Susan
*A shade of red painted the little woman's cheeks and nose with embarassment. Perhaps the idea of going out without Zed had been really bad. That feeling of helplessness was awful.*

"R-Right! S-Sorry..."

*Her hands came together in front of her, moving her fingers with each other in a nervous manner.*

*Isabelle looked up quickly upon hearing the Oni's words, blinking a few times. Then she looked down again.*

"I'm sorry miss... I'm just not used to talking to others. I ask forgiveness if I seem a bit silly in any way."
Patty
‍ 
 ‍ 
— Silly people are fun. Do not offer forgiveness unnecessarily, young lady. — Tsubo replied, toothy grin making its reappearance unto her bright–red skin. Truth be told, the oni didn't mind the awkwardness.

To poke fun at an embarrassed client was funnier than to chat with a stuck–up noble or a scheming beggar. In that sense, nervous people such as Isabelle were a point in her day.

— You know what? I think I started things in a weird way. — and exposed, muscular arms were crossed over her chest. — My name is Tsubo.

That was a genuine attempt at making Isabelle feel less... Inclined to consider Tsubo nothing but an oni stranger: She was well–aware of the poor reputation her kin has around. Silence delivered soon after, as if the brewer was awaiting for the costumer to reveal her own.

︵ 
 ‍ 
 ‍
Susan
*Isabelle nodded somewhat relieved, letting out a sigh for a brief moment as if she had just fought a giant monster.*

*She took a few seconds to answer the merchant in front of her, taking a deep breath before releasing her gentle voice to her new acquaintance.*

"My name is Isabelle. It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Tsubo."

*This time she looked up without ducking again. Oni's eyes being covered was relieving for Isabelle who couldn't maintain eye contact, at least she could act a little more natural. She just needed to remember how she and her boyfriend trained.*

"Uhm... How is the lady's day going?"

*Too common question Isabelle, silly!*
Patty
‍ 
 ‍ 
— It is a pleasure to meet you too, Ms. Isabelle. — replied Tsubo, arms still crossed, forked tongue sticked out in friendly tease. Too much fancy talk.

Ah, the oni was pleased to see her attempt to ease the atmosphere had granted results. It was a quiet day, so she had the time to spare to sweeten a customer: maybe friendliness will incline Isabelle towards spending more money?

— Ah, you know. One weird knight here, one awkward commoner there...

It was funny to take in their differences. Soft–spoken, Isabelle had a gentle voice; Tsubo was a little rispid, owner of a huskier tone. It was still an oni talking to a fae, after all.

— It's a bit too sunny outside. Think it's winter dragging away? How'd you catch a cold, anyway? Was it the rain?

︵ 
 ‍ 
 ‍
Susan
"I believe that the streets here bring you several peculiar individuals."

*Isabelle said with a small smile. Her face was delicate but showed some very discreet signs of her cold, such as her tired eyes or a red nose from sneezing.* 

"A-Ah, I was traveling during night. Apparently it wasn't a good idea. The rain came suddenly and until I could find a covered place, I got very cold."

*The woman paused as if she needed to breathe to continue speaking. It was a great effort but she was trying.*

"Well, now I know I won't go out when it's cloudy... Uh, by the way, how exactly do you prepare your potions?" *She asked curiously.*
Patty
‍ 
 ‍ 
— It does. Funny thing is, everybody needs a brew every now and then. All sorts of people show up.

Hand placed onto the counter as she leaned into it, opposite palm used to slick her hair back, setting it away from her eyes: showcasing a pair of pitch–black orbs with no irises.

— You did say you're not used to talking to other people, right? You traveling with someone else?

Once the question was delivered to her, Tsubo showed Isabelle the same sharp–toothed grin; it seems whenever alchemy's the topic, she can get caught smiling. The oni's tail bolts upwards, poiting repeatedly to a big copper cauldron behind her.

— To oversimplify it, you need a cauldron that conducts heat well, a good recipe book, the correct ingredients, the right amount of luck... — and Tsubo bent her body towards Isabelle, hand in front of her mouth, as if she'd tell a secret; — and a tremendous amount of patience.

︵ 
 ‍ 
 ‍