Sophia - Stepping Out

Sophia stirred in the throne and said, "I need to see outside, even if just a little bit. Then I can accept returning to training."

"Very well, but you should at least put on some of the protective wear."

"None of it looks any better than what I have on, and most of it looks like it was designed by a deranged fan-boy."

"All three versions provide the same level of protection, which is quite high by most standards."

"Even the one that looks like a glorified swim suit?"

"Even that one. I did ask Irena why those designs once. She just smiled and said, 'Sex distracts. While my oponent is looking at what I'm not wearing, I get an extra few moments to act first. Besides, if you've got it, flaunt it.'"

"Oh. Am I to assume Irena is quite beautiful then? That attitude might work for the beautiful people, but what about the rest of us?"

"Ah, another person with self-image issues. You are quite beautiful, even if you can't see it. Nothing says you have to wear the revealing ones, there's still the more modest, full body version. Once you decide on a style you prefer, we can modify something to your personal tastes."

"I'll go change and be right back." Sophia returned a few minutes later in the full coverage, black silk set of trousers and long sleeved top. It clung and fit tighter than she was immediately comfortable with, but wasn't nearly as bad as the next choice. "It clings more than I would like, but it will be ok, I guess."

"What you arrived in was more revealing than that," Tyana reminded her.

"Yes, but I was going clubbing, and hoping to attract notice. I don't want to do that here."

"You'll probably be fine. We can also change the wardrobe after we see the local conditions. Do you still want to go or shall we return to your training?"

"I still want to go outside," Sophia replied as she walked toward the door to the interface room.

The interface looked like a small peasant hovel, with a small fire pit, a rough cot, tiny table and a couple of chairs, and cookware hanging over a narrow counter. A ladder led up to an attic and a trap door closed off what might have been a cellar. A small brazier, sculpted to resemble an impossible monster of teeth and claws rested on the shelf. Something about it drew Sophia's gaze.

"That won't work while the power system is damaged," Tyana said.

"Won't work?"

"Oh, right, you wouldn't know. That can be expanded and controlled by a whistle in the desk in your room. It expands to a size that can hold four people comfortably and then it travels under whistle commands."

"Oh," Sophia said, staring at it for a few more moments.

Tyana crossed to the far door. It was ornate, carved in strange beasts and symbols, everything so detailed they seemed to move around the door when Sophia wasn't looking. "This is the main portal. Outside of here we are back in the Real Space Realms. Nothing can gain access through this door without your direct approval, although, once it is given, that being may come and go as they please, unless you rescind the permission. Are you ready?"