Drasna looked around the city, Morgot’s house sat on a cliff overlooking everything. The buildings alone were nothing special, mostly flat sandstone boxes. The roads were covered in sand, but had sandstone tile pathways. The marvel of Vulcarose was the three massive pyramids that reached into the sky, nearly poking the sun and clouds. At the city's center was an oasis lined with odd trees, while a few cactus farms lined the outside of the city. The air was exceptionally dry, and the sun seared down upon everything. The streets were occupied by local humans, elves, tiefling and the native lamias.

  Drasna’s jaw dropped, “Wow this place is so different! I’ve never seen a lamia in person, and look at those pyramids!”

  Isobella smiled and took in the sights, “As I understand it, those are the Pyramids of Power, Knowledge, and Medicine.”

  Drasna smiled and looked at Isobella,“Ooo, tell me all about ‘em, there the coolest parts!”

  Isobella explained, “Each pyramid offers housing, and market places, but holds a unique purpose. The Pyramid of Power is for training the guard and guides. The Pyramid of Knowledge is a massive library for wizards and scholars. The Pyramid of Medicine is a hospital and grand apothecary. The Lamia of Vulcarose are some of the greatest doctors you can find."

  Drasna looked impressed, “Really? I never would’ve guessed, that’s so cool! I wanna check out the Pyramid of Power!”

  Isobella blushed, “We can do anything you want, I only wish to visit a belly dancing show…”

  Drasna raised an eyebrow, “Belly dancing? I never would’ve guessed you’d want to see that?”

  Isobella pouted, “Aside from medical practices, belly dancing is what Vulcarose is known for, we’d be fools not to see.”

  Drasna, “I don’t need convincing, I just wish we had more than two days to spend here.”

  The two girls made their way into the city, the houses were much more impressive up close, each was almost perfectly smoothed out. Several colorful canopies hung over street merchants that even Drasna knew not to trust. Isobella allowed her eyes to wander on a few fancy oil lamps and colorful rugs. The heat proved to be more than they anticipated, forcing them to consume all their water before reaching the shade of the Pyramid of Power. Fortunately they were able to refill their waterskins at the oasis just outside the pyramid. The oasis water was surprisingly cold despite the unyielding heat, they suspected it had to be magic of some variety.

  Drasna pouted at Isobella, “I know you wanted to go somewhere warm, but this is a bit much!”

  Isobella agreed, “I’ll admit I underestimated how hot it would be, but it should get cooler at night.”

  Drasna smirked, “At least you look cute with wet hair, Izzy”

  Isobella reached her hand to her hair and cringed. It had become covered in sweat even with Calathiel’s enchantment. She shuddered in disgust and shook her hand dry, not wanting to wipe her hand on her clothes. Drasna chuckled and took hold of the noble's wrist, not afraid of the sweat.

  “A little sweat never hurt me, now let’s get moving.”

  The market beneath the Pyramid of Power, was welcomingly cool and fully shaded, illuminated by numerous floating orbs of light. The market was full of magic items and adventuring equipment of all sorts. The duo had no real need for armor, but could still appreciate the craftsmanship of the metal and leather. Isobella took interest in a few mystical daggers, but ultimately decided the one Calathiel had given her was better. She still wanted to find something for Drasna however. Her eyes scanned the many vendors, Drasna had no need for emerald pens or water proof candles, she wanted to find something useful. She watched with great interest as Drasna held up a bracelet. It was made of polished marble sized wooden and jade beads, each separated by thin metal disks.

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  Isobella inquired, “What is that?”

  Drasna smiled, “Meditation beads, they’re pretty rare at the Coldstone monastery, due to the materials needed. They say jade has spiritual healing properties and the wooden beads absorb stress and negativity. That's why they turn darker after many years of wearing.”

  Isobella listened, fascinated, “Do you want one? I want to get you something that you’ll actually use.”

  Drasna’s face turned pink, “Wait really? You don’t have to, I have money.”

  Isobella slipped the bracelet onto Drasna’s wrist and paid the vendor, “Of course, we need souvenirs after all, right?”

  Drasna admired her new bracelet for a moment before giving Isobella a happy squeeze, “Best girlfriend ever!”

  “It looks good on you…”

  “I’ll wear it forever, and make everyone jealous!”

  After cooling off, Isobella and Drasna took to the streets once more. Lamia and belly dancers could be seen at every corner, as well as outdoor bars and tall standing obelisks. Isobella was not impressed, as she understood it, many of the dancers were amateurs, she would wait until later that night to see a proper show. Drasna on the other hand became enthralled, watching each dancer closely. The noble pouted and huffed with jealousy, as many of the fit and exotic dancers filled her with envy. Wanting a distraction Isobella took to the obelisks, feeling something vaguely arcane radiating from them. Noticing her beloved was distracted, Drasna took advantage of the moment and approached a Lamia dancer.

  “Excuse me, could I ask you something?”

  The lamia turned around and answered in a sensual voice, “Well hello there cutie, you can ask me anything.”

  Drasna made an X with her arms, “I appreciate the enthusiasm, but I’m here with someone special already.”

  The lamia smiled and apologized, “Sorry hun, force of habit, what can I help you with?”

  “Is belly dancing especially hard to learn? There seems to be a lot of you around?”

  “Hmm, it can definitely take some practice if you aren’t used to moving your body. Though you look like you’d be pretty good at it. Are you looking to surprise that special someone?”

  Drasna rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly, “That obvious huh? Yeah, I think it's really cool and looks fun, the outfits are pretty too.”

  The dancer hummed in thought, then noticed Drasna’s bracelet, “You monk types are a good fit for the baladi style. There’s less foot work and focuses on your core, it's about snappy movements with hip and belly control.”

  Drasna listened closely and checked to make sure Isobella was still busy else where, “Can I self teach? It would be hard to get lessons, and what about the outfit?”

  The lamia explained, “If I were you I’d pay close attention to any dancer you see. Sneak away when you can and visit Studio Green. You can get a tailored outfit and a book about it. You won’t be amazing, but in a month or two you’ll be decent enough.”

  Drasna handed the dancer a few coins and bowed, “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I really appreciate it!”

  The lamia muffled a giggle and counted the coins, “You’re quite welcome, now you better get back to your honey before people start to talk about us.”

  Drasna nodded and ran back to Isobella, who’d started to walk over to her, after having had her fill with the obelisks.

  Isobella inquired, “What were you doing over there?”

  Drasna smirked and hugged the noble, “Aw, are you jealous? Don’t worry, I just wanted to know how long it would take to learn belly dancing.”

  Isobella perked up, “Really? …What did they say?”

  Drasna brushed the question off, “She said years, with a good teacher.”

  Isobella frowned in disappointment, “I suppose that makes sense, I guess we can just enjoy watching them while we’re here.”

  Drasna nodded, “Yeah, I can’t wait to see one of the big shows tonight!”