"I'm... I'm not sure about this, Mathilde..."
"I promise you, nothing will happen. People won't even notice you!"
As a sign of encouragement, Mathilde grabbed one of Lotus's hands in hers, giving it a light squeeze. It didn't do much to assuage her fears.
The golem's... life, for lack of another word, had been good for the last four days. She now had clothes of her own, a set of rugged work-clothes large enough to fit her, and a free access to the library of her home. Mathilde had tried to stop her from doing chores, but she insisted on doing them to repay her for her kindness. The days went by, both spending time in the study together working, reading or playing with an old set of chess... when they were not sharing a bed.
But now, the wizard had finished working on her "commissions" as she called them, and had to make the deliveries around the city to get paid. And she wanted Lotus at her side to do so, which made her anxious. She didn't know why she even felt like this... which didn't make it any better!
"But what if I attracted the wrong kind of attention on you?"
"Trust me, you won't. There is way more bizarre out there than a talking golem! And I'm sure you'll love the sights!"
Mathilde charged forward and opened the door with a wave of her hand. A confusing array of sounds immediately assaulted Lotus's ears, leaving her dizzy for a second. She never expected the door to be this soundproof!
The vixen noticed her distress, seemingly ready to fall back in. As much as it warmed her insides to see her ready to turn around, she didn't want to be a burden. She took a few prudent steps forward, getting out before any of them got cold paws. The sounds grew more manageable after a bit, and she took in her surroundings.
She was standing on a stone passageway, at least five meters above the ground. Beyond a safeguard, she could see a busy and noisy street filled with a crowd of well-dressed peoples. On the other side, she was faced with a ten-floors building constellated with doors, all linked together by thin passageways. She pitied the occupants for a second, given the minuscule size of the abodes, before realising she was standing in an identical, if a bit older building.
"Surprise!" Mathilde cheered. "We were in a pocket dimension the whole time!"
"That's impressive! Is it an enchantment you do, or..."
"Oh no! You pay a fee to a landlord! I'm not good enough for that yet! If it's more modest in size, maybe..." she added, a bit embarrassed.
She must have felt Lotus's interest, as she quickly turned her face away from hers.
"A... anyway! It was some time ago... commissions to deliver! Are you okay with the bag?"
Lotus gave a firm shake to her backpack, making its content jiggle. Inside were a variety of now enchanted objects, but also scrolls, books, and in one case homework for an aspiring wizard richer in money than in focus. She could feel the dusty old tome from the other side, its hard leather cover impossible to miss.
"I'd forget I'm wearing it!"
"Off to the marketplace then!"
Mathilde went ahead with eager steps. Lotus had more troubles however: the path she had to follow, and especially the stairs going down, were not built for someone her size, and she had to both crouch and go sideways to make any meaningful progress. It took her minutes to reach ground level, and she clearly was expected there.
"I'm so..."
"You don't have to." Mathilde interjected. "I'm the one who made you this... large! I'll stay with you next time, okay?"
She answered by taking the wizard hand in hers, giving her a grateful smile. That seemed to surprise her, given her flustered face, but she still gave a squeeze back before Lotus let go.
"Eh, that's... nothing, really. So! The marketplace! I think you'll like it, there's always plenty to see!"
"Are you going to set up a shop there?"
"No... It's just that most of my clients are waiting for me around here. There's plenty of bars, eateries and cafés there to wait... plus, I cannot afford a spot there anyway!" she added in a hushed tone.
After a little laugh, she started navigating the roads of the city in earnest, making sure not to go too fast, something that Lotus appreciated. While the paved roads were larger, they were also filled with passers-by of all shapes and size, all of them going their own way without any sense or reason. As predicted, none spared her a glance, and she started to feel a bit better about going outside, even as she often jumped out of someone's way.
This path opened after a short slope, allowing Lotus to see the city proper. She instantly became enthralled by the gigantic town square, by the variety of temporary constructions of all kind invading it, and felt crushed by immense buildings surrounding it. Her eyes darted all over the place, trying and failing to make sense of the multitudes of colours, shapes and sounds that imposed themselves to her. Tents, carriages, shops, merchants and products... all these details quickly the same moving blur in her mind, yet she was unable to do anything else than to look around for more of these things she could no longer comprehend, her limbs locking up as she tried to process it all.
She barely registered two gentle hands grabbing her arm, and it took her a considerable effort to turn her head toward them, coming face to face with a worried Mathilde.
"Lotus, what's happening?"
"Can't move... can't look..." she said in a stilted voice.
"Oh... I know what it is! Focus on me. On my voice. My moves. I'll get us out of here. You can do it."
Lotus did as she was told, focusing on the feel of her mistress's hands on her arm, on her encouraging smile, on her kind eyes, letting all of these things be the only ones to occupying her racing mind. She had to be stronger for her sake. She didn't want to be stuck again should she be threatened by anything.
And so she turned her body away from the deafening market, making cautious steps forward as her limbs started to answer again.
"Perfect." cheered the wizard. "We're going somewhere quiet. Don't let me go!"
Mathilde turned around her, shifting one of her hands to hold Lotus's as they both advanced. Luckily, they soon passed a wooden door that closed right behind them. The noise of the outside was reduced to mere whispers in an instant, and she started to feel better. She opened her mouth to apologize, but a silent glare from the vixen killed her attempt.
"Don't. It's my fault again." Mathilde angrily said. "I should have known it would happen, and take adequate precautions first. I didn't build you to take this much stimulus at once, and yet I thought it would go oh so well, like I always do!"
"No need to make a scene or beat yourself over it. I'm better. We can think about that later..."
"... you're right Lotus." she answered with a tired sigh. "I'll make it quick, I promise."
She went further inside, and Lotus followed as she cautiously eyed around. Thankfully, it was smaller than the outside: the fancy counter and polished wood floor hinted at a rather posh place, maybe a wizard's café if the robes wore by the customers, full of complex colourful patterns and embroideries, and the steaming cups were any indication.
Mathilde went through the crowd of mugs sipping and pastries eating patrons naturally, despite looking quite out of place. Her simple blue robe had obvious signs of wear and tear on it, and its cheap cut contrasted with those around her in the worst way possible. A shame. In Lotus's eyes, she was the prettiest in the room by far!
They both went to a peacock sitting alone on a big cushion. He was busy studying a book, ignoring the now cold breakfast laid on the table in front of him. Despite his impeccable red and green feathers and his richly adorned orange robe, he was laying on his back in a very inelegant manner, his talons placed on the border of the table. Something inside Lotus wanted to swat them off in annoyance, but she decided to be the bigger person and let it slide as Mathilde sat down in front of him.
"Lud, I hope you've been well!" she started, motioning Lotus for the bag.
"Yeah... catching up and all..."
For a second, Lotus felt the urge to smack him on the head to make him focus on something for once in his life. She however remained calm, wondering where this came from.
"Here are your books... and the homework related to them! Feel free to control if you wish!"
"I will. Your payment is... right here."
He made a vague "come here" motion with his hands, prompting something to step forward. Lotus realised it was another golem, and she couldn't help but stare at it. In some ways, it looked like her: a body made of what was obviously animated clay, even if it had a more masculine form, with an athletic form and a shiny crystal in its chest.
Yet it seemed so far removed from her in everything else. It didn't wear any clothes, instead being sculpted to looks like it was clothed. There was nothing in its eyes, not even an acknowledgement of her stare. It just stood completely still after it did its purpose, waiting for its next task.
She felt weird, as if she was looking into a twisted reflection of herself. Was she really this lifeless before she found the courage to act upon these feelings stirring inside of her? Could it still be the case? Could someone even love someone that was nothing more than clay and magic?
"Wow! I'll say, this golem of yours is exquisite! I get why you'd get it clothed!"
She turned away from the golem to look at the peacock. His inquisitive, up and down glances felt worst that his previous ignorance of her. Something inside wanted to tell him to scram, but she managed to keep quiet despite her mouth opening slightly, instead looking up to Mathilde for support.
"Thanks. Her name is Lotus" the wizard answered with slight annoyance. "And no, she's not for sale."
"A pity! I've never been that good in transmutation! Mine makes do, but yours... she's just much more lifelike! Don't her assets affect her balance?" he said while pointing at her ample chest.
He obviously meant it to candidly if his face was any indication, yet the question flustered Mathilde to no end. She incoherently blubbered for a few seconds, looked up to Lotus only to find her eyes right in front of her "assets", and finally awkwardly stood up, clearly embarrassed.
"Well... hmm... it doesn't hinder anything!" she answered with a weak laugh. "Anyhow, I have to go. Be sure to contact me if you need anything else!"
She quickly retreated to the exit. After a beat, Lotus waved goodbye to the peacock, who responded in kind, before following suit. She found the vixen outside, her back pressed to the wall of the café as she regained her breath, whispering to herself.
