Alyvia gently helped the drained catfolk sit down in the chair. Getting her to the shop wasn't an issue with Alyvia's supernatural strength, it was the getting her here unnoticed that was an issue as her depletion of mana had ended whatever spell kept her looking normal. Alyvia had to keep a glamour spell going the entire time to keep people from noticing the large hybrid woman.
As Celine rested in the chair weakly thanking the kindhearted woman for her help, Alyvia walked to the back of the shop.
She used an invisible looking glass to record images of the dazed catfolk. "Fascinating. I'll have to send some copies to Maximillian tonight, I'm sure he'll love to study her." Alyvia grabbed a pair of mana restoration potions and returned to the woman. Her wings had lay spread out on either side, taking up a large portion of the wall.
"Open up young one. This will restore your strength."
Celine, through half open eyes, opened her mouth and let the blue liquid pour into her mouth. The familiar taste of vanilla mixed with salt filled her mouth followed by the feeling of energy spreading out through her body. The second potion followed soon enough and Celine opened her eyes fully and alert to her surroundings. Alyvia saw a moment of panic followed by recognition pass over her face and she relaxed.
"Thank you miss. I owe you my life."
"Anyone else surely would have done the same. I was just there," Alyvia said dismissively.
"No, no I don't think so. You are a kind person. My name is Celine by the way," she said while leaning back in the chair and looking at the ceiling.
"Helping people in need is what I do. It is who I am," Alyvia said. 'If it wasn't for the celestial's rules, I could have helped many long ago,' she added silently.
"Damndable paladins. I hate them so much."
"They are an annoying lot. I had a few in here a few weeks ago demanding some healing potions to help with an assignment. They threatened arrest for obstructing justice if I didn't sell them at a high discount," Alyvia sighed. What she didn't say was what happened afterwards when she hunted them down in the forest and mercilessly slaughtered them. The potions were put back on the shelf and sold to another customer at regular price.
"I'm really not a fan of them either."
"I just wish they didn't exist. I want to get back at them for all the pain they've caused me and my family," Celine fumed as she got up.
"Maybe someone will come along and show them how to act," Alyvia suggested.
"Maybe..... You have a nice shop by the way."
Alyvia bowed her head slightly. "Thank you. If I may ask how did you get to be like this," she asked gesturing at Celine's body.
Celine looked at her over her shoulder and then back at glossing over the shelves. "A....friend thought more with the wrong head and tried to help someone. Me and a few others were changed because of him." She looked down at herself. "I haven't told him what I thought of him. He's been my friend for the past 3 years, but I can't help but think to myself: 'how dare he even smile after what he's done to us'." She turned around, careful not to knock anything over with her wings. Alyvia saw she was on the verge of tears.
'She's been holding this in for a while, maybe that extra 3 drops of truth potion was a bit much.' Alyvia reached over to Celine and brought her in to a hug, nestled her head between Alyvia's generous chest.
"Its ok, let it out darling."
Celine pushed away and continued to speak. "He ruined Vesper's life. Ves can't go home because of him. Vesper says he's ok with how things have turned out, but I see the sadness in his eyes. He's even stopped trying to undo this mess, after dragging us down with him."
"Who? You keep saying him. Him who?"
"Fucking Freed! That damned wood elf!"
Alyvia remembered the group Celine had walked with last night. 'Must be that one with the tattoos.'
Alyvia let Celine calm down for a bit, making some tea for them. Celine venter for a bit and the two chatted for a few hours. Celine got up and bowed.
"Thank you for all you've done, but I must get back to the arena for my fight."
"Of course. If you want to come back tomorrow, we can talk some more then."
Celine left and after a few moments Alyvia let out a sigh. "Well, I think I've made progress. What do you think," she asked as she turned towards the small imp that flew out from the back of the store.
"You are superb mistress, but try going easy on the truth potion next time."
"Noted," she frowned. "Now follow her."
"Yes ma'am," and he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
'I've got some work to do, to make up for lost time.' She heard the front door open. 'And look a new possible subject,' she smiled and turned around. "Welcome to Liquid Solutions, how may I help you."