Alice woke up with a start, her heart beating fast. Shooting up, she looked around and after a second calmed down, realizing she was just hearing someone knock on the door. An annoyed meow came from behind her, and turning her head she had to do a double take.

Cheshire was at least half as large as the night before. Gawking at the panther, she invited the incessant knocker in. Thorne, the tavern owner walked in holding a tray. On it, were several sandwiches, a pitcher, a glass and the bottle she used the night before to feed Chess.

“Good morning, Alice. I got you some late breakfast. I’m sorry if I woke you.” He said, looking quite apologetic at the dishevelled woman.

“It’s fine, can’t sleep my life away. I have to ask, though... What the heck was in the milk we got for Chess last night?”

“It was just normal cow milk. Why do you ask?” The portly man was somewhat confused by the odd greeting. In response, Alice picked up the grumpy feline and, turning back to Thorne presented the cat. The man’s jaw dropped open.

“Oh.”

“Yeah, that was my reaction just now.”

Cheshire, not caring that she was the centre of attention, curled up and tried to bite Alice’s outstretched thumb. Alice smiled at the panther’s antics and putting her on her lap, she extended her index finger to the feline, speaking in a semi-stern voice, enunciating each word.

“Do. Not. Bite.”

Not listening, or simply not caring, Cheshire promptly grabbed the outreached hand and tried to sink her tiny teeth in Alice’s finger. Alice sighed, and feeling the cat sucking her mana out, she focused on her companion, wanting to make sure she doesn’t overfeed herself.

“You can put down the tray, this might take a minute, you know. I’ll bring it down after I... We, have eaten.” Alice said smiling at the tavern keeper. He returned her smile and put the breakfast on the small table in the room. He spoke, before closing the door.

“Take your time. When you’re ready to come down knock on my office door, it’ll be the last door before the exit to the tavern floor. Olivia asked me to take you to her when you’re ready.”

Alice thanked him, or rather the door as he started closing it before she could speak. Shrugging, she focused back on the little creature on her legs and how she felt in her mind. It took a few minutes for the kitten to be satisfied and, surprisingly to Alice, she detached herself before Alice could stop her overfeeding. Putting the kit down she jumped a little at the growling, yet high pitched voice in her head.

“Now milkie!”

She looked at her for several seconds before speaking, shocked.

“Was that you?”

“Milkie! Now milkie!” The feline’s voice rang in her head again, her eyes locked on the bottle.

Muttering to herself, Alice stood up and picked up the still warm bottle. She also grabbed a sandwich for herself and sitting back on the bed, food in her mouth she pat her thighs. Cheshire promptly jumped on, turned and flopped on her back, paws outstretched.

“Milkie! Gimme!”

Not sure what to think of this development, Alice fed the cat, calling Whimsy in her mind while chewing. It took her several seconds before she could recreate the feeling when she did it for the first time. Moments later, Whimsy’s confused voice reached her.

“Hello?”

“Yo, so we’ve got a development...”

“Oh, Alice. Kinda silly of me asking that, since you’re the only one who can call me like this. Anyway, what dev—” She was interrupted by Cheshire, bottle now empty. Alice’s eyes widened slightly and she was certain Whimsy had a similar reaction.

“Milkie good! Now play!”

“Was that... Chess?”

“A-yup. I know my situation is unique, but I didn’t expect the cat could talk.”

“Yeah, no, she shouldn’t. As in, yes they’re clever creatures, but not that clever. It’d be one thing if she sent you images, or feelings or whatever like before... Language is a whole other thing.”

“Run! Play! Outside! Need!” The cat’s incessant voice once again interrupted the conversation and Alice realised moments later why she was so worked up.

“Oh. You need to go out for bathroom, huh? Let me eat some more and we’ll go.”

“I’ll join you the usual way, the little one’s thoughts are somehow leaking through. It’s uncomfortable.” With those words, Whimsy disconnected the call. Alice stood up, heading for the table. As she sat down and started eating, she spoke, between bites.

“Weird how?”

“Weird as in I now know what it feels to have a full bladder. I don’t have a bladder, never did. Nor do I particularly want to. Man, you’re weird.”

“Hey! You made me this way!” Alice said, slightly exasperated. Whimsy’s tone was much the same.

“I did no such thing!” Her voice levelling, she continued. “Well, OK, maybe a little. Anyway, I’ll ask Hep next time I speak to him about it. They’re busy now but last night I bullied him and Athena to talking to me about you a bit and I have some advice.” Raising an eyebrow Alice asked, genuinely curious.

“Bullied?”

“Well, I whined at them until they realised I wasn’t going away without talking to them.”

“And?”

“And they looked through what little info I had on you, observations, the bits of log I got and so on...”

“A little creepy, but go on.”

“You need to learn magic, the sooner the better.”

“Why?”

“Because, according to them, your entire being runs on mana.”

“We knew that already.”

“Yes, but not to what degree. Right now all the things you did, lowering your ‘input/output’, for lack of a better term, calling me, even connecting to Chess... They’re literally instinct and your mind trying to protect itself. Once you can properly control mana, the way other humans do, you will most likely gain full control of your body.”

“Don’t I already?”

“No, you don’t get it. FULL control. You’ll be able to change your hair with a thought. Control your heartbeat, digestion, shape of your eyes.... Jesus, you’ll even be able to influence where the oxygen you breath in goes. Probably.”

“Wait... What?! And what the hell do you mean ‘probably’?!” Alice almost shouted, the mug in her hand hitting the table hard as she lowered it. “Oops.”

“Probably, because they don’t actually know either. There was a lot of ‘my best guess is’ and ‘it’s likely that...’ and other qualifiers. If it wasn’t for the pass they’re all busy with I suspect they’d be sending their champions and the like to pick you up so they can poke and prod you.”

Alice slightly shivered at the sentiment.

“Am I in danger from them?”

“No. They might be obsessive nerds, but they’re not malicious. You are, however, something new and they’ll likely pester me to get you to somewhere they can run some tests after the pass is over.”

“Oh joy, sounds fun.” Alice deadpanned.

“It won’t be that bad, think of it as a doctors visit. And I’ll make sure they don’t go too far, promise.”

“If you say so...” She said, unconvinced. Putting the, now empty, plate and mug back on the tray she picked it up and spoke in a more cheery tone. “Come on Chess, let’s get you out before there’s an accident.”

“No accident! I’m good girl!” The cat spoke in her mind, almost with a huff, as she jumped off the bed and patted behind her guardian. Alice noticed she was much more stable on her feet today, especially when the little menace started playing, jumping between her feet. She wasn’t so graceful with the stairs, tumbling down some of them, but refused Alice’s offer to pick her up.

—

Alice dropped off the tray on the bar counter, loudly praising the food and thanking the cook. She wasn’t sure, but she thought she heard some noise from the kitchen, and it never hurts to be polite.

“Come in.”

She did as bid, walking into the small office, Chess closely behind her. She didn’t bother closing the door, the feline’s thoughts growing more frantic with her need.

“Can we talk outside? The little one really needs to use the bathroom.”

“Oh, uhm... of course.” Thorne responded, his voice slightly confused, standing up. He walked round the desk, heading for the door. “Do you mind telling me how you’re so sure of this?” His question was asked casually, but his eyes bore into Alice’s back as they headed outside.

“I can feel it.” Alice responded, shrugging. “And she told me.”

“She... Told you?”

“Yeah.” Alice tapped her head. “In here, we’re connected.”

“I heard of tamers getting feelings from their companions, but that usually takes years to develop or requires active use of a skill. And I never heard anyone claim their pet talking.”

As soon as Alice opened the doors to the building, Cheshire sped past both of the humans, looked around quickly and beelined to a bush, sending a slightly annoyed though as she did so, causing Alice to snicker.

“No pet! Friend! Daughter!”

“I wouldn’t call her a pet. She said friend and daughter. I’m not sure about the second one, but definitely not pet.” Still smiling, she turned to the thoroughly stunned Thorne. “Oh my, that look on your face is priceless. I’m pretty sure we established yesterday I’m weird. This, as far as I’m concerned, is the least of it.”

Putting her hand on Thorne’s shoulder she smiled, hoping it was reassuring. Seeing the man relax, she figured she succeeded.

“To be fair, her talking startled both me and Whimsy earlier. Anyway, she’s good now. So... Where are we going?”

Shaking his head a little, Thorne simply pointed at one of the larger buildings. On the porch sat Olivia, in a rocking chair, knitting. She looked every bit the picture-perfect grandma. As they approached her, she looked up, smiling at them. Putting away her knitting into a box at her feet, she rose, speaking.

“Good morning Lady Alice. Thorne, thank you kindly for helping, I can take it from here. Wouldn’t want to take you away from your work, I know you’re busy this time of the year.” The man laughed in response.

“Now why would I ever want to avoid doing tax calculations for Our Lordship...” The last words were said with clear sarcasm. Olivia raised an unamused eyebrow at him and cleared her throat. He laughed again, bowed and turned back towards his office. “I’m going, I’m going. I’ll see you ladies at the evening meal.”

Before was about to ask about the source of the sarcasm, but stopped as Olivia was looking her up and down, her gaze scrutinizing.

“First things first. We need to get you clothing. That tunic is really unflattering. We also need to get you boots, hair ties, underwear... I think that’s it.” She nodded to herself. “Where is your pet?”

“Daughter!” The voice resonated in Alice’s mind at the same moment as a loud meow came from right under Olivia’s feet, startling the older woman. She had no idea when the kitten arrived, or how she managed to sneak up on them in the almost midday sun. Olivia gave Alice a sour look as she laughed and lowered herself to pet the little cub.

“Yes, OK sweetie, daughter. Now be a good girl and apologize for scaring miss Olivia.”

Cheshire made a more plaintive meow, looking up at Olivia, rubbing against her leg. Alice could feel the kitten’s guilt, quickly replaced with excitement.

“Sorry. Play now?”

“No, we’ll play later, I promise. For now stay close while we run some errands, OK?”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“Awww...” The kittens disappointment was palpable, her tail and ears drooping, but Alice could tell she would listen. She stood up, looking at Olivia.

“So, what’s first?”

—

Olivia didn’t know what to think of the apparent exchange that took place in front of her. She spent the better part of last night ruminating on what Alice told her the day before. At first she was angry at the heretical disregard Alice apparently had for her goddess. Then she was confused and sad at apparently wasting her life in worship of... She didn’t know what. That changed when Whimsy sent her another oracle. Though, perhaps message was a better term.

“I suspect you’re quite confused after what Alice said. That or angry. Just know, that yes - she is my friend and didn’t lie to you. Suffice to say, the world is much more complicated than you thought. It doesn’t change the good you’ve done in your life, I hope you know that. If you have any questions, just ask Alice, I can hear what she hears, and she can hear me much easier than even you. I hope you keep helping her, she really needs it, despite how tough she might act.”

The words helped damper Olivia’s internal turmoil some. She still didn’t know what to think of the Champion, but Lady Whimsy was right. She did good in her life, and now she had another lost soul to help. Her own confusion could wait. In truth, she didn’t even know where to start questioning the two. She fell asleep shortly after receiving the message.

Now she stood looking at the odd woman apparently talking to her cat. That wasn’t the odd part, no, she knew more than one pet owner who spoke to their companion. The odd part was that the kitten was apparently responding... With words. And was her daughter? She couldn’t contain her curiosity and before answering Alice, asked her own question.

“Daughter?”

“Apparently. She’s quite adamant about that, too. And to preempt your next question, yes, she talks. I can hear her in my head, much like Whimsy. I, uhm, also wanted to apologize. I feel about how I spoke to you last night.” Alice looked down at her bare feet when she spoke, her voice uncertain.

“You mean about how you bludgeoned through my faith and casually disillusioned me about my goddess?” Olivia tried, but failed, to keep the bitterness from her voice. Alice curled on herself a bit more.

“Yes, that. I’m sorry. I didn’t—”

“It’s fine.” She interrupted. “You are correct, I was angry. Still am a little, to be honest, but Whimsy sent me a message last night.” Olivia then relayed what Whimsy told her, omitting the last part for Alice’s sake. “I’m sure I’ll have lots of questions for you, both of you. As soon as I figure them out myself. For now, let’s focus on the immediate things. The robe is quite nice, but on you it looks like a sack of potatoes.” She then bent and pet the shadow panther on the head. “And I forgive you, little one. Just please don’t scare me like that again, I’m not as young as I used to be.”

When she rose up again, Alice hugged the older woman and whispered a ‘thank you’. It sounded very vulnerable to Olivia, causing more of her mixed feelings towards the young woman to evaporate. A few seconds later Alice released her and spoke, laughter in her voice.

“I thought the same thing about the robe last night. The potatoes thing, I mean. So yes, please lead the way to new clothes. And shoes. Oh, and maybe a ribbon and a bell for Cheshire so she doesn’t scare you again.”

“No bell! Momma is mean. Maybe ribbon. Only if pretty.” Alice repeated aloud what Chess said, the kittens thought causing both women to laugh as they walked. Olivia told Alice they were heading to one of the homes. The village, rather obviously, didn’t have a proper clothier but being mostly self sufficient meant one of the women was a rather accomplished weaver and seamstress.

—

“Come in! Come in!” Olivia was already opening the door even as the woman inside spoke. “I’ve been waiting for you!”

Alice entered the house behind the oracle, Chess on her heels. The domicile was a simple affair, one large room had everything a couple might need. On the wall opposite the door was a stone fireplace, windows on the side walls. There was a large bed in the corner, made of the same wood as the building itself, neatly made. It even had an embroidered pillow, the gorgeous flower pattern seemingly sparkling, sitting on top of the actually used pillows. At the foot of the bed sat a spinning wheel with a stool, a neat pile of some kind of wool next to it.

Under one of the windows was a table, most of it covered in various pieces of cloth, string, pins, needles and other sewing equipment. Next to it stood three chairs, only one of which was available for seating, the other two covered in clothing in different stages of finish.

In the chair, facing away the table and towards a decent sized weaving loom sat a middle aged woman. She had a pretty if unremarkable face, brown hair and eyes. Her hair was braided into an elaborate crown twist. She wore a simply cut, dark blue, ankle length dress. An embroidery of a vine circled around, small purple beads in place of grapes glimmered slightly in the light coming through the window. On her feet were warm looking socks, the same colour as the dress and no shoes. Finishing a weft she batted it in place and turned towards her visitors.

“Oh my lord, Olivia what did you make the poor thing dress it. Come, come with a figure like yours what you’re wearing is a crime!”

Alice was slightly overwhelmed by the woman’s energy as she stood just past the door, cub right next to her. She looked down at her bare feet, already dirty from the walk. Looking up she started to speak, hoping to ask for something to wipe them before going in deeper. The seamstress noticed her gaze and looked at Alice’s legs. She quickly made a series of hand gestures and frowning a little, spoke a single word.

“Wash.”

Alice startled as a soft warmth enveloped her feet and legs, all the way up to her knees. Looking at them she saw all the dirt shudder, then fall to the floor and gather in a neat pile. A tingling cause her to raise her feet one after another as the dirt from her soles joined the rest.

“Neat. Didn’t know magic could do that.” She turned towards the seamstress. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome dear. My name’s Bridgitte, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Alice responded with her own name as she walked in. A moment later she looked back, towards the cub who was now fastidiously cleaning her paws. “Don’t mess with anything, there’s a lot of sharp things in here, I don’t want you to hurt yourself. Got it?” The panther stopped cleaning herself for a moment to give a deliberate nod.

“Yes momma!” Alice shook her head, this would take some getting used to. She couldn’t deny the warm feeling the kittens words gave her though.

“Oh my, that’s a smart kitty, isn’t it?” Bridgitte beamed at the black furball for a moment. Standing up, she came up to her two guests and grabbing Alice by the hand she pulled her deeper into the room.

“Now, off with this! I’ve told the boys to be out of the house until evening so there’s no problem with seeing you naked. It’s only us girls here for the foreseeable future, and my husband and son know better than to walk in without knocking.” Olivia laughed at the words, the sound somewhat sinister.

“Bridgitte, after the incident last year every man in the village knows that.”

“Incident?” Alice asked and Olivia obliged, her eyes sparkling.

“Eira managed to bring down a giant spider matron whole. They create silk in their abdomen. They’re quite sturdy, even for a monster. Aside from eyes the base of the abdomen is their weakest spot. Since they usually attack from their webs inbetween trees, the abdomen is the easiest target. This also means that the silk gets usually lost. Eira managed to get one in the eye, however.” As she spoke, she walked over to the bed and sat on its edge with a small sigh.

“And the incident?” Alice prompted, fascinated.

“Drogan, the poor fool got so excited after harvesting the thing, that he just ran straight into Bridgitte’s home holding the bundle of silk...” Alice laughed a little.

“I think I see where this is going.” Olivia nodded.

“You probably do. Long story short, he barged in when Bridgitte was measuring Sophia for a bra. He managed to blurt out an apology, but not close the door before Bridgitte here cast a wind spell on him. You can still see where the branches broke off the bush he landed in.”

Bridgitte huffed at that. She was rummaging through the mess on the table as she spoke.

“He’s lucky Sophia was facing away from the door or I’d have done more. Besides, he wasn’t wrong the silk was amazing to work with and Sophia got a lovely set of underwear from it. Strong as steel, that, but so soft to the touch. I’d love some more.” Her voice got wistful at the end, then she exclaimed pulling out a tape measure. “Aha!”

She walked up to Alice, who now stood naked in the middle of the room, one hand covering her breasts, the other her sex. Bridgitte apparently didn’t care for shame, however, as she unceremoniously yanked her hands and with a impatient “up, up” made her spread them out. Despite herself, Alice’s face grew warm. Which she herself found odd, considering Olivia already saw her nude in the bath last night. Maybe it was the setting?

The next ten minutes were a whirlwind for Alice as Bridgitte measured her all over, giving commands for her to stretch, bend, twist and generally position herself in every conceivable way her body might move. That done, she plopped Alice into the chair, sitting herself next to Olivia. Both women looked at Alice, the seamstress spoke first.

“So. What are we making?” Seeing Alice fidget in the seat, she closed her eyes for a second and motioned with her hand. A large piece of white cloth flew from the table, landing on Alice’s head. She quickly covered herself with it, thinking.

“I don’t really know. I know nothing of the materials or styles. I’m not bothered by temperature, like, at all so I don’t think I’ll need winter clothes, outside of maybe looking out of place. I am going to be travelling and fighting so something durable would be nice. You mentioned the spider silk was rare so that’s probably out, I wouldn’t want to impose on you for such expensive materials anyway. So...” She trailed off at the confused look on Bridgitte’s face.

“You know nothing of materials and styles? How is that—”

“It’s a long story, one I’d love to hear myself, but not right now.” Olivia interrupted, saving Alice from having to explain her circumstances. For now, anyway. “I think... Hmm... Yes. You got enough of the stretch enchanted fabric left for a bodycon dress? And some leggings if possible.” Bridgitte nodded. “Perfect. Do that then, we can figure out more later. And I know you have some of the silk fabric left, make a bra and boxers of that, I’ll repay you for it.”

“The dress won’t be a problem, same for the leggings. but I don’t think there’s enough silk for the underwear though, one piece sure, probably not both.” Alice spoke up then.

“How about a bra and thong and bra? Actually nevermind, please don’t use the last of the materials on me if they’re so hard to come by.”

“Nonsense.” Olivia piped up. “You’re a Champion, whether you know the significance of it is immaterial, you must be dressed appropriately. Besides, this is just for now. We’ll get you a proper wardrobe in time but we got other places to be today and I know Bridgitte can whip up these things quickly enough. We can have tea while she works.” The seamstress was nodding along Olivia’s words. Whimsy piped up then inside Alice’s head.

“She’s right you know. Don’t argue, just let them dress you up.”

“Well, since all three of you agree, I guess I’m outvoted.” Alice said, smiling shyly.

“Three?” Bridgitte asked, looking around, her eyes landing on the panther cub, now thoroughly entangled in a piece of loose string that was lying on the floor. Following her eyes, Alice shook her head and spoke.

“No. You, Olivia and Whimsy. Though I’m sure Chess would agree.“ The cub looked up at the mention of her name, but quickly returned to playing. Alice smiled warmly at her ‘baby’.

“Wh-Whimsy?” Bridgitte squeaked, Olivia patting her on the back.

“She is her champion after all. I also know for a fact she can look through Alice’s eyes. Now, get to work love, we got places to be.”

Bridgitte nodded woodenly, then stood up and approached the table. She pulled a chest from underneath it and from it two bundles of fabric. One was much smaller, pearl white and seemed almost ephemeral. The spider silk, Alice thought. The other was dark green, almost black in how deep the colour was. Bridgitte approached the chair, clearly flustered, unsure on how to address the woman who apparently had a goddess in her head. Alice, however, realised what she needed and stood up, letting the woman sit.

“Thank you, Lady Cha—”

“Oh hell no. Just call me Alice. Please.” The last word came out almost a whine, despite the harshness of her voice when she started talking.

“But Lady Whimsy—”

“Would tell you the same thing. Truly. Now, relax and do your thing. I’m honestly fascinated by it and I might even ask you to teach me. Later. If you’d be willing to do it at some point. I always wanted to learn sewing, but the best I ever managed was simple crochet.”

“I would tell her that. I never stood on ceremony. Part of why I minimized my contact with people for so long.”

“Oh. Oh! Yes, of course. I’d love to teach you.” The seamstress got some of her energy back after Alice’s outburst. She turned to the table and grabbing a pencil she traced the cuts she needed to make on the fabrics, muttering to herself.

Alice stood for a minute, unsure of what to do with herself, still covered in the simple sheet, when Olivia patted the bed next to her.

“Come, we’ll do something about your hair while we wait. Then we can have some tea.”

“Yes, please!” Alice jumped on the offer and quickly sat next to the older woman, turning her back to the oracle.

They spent the next while talking about inconsequential things, village gossip and the like. Alice was delighted, never having experienced what she considered ‘girl time’, like this before.

To everyone’s surprise, Whimsy joined in, through Alice of course, telling a short, but very funny episode from Olivia’s childhood when she was in the previous Oracle’s care. It was honestly hilarious in its silliness and they all laughed, even Olivia. After she got over the embarrassment and fluster of Whimsy remembering that. She was quite taken by her goddess remembering it, and Alice didn’t have the heart to tell her that, as far as she knew, Whimsy had perfect recall.

—

Olivia was just finishing just finishing Alice’s hair, a simple and comfortable braided bun, when Bridgitte stood up. She walked to the centre of the room, cut cloth in one hand and needle and thread in the other. Closing her eyes she focused, then spoke in a clear voice while channelling her mana.

"Let the gusts of air carry this thread with precision and ease,

as I sew this dress with wind gentle breeze.

Gale Stitch!”

Alice looked in fascination as the fabric floated in front of the woman, the separate cuts lining up. Soon the needle and string followed, agilely weaving through the cloth as Bridgitte guided it with swift motions of her fingers. In less than a minute it was done, the end of the string seemingly cutting itself off and securely intertwining into the fabric. With a flick of her wrist, the seamstress sent the newly created set of underwear towards Alice who caught them, enchanted with the sight.

“Wow. That was amazing.” She quickly stood up putting them on. The fabric felt soft and, well... Silky, against her skin. Apparently the seamstress did hear her awkward request as she was now wearing a simple white thong. She fumbled with the bra for a moment, inexperienced, until Olivia beckoned her over and tied it behind her back, securing it in place.

Meanwhile, Bridgitte picked up the larger bundle and returned to her position in the centre of the room, once again chanting the spell. It took longer, though not by much, for the dress to be done as well.

Alice put it on, it was a simple but beautifully cut, sleeveless, body contouring piece. The fabric stretching slightly to perfectly accentuate her figure. The asymmetric design of the dress featured one covered shoulder, the other left bare. It created a striking, eye-catching look drawing attention to Alice's pale shoulders and collarbone. The dress had a simple, clean neckline and a hemline falling just above the knee. Olivia spoke first.

“Oh my. You’ve really outdone yourself Bridgitte.” The woman in question had a proud smile on her face, several beads of sweat on her forehead from the magical exercise. It wasn’t exactly mana intensive, but guiding the needle exactly like she wanted required a lot focus. Alice spoke next, slight unease in her voice.

“It is beautiful. And surprisingly easy to move considering the cut. But... Uhm... it doesn’t seem practical. Especially for village life...” Bridgitte scoffed at her words.

“Oh, pish! It’s not about practicality, we’ll get you those kinds of clothes later. Olivia was right in that this was rather fast to make. She’s also right in that it is one of my best works, if I do say so myself.”

“Momma’s pretty!” Came the purring voice of Chess. She looked up to Alice and padding over, purred while rubbing against her legs. Bridgitte laughed.

“I take it the little one approves?” Alice joined her in her mirth.

“She does indeed. Thank you, this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever worn. You’re a true artist.”

“Hah! Thank you, but that’s hardly true. If you ever get to the capital visit Celestial Couture, my sister works there. She’s the real talent in the family, her clothes are truly magical. And not just because she can enchant them while working. I’m merely competent.”

Alice filed away the name of the shop in her mind. She was almost sure she would go to the capital at some point in her life, and decided to absolutely visit a store that could make even better garments. And enchantment? Yeah, that definitely sounded like something she’d be interested in. She looked towards Olivia, who smiled at her.

“What’s next?”

“Next? Next we have a cup of tea while we gossip some more, though I would appreciate no more embarrassing stories from my youth. After that we go to see Miles. He’s our leatherworker and cobbler. He can’t really make you proper shoes, but a pair of sandals shouldn’t be a problem.”

Alice relaxed, sitting on the bed again as Olivia busied herself making tea. Meanwhile Bridgitte cleaned up the offcuts of fabric and string. She noticed a relatively straight and long piece of the same cloth her dress was made of and asked Bridgitte if she could have it. The woman nodded and passing it to her looked on with interest.

Alice beckoned Cheshire over, the kitten dutifully walking over and jumping on her ‘mom’s’ legs. Alice tied ribbon around her cubs neck into a simple bow that flowed down her left side. Bridgitte grabbed a pair of scissors and quickly came over, cutting the ribbon to size and securing it.

“Now you’re as pretty as your mommy.” Olivia smiled at the now preening Cheshire, who started purring in response. Alice meanwhile grew beet red.

“This will definitely take time to get used to.” She mumbled, embarrassed, causing all the others to laugh.