L [o/i] ve is a journey

The Girl with the Fox Mask (The First Day Part 2)| A Silent Meeting

His gaze followed this petite person that just bought him off for an insane amount of money. Where was she taking him? She said clothes first, but was he in that bad of a shape, visibly? He felt exhausted, but also, overwhelmed. Being dragged through the masses by a small person like she was felt strange. It gave him anxiety, not knowing what was expected of him from now on. But, probably, it it good to just follow her around?

He watched the clothing store and tailor shop coming closer.

No! He can't go in there! He was dirty! He leaned a bit back and tried to pull away, but she turned around and looked at him, confused: „Are you ok?"

He tried to answer, but the words wouldn't come out. He was white as a ghost, and started rubbing his free hand on the upper arm she was holding, trying of a way to tell her he cannot go in there.

„Don't worry, they are professionals! I mean, it's just understandable your clothes are in these condition as they are now. You must have had really rough! After you took the bath, it's gonna be so much nicer to dress in new clothes instead of the ones you are wearing." She smiled brightly.

Ah. Yes. The bath! He could take one before. But then dressing into his old clothes? He looked down on himself. That would reverse the bath. His clothes were dirty, so dirty! No matter how he thought about it, it was probably better to get into this shop first, and then take a bath. His hands dug into his upper arm, anxious, and he looked away, trying to gather the determination to follow her into the store.

„Really, don't worry! Let me help you!" she said gently, and started to pull again. He gave in, still uncertain how to react, but she was his mistress, his lady now. He had to obey. He belonged to her from now on- he reminded himself when they entered the store.

***

Nerivie watched satisfied how the initially reserved tailor and retail worker gathered around him, measuring him, trying to figure out what best suited him, while she drank a cup of tea, waiting for to be asked about her thoughts. She reached for a small cookie and nibbled on it, when she watched the confused, and anxious man she just bought off the slave market being scaled up and down, before they dispersed and started to gather clothing from the specs she gave them: protecting from the heat and cold, something comfy, and convinient to wear, but also something very stylish, and, if possible, something that takes into account he might gain some weight, be it muscle or just general weight. And, it probably should also protect against weaker magic attacks and hits from certain opponents. Though she might end up buying these in a specialized shop.

He looked at her, as for asking for help, and she just smiled: „It's ok. Just choose whatever you like. If you want my opinion, I can help you with that. I just want you to have what you want." She said, smiling.

He still didn't look so sure, but tried to calm himself, as it seems to her.

They returned, quicker than expected, and with a number of clothes, too. Shoes, accessories, shirts, pants, undergarmets, coats, manteaus- everything imaginable that fit the specifications she gave out.

In the end, she picked three sets of clothing, because he looked so overwhelmed with making a decision on clothing, so she just asked if he liked the presented one, to which he nodded, shy.

„Well, then, please pack them up." She said, emptying her cup gracefully.

Neri remembered. She always remembered the first time she was taken to a store like this, and how the experience went for her. She was overwhelmed, too. It was just natural. And just as she learnt to overcome that feeling, she adapted to the persona of a rich, traveling noble lady that wanted to stay anonymous and incognito, that she played when she entered such stores again. This sensation became a new natural for her.

Also, there was a number of advantages if she behaved in such a way, at least when she was having the money.

She, probably, would need to earn some of it back in a nearer future than she hoped. With that thought she stood up and paid for what she ordered. Then took his hand and pulled him out of the store, after gracefully said her good byes.

Neri could feel his eyes on her, trying to figure out what was happening. It was just natural to be scared, unsure of what the future holds in a situation like that. She remembered well.

„We reach the hostel soon, you can use my room and bathroom for the time being." She said calm and assuring.