Tik Tik in the Desrt - Back in Business

In order for Tik Tik to move up in the world, she needs to get her clothes out of the wardrobe!

As Tik Tik runs her fingers over the old yellow fabric, reminiscing of times that never were, a buttery voice rises up from behind her. "Ah, you have a discerning eye, little one." A thickly-wrapped creature emerges from some of the racks of clothing, carrying in their long-sleeved grasp an intricate chest. Their features are obscured by their turban, scarf, and other flowing and draping dress. "That is an exceptional piece, but finding a buyer for it proves to be rather tricky, indeed. However, I think what you're looking for is in here."
They run their sleeve over the chest, and then they pat it, stepping back. "Now, for your equipment. Your clothing is wonderful, indeed, and I can tell it is crafted with love and repaired with Anteronian tailors. Most lovely, indeed."
"Tik Tik's clothes in there?" the kobold asks, letting the yellow robes drop back to their natural hanging state. "Anish said Tik Tik come in here and get it back."
"Of course," the robed figure says. "I am the Keeper, after all, and I know where all traveler's clothing and equipment are stored within my tent."
Tik Tik throws the lid open and dives into the chest, but a tatter of cloth wraps around her ankle, yanking her back out.
"Careful there, little one," the Keeper says, the cloth returning to their voluminous form. "You don't want to be lost in the pocket dimension housed within the chest—you may never leave."
Sitting on her butt after the pull, the kobold stands up, rubbing her rump and stroking her chin. "Pocket Dimension. Strong magic, ye?"
"Oh yes, and it has to be to maintain this fourth-dimensional space within the tent and a pocket dimension within the chest. An ordinary wizard could only hope to dream of being able to conjure such wonders. Anyway, think about what it is you seek and reach in. One hand is best."
Tik Tik stands on her tippy toes and does as she is told, scrunching up her face and sticking out her tongue as she concentrates. Her grasp holds onto something familiar, and with a tug, she produces her outfit, bundled up and tied with some string to keep it together.
"Ah, Yes, Yes! Tik Tik so happy not dress like prize meat!"
The Keeper closes the lid. "Yes, sewn with such love and attention."
"Was gift from master," Tik Tik says, starting by slipping the shirt over her head.
"Master… would that not be Lord Anish?"
Tik Tik pokes her head out of her shirt, wearing it like a scarf. "No. Tik Tik partner Lord Anish. Master teach Tik Tik everything about trap."
"Your customs are strange to me, as ours are no doubt to yours," the Keeper says, picking up the chest. "If you ever want to change your outfit, then you may come here, as long as you are still in Lord Anish's," they pause, shrugging, "partnership."
"Okie Dokie!" Tik Tik says, poking her arms through her sleeves. The kobold then finishes getting fully dressed and steps back out to the desert caravan, this time bringing her hood up over her head and holding herself with confidence.
When the manservant sees her, he gives the wizard a bow, offering his hand again.
This time, Tik Tik shakes her head and marches on before him, heading straight to the tent of Lord Anish.
When she enters, the air that wafts over to her wrinkles her nose in a surprising and overloading sensation of joy. Spread out before the divan is a feast of meats and juices, fruits and desserts, and all matter of delectable treats.
"It's amazing what some clothing does for someone," Lord Anish says, bringing up another sliver of his favorite wriggling meat to his lips. He slurps it down and motions over the spread. "Come, join me. We have much to discuss."
Tik Tik sits upon a tiny pillow and reaches for a goblet, dipping her finger into the contents and checking to see if it’s wine and not a more sanguine alternative. She sips, nods in approval, and grabs a few things of this and that.
"How are you enjoying the freedom to do as you wish, Tik Tik?" her host says, picking a grape between two fingers and squeezing.
"Is nice," Tik Tik says, plopping one of the juicy fruits into her mouth. “But Tik Tik feel bad for other kobolds. No like force people do thing, and like make friend and learn from friends."
"I can see that sentiment being important in some walks of life," her host says. "But, really, you are ignorant in how the world works." He says this, reclining and showing off his soft and slender body, unmarred by work or scar. If it weren't for his bloodstained backward fingers and stained teeth, Tik Tik would suspect him to be weak.
She gulps her drink and places it down, fluttering her eyes. "You know, Tik Tik ignorant how Anish work."
"We both know little, Tik Tik," the caravan leader says, scooting over and tapping the space with his toe. "If you wish to learn more, you may join me for delights that have nothing to do with food. Think of it as part of your research, if you would."
Tik Tik giggles, standing up and swishing herself over towards his divan. "Anish no make move when Tik Tik chained up. Wait until dressed and everything?"
Anish sits up, pulling his legs in and holding his hand out toward her. "My dear, I never touch a lowly servant. I reserve myself for those I find my equal."
Tik Tik coos as she climbs back onto the divan. "Well, Tik Tik hope find Anish equal in fun. No disappoint Tik Tik, okie dokie?"
He flashes his teeth and reaches out, the back of his hand rubbing against her cheek. "I wouldn't dream of it, Tik Tik."