As they exited the guild, Caelum's thoughts turned to the potential uses of the Chameleonmorph. He pondered crafting something unique, a piece that could harness the creature's rare abilities.
On their way back to the inn, Caelum and Lily took a detour through the bustling streets of Lighthaven, making their way to a variety of clothing stores. The streets were alive with the vibrant hum of the town's daily life, merchants calling out their wares, and locals and travelers alike browsing the offerings.
The first shop they entered was a modest establishment, its wooden facade adorned with hanging fabrics of various colors and textures. Inside, rows of garments were neatly displayed, ranging from practical travel wear to more ornate attire.
Caelum browsed through the selection, his eyes scanning for durable and comfortable clothing suitable for their journey. Lily, meanwhile, was caught up in the array of colors and designs, her enthusiasm evident.
"Elara will need some clothes as well," Caelum remarked, picking up a sturdy-looking tunic.
Lily hesitated before asking, "Do you know her size?"
Caelum paused, realizing he had no idea. "I haven't thought about it," he admitted.
Lily, trying to gauge Elara's size, decided to try on a few items herself, thinking they might fit Elara. She disappeared into the fitting room with a selection of clothes.
Caelum waited, his gaze wandering over the shop's assortment of clothes. He picked out a few more items for himself – a pair of durable boots, some sturdy pants, and a couple of shirts.
When Lily emerged, she was wearing a simple yet flattering dress. "I think this size should fit Elara," she said, a bit self-conscious.
Caelum nodded, "We'll take it, along with these," he said, gesturing to the pile of clothes he had selected.
After selecting clothes, Caelum turned his attention to undergarments, understanding their comfort and necessity, especially in a world where such items were a luxury reserved for the wealthy. In Eryndor, only nobles and the affluent wore bras and panties, while the less fortunate used cloth wrappings. This disparity in clothing comfort was another aspect of the stark social differences in this world.
The issue of sizing resurfaced, but this time Lily couldn't assist as she had with the clothes. These were private items, not to be tried on publicly. Caelum, recalling a trick from his past life, picked up a panty and, to Lily's surprise, wrapped it around her neck. Lily blushed, confused by his actions.
Caelum explained, his tone matter-of-fact, "The waist length is equal to your neck circumference. So, if you try panties like this, you can check if they fit or not."
"That can't be true," Lily exclaimed, her tone a mix of disbelief and playfulness.
Caelum handed her one. "Go and try. You'll see," he urged.
Lily, a challenging smile on her face, disappeared behind the curtain to test his theory. Moments later, she emerged, the panty still in her hand, a look of amazement on her face. "It... it actually fits," she admitted, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
When Lily emerged from behind the curtain, she was holding the panty, its warmth a testament to her body heat. She hesitated, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and modesty. The panty had touched her most private part, and she was too ashamed to hand it over to Caelum. Sensing her discomfort, Caelum didn't ask for it back. Instead, he gestured towards the array of undergarments. "You can keep it. Actually, pick many other clothes," he said, his voice reassuring.
Lily's eyes widened, surprise mingling with delight. "I can't afford these," she protested softly, her gaze lingering on the delicate fabrics.
Caelum reached out, tapping her forehead lightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "You helped me, so this is your payment. Go and take whatever you want," he encouraged.
Lily's initial reluctance gave way to excitement, but she remained modest, not wanting to impose. She carefully selected a few items, each chosen with a practical eye. Caelum, following her, noticed the items she lingered on but ultimately left behind due to their price. Quietly, he added those to their collection.
As they continued shopping, the conversation flowed easily between them. Lily shared stories about Lighthaven, her enthusiasm for the town evident in her vivid descriptions. Caelum listened intently, his eyes occasionally scanning the bustling streets, always aware of their surroundings.
They discussed the upcoming quest, and Lily expressed her admiration for Caelum's bravery and skills. "You're unlike anyone I've met," she said, a hint of awe in her voice.
Caelum sighed, a mixture of emotions swirling within him as he considered Lily's question. Conversations with women had always served a single purpose for him in the past—flirting and pursuing physical pleasures. But Lily was different, too young and innocent for the world he had once lived in. He was no longer the man known as Eclipse, the shadowy figure who thrived in the darkness and whose life had been devoid of lasting bonds.
His former existence had conditioned him to view interactions through the lens of satisfaction, something he no longer wished to repeat. He didn't want to give Lily false hope or lead her down a path that wasn't meant for her. Their lives had different paths, and he couldn't deny the vast differences between them.
"You will meet many people. You are still young," Caelum said, his voice tinged with a knowing that went beyond his years. He was aware of how cliché his words sounded, but they held a weight of experience and understanding that he could not fully express.
Lily's smile faltered, her youthful enthusiasm dimming slightly in the shadow of his words. She knew the gentle cadence of a polite rejection all too well, having handed out her fair share to overeager customers at the inn. Her eyes shimmered with a sheen of unshed tears, not from the sting of rejection, but from the realization that her fleeting hopes of a future with Caelum were just that—fleeting.
"I understand," Lily said softly, her voice betraying a hint of the disappointment she felt. "I guess I was just... caught up in the moment."
Caelum observed her, his expression softening slightly. "You have a bright future ahead of you, Lily. Don't let a traveler's passing shadow dim your path," he advised, his tone sincere.
Lily nodded, attempting a brave smile. "Thank you, Caelum. For everything." She paused, then added, "I should return to the inn. My father will need help with the evening crowd."
Caelum nodded, understanding her need to retreat. "I'll return to the inn as well. Elara must be wondering where I am."
As they walked back to the inn, the streets of Lighthaven had taken on the vibrant hues of the evening. Lanterns and candles flickered in the windows of homes and shops, casting a warm glow on the cobblestone streets. The lively chatter and laughter of the townspeople filled the air, a stark contrast to the quiet understanding that had settled between Caelum and Lily.
Upon reaching the inn, Lily excused herself, her usual vibrant energy subdued. "Thank you for the shopping, Caelum. It was... an experience."
Caelum offered a nod, understanding the unspoken emotions behind her words. "Take care, Lily."
As Lily disappeared into the inn, Caelum stood for a moment outside, taking in the sights and sounds of Lighthaven at dusk. He then entered the inn, his mind returning to the quest ahead and the preparations needed.
Inside, the common room was bustling with activity. Patrons filled the tables, enjoying their meals and conversations. The warm glow of the hearth and the aroma of food created a cozy atmosphere, a welcome respite from the chill of the evening.