The Cold Inside: Call of the Necromancer (Open Novella Contest II)

Chapter 7 - Look the Part

They remained in the tavern until the city began to wake up. Rosalind even convinced Becky to have something to eat, although the revelations from her aunt made her resistant at first. However, it turned out, even raising a shade took energy, and she had put away a decent amount of food.

"Since we have time," Rosalind said when they finally left the tavern, "we should get you an outer robe at least."

"So I look the part?" Becky said.

"The more you look like you belong, the less likely anyone will be to give you trouble," her aunt replied, leading her down a street that was slowly filling with people.

It might have been a much smaller city than Becky was used to at home, but it seemed that cities were pretty similar the world over-everyone was interested in their business and not them. Even though Becky had to look a little odd compared to everyone else, no one paid them much attention. Becky, on the other hand, was taking in everything she could.

Local style was interesting. It seemed old fashioned at first glance, but on closer inspection, she could see the odd zip and what looked like plastic buttons on some of the garments. One man was also definitely wearing Wellington boots with flowers on them.

"Most ordinary people don't cross over to our realm," Rosalind said when her aunt noticed her interest, "but there are those that do, and they bring things back. It is strictly controlled, but some things are useful."

"Has no one tried mobile phones?" Becky asked.

"Electromagnetism is one of the things that does not translate well between the realms," Rosalind told her. "Electrical devices stop working when they cross over. Think of it like this, when magic goes our way it becomes more difficult and less reliable. When electricity comes this way that same happens to it. Hence the world order is based on different systems in each realm."

"Which is why there are no Fae in Parliament or the White House," Becky concluded.

"Not worth their effort," her aunt agreed. "You won't find a Fae in existence willing to give up their magic. Here we are, I did a favour for Gabby a few years ago and she is an excellent seamstress, very much in demand."

It was still early, but the little shop Rosalind pointed at was already open. There was a neaty written sign in the window proclaiming the fact. Becky pushed open the door and the light tinkling of a bell greeted her. It was warmer in the shop than on the street and she could smell wood smoke as she walked up to the counter.

"Won't be long," a voice called from behind a heavy curtain. "Is that you Reean?"

"Um, no," Becky called back.

Almost instantly a head poked around the side of the curtain.

"Oh, hello," the woman said, smiling. "Sorry about that, not many people come in at this time, I was expecting my nephew. What can I do for you?"

"My aunt tells me I need a robe," Becky replied, feeling her spirits lighten a little at the bright greeting.

"Not local?" the woman asked, coming through the curtain properly.

"That obvious?" Becky asked, smiling a little herself.

"I have an eye for tailoring," the woman said, "it's a hazard of the job. Your aunt has sent you to the right place. Would I know her, by any chance?"

"Rosalind Hillen," Becky replied. "Are you, Gabby?"

"That I am," the woman replied. "How is Rosalind? It's been a long time."

"She passed away a few years ago," Becky said.

"Tell her I say hello," Rosalind interrupted.

"She says hello, though," Becky added.