Truly, the sculptress enjoyed the nomad's company even more than she realized. She had fun on their outings and missions alike, even though the only missions they took were all centered around that magic shop, working under the same boss. So when Alisa looked over the request board, she wanted to take something different. That was, until she saw the old man's latest job offer.
Though she wound up picking another magic shop task, she knew things would be different this time: Mr. Saton the magical shopkeeper specifially called on people who had helped him out in the past, people like Marina and Alisa. Whatever his problem was this time around, it clearly sounded serious, at least more serious than it had been in the last couple of times.
He even warned any potential help to come prepared for a fight, something he'd never done before.
Of course, such words prompted Alisa's choice of outfit, fanning herself as she looked through her wardrobe. She was still inside and it was already this hot, enough for sweaty droplets to trail down her smooth skin... Even if she wanted to wear her usual winning combination of coat, skirt and tights, it was far too hot - bright and clear summer skies with little to no wind - no matter how fresh those clothes might be. She needed something lighter. Fortunately, she had several alternatives, including a couple of white battle dresses. Or so she might call them but ultimately whoever looked at her might be inclined to think it was little more than a modified swimsuit.
And in a way it was: actually pretty comfortable to swim in and even the panties she had underneath were bikini bottoms.
This one had sheer openings on the sides and a black zipper running down the front, yet despite that tight squeeze around her curves and resulting cleavage, the fabric let her skin breathe and kept her fresh and cool during the toughest of workouts.
Of course, she couldn't deny the sensuality factor - the poor old shopkeeper might just have a heart attack - but in this case it just came as an added plus, assuming it even made any difference in hot weather like this. And the moment she
stepped into the hotel's dining room for a light breakfast, she found she was no exception: Just about everyone was wearing as little clothing as modestly possible.
After having a bowl of cereal and a glass of fresh orange juice, she stepped outside, heading straight for the Magic shop: "What a lovely day...", she commented, inhaling deeply, then tying her long hair in a high ponytail. And indeed it was; not only were the skies completely clear, but the the dry summer heat kept most people indoors. For an aloof loner like Alisa, finding the streets mostly deserted defenitely made up for the unpleasant heat, many times over.
Would Marina feel at home too, after finding Magnolia almost deserted in a different way? Though even this heat probably felt like a cool, refreshing winter to her. She could just ask the girl herself, as before long, she arrived and swung the door open.
...Did her partner arrive before her this time?