Changing My Look

"Hair will be easily done. There are plenty of cloth dyes that will work on hair as well, and black is a common one, therfore inexpensive and readily available. Dying skin is a lot trickier. There is an oil derived from the seeds of the Cora tree...it's usually used as an ointment to treat wounds, but if we dilute it, it might do the trick."

While it seems a drastic step, I agree, not wanting to hinder our chances of success. After spending the rest of the day on the road, we stop at dusk at an inn near the edge of the Laralian border. Teran rents us a room, and sees to it that a large bath is drawn for me. He then departs for a few minutes. He returns with a small jar of black dye, and a vial full of coffee-colored liquid, which he pours into the bathwater.

"Get in." he says. I do as he asks, though I'm uncomfortable undressing before him, and slide into the warm bathwater. He moves to my side and begins to apply the dye to my hair. The oils make the water smell smoky, and I don't notice at first the gradual change they have on my skin. "Deep breath." Teran commands, then dunks my head underwater. "Make sure you put your head under for at least a minute at a time." He says. "I'll be back in an hour."

An hour later, I exit the bath. "Not bad, not bad at all." Teran says. I look over into the nearby mirror and nearly do a double take. My previously light brown hair has become jet black, and my skin has...changed complexion. While I'd probably still be considered pale by Artazian standards, I could certainly pass for one of them now.

"How long... will the effects last? I stammer.

"Your skin should go back to normal in a few weeks. The hair is basically permanant, but of course it will grow out eventaully."

I shake my head in amazement as I stare at the stranger in the mirror before me. Who am I anymore? Not plain Harriet Rodgers who arrived here a month ago, thats for certain.

1. I come up with a new name to go with my new look, and discuss with Teran our plan for finding Don.

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