The person looked at their reflection in what passed as a mirror in this world with a contemplative frown. They of course knew the name given to them by their maternal ancestor, the name that had appeared after being summoned to this strange land. But was he still that same person?

Frozen flames, he wasn't even quite sure if he was even still a he, if they were being entirely honest. The uncertainty of the whole thing left them more scattered than a pack of fledglings flying within their first storm. Things never felt this confusing before he was summoned.

Phoenyx lounged atop the hill under his favorite oak. There were humans coming for an audience with his flock; but they would want to talk with the elders, not him. That meant he likely had no responsibility to be there and could just relax here, enjoying the gorgeous weather in peace.

Or not… Just as Phoenyx was about to doze off, one of his family's servants came into view. The young boy approached quickly, but didn't seem to be particularly rushing. At least that meant it probably wasn't an emergency. Phoenyx raised his head lazily and sat up as the youth got closer.

“My young lord, your grandmother has requested your presence for the arrival of the human envoy.” The boy gave a respectful bow once he stopped in front of Phoenyx. Such actions of servitude had always made Phoenyx a touch uncomfortable, but that was just how things were for someone in his position. He'd never done anything to deserve being raised on such a high pedestal. Yet that didn't change the fact that he had to pretend it didn't bother him or else others would mistakenly think he was upset with them and start prostrating themselves even more. Sometimes Phoenyx wondered what it'd be like to go somewhere no one knew him.

“Oh course. Please lead the way, Nathaniel.” Phoenyx stood up and started to follow the younger man.

Pheonyx presumed the stone structure they approached would seem impressive to most humans. For him, though, it was only the building his family used for guests and other public interactions. He much preferred his personal structures, higher in the mountains, that he had decorated however he desired.

Comparatively, the great halls felt sterile and lacking of any real personality, despite the luxury and ornateness on display. The expertly carved pillars reached higher than even six grown human men. Every wall displayed elaborate tapestries. Each piece of furniture was likely worth the same as a human kingdom's yearly taxes. Grandmother didn't even furnish it with the truly precious items, for fear someone would get ideas about stealing from the family.

After freshening up slightly, Pheonyx made his way to where he knew his Grandparents would be waiting. It was best not to leave them waiting long for him.

He sighed a breath of relief when he saw he arrived before the human delegates. Pheonyx gave a shallow bow to the eldest family member present. “Grandmother. I was informed you wished for my presence…?”

 “That is correct, my little Emberling.” Through the dignified aura, he could tell she gave a slight, though warm, smile. “Your audience will likely be required so it would be best for you to be present from the beginning today.”

“It is my honor, Grandmother.” Pheonyx gave another bow and took the seat that had obviously been included for him. It was the perfect level plush, so at least he didn't need to worry about being physically uncomfortable.

Thankfully, the human convey’s arrival wasn't long after he sat. They wore relatively plain clothes although it was clear the outfits were meant to be their nicer items. A few of the group also wore ornamental accessories that felt borderline out of place with the unimpressive fabrics they were paired with.

The humans marveled and admired the architecture as they entered. It took them a few minutes for any to remember their purpose there; only remembering when they noticed Pheonyx’s family sitting at the far end from the main doors. The first few looked sheepish as they realized their awestruck behavior, and timidly started towards where the family sat.

Pheonyx tried to pay attention as the meeting began, he really did. But there were a dozen things he'd rather be doing. Why did Grandmother even want him here for this? It wasn't like he was positioned to become head of the family someday, that role was to be given to his older cousin Opal. So there shouldn't have been any reason for him to observe and learn how to host such a meeting. Nor was there reason for him to get practice diplomatically interacting with the other races. Pheonyx didn't want to be prideful but he believed himself quite accomplished in that regard, second only to his cousin that was actually trained to take over diplomatic affairs.

“Then it is agreed upon. We will strengthen our two people's bond through this union…” Pheonyx hadn't been paying attention but noticed a number of people were looking at him, including his grandmother.

“...That all sounds quite excellent.”

“Then you have no qualms with this arrangement that we should be aware of, Little Emberling?”

“None, Grandmother.”

“Then I will release you two to get to know each other in a less formal setting while the celebratory banquet is being prepared.” Pheonyx really should have paid attention as it seemed he missed something very important, but he didn't want to let on to the fact he had no clue what was going on at that moment.

“Of course, Grandmother. We can walk around the gardens, if it pleases you.” Maybe Pheonyx could figure out what was going on before anyone realized he didn't know. He had always been adept at faking it after all.

“I'm sure Rosemary would quite enjoy you showing her around the gardens. Wouldn't you, Deary?” The elder looked to a young human woman who appeared around the same age as Phoenyx. That seemed to be some needed context clues which Phoenyx was grateful for. 

“I would be honored to have my betrothed escort me around such a place, Ma’am.” The young woman, Rosemary, politely replied.

Phoenyx just barely was able to mask his surprise. He had agreed to an arranged marriage. There were worse things he could have accidentally agreed to and this Rosemary woman didn't seem all that bad. He had known there was always a good chance at least one of his unions would be for the benefit of his family. 

Pheonyx rose and gave his grandmother a slight bow before he turned to Rosemary. He gave her a respectful bow as well before offering her an escorting arm to lead her out of the hall. 

“So, how was your trip here? I hope it wasn't filled with too many difficulties…”

Phoenyx had a passing thought of what might've happened with his engagement after he'd been summoned to another world. He had a few cousins that could likely take his place if he couldn't get back in a timely manner. If he went back at all.

There was also the question if going back would remove the… unusual skill he had gained from being summoned. If not, such an ability could make things complicated. Especially since he didn't seem to have any control over it.

It had started soon after finding out the title he'd gained. Somehow, he wasn't the least surprised to find out it was “Fashionista”. Of course there wasn't any need for a fashion lover in a fight… Not that he was upset to not be conscripted into being a hero.

No, the real problem revealed itself shortly before the summoned people, who were not becoming heroes, started leaving the structure the summoning had happened in. With people being summoned from so many different worlds, each with their own varieties of clothing styles, the summoners had the sense to provide everyone with a few outfits to help them assimilate with the world. Pheonyx had been quite excited to try on clothes from another world.

The fabrics weren't as high quality as he was used to, but the novelty of the experience made up for that in his mind. He had been given a little bit of choice and he had made sure to pick out items he believed would especially compliment his features. So imagine his surprise, and feelings, when he finished changing and went to look at himself in a mirror; only to not be able to see any of the features he had been trying to articulate.

His beautiful red scales were gone. The radiant ruby of his eyes had turned a cold blue. Even his flowing locks had become shortened and a duller shade. It was like changing his clothes had made him a different person. 

He had considered that perhaps it was caused by the clothes. Their summoners could have given them enchanted clothes to help them fit in with the common people of this world. Yet surely they would have mentioned that beforehand and it also didn't seem to have happened with anyone else. Which left one option. It was solely something to do with Phoenyx.

The title he'd been given hadn't been as useless as those in charge had believed.