Solomon enjoyed the sensation of sand between his toes. It was comforting and brought to his mind memories of beach fun. But this time he was on a journey, a journey instigated by his new traveling companion. Next to him, Lotoc, clad in warrior gear, tread along quietly beside him. "You really need to take those boots off you know, this sand feels amazing."
Lotoc grunted.
"To you perhaps, for me it just seems to get everywhere." He flashed Solomon a dragonic grin "My feet smell pretty bad, best to keep those weapons holstered."
Solomon laughed.
Both of them were getting on very well. Solomon was grateful to befriend Lotoc, aside from being a nice person he was also a local to this world. No doubt his knowledge of the lands and its peoples will be invaluable. And right now he was leading them to a prospective client.
The sands slowly receded as they got onto firmer ground. Disappointed, Solomon put his sandals back on.
"We are almost here." Lotoc intoned.
Solomon could make out the town on the horizon. He began to pick up the pace before Lotoc put a hand on his shoulder.
"We don't want to go to the town just yet." He pointed to a hilly area. "My friend lives on one of the hills, just outside of the town."
Solomon glanced up at Lotoc.
"I take it your friend is also non-human?" Lotoc nodded. "And subjected to the same level of bigotry you do?"
Lotoc sighed.
"This world has a lot to learn of tolerance." He smiled. "If more people could be like you then a vision of a utopia would not be far off."
Solomon smiled warmly.
"You give me much praise Lotoc, but I can assure you that I am just as fallible as the next man."
Lotoc gave him a slight shove.
"Okay." Solomon said raising his hands. "I can take the compliment."
The journey wasn't much longer. A winding pathway led them up the hill to the single hut on top. Again, like the township he was in previously, it seemed to be well made. Whatever was the equivalent of the wood working guild in this world was certainly of a high standard. Lotoc led the way, knocking on the door.
"Who is it?" a feminine voice inquired.
"Lotoc".
The door swung open. Solomon couldn't help but smile. In the entrance was, and there was no other way to categorise her, a beautiful mouse lady. Her rodent features were soft, against a fur coloured body of gray and a fetching blue dress. She was at least a head shorter than Solomon, which brought her up to Lotoc's waist, which she was currently hugging enthusiastically. And while she wasn't overweight by any means she was certainly not slim. As a fellow wizard would have described to him, 'much junk in the trunk'.
"It's been too long." She turned to Solomon. "And you have brought someone new."
Solomon could make out the slight note of concern in her voice. Lotoc soothed her concerns instantly.
"He is a friend Bianca, and currently my traveling companion."
Solomon moved forward and gave a slight bow. Bianca curtseyed back.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Solomon, a tantric wizard."
While Bianca had no idea what 'tantric' meant she did understand what a wizard was. She gave Lotoc an impressed look.
"You seem to be going up in the world."
Lotoc laughed.
"He isn't a wizard from this realm Bianca but from another one."
Bianca blinked, but then hurried them in.
"Your timing is great, I have hot scones just from the oven. And a pot of tea on the stove."
Solomon's stomach grumbled in response.
This time Bianca laughed.
"Looks like this is a good time for you too."
Solomon smiled.
"As you say ma'am."
Bianca's domicile was small, but meticulously clean. To one side was a kitchen, with a wooden table large enough for four people, a small alcove with a sofa and a small stair case no doubt going up to the bedroom. Solomon took a seat, with Lotoc helping Bianca pour the tea. Clearly they were good friends as they bantered with each other. Bianca wasn't kidding as she pulled a tray of scones from the oven, they looked perfect. Lotoc pulled the marmalade from the pantry.
"I feel like I am being spoiled."
The conversation and food were exceptional. As Lotoc drained the last of his tea he turned to Bianca.
"Bianca, I have brought my new friend here to... help you."