(First Date) with a Stranger

Job:

"I don't understand. If ye work'd so hard fer this, why back out now?" The mage frowned thoughtfully at the young woman bowing in front of her.

"Please! I'm not-not backing out, I just need more time. I can't possibly face him now! I wanted a date, but I'm not ready, and if I cancel on him I might- I might lose any chance I have with him, forever. Please, I'll pay you well!"

For the sake of love alone, Leah would possibly have accepted the job straightaway. Sure, it was rather deceiving and she couldn't approve, but the poor girl's nerves were shot. That seemed a quiet patronising thought, but it was true...

"Here, just take this lacrima! It should make you look and sound exactly like me, so don't even worry about your city cant. I just- it's in two minutes, and you're my last hope. Please, help me." Cringing at the thought of ruining the possible relationship the two youths could have, Leah reluctantly snatched the magical device from the girl's trembling hands, depositing it inside her jacket pocket.

"Right, well I'll meet ye back 'ere in an hour's time," she muttered before skittering away, her boots barely striking the pavement between steps. The client really had let things go to last minute, but with a bit of luck that wouldn't matter.

Leah rushed throughout streets of Oak, making a mad dash to the restaurant Chez Paul, where the two lovebirds (or future ones, hopefully) had agreed to meet and dine. Her hair hung heavy in a straight braid down her back: a weight the mage was unfamiliar with. Just how unused to her new appearance she was, was made quite clear when the girl reached up to scratch her ear and hit nothing but open air. The client also happened to be eight inches shorter than Leah.

Thankfully, with every pace she took, the girl became more accustomed to the reach and capabilities of her knew body. Unfortunately, the time she spent doing this all came out of the state's duration; Leah didn't completely mind this, but it did make her feel slightly guilty.

Chez Paul finally sighted, the now-brunette slipped smoothly ahead of the other customers, settling for a place two spots away from the front of the line. With any luck, she could make it in before-

"Senna! I was looking for you. I didn't realize you had already hopped in line. Mind if I join you?" Without pausing for a response, the young man stepped behind her, catching the attention of the stern faced old man who had been listening in on their conversation.

The man's efforts to get noticed were sorely ignored by all the staff, much to Leah's relief. One time when slow service happened to be helpful.

"I nearly thought you were late, but of course you're not that type. So what do you expect you'll order? Their steak seems decent enough," the oblivious date mused.

With a rather weak smile, the false Senna offered, "The steak is rumored to be delicious. I might just get a salad-"

"Oi! Senna! Fancy seeing you here, girl," came a loud holler from the entrance of the restaurant. A dreadful feeling rose in Leah's stomach, and she pivoted smoothly in the direction of the cry, a smile forced brightly across her face.

"Oh, uh, I'm just... you know... on a date... I didn't think you'd be here either, uh..." the girl trailed off, uncertainty coloring her tone. The other girl scoffed and waved her attempts to explain off. Instead, she chose to focus on the young man hovering behind her.

"Right, and I see that you've got a fine fellow to keep ya company tonight, heh?" The boisterous friend snickered and jabbed Leah-Senna in the ribs, drawing out a wince from the mage.

"My name's Mish, and I'm right glad that you're taking Senna out tonight. She's too shy, really. And hardly ever showed an interest in boy's before. Heck, I've never seen her kiss a guy!" The girl peered curiously at the two, her eyes alight with excitement. "Do ya think you could gimme one small kiss? Just an itsy bitsy one?"

A kiss means no jewels.

That was all Leah could think of, and she shook her head vigorously. "N-no, I mean, I like him, it's just- I mean, I don't like him like THAT, I mean I do but, I just-" she scrambled for some kind of half sensical thing to say.

Thankfully, Senna's date was well equipped to deal with the madness going on. He ushered her forwards with a half-amused, half-knowing smile and remarked lightly to the host, "Isn't she so cute?"

And the date went perfectly well.