Alisa wandered the room a bit, conversing with the occasional person, engaging in idle chitchat. She couldn't help but be preoccupied, constantly looking towards the archway of the room, hoping her friends would wander in.
The sun had begun to set before she realized how long she must have been at the Inn. The sound of night insects could be faintly heard from the open windows.
Her anxiety was lessening bit by bit. As the last rays of sunlight disappeared below the horizon, she found herself scarcely wondering about her friends at all. Maybe it was the mead, but she suspected she might actually be enjoying herself. Relaxing, Alisa gave a pleased sigh as she undid her red hair from the tight bun she'd wound it in, letting it fall about her shoulders. At this point, she was in no position to notice that it was somewhat thicker and a couple of inches longer.
The rustling of a tamborine caught her attention, and her gaze drifted over to the source of the noise. She saw the instrument being shaken by a dusky raven-haired girl that she assumed was a gypsy. She was dressed provocatively, and Alisa blushed as she looked the dancer over.
The gypsy girl was followed by another, and the melodic tones of an accordion signaled their male companion's entrance. Alisa's eyes were glued to the movements of the exotic trio, much to her chagrin.
Before long, Alisa found herself downing yet another mead, oblivious to more inches creeping down from her ruddy tresses. Her ears seemed to move of their own accord, tapering to vague points as she joined the other guests in rhythmic clapping, cheering the gypsies on.
As she reached the bottom of still another glass, her nails clicked against the smooth surface of it, having lengthened and darkened during her reverie. She ran her tongue across her teeth after her last swallow, too flushed with alcohol to realize that her canines had sharpened subtly.
Her now almost manelike hair was plastered to her face in strands by her sweat. She wiped her brow and giggled, deciding she needed to cool off.
Giving a clipped wave to her newfound comrades, she headed out the back door and into the night air.
As the moonlight hit her eyes, they shone golden in the night.