Eodem: A Rifle and Sword Adventure (Complete)

Chapter 19: a Dozen ways to Die in Kesserheim

'False Fairies' or that's what Aliathra could see it when she saw Kesserheim's neon advertisement lights on one of their many Commercial Districts. 'Lesser' Men walked proudly in the streets displaying their augmented bodies of lifeless but super enhanced selves while their hands held gizmos the likes of which the Gliesians had never seen before. Not only visuals but also the smells too. There were street vendors who peddled food marketed to those of classical appetites like pizza, hot dogs and French fries that whetted their tongues to the more exotic sensations like Chinese soup noodles, Korean bean pancakes and Eastern European kidney stew. Her overwhelming experience in such a different world made her hungry and she can sense it from the Vampire Witch who strode aside her too. Yet Vincent insisted that the girls 'meet and old friend of his' before they go out for dinner.

"His shop is right over there. If you want to blend in with us you have to look the part." Diaz said.

"Is that a Tailor Shop?" Kayin asked as the group found themselves in the store front of said craft.

The big sign on top of the front window where to dresses, one a dapper suit for a male and the other a beautiful gown 'Maximillien's Woven Artisanship', the store front is humble in width but extravagant in projection.

For Aliathra who had her fair share of primped up dresses and impossibly long party gowns, she likes the ambiance of the place, whilst for Iris, it reminded her of the dream she had of walking on the strange Earth Human cities during her time of first meeting them several months ago. The dress on the window drew her eyes to most from the deeper workings of the Tailor Shop as she lost herself in its intricate designs leaning her hands and body to the window to marvel at its elegance, benumbing her to the outside world surrounding her.

"Hey, don't lean on that! I just had that window replaced." Exclaimed a bald tanned man in an effeminate long-sleeved polo with a purple vest on his torso and a matching pair of silken pants towards Iris, snapping her back into reality.

"Max!" Diaz smiled.

"Vinny! Mon dieu c'est toi! It is you! Get in, come in! Bring your two lovely women friends and Black friend in here. My door is always welcome." The man's sour mood turned over to a warm and accommodating smile.

He held the door open allowing them entry into his shop. It was a fanciful establishment with wooden furnishings that make up the shelves, counters, tables and chairs of the place. All of which were in contrast from mahogany shades with the vibrant rainbow of colors that make up Maximillien's products. From professionally black formal wear to flamboyant purple gold Americana's.

For Aliathra, such craftsmanship was up to par with the Tailors back home.

For Iris, her inner Fashionista was having the most pleasurable visual diversion of her life. She rubbed her eyes in disbelief in such chic accouterment. The Vampire Witch fondled every fabric and dress of the Women's Section of the store as she thought over which of Maximillien's creations would she look the most trendy in. For the Gliesian, she was like a child in a candy store.

"Your dames amis are quite feisty ones if I say so myself." Maximillien said.

"Yeah, you won't believe where I found them." Diaz said.

"I second that." Kayin added.

"Oh try me. I have met thousands of Female Clients and I am confident I have seen it all. Rich Heiresses. Prom Girls, Socialites, fat opera singers and even a former Prime Minister." Maximillien boasted.

"Oh you ain't seen nothing yet 'Baguettes'." Diaz said as he called forth Aliathra to his side.

"You do remember I maintained this body through a strict Paleo-diet, right?" Maximillien corrected him.