverns and restaurants. There are also a few other things I want you to see and experience.” Duncan continued in a joking tone “And as for telling you about the place as much as you’ve studied our world I should be asking you that question.” Duncan did explain a few things he thought were not covered in the book. They spent the entire day preparing for their trip by getting ahead of their work to keep the kingdom running smoothly. The next day the processors delivered the goods from the hydra which were quickly stored in their storage boxes. They continued their preparations until the departure day arrived. Since everything could be stored in their storage boxes and it was going to be only Himari, Duncan, Cedric, and Joan they decided teleporting to the kingdoms entrance would be easier, especially since they were being expected. They wanted to arrive early so they could check out what goods were being sold, so they could get a better grasp on how to pitch their trade deal to the king and queen.

Himari stood looking around at the snow and ice covered landscape. She was glad Duncan had insisted on the warm clothes, especially with the cold crisp wind biting into the exposed part of her face. As the guards checked over their letters from the king and Queen Duncan wrapped the scarf over Himari’s lower and upper face, only leaving her eyes exposed. Everyone else in the party had done the same. The guards waved them though into a bustling city despite the cold. There were vendors selling hot food and drinks from rolling carts and vendors lined up on the streets selling everything from weapons to food. There were shops you could step into warm up and to check their wares before heading back out into the cold air. Himari took it all in enjoying the sight, sounds, and the smell from the cooked food. A vendor offered them thinly sliced frozen fish pieces that melted in their mouth like butter. Himari was drawn to a stall selling beautiful ornate hair clips. Each one was beautiful and you could tell each one was made lovingly. A set of silver clips with blue jewels creating flower shapes with a turquoise in the center carved into a flower shape on each clip. Himari reached out and touched them gently. The vendor let her try them on and check her reflection; Duncan looked at her with awe and said you look absolutely gorgeous.” And while Himari was removing them and rewrapping her head Duncan bought them. The vendor handed them to Duncan in a box and smiled warmly at the two. Duncan somewhat abashedly said placing the box gently in Himari’s hands “I bought these for you.” Himari said “You shouldn’t have. You have already spent so much money on me already with buying me all these clothes for our trip here and everything else.” Duncan said “Nonsense the clothes were a necessity for this trip and therefor a business necessity. If it makes you feel any better I bought Cedric and Joan’s outerwear for this trip. Like I said investing in my people who keep my kingdom running is a necessity. The hair clips are just a gift.” Duncan continued feeling himself blush “Besides I selfishly want to see you in them because you look so enchanting in them.” Both Himari and Duncan looked away blushing. Their blushes darkened as Cedric and Joan said in sing song voices “Aww.” Himari couldn’t stand it and starting walking forward and threw over her shoulder “Let’s get moving. I want to hit as many stalls and stores and possible before our meeting.” The other three trailed after her quickly catching up to her as she stood looking at the goods spread out on the table. Himari was just slipping something into her pocket that she had bought when the others finally caught up to her. Duncan was curious about what Himari had bought but didn’t want to ask her in front of Joan and Cedric knowing they would tease them both endlessly. They quickly moved through the stalls sometimes stepping into a shop or dessert shop to warm up before heading back out. They now sat in a restaurant sampling cuisine only available here. They had all enjoyed themselves thoroughly and were now discussing the nest way to pitch their idea to the king and queen. Cedric had put up a sound blocking barrier so no one could hear what they were saying and they could chat easier without the noise of the restaurant. They settled on a strategy that they felt confident would make the king and queen want to do a trade deal with them. They finished their meal in leisure after making their decision occasionally chatting while they ate. Once they were full they paid and left heading straight to the King and Queens’s castle. The closer they got to the castle the more nervous Duncan and Himari became. The castle appeared to be made out of nontransparent ice, but Himari explained to Duncan, Cedric, and Joan that it was in fact a crystal that they carved it out of and imbued it with powers rendering it impenetrable by attacking forces and magic. Duncan leaned over to Himari and whispered in her ear “I told you that you knew more about this place than I did.” Himari’s face turned scarlet at his nearness. They were quickly led inside the castle and into a large room with a roaring fireplace. Intricate tapestries decorated the walls along with weapons and armor. There was a beautifully carved wooden table between two beautiful blue settees flanked by matching chair at both ends. The king and queen were sitting on one settee with an array of foods and drinks spread out on the table. Everyone stepped toward the couple of the couch who were introduced as Queen Bianca and King Douglas Hailstone. Everyone in Duncan’s party introduced themselves. Once the king and queen invited them to sit, everyone sat and a butler appeared and served them all tea. Everyone sipped and chatted a bit before Himari bowed and announced she had a gift for the king and queen. She pulled out of her storage box the frozen bellena meat she had brought for them. Himari said “I thought this might be a welcome treat since they are not easy to catch up here right now.” Both the king and queen shared a shocked look before the king scowled and said “Let me guess this gift is only available if we accept your trade deal? If that is the case maybe this meeting should be over now.” Himari bowed and said “You misunderstand my Lord this is a gift weather you accept or decline our trade agreement.” Himari said with a sad fond smile “My mother used to say to never show up to someone’s home. She considered showing up without a gift was disrespectful and that you must show appreciation for being a guest in someone’s home.” Himari bowed again “I apologize if I offended you. You don’t have to take the meat if you feel like I am trying to buy your agreement to the trade deal.” Himari was about to start to put it all back in her storage when the king said “Wait; if this meat is truly a gift then I must humbly accept it.” The butler came and started picking it up and carrying it out to their freezer. Himari leaned towards Duncan and whispered in his ear. He said “You did what?” and couldn’t help but chuckling looking at Himari’s bright red face. King Douglas sent Duncan a questioning look and Duncan chuckled and said “Himari is worried to give you all the bellena meat she brought now out of fear of thinking you’d think she’s trying to bribe you.” King Douglas Hailstone said “I do not see where that is funny.” Duncan chuckled and said “it is funny because she said she was super excited and wanted to make a good impression and brought half of a bellena.” Both the King and Queen looked shocked and then seeing Himari’s blushing face couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Queen Bianca spoke sweetly “We love bellena but half a bellena would take years for the King and I to eat ourselves.” Himari still feeling embarrassed said looking at her hands in her lap “I had only been thinking you might want enough until your hunting season for them started and you might like to sell or gift the rest of it or put it in a storage box since it will preserve if indefinitely so you can have some for you and your people whenever the need arises.” The Queen of Dausland Auseis studied Himari closely. Queen Bianca was a very astute woman and could read people intentions and could tell that Himari had no bad intentions. In fact the queen took an immediate liking to the sweet, kind and pure Himari. She had heard stories about what the wonderful things the Demon Lords fiancée was doing and her future peoples nickname for her, Gracious Himari. After hearing the things she had done and met her in person she understood why they called her Gracious Himari. The queen checked the entire party making sure everyone to make sure they had no ill will towards them and then she checked to make sure they weren’t taking advantage of Himari, because the queen felt a protectiveness of this young lady. She was relieved to find every one with Himari cared for her and wasn’t taking advantage of Himari’s sweet kindness. The king and queens eyes met and they had a silent conversation. The king picked up his cup and took a sip before setting it down and saying “Let’s talk about your trade agreement and what you are wanting to trade with my kingdom.” Duncan and Himari took turns explaining their plans and ideas. They showed them the scales and meat from the hydra. They explained things in the market they saw they were willing to buy and trade for, with one of them being weapons and armor made from the hydra. They discussed giving them a discount if they were going to buy part of the weapons and armor made from the hydra that way they could sell to Imponini for a lower price and they could sell the weapons and armor Imponini didn’t buy at normal price to others making a tidy profit. The King and Queen asked questions and made counter offers on some things but ultimately came to an agreement to enter into a trade agreement with Imponini. They drew up a contract that both parties read thoroughly before signing the agreement. Once the agreement was signed the king and queen invited them to stay a few nights in the castle so they could get to know their kingdom. Duncan tried to politely decline saying they had already booked rooms at a local inn, but the king and queen wouldn’t take no for an answer, so in the end they ended up graciously accepting their invitation. A maid escorted them each to a room so they could rest and freshen up before dinner. Himari felt too energized after them agreeing to a trade agreement to rest and needed something to do that is when she remembered the box in her cloak pocket and grabbed it heading to the door to find Duncan. She opened the door to find him on the other side. He said “Can I come in?” Himari motioned him in closing the door behind him. He said “Sorry I am too excited to rest and thought I would come and see if you wanted to do some work or go on a stroll?” Duncan looked down noticing the small box in Himari’s hands and said “What is that?” Himari blushing practically pushed the box into his hands and said “Here it’s a present for you.” Duncan questioned “Can I open it?” Himari nodded her head yes, her nervousness rendering her speechless. Duncan found to cufflinks that were midnight blue with white sparkles and the letter D engraved in the middle of each one. He caressed each one fondly before putting them on the cuffs of his shirt. He smiled warmly at Himari and said with complete honesty “Thank you. I love them. I will treasure them always.” Himari found her voice and said gently caressing one cuff line “The reminded me of you. They colors of the background remind me of the color of your wings and horns.” She could feel Duncan’s happiness with his gift and her words in their connection. When she realized she was still caressing the cufflinks and in turn Duncan’s arm she quickly dropped her arms to her side. She stared at her fingers that still held the warmth from Duncan’s arm. She said “Maybe we can do some work after dinner. A walk around the courtyard sounds nice.” She was hopping the cold air would cool her heated cheeks and help calm her since Duncan and her being alone and standing so close had her heart galloping like a heard of wild horses. Duncan nodded and said he would grab his coat from his room and would be right back. Himari reapplied her outwear and waited for Duncan’s return. He knocked on her door moments later ready for their walk. He offered her his arm and they walked to the courtyard. The cool air did help Himari feel more in control of her emotions and they started talking about the food they had eaten and the drinks and about trying to recreate some of them in Imponini. They laughed and joked enjoying being together. They headed back inside when the cold became too much for Himari. They were surprised to find it already super time and headed into the dining hall with everyone else. Queen Bianca and Himari fell into a conversation about gardening and plants. Then they all started talking about books. The conversation flowed easy throughout the meal and as they went into what the king called his game room. Himari was surprised there were so many different games and when the king began to explain them to Himari she found some were almost identical to games from her world, like old maid and go fish. There were some that were completely different, like the one the pieces on the board moved themselves after a person had rolled the dice and picked a card. The king proudly showed everyone each game and explained each one. They finally set down to play a card game that was similar to one Himari knew so she picked it up easily with a little guidance from Duncan and the others. After a while everyone retired to their room. Duncan walked Himari to her bedroom door and said “I was wondering if you would go with me somewhere tomorrow morning?” Himari said “Sure, where?” Duncan gave her a mysterious smile and said “It is a surprise. Dress warmly and we will be leaving out while it is dark, so an hour or so before dawn.” Himari wanted to ask some questions but before she could Duncan had walked off in the direction of his room. Himari guessed her questions would have to wait until in the morning. She turned and entered her room and showered and got changed into her night gown and fell asleep.