Up ahead Erik's path was a young woman, with ears and a tail. While he couldn't quite make out the ears, the tail was undoubtedly a skunk's tail, as the puffy black fur was complimented by bright white stripes. Upon this realization, Erik stopped in his tracks and involuntary tensed up.
Uh oh, he said to himself. Of course. Of COURSE there would be skunk people of all possible creatures here in this place. I don't think I'm ready to deal with that...
He then remembered his sash. Actually... I might not have to.
The woman turned to face Erik, then blinked in surprise. "Oh! Hello there, stranger! I didn't see you there."
Erik waved at the skunk woman. "Sorry, ma'am, didn't mean to startle you. Just passing through."
She smiled. "What brings you this far out, if you don't mind me asking?"
Erik didn't answer right away. "...I just recently arrived here. From Arbot."
Her eyes beamed with curiosity. "My, an Arboti! I don't think I've actually met anyone from the neighboring kingdom before you."
Erik just smiled. She continued, "Am I your first Esterian?"
Erik's smile faded quickly. Uh... I don't wanna tell her that the first Esterians I met just gassed me out. I'll just say yes.
"Indeed you are," Erik lied casually. "Didn't expect Esteri to be skunkfolk country."
She giggled. "Actually, Esteri has all sorts - skunkfolk are only a fraction of those who make up the population here."
"Oh, I see." Erik pretended to be impressed with that fact. He knew it was the case, obviously, he was just trying to be polite.
The skunk woman then walked towards Erik, closing the short distance between the two. When she was close enough, she extended her hand out and said, "My name is Zoa. Zoa Springscent."
Erik accepted Zoa's handshake in kind, and replied. "Erik Leif." He couldn't help but think, Springscent? I doubt she smells like spring flowers.
Now that she was so close to him, Erik could make out Zoa's appearance more clearly than before. Aside from the skunk ears and tail, she looked entirely human. Her skunk ears were where her human ears would naturally be, and they blended in nicely with her shoulder-length jet-black hair and pale complexion. Her eyes were a deep ocean-blue, and her face was clean and smooth. Erik surmised that she was about his age. Her attire was casual, but modest - she wore a white, thin blouse couple with a pair of mint-green trousers. She had a small bag she carried with her in one arm, and it was full of fruits and vegetables. The only thing that struck Erik as odd was the fact that she was barefoot, as he saw when he glanced down for but a moment.
Though Erik didn't say anything, Zoa replied, "I know, we skunkfolk don't usually wear shoes. You seemed confused about why I'd be out here with bare feet."
Erik responded, "Oh, yes, I... sorry, I couldn't help but notice."
"It's no problem at all," Zoa assured. "Are there any skunkfolk from where you're from?"
Erik shook his head. "Never met one in the flesh. I hear they all migrated long before I was born."
"So I'm your first Esterian and your first skunkfolk, then?" Zoa joked.
"I suppose so," Erik answered with a light chuckle. "...Sorry, I hope I'm not being too forward, but, what brings you out he--"
BRRRRRRrrrrrrrrpppphht!
Out of nowhere, Zoa broke wind right in the middle of Erik's question. Both his and Zoa's eyes widened in surprise. Erik was about to cover his nose out of reflex, but stopped himself. Wait... maybe I can see now if this sash really works as promised.
Zoa blushed. "Oh, oh my! Sorry about that!" She tried her best to waft the smell away with her free hand. "Sorry... it's, uhm, a skunkfolk thing."
"I sort of figured as much," Erik said, trying to lighten her embarrassment.
Erik was waiting for the smell to hit him across his nose, but none came. He couldn't tell if Zoa's gas either wasn't that strong or if the sash really did nullify the strong scent he was expecting. Then he heard Zoa ask, "That... didn't bother you?"
"Uhm... no?"
"Oh. I guess... that's good?" Zoa seemed at a loss for words for a moment. "Normally we try and not do that around strangers - we know it can be overwhelming to the senses."
Makes sense, Erik said to himself. Few things smell stronger than a skunk. Still... I don't smell anything.
"Perhaps it's your namesake," Erik joked. "At least... are skunkfolk named after their scent, or?"
Zoa smiled bashfully. "Oh, no no, that's just a coincidence. Though, I'm unsure if a springtime smell would be of much use to a skunkgirl like myself. We... kinda need it to stink."
"For self-defense," Erik added.
"Right, exactly! Wait, how did you know that?"
"Because regular skunks do the same," Erik clarified. "Wasn't much of a stretch to assume it was the same for you and your kind."
"Ah, that makes sense, when you put it like that."
Erik smiled. She's a friendly one. I'm glad she wasn't jumped by those thugs like I was. ...Then again, maybe she could've knocked them all out herself.
"But then, how are you able to withstand it, exactly?" Zoa inquired. "I've never met someone who doesn't at least try and cover their nose around us."
"Oh, that's because, er... well..."
Erik had to come up with something. He was unsure about telling this girl he just met about how the sash he was wearing was magical in nature. For all he knew, she'd think he was a crazy person just making it up. So, he went for another white lie.
"I don't actually have a sense of smell," he answered.
Zoa seemed concerned by that response. "Not at all? I'm sorry to hear that."
"S-Sorry?"
"Well, sure, you can't smell the bad scents... but all the good scents too. Shame you can't experience the smell of a fresh flowerbed or home-cooked meal..."
"I-I haven't known what I've been missing for my whole life, so really, I'm fine!"
This was getting uncomfortable for Erik now. He still needed to keep following the tracks left behind by the caravan and the bandits. Now he was stuck lying to a girl he only met mere moments ago. He was hoping he could be on his way.
"It was, erm, nice talking to you, Zoa, but I have to be on my way now. Safe travels to you."
As he walked right past Zoa, she turned to face him and asked, "Wait. Where are you going?"
Erik turned to look at her over his shoulder. "Excuse me?"
"You said you just arrived in Esteri. And, you're all alone. Are you sure you know where you're going?"
Erik didn't think of that. Damn, she has a point. Erik had a vague idea of his path forward thanks to the tracks left behind by the caravan, but he had no idea where exactly it was that they led to. For all he knew, it could have been a bandit camp or hideout.
Erik answered as honestly as he could. "...Not really, actually. Just trying to see where the path takes me."
"Oh, I see. In that case, mind if I join you?"
"Pardon?"
"The path ahead leads to a nearby town. I was actually going to head back myself. I need to return this food for an errand I was sent on. Since it's staring to get late, I was going to head back. It might be best for you, too. That way, you can get some rest at the local inn."
What Zoa was proposing made sense, but Erik had to consider it for a moment. Part of him still couldn't shake the unease of what had happened to the others on the caravan, or what the bandits have done to them. However, he was going to need rest eventually, and Zoa was the first friendly soul he had met in Esteri. Taking her up on her offer wouldn't be a bad idea.
After he gave it some thought, Erik decided--
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