The rest of the short trip is spent hammering out the details. Amelia knows that Melanie will be running the company, and so doesn't hold back on the coin. Even though I can tell it pained her to pass over the hefty pouch she did.

When we get to the baron's, the first thing I spot is Elise talking to a large and very diverse looking group. I can see beastkin of all stripes, elves, dwarves, halflings, even a gnome, and a couple lizardkin. Lizardkin, just like birdkin are actually separate species, and not just beastkin with scales and feathers.

"Sorrel." Elise calls out to me with a wide smile. "Perfect timing. The group just got here and I was just telling everyone what they should expect. And, in case you're wondering how I gathered such a group on short notice. You're not the only healer that looks to test on non-humans; we have a long-standing agreement."

"Thank you all for coming." I bow to the group. "Myself, a pixie, and several humans have already been exposed to the blight treatment, so there shouldn't be any issues."

"You are Plantkin, yes?" The male lizardkin steps forward. "Why do you hide your face?"

"I was raised human and prefer to look like this." I didn't sense any real animosity in his question, so I answered truthfully. "But, if it'll make a fellow greenskin comfortable." I give a shake and drop the shapeshift, but not my pants. Thank you elastic waistband.

"Hah!" He barks out a laugh. "Normally I'd smack you for that, but I suppose I did call you out on it. You can go back to looking human if you want."

"Can you stay like this?" Amelia pleads. "Just for tonight?"

"You really like 'em tall, don't you?" I say with a laugh, but don't shift back. "Alright, shall we get on with the testing? I just need you all to breath in this mist, though if anyone is willing to drink it that would help. You just know that some fool is going to end up sticking the wand in his mouth."

"It's not going to mess up our clothing, is it?" A young woman with cat-like features asks worriedly.

"Don't worry, I'll cast cleanse on everyone afterward." She lets out a relieved sigh. "But, speaking of clothes." I wave down at my body and my outfit goes from baggy to tailor fit once more. "That's better."

The testing went quickly after that; most of them even tried drinking the brew, but only a few managed not to spit it out. Not surprising given its makeup.

"Blech. I don't think you have to worry about anyone drinking this." Says one of the volunteers who actually swallowed. "You'd have to be damned thirsty to think that oily must with a hint of baking soda? is better than walking a few meters to get some water."

"We're calling it baking pearl since it's made from pearlash." I answer his lilted mid-sentence question. "It does the same thing, but baking soda contains salt which is no good for the soil."

"So, how are they doing?" Elise asks. "I'm not even going to try to compete with your senses."

"They are good, mostly." I reply. "There was a minor reaction in a couple of the elves, but it seems to be from only one strain. So, I'll just leave that one out, it didn't work on the roots anyways and they were my main concern."

"We're going to be okay though, right?" One of the elves says what they must all be thinking.

"Oh, yes. I've already killed it off." I say to allay their fears. "And, the worst it would have done was give you a small rash. Thank you, everyone! Cleanse!" I hit the whole group with the spell.

"Alright." Elise claps her hands together. "I promised you all dinner and Granville should have it ready soon, so let’s all head inside."

"I don't suppose he can do all the tests from now on, Elise." The one who was complaining about the taste addresses the healer with a laugh.

"That was certainly a lot quicker than usual." The woman walking next to him adds.

"If I have the free time, I'd be happy to help." I offer. "But, it seems like it's been one thing after the next since we got to town."

"And, I hear from Lori that you're planning to leave again soon." Erick says from inside the dining hall just as we enter.

"Not permanently." I reassure the man. "Amelia's family lives here after all; she just wants to get a proper foundation built for her magic."

"That is good to hear." A relieved smile appears on his face. "We've already procured the pearl ash and compost that you asked for, and I'll get you the sulfur that Lori mentioned you need for the sprayers. How long will it take to produce enough to treat every hectare?" He relates a very large number.

"If everything goes perfectly, which it seldom does. A full day." I answer after doing some mental math. "More likely two, and that's with Amelia helping to distill the oils. The biggest problems will be manpower and logistics."

"That's where I and my men come in." Colonel Baca speaks up.

"I can help too." Apricot chimes in, eager to do her part. "It will be a lot faster and easier if I fly everything to where it's needed. That way you can use the men who would be wasted carting barrels around to spray more fields."

"That would be an immeasurable help." He bows to her. "..." He's about to continue when the chef clears his throat from the doorway.

Even the volunteers are familiar with Granville's reputation. So, all chatter ceases and everyone who hasn't already taken a seat does so. The meal itself is another masterpiece, the man is clearly taking this rival thing seriously. I'm going to have to break out the big guns next time I cook for him.

...

After the meal, Catrina is the first one to speak up. "Now that you have a plan for the blight, can we talk about what's really important? Lori told me you have a way to make silk, or something very like silk, at least."

""Hahahah."" Half the room cracks up at her statement, the other half seem as interested in it as she is.

"Melanie will be working on that tomorrow." The alchemist sinks into her seat when the whole room stares at her after I say that. "But, I have plenty of cotton and linen to work with in the meantime."

"But, still." She sighs. "Not only starweave, but silk starweave."

"You're drooling, dear sister." Lori chuckles at her sibling.

"Like you weren't over that music box he made you." Catrina snaps back.

"Girls." Their mother warns.

""Sorry mom."" They duck their heads at the same time.

"Shall we start with your outfit first, Ma'am?" I offer by way of thanks.

"Well, I suppose I could use a new dress." She says with a sly smile.

The night passed in a wash of clothing. Most of the volunteers staying for the free show, with several of the more affluent looking individuals approaching to ask about my services. The sneakers drew quite a bit of attention when I brought them out after Lanie, Erick's wife, asked if I could also make footwear.

Amelia had a ball dealing with everyone and was in a good mood throughout the night, even despite Catrina practically hanging off of me for most of the evening. I think my little merchant was half hoping the baron's daughter would be turned off by my Plantkin features.

Apricot joined an impromptu poker game with the baron but ended up bowing out after only a couple rounds when it became clear she could read all their tells far too easily. She then went on to play settlers with Dulcette and some of the volunteers, one of which was the catgirl who was concerned about her clothing.

I ended up bringing out the record player after a little bit and making a few piano records for Lori. This again garnered a lot of attention, but I had to tell everyone that it wasn't quite ready to sell yet, but would be available at Rozelle's shop when it was.

Annette was there too, but she kept her distance and the few times out eyes met she would look away and start blushing. I thought that would be all, but she actually approached me when I got up to use the restroom. I didn't really need to go, magic and all, but I did need to get up and stretch my legs for a bit.

"Finally decide to let me finish healing your ears?" She jumps a little when I say that. "I don't like leaving a job half done."

"I came to say thank you..." I can't help but notice her breasts lift as she takes a steadying breath. "And, to apologize for... what happened with my robe."

"Trust me, you have nothing to apologize for." I chuckle darkly when she blushes. "Oh, relax I'm just teasing you. I understand that you might be interested in me, but I also get the feeling that you're not into girls. And, well, the girls and I are a set."

"Surely they wouldn't begrudge me giving you a proper thank you." She practically purrs before her mind catches up with her mouth and slaps a hand over it. "I can't believe I just said that."

"If it were just Apricot I'm sure she'd be fine... as long as she got to watch." Anne's blush starts to spread. "But, this is Amelia's first real relationship, so even if I were the type to cheat, which I'm not. I wouldn't do anything to ruin it."

"But she's okay with bringing others in?" The beastkin tries and fails to raise a single eyebrow.

"You should practice that in a mirror." I smile when her raised eyebrows turn into a pouting glare. "And, so she says. But, I'm not too sure." I add with a sigh. "I'm a stupid, idiot, man, so I'm not going to say no to more sex. But, I don't know how much of her attitude is just her trying to make me and Apricot happy."

"Uh..." She draws out the syllable. "Thank you for the explanation, but..."

"Why am I telling you all this?" I finish her sentence. "Well, I'm not exactly saying it for your benefit. Am I, Amelia?"

"Eeep!" The blonde squeaks and steps out from around the corner, shamefaced.

"You're so cute when you're jealous." I walk over and wrap my arms around her. "I know we talked about this before, but I need you to know that I don't want to do anything that would ever hurt you."

"I'll uh... leave you guys to talk." Annette starts slinking off.

"Drink first." I block her way with a cup of healing sap. "It really has been bothering me that I never got to finish the job."

The beastkin grabs the cup and downs it before beating a hasty retreat.

"I know you just want to make us happy." I lift Amelia's chin so I can look her in the eyes. "But, your happiness is more important to me."

"And, me." Apricot chimes in from her Settlers game via ventriloquism.

"And, if I really do want it?" She huffs.

"Then, there won't be that tightness and fear in your eyes like I've seen all night whenever Catrina got too close to me."

"Nnh, stupid big boobs." She grumbles under her breath. "It's hard not to be worried about them."

"Is that why you seemed more okay about Anne? Because her breasts are smaller than yours?" I look down at Amelia's chest and let the heat in my eyes tell her better than any words could just how perfect her breasts are. "Wait, this isn't about that stupid joke I made when Apricot first got big, is it?"

"No." She shakes her head. "Well, maybe a little. It's just a girl thing, you know."

"Oh, baby. I'm sorry." I pull her back in for another hug. "Please recall my earlier statement about being a stupid, idiot, man. Your breasts are perfect, but even if they were as big around as your head, they'd still be the least part of you." I kiss her between the eyebrows.

"Mmm, what about my butt?" Now she's just fishing for compliments.

"Oh, I think you know how I feel about your tush." I lean lower and give that delectable rump a squeeze. "Now, how about I go and feign mana fatigue so we can ditch this party?"

"Don't be silly." She swats my hand away before pulling me in for a quick kiss. "Do you know how much coin you're getting for each of those outfits?"

"Hahahah." Apricot's laugh can be heard all the way from the dining hall.

"Alright, but I really do only have about an hour's worth left in me, especially with Catrina asking for countless alterations."

"Oh, Sorrel, can you make it more like this?" Amelia mimics her voice almost perfectly before breaking into giggles.

We returned to the party in good humor. I was afraid that Anne would be even worse now, but it seems that getting everything out in the open helped her get over it. My mana ended up lasting just a bit over an hour longer.

"I'm sorry." I announce to the baron's daughters. "But, this will have to be the last piece for the evening, I'm almost completely drained"

"We should let mom have it then." Lori says right away. "She's only asked for a couple of things so far."

Catrina mouths 'kiss up' at her sister before agreeing. "Yeah, mom. You'd look good in something floral print like this."

"Well, there was that one garden dress." Lanie leafs through the stack of designs and pulls out two sheets. "Could you make this dress, but with this pattern?"

"Of course." I send a smile in her direction. "And, Catrina's right, you would look lovely in a floral print."

"That she would." Erick puts his arms around his wife from behind. "Remember that one dress you wore when we went to the Capital for the first time? I almost got into a duel with that foreign duke that couldn't keep his eyes off of you because of it."

"I seem to recall having to warn quite a few ladies off of you myself." She sinks into his embrace with a throaty laugh.

"Sorrel's clothing service holds no liability for any international incidents caused as a result of our outfits." I say with a smile and hold up her new dress.

"Well, I'll just have to make sure she doesn't wear it around any foreign dukes." Erick replies with a laugh. "Thank you for tonight, Sorrel. I'm sure Cat would have burst if she didn't get her starweave soon."

"Daddy!" Catrina pouts just like a little girl who was just embarrassed by her father.

"Oh, like you weren't pestering him twenty times a day to have Sorrel over." Lori adds with a laugh at her sister's expense. "And, like you won't again once he has that new tree silk figured out."

"And, you aren't going to be bothering him for more of those music discs?" Catrina counters with a sneer. The two sisters start bickering as only sisters can, their mother just rolls her eyes and leaves them to it.

"Thank you all for having us tonight." I bow to the baron and his wife. "But, if I'm to be up early, we really should be going."

"No, we have to thank you." Erick says seriously. "And, not just for the clothes and the music. Riverton would have survived a famine, but it would have weakened us and Cendassa is overdue for its latest push. It hasn't come down to open hostility in centuries." He adds at my questioning look. "But, they find some pretext to test our defenses every decade or so."

"I have to admit, I originally just saw this blight as an interesting puzzle to solve." I speak with solemnity. "It took a while before it sunk in just how many people that annoying fungus would affect."

"Well, no matter your motivations, you've still done a great service for Riverton and Larendath as a whole." He bends into a full bow for me.

"The job's not done yet." I counter. "But, with any luck, it will be tomorrow."

"Luck and hard work." Erick nods. "Which you need your sleep for, so I'll let you go. Thank you again, for everything."

"I won't keep you long." Anne comes up to us after the baron steps back. "I just want to thank you for insisting about my ears, I didn't even know what I was missing before." She dashes back off before I can even say 'you're welcome.'

We go and collect Flicker after that. I lift the girls onto her back after Amelia puts the carriage into storage. A feat she was very proud to accomplish in only one try. I didn't exactly get to sleep early, but I'm not exactly complaining about that fact either.

***