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Reaching out quickly, I stop Lilanca before she can place the fragrance into the basin. "My apologies, dear, but I have recently been subject to some rather unpleasant circumstances when I've not been careful. I mean no disrespect to you, but please humor a man his temporary paranoia." I gesture to the basin, washcloth and pitcher and then continue, "If you will but hand me those, I can manage to rinse myself off, though I appreciate the thoughts and kindness. A Goliath walking around smelling of flowery scents is not one to be taken seriously, don't you think?" Hoping I've softened the blow of distrust with a bit of warm humor and a kind voice throughout. I gesture once more, gently, to the pitcher, basin and washcloth, smiling in what I hope is a friendly manner.

"I'm not sure what, exactly, has brought me to Baya. I suppose it could be a general wanderlust, but I felt the need to leave my home and seek... something else. Would you know how long it will be before the evening meal is good and ready? And is it good? I've had nothing but some rather bitter fish the past few days..."

"Absolutely sir!" She complies with your modesty requests. "But I still have not gotten your name. Dinner will be served across the street at Ily’s Teahouse. I’ll be going over there shortly to help serve the guests. We can go together if you would like and I can introduce you to Ily." She is smiling, but you soon realize that the pause in her conversation includes a blank stare, and then absolute blankness as in the lack of all things. Her eyes disappear.

From Lilanca’s mouth comes a raspy voice, "One. Be at the fountain tomorrow before dawn. They need you."

"Oh yes. The food is very good. "

"Apologies, Lilanca. You may call me Stormslayer. I would be glad to accompany you, as soon as I'm done rinsing off." Using the wash cloth, I enjoy the delicious heat of the water to slough off the last of the soap, then step out of the tub and walk over to the towel. More of this One stuff... Is this all in my head, and I being played with? I still need to find the friend of that old sea dog somehow. Though, if I don't find him, I supposed I could sell off those clothes and add to my recent wealth...

I realize I've been lost in my thoughts as I dried myself off and hadn't notices how Lilanca was watching me out of the side of her eyes, trying to hide the flush of her cheeks. Ugh. And they call us uncivilized! Having finished drying off, I begin to get dressed, slightly annoyed at the way the cloth pulls at my saturated skin.

"Do you know... will the shops and artisans be open for business for a period after dinner? I'd like to get some supplies before I turn in for the night. I've apparently got an appointment rather early in the morning." I offer Lilanca my arm, having succeeded in getting dressed despite of the disagreement between the cloth and my skin. Then I realize that she would have to reach up quite a way to hold my arm, and it's my turn to feel a little flush.

Her smile broadens as you blush. "Doing your shopping will be no trouble at all. Give me a list of what you want and one of the boys can get you the best dndbeyond prices, no markup, and if you don’t like anything they buy for you, don’t pay for them for it. They can always take it back. Unless it’s exotic, well, that can arranged too. They can shop while you eat! After all," she giggles and winks at you, "service is included in your room bill

"Great! if you wouldn't mind delaying for a moment, and have some paper and ink..." Lilanca and I exit the bathing facility, and she guides me to another room, where a desk with pen, paper and ink are all set out. I quickly jot down a list of a few things I would like the acquire, blot it, fold it and hand it to her. It reads as follows:
We proceed to head toward the front of the domicile, stopping briefly as Lilanca hands the list of my requests to what I assume is "one of the boys." Across the street, I find a dinner hall with rich foods and mild drinks, the latter of which I don't mind, as I'm trying to keep my wits about me. Too many mistakes and hard lessons in too short a time, I think to myself. At least they have a good bard spinning a descent tale, rising and falling on the melodies of adventure and whimsy.

This is what he sang...