New Fit, New You

Flush with cash, Lucius and Hana set about preparing for their escape from Atin, and thanks to their newfound associate, they had a plan. The elven woman had informed Lucius of a ship that was preparing to depart for the city of Ikara, a settlement on the southern coast of the continent that sat outside of Imperial jurisdiction. Stepping there would truly be going beyond the boundary for Lucius, as he had never left his homeland. “Then again,” Lucius reasoned to himself as he made his way through the crowded streets, “It wouldn’t really be much of an adventure if I stayed at home.”

Hana kept tight to his side as the pair wove their way in between groups of shoppers, merchant stalls and the occasional horse-drawn cart. They had left the nicer district behind earlier that morning, knowing that staying near the place of a crime, as righteous as it felt, was a surefire way to get caught. Down in the lower markets, they had a much higher chance to blend in to the teeming crowds. Of course, this had the side effect of Hana’s supernatural hearing working against her, and the way she clung to Lucius’ arm told him that she was incredibly uncomfortable. She bore the challenge admirably, not even making a peep of discomfort from beneath the new hood she fabricated that morning. Though it was a direct copy of the one she had lost in the mansion, she had complained that it didn’t smell as good as the old one.

This was one of the problems that Lucius needed to solve first, getting them properly supplied and outfitted for the journey. The ship, as he was told, was set to leave port in a few hours and he would need to request passage beforehand. When pressed about the kind of ship it was, his informer simply smiled and bade them to have a good time. With that unhelpful piece of information, she had left them to their own devices.

Most of the things they needed were rather mundane; new packs for carrying things more effectively, personal rations for when food was hard to come by, and of course, new sets of clothes. These were simple for Lucius to find as they walked about, grabbing various pieces and parts to assemble a coherent set of equipment. Within an hour, he felt confident that he had enough to keep the both of them going for some time. Hefting the pack over his shoulders, Hana looked him over with some concern,

“That looks to be rather heavy, can I carry some of it?” He shook his head a little more emphatically than he intended, “Nah, it’s alright. It looks heavier than it is, trust me.” She frowned at being brushed off, “You know, I am stronger than I look.” Lucius nodded and started walking off, “I’m well aware. If I start having trouble, I’ll be sure to let you know. Do you want to get a new pair of boots? I mean, I know you can just make them yourself, but how well do they hold up to lots of use?”

She grumbled quietly under her breath, but accepted the subject change with only a hint of annoyance, “I actually don’t like wearing things on my feet. I know why people do, but to me it makes everything feel…I don’t know…kinda fuzzy?”

“That’s rich, coming from someone like you.”

That quip earned him a punch to the side, “I am not fuzzy! You may refer to me as exquisite, beautiful, wisest of all, enchanting, or if I am feeling very generous, fluffy. But I. Am. Not. Fuzzy! Got it?”

None of her jabs were meant to hurt, but they certainly got the point across. Though he was being admonished quite fervently, Lucius couldn’t suppress an amused smile. He was growing to appreciate how honest she was with her emotions and desires; it was a breath of fresh air from the life he was used to living. He wanted to see more of that,

“Well alright then, Your Fluffiness, could you maybe elaborate on that? Would you help this mere mortal who cannot hope to understand?” She turned her nose up, looking as dignified as possible, “As if you could understand such a delicate and nuanced topic. It would be far too difficult to describe it to your simple, human brain.”

“Uh-huh, so you have no idea either.”

“Urk…you didn’t have to be so blunt about it…It just feels that way, okay? I can’t really explain it well, but I just don’t like it.” Lucius didn’t really understand what she was getting at, but that hardly mattered at this point, “No need to force yourself to make an explanation. You can’t change the way you feel, after all. But I really do recommend you wear some while in the cities, because you really don’t want to know what you’re stepping in.”

She grimaced, “Fine, let’s go get some.”

It took them some time to find a pair that Hana deemed to be acceptable, but Lucius didn’t mind. Being stuck with the wrong pair of footwear was a nightmare that he wouldn’t wish on his worst enemy. Once she was as satisfied as possible, there was one last thing he was determined to take care of. It took some asking around, but he was able to find what he was looking for.

They stood outside a small shop that easily blended in between a pottery workshop and a silversmith, and unless someone knew what they were looking for it was a simple matter to pass it by. Though the azure paint had largely faded and was even peeling in some places, a warm glow shone from behind think panes of glass. A sign that hung from above the door bore no name, just the approved symbol for a clothier, a needle and spool of thread over a loom. He motioned for Hana to follow, pushing open the door as he stepped inside.

The interior was warm and slightly musty, lit well by several bright lanterns that hung from the rafters. About a dozen racks covered in various types of cloth clung to the walls in a colorful display, while shelves and mannequins displayed the various styles that the shop had to offer. But it was the type of mannequin that gave away the store’s true nature, as all of them were styled after non-humans.

“Ah, welcome to my boutique, valued customer.” A deep voice rumbled from deep within the shop as a large figure moved in their direction, soon revealing itself to them. The figure was more than six feet in height and was well-muscled beneath a finely tailored ensemble complete with a flowing overcoat of black and purple. Instead of skin, the figure was covered in finely polished scales of bronze that sparkled in the lantern light. A set of rings adorned long fingers that ended in sharpened claws, while a pair of eyes the color of winter stared at them from their seats in a head that rounded to form a pointed snout. Lucius had never met such an impressive and imposing figure,

“Wow…so that’s what a Dragonkin is like…”

He knew that Dragonkin were considered by most Imperial scholars as part of the general Beastkin races, though he had heard during his studies that many of the draconic lineages opposed being lumped in with the rest. While he was busy being impressed, the Dragonkin had approached and now loomed over them from a respectful distance, his snowy eyes roving over the potential customers. Again, the draconic figure addressed them,

“I am Heloraz ka Einstaron, the humble proprietor of this fair boutique in which you find yourselves. Before you begin to peruse my fine wares, you must understand that this place caters exclusively to those who cannot find garments in traditional stores. I aim to ensure that all peoples of this land might find the best way to express themselves through fashion, no matter their background or unique circumstances.”

Noticing that Heloraz seemed to be speaking largely to him, Lucius figured now was an appropriate time to come clean,

“That’s exactly what we were looking for. I’m not here for myself, but for her. Show him, Hana.” She shot him a questioning look, but upon further encouragement, Hana relented and removed her hood. Upon seeing her ears, Heloraz immediately brightened and focused all of his attention on Hana.

“How wonderful to meet you, Madam! Here, you can find any and all specialized brands that will make you feel as beautiful and as comfortable as possible! Please, allow me to be your guide in this matter. Tell me, have you been getting by on clothes that you’ve had to make yourself or alter, just to walk out the door?”

Hana flicked a questioning eye towards Lucius at the strangely energetic dragon, to which he simply shrugged and gave a conciliatory smile. She considered his question for a moment, hesitating for a moment before answering,

“Well…I suppose that I do make my own clothes…”

“See, see! Being forced to craft your own garments out of necessity and not love is a terrible crime to force someone into!” Heloraz grew animated, gesturing wildly along with the rising ferocity in his voice, “For too long, non-humans have struggled endlessly to achieve proper representation in the industry! But no longer! Now, if you would follow me, I will personally ensure that you find everything you need to begin and end every day with confidence!”

Taking her by the hand, Heloraz began to lead Hana back into the store, asking her all sorts of questions about her body type, special characteristics, and unique needs. Lucius, having been completely forgotten, called out after her, “Remember! We only have a few hours before the ship leaves! Try to think about where we’re going!”

Left to his own devices, Lucius tried to occupy himself within the confines of the store by pretending to be interested in the various styles and modifications used in non-human clothes. While he did make note of a few things, namely that most included openings for tails and ears, or specially crafted tunics for individuals with spikier skins. But the one thing he realized against the backdrop of Hana and Heloraz’s energetic conversations was that fashion was really not his thing. As the minutes ticked by, so too did his patience, but he held himself in check. Finding something that fit well had been a real challenge, and he was still suspicious over how real the clothes she made with magic were. It took nearly forty minutes for Hana to reemerge, but he could tell by the beaming smile on her face that it was all worth it.

She dashed up to him with eyes sparkling with joy, spinning in a circle before him as if eager for approval. Lucius’ heart skipped a beat as he looked over the new set she had chosen, marveling at how well it suited her. Clad head to toe in brilliant cobalt, Hana gave off the impression of a lake on fire. Silver designs were inlaid into the hems of the dress, offering wave-like patterns that seemed to ebb and flow as she moved. Heloraz stood slightly apart, marveling at his own handiwork,

“Yes, yes, I see you approve! Mhm, indeed, this is perhaps one of my favorite pieces I have assembled so far! The fabric is lightweight but quite durable, and is even water resistant should you get caught out in the rain. Beneath the skirt’s exterior are form-fitting and stylish breeches that can be used in case the skirt gets in the way. That’s right! The skirt can be unbelted for ease of use! And of course! One cannot forget the most important feature for our lovely customer!”

Lucius had already noticed, that Hana’s large tail was able to move freely about without needing to put stress on either her or her clothes. A simple alteration, but it clearly meant the world to her. He had to admit it, she looked positively stunning.

“What about her ears? Is there something that can keep them hidden too?”

“Bah! Such a boring, human thing to say!” Heloraz turned up his nose, which also meant turning up his entire head, at the question, “I will never understand why some humans want to hide away such beautiful and exotic features!”

Hana smiled sympathetically at Lucius, “I asked him to do the same, and he added this, though it did take some prodding.” She reached behind her head and pulled on a piece of excess fabric, rolling it up over her head to reveal it as a hood and effectively smothering her pointed ears.

“See? It’s soft underneath, and it isn’t too heavy either. And if I want…I can…hang on.” Pulling the hood far down over her eyes, she fiddled with some of the fabric until her fingers seemed to slip inside it. Readjusting it back over her head, and with a bit of effort, she slipped her ears through openings and beamed, “Ta-da!”

“By all the gods…that is cute…”

“So, so? What do you think? Do I look good?”

“Yeah, yeah you look fantastic! Like you’re ready to take on anything! How about your tail? Is there something that can go over it as well?” Heloraz made another noise somewhere in between a disappointed groan and disgust, but Hana brushed him aside and answered for herself,

“Indeed, it comes with a heavier cloak that can be useful during cold weather or rain, but I should have no trouble wearing it during the day. You needn’t worry, Lucius, we thought of everything.”

“Yeah, looks like you have. Nicely done, Hana.”

She puffed herself up and made herself appear to be extremely self-important, though Lucius noticed that her tail was tapping out a happy, rapid beat. But he noticed that something was missing,

“Hey, where did that green dress go? The one you had from earlier?” A bit of the happiness fled from her expression, and even her tail slowed its enthusiasm. She looked away with a wistful expression, “Ahh…well, Mister Heloraz said that the dress wasn’t really suited for me…and it would take a bit of work to adjust it to me.”

“Can you do it?” Hana looked up, surprise mingling with a fleck of hope in her eyes as Lucius addressed the draconic proprietor, who finally seemed to acknowledge Lucius’ presence. Heloraz offered a toothy smile, “But of course, that is my specialty, after all.”

“Then I’d like to commission you to make any appropriate adjustments, as soon as you are able.” Lucius spent the next few minutes hammering out the details, including price and delivery, as he made it clear that he and Hana were not staying around in Atin. Heloraz promised that the work would be completed within the next two weeks, and that it would be sent down to Ikara once it was complete. When at last they left the boutique, Lucius’ purse was much lighter than when he started, but it hardly mattered compared to the unbridled joy that lightened Hana’s every step. Lucius had hardly realized how much clothes could mean to someone before now, it was never really a priority of his.

Even with this newfound appreciation for fashion, what was a priority was getting out of the city. The pair gave their thanks to the eccentric shopkeeper and quickly set off towards the docks, moving with as much haste as they could muster. They smelled the harbor long before it came into view, Hana scrunching up her nose and complaining that it was the foulest mix of scents she had ever felt. Lucius had likewise felt the pungent aromas that cut through the growing din; layered scents of fish, smoke and salt filled the air so completely that Lucius swore it mixed into a thin haze that hung over their heads.

The harbor was teeming with frenzied activity as hundreds of people of all races and nationalities mingled in barely organized chaos. Harbormasters shouted orders at passing sailors to haul various loads or to load and unload cargo, while deckhands scurried about on their respective ships to make any required preparations. Stalls and stands offered a wide variety of goods that any sailor might need, covering all the necessities from rope to rum. But it was the ships at anchor that were the main attraction.

Lucius counted almost twenty ships moored at piers, with at least five more anchored out in the half-moon shaped bay, waiting their turn to make landfall. Most of those that he saw appeared to be cargo ships, large wooden beasts of burden that usually possessed two masts to support large canvas sails. A few of them were smaller and seemed to be built for speed, with colorful flags flying from the tips of their masts, indicating that they were likely privately owned. And of course, one could not miss the endless expanse of the Drakos Sea, its sparkling blue veneer enticing all those who walked on land with unspoken promises.

“Wow…look at all of that…there’s so much happening here! Are those what’re called ships? It’s going to take us across the water there?”

“Mhm, that’s the plan. Once we’re out of the city, there’s nothing that Salerius can do to us. After that, we can just do whatever we want.” She hummed a note of approval, “That sounds wonderful! Which one is ours?”

“Great question, still trying to figure that one out. That shifty elf lady gave me the name of the person who owns the ship, so we’ll need to ask around and hope to find them before they leave.”

“What was their name again? I wasn’t really paying attention…”

“Yeah, you were too busy staring at her.”

“It’s not my fault! She was just so pretty…”

“It’s rude to stare, so next time try to not make it so obvious. And the person’s name is Captain Astora, so if you wouldn’t mind putting those amazing ears to good use…” Hana practically jumped at the offer, “Of course! Just leave it to me! I’m starting to get the hang of hearing things while it’s noisy!” The pair plunged into the turmoil of the harbor, Lucius asking a few questions to those who he could flag down while Hana kept a sharp ear out for any mention of their mysterious captain. Luckily, it seemed that their target was rather well known, and they were eventually pointed toward the far end of the harbor.

As they were making their way, Lucius felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand slightly on end. A strange feeling crept up his arms as he signaled Hana to stop, his eyes darting about trying to find the source of this odd sensation. Hana quietly placed a hand on his arm and whispered as quietly as the harbor allowed,

“I think we are being followed.”

Lucius nodded wordlessly, that much would seem to make sense, given everything that he felt. But the real question, was who? He didn’t have to wait long to find out, as both he and Hana were suddenly surrounded by six well-armed people. Their stances were oddly casual as none had drawn their weapons yet, but they had blocked off any immediate avenues of escape and had made it very clear through posturing that they weren’t going to let them walk away. Lucius tensed and dropped into a ready stance, one hand on the hilt of the rapier and a reduced center of gravity for rapid movement. Hana stepped behind him, clearing his sides and making it easier for him to keep between her and their obstructers. She began to hum quietly under her breath, keeping her hands hidden beneath the folds of her new cloak.

“Alright, that’s enough! No sense scarin’ tha poor lad, you lot!”

A sharp voice cut through the crowd, and immediately the six individuals jumped to attention, making way for a new pair to enter the scene. Both new arrivals were women, and brought with them an intense air of command, as indicated by the deference of those around them. The lead woman, who had barked the command, cut an imposing figure as she approached. On the tall side for humans, likely brushing six feet in height, her auburn hair burned bright in the midday sun against tanned skin, a sign of her life in the outdoors. Dressed in bright reds and blues with two curved scimitars on both hips, she moved with a confidence that most men would sell their souls for.

The second woman seemed less imposing, keeping behind the ostentatious other. The woman was dressed in all black from head to toe, even her short hair was the color of midnight. Whoever she was, Lucius noted, used an attractive amount of eyeshadow, bringing a sharpness to her pale green eyes. A rapier and parrying dagger sat at her hips, and she was smaller and thinner than the brightly colored woman. Still, Lucius sensed that neither of them were to be trifled with, and he also had an idea of who they were.

The tall woman looked down on the pair and smiled wide, “I hear you’re tha ones who’re out lookin’ fer me? The name’s Astora, captain of the Wavecutter. Shall I take it that yer my stowaways?”