Elec Mall glows around them, all glass rails, polished floors, and bright shop signs. Leon and Jews drift off with easy waves, each already scanning for their favorite stores.
Madam Cleara pauses beside Rosmira, still a little stiff in her mortal guise, her posture too formal for the crowd. Rosmira takes her by the elbow and gently turns her toward the flow of shoppers.
Rosmira
Just relax your shoulders a little. Breathe like you belong here.
Cleara copies her, then lets her features settle softer, her shape matching the passing crowd better with every step. Her eyes flick to a storefront reflection, checking the disguise with cautious pride.
Madam Cleara
This is more awkward than paperwork. But... acceptable, if I am instructed properly.
Rosmira smooths Cleara’s sleeve, then points out the basics, where to look, how to walk, how to ignore the stares. Cleara listens closely, her sternness easing into something almost amused.
Madam Cleara
She handles this with such ease. Of course she does.
They slow near a display of shoes and accessories, the noise of the mall fading into a comfortable hum. With Leon and Jews gone a little ways ahead, it feels briefly like a sisterly outing, quiet and private.
✓ Quest Accepted
Help Madam Cleara blend in at the mall
“well while its just us how do you feel sis i know not as good as having wings or a tail but its fun to pretend right?!”
SUCCESS (Legendary Conversation, rolled +0)
Rosmira
Well, while it is just us... how do you feel, sis? I know it is not quite like having wings or a tail, but it is fun to pretend, right?
Madam Cleara
It is disarming. I can feel how much smaller the world looks from here... and how much easier it is to pass through it without command in every step.
Cleara gives a short, genuine laugh, then glances at her reflection again. Her shoulders loosen a fraction more as she adjusts to the flow of shoppers around them.
Madam Cleara
This is not efficient. Yet it is pleasant, in a way I had not expected.
Rosmira hooks an arm lightly through hers, and Cleara lets it happen without stiffness. The old formality between them softens into something warmer, almost domestic.
Madam Cleara
If I am to do this properly, you must continue instructing me. I would rather learn from you than from embarrassing mistakes in public.
Cleara squares her borrowed jacket, then steps forward on her own, matching the pace of the crowd with careful confidence. When she looks back at Rosmira, her expression holds amused trust instead of uncertainty.
Quest Complete
Help Madam Cleara blend in at the mall
“OK so lets go get you new clothes and sis make sure to keep your horns hidden as well. and no magic to change your clothes it defeats the reason for shopping and pretending to be human.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Conversation, rolled -1)
Rosmira
Okay, let us go get you new clothes. Keep those horns hidden too, and no magic changing the outfit. If we are pretending to be human, we should do it properly.
Madam Cleara
Agreed. If I am to learn this world, I should not cheat at it.
Cleara gives a small, wickedly pleased smile and folds her hands behind her back, as if resisting the urge to straighten a nonexistent uniform. Rosmira guides her toward the nearest clothing aisle, and the stern poise of a royal maid starts to look more like a woman on a private errand.
Madam Cleara
Then choose for me, Rosmira. I want to see what you consider normal.
They pause by a rack of simple jackets and soft knits. Cleara tips her chin, testing the fit of the crowd around her, then deliberately lowers it and tucks her horns more carefully out of sight.
Madam Cleara
It is strange, letting her lead. It is also easier than I expected.
Rosmira’s answer settles the moment into something domestic and easy. Cleara reaches for a plain blouse, then glances at her sister with open amusement, already waiting for the next suggestion.
✓ Quest Accepted
Help Madam Cleara pick out human clothes
“CLeara we are over 1000 years old we can never go wrong with leather. Sexy foam fitting white leather for you i think blue for me.”
SUCCESS (Fair Style, rolled -1)
Rosmira gives Cleara a slow once-over, then taps two hangers together with a satisfied little click. Leather feels right, bold and effortless, like they are already halfway past pretending.
Rosmira
We are over a thousand years old. We can never go wrong with leather. I think white for you, and blue for me.
Madam Cleara
White, for me? How terribly efficient of you to choose something that flatters and announces me at the same time.
Cleara takes the white leather piece from Rosmira’s hand and smooths it against her front, then reaches for the blue one with a curious, almost playful glance. Her posture loosens as if the choice itself has taught her something about being seen.
Madam Cleara
So this is human browsing. No decree, no fitting attendant, just preference. It is oddly intimate.
At the mirror panel, Cleara turns her shoulder, testing the line of the outfit against her disguise, while Rosmira checks the cut and color with a craftsman's focus. The torn foil card peeks from Rosmira’s bag, and for a heartbeat the morning feels stitched together by errands instead of danger.
Madam Cleara
Then help me with the rest, Rosmira. If I am going to blend in, I should do it with your eye on me.
Cleara steps closer with a faint smile, holding the leather up to her torso like she is already trusting Rosmira’s judgment. Around them, shoppers drift past, and the pair stands there like a secret becoming a habit.
Quest Complete
Help Madam Cleara pick out human clothes