The wide horizon of the eastern plains still felt like a novelty. Farms stretched along that side of the road, while the western edge where you lived was still wilder, with patches of trees that slowly increased in volume until they made the forests near your house. A handful of caravans were going into the city, and your group witnessed the unusual sight of a group of new settlers coming from the southern camp being led over there, too.

Baron will be busy today.

''Are we good, girls?'' you ask your companions. They deserve one last pause before people treat them like a circus.
Unless specifically made into law by the baron of the land, walking around in the company of Mamonos wasn't illegal. Eichenwald people are unlikely so open-minded, unfortunately. Since elves enjoy many privileges in the cities of mankind, you'll be leveraging that for some peace of mind.

''I'll admit to feeling nervous,'' Shigeko answered first. She wore a thick, long fur cloak that was probably made from a carpet to cover a patchwork leather shirt and pants that were still a tad too tight for her legs. Your parents didn't find any boots or shoes, leaving her presently naked of feet, but the Oni's big four-fingered extremities did not suffer from being exposed. The broken horn on her face and her blue skin will raise many eyebrows and fingers.

''Y-yeah... I'll... I'll stay a bit close, okay?'' Seyraphal's confidence shrunk with each step that carried your group away from your house. Your dear moth was hiding in a combination of a hooded cloak and a rain cloak to obfuscate her wings and her lower arms. The real tragedy was the bandages she insisted on wearing to cover her face. Her fair porcelain skin, lovely sharp features, and those funny antennas were all covered like a victim of burns; at least her hair still stood out, but it was genuinely difficult to spot the hints of fuzz and insectoid plates that made her body so unique.

I don't want any friends of mine to believe they'd give me trouble by walking at my side. Unfortunately, the insectoid druidess wouldn't be deterred: personal experience had taught her that people react strongly to her monstrous body.

''Sure thing, I wouldn't mind holding hands.'' you jested while fiddling with the carrying strap holding your bow. You've decided not to take chances today: you came with your bow, a quiver of arrows, two of your mother's five magical wands, and your sword. People unrelated to the mercs, militia, or church aren't allowed to display weapons; travelers need special permission from the authorities to keep arms. Elves enjoy special privileges, I hate doing it, but now's not the time to be picky about advantages.

With your hair tied in a ponytail (made by your mom, of course), the ears you've taken great care to hide are on full display now.

''...Maybe later.'' You were so lost in thought that you nearly missed Seyraphal's mumble.