Rhoelyn: “Why won’t it come out of my hair or fur?!” Nysse exclaims as she tries to brush Tsume’s goopy fur. Mu Lin has the grace to cover his mouth.
Araatris: Graceful Swan looks at Mai with a grimace. “Probably, we should have warned you about the tendency to spit jade slurry. I’ll… fetch the soap.”
Rhoelyn: Rhoelyn smiles. “Thank you. Do you have someplace we can bathe? I’d hate to make a mess on the street. Sister, I don’t think the brush is helping…”
Araatris: Tsume growls and nips at Nysse’s hand as she yanks once again on her fur. “Okay, okay…” The huntress grimaces. “Puckish sprites are NOT cute. Ew.”
Rhoelyn: Swan nods. “I’ll prepare a spot in the inn… and we’ll wash your clothes, but,” she pauses, “Thank you.” She hurries off as Tsume whines at Nysse.
Araatris: Rhoelyn’s smile soon dies as she looks down at the tiny splash that got on her gown. “I hope it doesn’t stain.” With a sigh, she brushes at it.
Rhoelyn: “It shouldn’t, but I worry about the soap on that fabric. Will it hold up to heavy scrubbing?” Mai leans down to look at the spot. Nysse hugs Tsume.
Araatris: “I suppose we’ll soon find out.” The priestess wears a mournful expression that says she doesn’t hold out much hope. She glances at the others.
Rhoelyn: A few minutes later Swan comes to gather them. “We found a large tub for Tsume as well.” They follow her to the back to the inn.
Araatris: It’s an hour before Nysse slips into the little room in the inn, drying her hair after bathing Tsume. Rhoelyn drowses in the chair by the window.
Rhoelyn: Nysse grins and leaves the towel hanging over her neck as she looks out the window. She speaks quietly, “Resting, Rhoe? Did you get the stain out?”
Araatris: The priestess opens her eyes and yawns, stretching. Her grin is sheepish as she answers, “I think it came out. How is dear Tsume? Not shaven?”
Rhoelyn: The huntress looks relieved. “No, but I was worried. It took a while to get out of my hair, too.” She walks over to the bed, flopping back on it.
Araatris: Rhoe slips to her feet and pads over, grabbing her brush along the way. “Sit up, sister,” she says with a grin, nudging Nysse’s shoulder.
Rhoelyn: With an amused snort, the younger elf sits up. “You want to brush my hair? It’s not near as long as yours so that it needs it, but go ahead.”
Araatris: Grimacing, Rhoelyn runs the brush through Nysse’s shoulder-length green locks. “Nysse, you m-…” She just sighs and chuckles. “Never mind.”
Rhoelyn: Without thinking, Nysse twists to look at her, halting Rhoelyn’s efforts, “What?” She blinks at the priestess. “You can keep talking. I don’t mind.”
Araatris: She smiles and taps the back of the brush on her sister’s nose. “I was going to say you must brush your hair even if it’s short. But I know you.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse blushes. “Oh. Rhese brushes my hair sometimes. I… tend to fall asleep when he does though.” She ducks her head and turns back around.
Araatris: Giggling, Rhoelyn resumes her work. “It seems I’ve rubbed off on him, then. I often had to remind him to brush his hair when it was just us.”
Rhoelyn: “He misses you when we go on missions. I do, too, but… it’s not the same.” The huntress’ voice has a drowsy quality. “I miss them, Rhoe.”
Araatris: After a few more strokes of the brush, the priestess says quietly, “I do, too, sister.” She pats Nysse’s shoulder. “We’ll be home soon enough.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse yawns, “It’s strange how much a few years ago, I would have preferred to be alone. An’da traveled a lot, too. You’d think I’d be used to it.”
Araatris: Rhoelyn turns with a rustle, sitting on the edge of the bed. “Perhaps you were, but time changes us. And now you have a mate and a wonderful (c)
Araatris: (c) little boy. You’re not the same girl who wanted no one but her wolf and the woods. You have people who need you and who you need.”
Rhoelyn: Ducking her head in embarrassment, Nysse still manages engulf Rhoelyn in a tight hug. “Rhoe… “ She mumbles, “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Araatris: The smaller woman blushes but smiles, returning the hug. “I shall always be here for you, Nysse.” She gives her a squeeze before pulling back.
Rhoelyn: The huntress quickly releases her, then rubs a purplish rosy cheek. “Thank you.” She glances back at the window. “Are we staying the night here?”
Araatris: Getting up from the bed, Rhoe pads over and rests a hand on the window, looking out. “Yes. Mu Lin says it is too late to reach Tian Monastery.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse nods. “I’ll go see if we can bring your stuff in. You’ll want your trunk for in the morning. There’s a few shops if you want to walk.”
Araatris: Though her reflection in the window looks tired, Rhoelyn turns with a nod. “It would be good to get out amongst the people. We -are- here to learn.”
Rhoelyn: “We are, but we can do that at Tian Monastery as well if you’re tired.” Nysse yawns and stretches. “I certainly am now that my hair is brushed.”
Araatris: “I… would not oppose a nap. But…” She looks back out the window, noting the long angle of the sun. “No, I doubt we have enough time for both.”
Rhoelyn: Smiling, Nysse yawns again, “I suppose not. Let’s go look at the shops. I’ll catch Jay on the way on the trunk.” She pushes to her feet.
Araatris: Rhoelyn yawns and stretches once more before smoothing her hands over her hair and clothes. “I promise not to keep you too long, sister.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse shakes her head. “I don’t mind.” They head into the main room of the inn. It’s crackling with activity from both humans and pandaren alike.
Araatris: The priestess is all quiet smiles and warmth as she greets people on their way to the market area. Many villagers offer Nysse thanks and bows.
Rhoelyn: The huntress demurely denies any need for thanks. Outside, they wander from building to building until a tailor’s shop catches Rhoelyn’s gaze.
Araatris: With a grin, the priestess snags Nysse’s hand and tugs her over to the shop. She gazes in wide-eyed appreciation at the Pandaren styles.
Rhoelyn: Looking over her shoulder, Nysse exclaims, “Oh look! A dumpling cart! I’ll be-.” At the gleam in Rhoelyn’s eyes, she sighs, “…right here.”
Araatris: It only takes a couple of dresses, tugged out and held up against Nysse, to her horror, before it’s clear that they are not sized for night elves.
Rhoelyn: The seamstress watches for a moment before stepping up. “Would you like to see how this looks on her? I can pin it to show you how it’d fit.”
Araatris: “Oh, I would love that!” Nysse pales and tries not to grimace as Rhoe laughingly continues, “But I fear my sister would not. May I ask questions?”
Rhoelyn: The pandaren woman nods briskly. “Of course you can.” Nysse bites her lip. “We could do it if you really want, Rhoe. You don’t ask for much.”
Araatris: The smaller woman dismisses her offer with a wave, smiling. “I would not dream of torturing you so, Nysse. Why don’t you get us some dumplings?”
Rhoelyn: Nysse scatters like a pup let off her leash. “Alright!” Rhoelyn and the Pandaren woman chuckle before settling into chatter about the dresses.
Araatris: As Nysse waits for the food, jangling a few coins in her hand and enjoying the scent in the air, she begins to feel the weight of eyes upon her.
Rhoelyn: She bounces back and forth on the balls of her toes and casually glances around. Nysse frowns thoughtfully as she doesn’t notice anything strange.
Araatris: When the transaction is done, the huntress takes her treats and wanders a bit, keeping the dress shop in sight. No one seems to trail her.
Rhoelyn: With a final sigh, she turns and heads back to the shop. A brief unfamiliar sound stops her by the door and Nysse looks about with narrowed eyes.
Araatris: Around her, villagers go about their business, oblivious of her tension. As she casts about, Jay and Ramona approach from across the path.
Rhoelyn: Nysse meets them and motions them close. Despite their confusion at her frown, Nysse mumbles, “Something doesn’t feel right. Keep an eye out.”
Araatris: The two guards exchange a grave look, and Jay nods. “Stay with the priestess, miss. We’ll look around and see what we can find.”
Rhoelyn: “I haven’t seen anything, but I’d rather be safe.” Nysse parts with them and steps back into the shop, smiling. “Rhoe, I have the dumplings!”
Araatris: Greeting her with a big smile, the smaller elf says, “Nysse! Great news! Mistress Pela is willing to alter dresses for us before we leave.”
Rhoelyn: The huntress stumbles as she walks to the priestess. “Really? That’s wonderful, but aren’t we leaving in the morning?” She offers a dumpling.
Araatris: As she takes the food, Rhoelyn gushes. “Amazing, isn’t it?” She turns back to the Pandaren. “Truly, mistress. It’s incredibly generous of you.”
Rhoelyn: Pela waves her hand. “It’s the least I can do for someone who helped rid us of those pests. Now, we just need to pick a gown and pin it. Who’s first?”
Araatris: When the other woman pauses to munch on the dumpling, Nysse takes the chance to object. “They’re lovely, but I really don’t need a dress, Rhoe.”
Rhoelyn: Rhoe smiles. “Everyone needs a dress, and I promised Rhese that I’d find you something to wear.” Nysse stops mid-bite, attempting to speak.
Araatris: She sighs, taking hold of Nysse’s arm since her hands are full. “Please, sister? I want you to have one, too. Even if it sits in your wardrobe.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse can’t help but smile teasingly at Rhoelyn. She swallows her latest bite. “You Silverwings… when have I ever been able to say no to you.”
Araatris: Rhoelyn just smiles happily and offers, “I’ll go first, so you can finish the dumplings while we work.” She and the tailor head into a back room.
Rhoelyn: The huntress takes the vacated seat and scoots so she can see both doors. She eats and waits, listening to them talk through the doorway.
Araatris: After a while, amidst the rustling of fabric, Rhoe calls out, “Nysse? Do you want me to choose a dress for you? You may want to look around.”
Rhoelyn: Looking around with wide-eyes, Nysse surveys the multitude of gowns around her. She stutters, “P-p-perhaps I should leave that to you…”
Araatris: She hears a pause and a chuckle from the other room. “Don’t fret, sister. I’ve already had my eye on the one for y- oh!” Glass shatters loudly.
Rhoelyn: With a startled gasp, Nysse rushes to the door and flings it open. “Rhoe! Are you okay?” She freezes in the doorway and stares with big eyes.
Araatris: The small, round window is shattered, and Mistress Pela and Rhoe are both pressed against the opposite wall. Outside, two figures rush past.
Rhoelyn: “Rot!” Nysse turns to chase, but growls, realizing that she can’t leave them alone. She hurries to them. “Are you okay? Did you see what happened?”
Araatris: “I-I’m not harmed. Mistress?” The tailor shakes her head at Rhoe’s questioning look. “I’m so sorry about the window.” She looks at Nysse.
Rhoelyn: “We didn’t see anything.” Nysse nods. “Can you get a broom? I’ll look around and then we’ll clean up.” The huntress examines the floor and window.
Araatris: Glass is sprayed all over the room, though it’s not clear what broke it. Rhoe steps up, righting her dress. “I felt like someone was watching.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse sighs, “I felt it, too. I told Jay and Ramona to keep an eye out, but it didn’t help. I’m sorry, Rhoe.” She glances over her one more time.
Araatris: The priestess rests a hand on her arm. “It was probably just someone curious and careless.” Mistress Pela enters with a broom and pan.
Rhoelyn: “Here. I’ll take that so you can keep working on Rhoe’s gown.” Nysse smiles. “I insist.” She gently takes the pair from the seamstress.
Araatris: The woman bows. “Thank you, miss.” She turns to the priestess and shoos her back into position, grabbing her pins once more. Rhoe fidgets.
Rhoelyn: Nysse frowns. “Is something wrong, Rhoe?” She sweeps around the platform that they’d been using. When there’s no answer, Nysse looks up.
Araatris: Feeling the weight of her stare, Rhoelyn glances up from her reverie as the tailor fusses around her. “Oh, apologies. Did you say something?”
Rhoelyn: Shaking her head, Nysse replies, “Enjoy your dress. I’ll be right here. You have nothing to worry about.” She smiles reassuringly as she cleans.
Araatris: The other woman stays silent for another moment before smiling at the Pandaren. She fills the rest of the few minutes of work with inane chatter.
**Rhoelyn :** When done, Nysse chooses a chair to the side and rests there. “It’s looking good on you. The color suits your skin and hair. I wonder if Rhese…”
Araatris: A tap at the window frame has her reaching for her bow before she realizes that it’s a familiar face. Jay frowns in through the broken glass.
Rhoelyn: Nysse strides to the window. “Jay, I’m glad you’re here. I didn’t want to leave them so I couldn’t go outside…” She explains what happened.
Araatris: The guard listens gravely. “So that’s it. We thought we saw a figure near the window, but when we gave chase, there was no sign of anyone.”
Rhoelyn: She presses her lips into a thin line. “I figured. It may have just been an accident from someone curious, but let’s post guards tonight.”
Araatris: The human nods. “I’ll see to it. Just leave it to us; we’ll make sure nothing comes of this, whatever it was.” He salutes before he turns away.
Rhoelyn: The huntress returns to her seat. She smiles fondly at Rhoelyn as she chatters happily with Pela about the gown. “Are you having fun, Rhoe?”
Araatris: “Oh, yes.” The other elf smiles at her, playing with one of the extra sashes with her nervous hands. The tailor pats her leg. “All finished.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse nervously swallows. “I guess that means I’m next.” She glances at the window. “It’s not getting too late for you, Mistress Pela, is it?”
**Araatris** The Pandaren shakes her head and gestures to the place Rhoelyn has just vacated. “This is a special order, miss. We’ll continue as needed.”
Rhoelyn: “So… what do you need me to do?” She bites her lip as she stands and walks to the small platform. Mistress Pela smiles and points to a screen.
Araatris: “Please change.” She looks over, but doesn’t have a chance to ask before Rhoelyn offers her a dress. The tailor grins, “A nice choice, priestess.”
Rhoelyn: The young night elf wipes her hands on her pants before taking the dress. “Y-yes…” She slips behind the screen, changing into the golden gown.
Araatris: When the huntress steps out, nervously clutching the dress to her chest, Rhoelyn smiles. “Oh, it is a good choice. It’s perfect for you.”
Rhoelyn: Nysse mutters, “How can you tell? It’s barely holding on…” She steps up onto the platform, blushing fiercely. Rhoelyn circles her like a shark.
Araatris: “You’ll see it yourself once she’s worked her unique magic, sister. Bear with it.” The priestess gives Pela a warm smile. “This is very exciting!”
Rhoelyn: Nysse smiles weakly. “Of course. She did a lovely job on yours.” The night elf submits quietly to the seamstress’ commands as Rhoe and her talk.
Araatris: What seems to Nysse to be an eternity later, she’s given permission to change back into her armor, the golden dress wrangled into form.
Rhoelyn: She sighs in relief and hurries to change. “Is there anything else you need from us? Do we pay now or tomorrow morning?” Nysse peeks out.
Araatris: The tailor waves a dismissive hand. “The gowns are a thank you for putting yourselves in danger to help us. They will be ready in the morning.”
Rhoelyn: Rhoelyn shakes her head behind Pela and Nysse bows her head. “Thank you very much.” She leans back to put on the final pieces of her armor.
Araatris: It’s not long before they step from the shop, turning to offer one last wave at the kind tailor. Ramona and Sarah are waiting outside.
Rhoelyn: The huntress flushes and mumbles, “Good evening. I hope it was uneventful after earlier…” The women greets them. “Nothing at all, miss.”
Araatris: Nysse nods and looks at Rhoelyn. “Would you mind if we head back to the inn, now? It’s getting late, anyway.” The priestess nods.
Rhoelyn: They make their way back through the streets and a couple of times Nysse glances over her shoulder with a frown, feeling eyes on them again.
Araatris: While aware of her sister’s wariness, the little priestess calmly chats with the two female guards about their day on the trip back to the inn.
Rhoelyn: They settle into their room for the night as the guards set up at the door and another patrolling outside. The night elves head to sleep reassured.