The voice sounded utterly familiar, but that was just impossible. Kraghtol turned around to the woman leaning casually against the lamppost and couldn’t help but smile.
“Liva!”
A variety of emotions chased across her face before she settled on a big, natural laugh.
“Oh, this is rich. You seem determined to ruin my business at every celebration now, don’t you? Itisyou, Kragh, right?”
“Yeah, it’s me. How did you know? And why are you here?”
She rolled her eyes. “I didn’t know. I was working, you idiot! But since you apparently knew me, and I usually have an excellent memory for men…”
She shrugged, and Kraghtol was impressed. Either she was not telling the whole truth, or she had a truly remarkable memory.
“So, you did take the potion then? Come on, don’t be shy, show me the wares!”
“The… wares?” Kraghtol asked, confused, but Liva just laughed.
“Your new body, your face. I’ve never seen an alchemical potion that could change who you are in action, so forgive my curiosity.”
Kraghtol stepped closer to the light, and Liva scrutinized him thoroughly.
“Hm. I’ve got to say, I’ve never seen a more… average guy. Are you…?” Her gaze went down, and Kraghtol felt blood rushing to his head.
“Yes, average. In all aspects. Now, can we change the topic, please?”
Liva grinned.
“Sure, whatever you want. You’re the client. But what a coincidence to meet you here, of all places.”
“I- I’m not your client! And I could say the same. What are you doing in Winterstone?”
The mischievous sparkle in her eyes reassured him he would not have to pay her for her time, and she shrugged as if that was enough explanation.
“I told you I didn’t plan to die in Caemdir. And I just happened to pass through Winterstone on the solstice day, hoping to make some coins. But so far, I have had no luck. Hey, what about you? Have you… found someone? A cute boyfriend, perhaps?”
Her smirk was infuriating. Somehow, the knowledge of his real identity made it even worse.
“No, of course not! I’m here to study. And you know —” he lowered his voice, “— this isn’t my actual body. Or even my real name. Imagine waking up next to someone one morning only to discover that the effects of the potion have worn off. What do you suppose the other guy would say?”
“How about ‘Good morning, sexy’?”
Kraghtol laughed, but for once, Liva stayed serious.
“Seriously, what is he supposed to say? That he only loved the human Kragh, but not the real Kragh? If that’s the kind of man he is, he wouldn’t be worth a second look, anyway.”
Kraghtol shook his head.
“That’s easy for you to say. But you don’t need to —”
“— hide who I am? Yeah, right, think about that one again, big guy.”
She grinned, and Kraghtol had to give her that. She was a guild-unapproved prostitute. Of course, she had to hide on a daily basis. Before he could come up with an answer, however, Liva went on.
“Anyway, I didn’t come here to argue about your love life. Or lack thereof. If I can’t get a client, celebrating with a friend is just as good a way to start the new year. Come on, let’s find a good place to wait for the new year!”
She took his arm and dragged him towards the center of the market, where a sizeable crowd had gathered with a good view of the brightly illuminated clock tower.
“There’s barely ten minutes left before the new year. Let’s hope for a good one.”
