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I stepped out of the room once more. To any beholding me, I was an impressive sight. The dress was astonishingly short, barely brushing my legs at mid-thigh. The rest of the dress clung to me, but not tightly enough to be distasteful. It merely hugged my body enough to raise an eyebrow or two. Diamonds dripped from my ears and wrist, the Amulet being enough adornment for my neck. To finish the ensemble was a pair of thigh- high white boots accentuated in emerald embroidery. I smiled slightly as the elf gaped at me."Lady," he stated, "There is absolutely no chance of you getting out of here with that on."
"Watch me," I smiled.
He rose, "Don't worry, I'll be right behind you."
I laughed softly and merely smiled as I opened the door. I thought he was going to follow me out, but as the door closed, I found myself very alone on the small street.
"Well, hello, miss," said a young fellow, perhaps a few seasons my junior. He was tall, though, and had a soft mocha hue to his coat. He was riddled with small dark brown spots and his flame orange eyes looked at me curiously, "What are you doing out here all alone?"
"I just finished getting this dress in this shop," I said softly, pressing by back to the wall of the store.
He ran his eyes over me from head to toe, "And what a lovely dress it is."
I felt my skin crawl under his scrutiny and I debated going back inside. However, as he stepped closer I was frozen. He placed a hand on the wall, just above my shoulder and I cringed.
"I would advise you to leave the lady be," announced a voice behind him.
We both looked to see a new Tyberan walking towards us. He wore a rapier at his side confidently. His silver-blue eyes glared at the first Tyb, "I suggest you go about your business."
The first curled his lip, but obediently scurried away, leaving me to the newcomer. He regarded me gently with those strange eyes, "Are you all right, milady?"
I nodded, "Y-yes..."
He smiled and gestured to a small group nearby. Two looked very much alike, with long, flowing manes that resembled lions. The last was a thinner Tyberan, with the markings similar to a cheetah. The newcomer gestured to his companions, "These are merely my friends, Lady. I am Phinneas Halvurd. These are my compatriots, the twins, Ulin and Ular Wyston, and the Priest of Bast, Thyrian Maglivier."
I nodded, "I'm Ka--" I paused, knowing the danger of my true identity, "I'm Kaila Lomdovir."
Phinneas smiled, "Well met, Lady Kaila. Pray shall you accompany us to a tavern where we might all quench our thirsts?"
I smiled warmly, "I don't think so, my fine lads. I do believe I hear my mother calling."
Quickly, I backed up into the door as I opened it, slipping back into the shop I had exited. Through the window I could see them all laugh and shrug. Then they took themselves away down the street before vanishing into the crowd. I heaved a sigh of relief, turning back into the room.
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© 1999 E. Angeli Mansfield