“You specialize in transformation and appearance sorceries?” The lady’s voice filtered through her veil, slightly muffled.

“Yes, your Ladyship. I can change anything about a person’s appearance. Most of my enchantments, however, are temporary. I can do permanent transformations and enchantments, but they are much more expensive due to the necessary items. What would your Ladyship be interested in?”

“My need….is slightly different. I wish for a restoration or one might say a cure.” She fell silent, though her veil continued to sway slightly with her breathing.

“Ah. So you want an enchantment lifted. That is not exactly my area of expertise. But I can take a look at your situation and tell you whether it’s possible or not. If you will permit me to do so of course.” Philliya sat back to wait while the lady made up her mind. Breaking enchantments was more her academically minded sister’s bailiwick, but she was all the way out at Laronia and not easily consulted. 

The lady didn’t respond as the minutes stretched longer, but her hands showed no sign of the outer calm she was attempting to project. They clenched tightly on the fabric of her skirt, pressing wrinkles into the originally smooth fabric. The kettle’s whistle interrupted, calling Philliya to set the tea leaves to steep. She at once stood to do so, leaving the lady to her internal struggle. 

After filling a tea infuser with some loose leaf tea, she placed both it and the hot water into a delicate teapot. With a soft clink she set the lid on top and activated its enchantment. The teapot and tea cups she placed on a small table within easy access. Then Philliya primly perched on her seat and waited. The scent of the tea spiraled out of the teapot and filled the shop with a light, floral fragrance. The lady’s hands relaxed their tight grip and her veil swung forward as she tilted her head down towards the teapot. 

A few minutes later the teapot flashed with a soft green light, indicating the end of the steeping. Philliya removed the infuser and replaced the lid. She poured out the light green liquid into both cups. 

“Would you like sugar or cream added?”

“Two sugars. No cream.”

Philliya dropped the sugars into the lady’s tea, and added three to her own along with a splash of cream. 

“Here you are, your Ladyship.” She set the cup and a spoon nearer to the lady.

“Thank you.” The lady stirred her cup slowly, as if not really paying attention to it. “I am willing for you to make an attempt. But you must swear not to reveal to anyone the enchantment I am under. It would cause…a scandal.”

Philliya quickly stopped herself from taking a sip. “Of course, your Ladyship! I would never reveal anything about a client unless the client gave permission. I can set up an enchanted contract if you require one?”

“No need.” She set down her cup, hesitated, and then removed her veil and hat.