Pretty Things & Evil Deeds

@ katahdin

"Your keep?" Azana said back to him, her head turning to the side a little. "No, absolutely not, Mr. Thurston. There is no reason for you to do anything." She certainly was not going to take up a customer's offer of helping her with the shop. Especially when she was the one who invited him to stay. It was nice of him to do so though. But maybe a little odd. She glanced at him for a moment. Perhaps he was a little odd, in a good way.

She glanced around the shop for a moment, thinking of where he could go. Azana then disappeared into the back once again before coming out with a stool and setting it down in front of the store counter. "Please, sit down." She said with a little smile. Azana then turned to the items that were sprawled out on the counter, beginning to clean up the spellbook and other ingredients she had out for what she was working on. "Hopefully, the thunderstorm will pass through soon or, at least, the lightening can start striking out of town. I swear it is going to hit one of the buildings."

@ BearGirl

Elliot chuckled a little as she refused his offer for help, watching her dart out back before returning with a stool for himself. "Thank you, Miss DeRose." He smiled as he took a seat, letting out a little sigh as he looked out the window at the raging storm, nodding in agreement with her assessment. "Yes, it's quite bad.. perhaps someone is using magic to conjure the storm, and they want the lightning to hit one of the buildings." He thought aloud, looking back at Azana as she cleaned up the counter in front of her, smiling a little to himself as he watched her work. She was lovely.

"Don't clean up for my sake. I'm happy to just sit and watch the rain while you do whatever it was that you were doing." He insisted, feeling a bit bad for getting in the way of whatever she'd been preparing. He hated it when he was interupted in the middle of preparing a spell, so he could only imagine how she might feel. "Maybe I could watch you practice your magic? I've never seen someone perform flower magic before, I've only seen the results."

@ katahdin

"Why would anyone want to do that?" Azana asked back as she lifted her head up for a moment to look at him. Her eyebrows were furrowed together at the thought. Sure, people weren't always the best but hitting a building with lightning seemed rather extreme. Though her hands stopped what they were doing as Mr. Thurston asked to watch her practice her magic. Azana's looked up at him as she had a stack of flowers in one hand and a spoon in the other.

"Would you really want to see that?" Azana asked him, her voice softening. Other magic-users tended not to care about flower magic so it was curious as to why he wanted to see it at all. It piped her interest as to what exactly his craft was. Perhaps it was something like hers? Surely, he wasn't a healer or something like that. They all had such huge egos. "I'm not doing anything overly impressive right now. One of the women in town asked if I could make a vial of serenity for her daughter."

@ BearGirl

Elliot shrugged a bit as she asked why someone would do that, looking from the window to her. "I dunno. Maybe they need the power of the lightning for their spell? I've heard some wizards can catch lightning in a bottle in the right conditions. Or at least I've read about it." He chuckled.

He smiled a bit as she looked so surprised at him asking to see her perform her magic, nodding a little as his smile widened. "Of course. I'm always interested in seeing others perform their craft, I think it's possible to learn a lot about my own magic from watching others. I've never seen a flower witch though." He chuckled, shaking his head a little when she said she wasn't doing anything impressive. "Any magic is impressive in my book, especially since not everyone has magic."

@ katahdin

Azana let out a small hum in response. There was a chance that Elliot was right but she certainly did not like the idea of someone purposely bringing lightening here so close to town. Though, as long as they were actually doing it right, nothing should get set ablaze...

"Well, if you are sure." At his reassurance, Azana stopped picking everything up and instead started to set it down again. Though now her hands started to move slower, no longer feeling rushed to gather everything up. "If you don't mind me asking, what is your craft?" Once things were down in their proper spots, Azana sat down at her cushioned stool and started to pull petals off of lavender.

@ BearGirl

Elliot smiled as she began to set everything back down on the counter, watching as she began to strip the petals off of the lavender, adjusting himself in his seat a bit to get a better look. "I don't mind at all. Do you need help preparing anything? I can prepare herbs for you if you need, especially if that would make it easier for you to work." He offered.

His smile faltered a bit as she asked about his craft though, sitting back to run his fingers through his hair a bit nervously. He didn't want to lie, but he was also worried that once she found out she'd kick him out of her store and refuse to sell to him anymore. "Well.. It's a bit complicated. Not many people practice my craft, especially not in this area, but that's mostly because of the stigma around it..." He started to explain, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked around the shop before looking at her again. "I... I practice death magic."

@ katahdin

"Thank you but it needs to be done a particular way," Azana told him with a gentle smile. "Besides, I thought you said that you wanted to watch, not help," She teased lightly before shifting her eyes back down to the lavender. Though at the mention of death magic, Azana hands froze and her body went still. The implications of what Elliot had said hung in the air for a few moments, but then her fingers started to work on the lavender again and her body relaxed as well.

"That is certainly very rare," Azana said after a moment. She set the lavender down and took a sunflower, beginning to pick very particular seeds from the middle. His craft explained why he wasn't acting strangely with her. There certainly was a stigma around death magic, but unlike flower magic, it was all quite negative. The thought of anyone playing with death was a scary thought. And although the craft itself was a bit of a frightening, mysterious being to her, Azana refused to allow herself to judge a person for their craft. Even if their craft was literally death. "People are scared of what they don't understand, but it is unfortunate that you must carry the stigma of that as well."

@ BearGirl

Seeing her tense up made his heart ache, and he shifted his chair back a bit further from the counter as nonchalantly as he could, figuring it was better to give the girl space when she so clearly reacted negatively. Glancing back at the window he noticed that the lightning hadn't struck in a while, but the downpour was continuing, and he considered excusing himself and leaving in order to try not to make things worse but stopped when she spoke up about his magic, giving a little nod at her assessment. He was definitely more on edge than he had been a moment ago when they were joking around and teasing about the herbs, but he'd been in too many situations where people lashed out when learning about what he did, and he had the scars to prove that it usually didn't end well for him.

"I'm used to it by now, and although I wish it were different, I doubt things will change anytime soon, especially since the few necromancers you hear about occasionally in the news give everyone else a bad name, and it's so rare that it's hard to build up a better image.." Elliot explained, rubbing the back of his neck as he watched her pick the sunflower seeds, meeting her eyes after a moment, giving a sheepish smile. "If I make you uncomfortable, I can go.. It wouldn't be the first time someone kicked me out of a shop when they found out, or refused to sell me my herbs when they pieced together what they were for... I can find most of it online, even if it's more expensive and takes longer to arrive, but the last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable." He said sincerely, considering reaching out to take her hand for a moment, but decided against that very quickly in fear she'd freak out.

@ katahdin

"You don't make me uncomfortable," Azana said as she lifted her head up to look into Elliot's eyes. She paused for a moment to let her words sink in for him before continuing on. "I can tell that you are a good person, with good intentions. And you are more than your craft... I hope you don't mind my honesty, but I will admit that death magic is a bit frightening to me. However, I don't know much about it either except for things I have heard that I don't know are true or not...and the ones shown on the news like you said. Really, it's more of a mysterious being to me."

A small sigh left her lips before she continued. "I am just saying all of this so you understand that I am happy to welcome you to my shop. And that more poor reaction is not fear of you but over a craft that I don't know very well to begin with. Though it is hard to say that something that relies so heavily on death is not a little frightening..." Azana gave Elliot a sheepish smile. She was trying to smooth things over but she worried that she was just making it worse with her words. "I am sorry if I am offending or upsetting you... I feel like what I am trying to say is not coming out right."

@ BearGirl

Elliot's eyes softened as she spoke, feeling his chest tighten a bit as he smiled at her. It was incredibly kind of her to say such things, especially since he knew that she was being sincere, but coming from her made it extra special.

"Thank you, Azana... You have no idea how much I appreciate your kindness." He smiled at her, running his fingers through his hair. "Death magic isn't always raising zombies and attempting to start the apocalypse. Most of the people I make potions for have terminal illnesses, and they want to make their passing a bit easier, or I can make poultices for curing terrible infections and diseases, even though it's technically not healing magic.. I did reanimate someone's cat once, but I was told I had to at least execute that spell perfectly once, but I haven't done it again since." He chuckled a bit, shaking his head at the ridiculousness of the memory. "I'd offer to show you my magic sometime, but it's not very pleasant, and I doubt you'd find it interesting."

@ katahdin

"You are just being humble. I am sure that it is very interesting." Azana reassured him, still the slightly awkward smile on her lips. While she was sure that the craft he practiced was quite interesting indeed, Azana believed Elliot when he said that it was not very pleasant. Even when he described what he did most of the time, while not exactly as frightening as she imagined it did sound a little...well depressing. But even so. "I may have to take you up on that offer sometime. It would be nice to know for myself what it is actually about instead of count on all the rumors."

As she plucked the last leaf off of one of the herbs in front of herself, Azana then shifted her attention down to the counter. She picked up a mortar and pestle and started to grind the sunflower seeds and herb leaves until they became a fine dust. Azana then took three mini glass jars and set them in front of herself before sprinkling the dust evenly into each one. Then, a few small blue and white stones were placed on top which were then followed by the petals she had just pulled. She lit a light blue candle that was on the counter before corking each bottle.

@ BearGirl

Elliot chuckled as she called him humble, but smiled when she said that she might take him up on his offer to show her his magic, giving a little nod. "Alright.. Just let me know when you want a demonstration, and I'll do my best to come up with something impressive. It's not every day someone's actually interested, and I'd hate to bore you." He chuckled, before falling silent as he watched her work, curious about her craft. He quietly noted the similarities in techniques between her magic and his, but also the interesting differences.

He sat back as he watched her measure everything and light the candle, wondering what she might do next. "Is that it? Wait, that came out wrong. It's not that I'm not impressed, I'm just curious about the process." He clarified quickly, cheeks flushing a bit red as he looked at her.

@ katahdin

A little shook of her head was what Azana offered Elliot when he asked if that was it. "I told you it wasn't very impressive." She told him before continuing on. "But, no, I am not done yet." She grabbed three threads that had sidgel charms hanging from them and grabbed them around each bottle Azana then took the candle that was beside her burning. She picked it up and poured the hot wax over the thread and cork, sealing them.

"I am peaceful. I am calm. Though the dark may seem so long. For day must follow every night. Everything shall be alright." Azana mumbled under her breath for each vial. Once the words were spoken, the vials glowed for a moment before fading away. But a relaxing, flowery scent started to come from each vial. When she was done, Azana set the candle back and blew it out.

"Like I said, it's just a vial of serenity. And I can't make these two strong or that is all you'll feel for the next week." Azana lifted one of the tiny glass bottles so she could get a better look. She then offered it to Elliot to look at.

@ BearGirl

Elliot gave a little nod as he watched her continue to work, eyes lighting up as she spoke the words and the vials glowed. Taking the vial from her he inspected it carefully, a smile spreading across his lips as he offered it back to her. "Your magic is beautiful. I could never accomplish anything like this, you shouldn't put yourself down so much."

The man turned to look out the window again, noticing that the storm had calmed, and the rain had mostly subsided. With a little sigh he slid off his stool and stood, stretching for a moment before picking up the stool. "The storm is gone, so I ought to leave before I overstay my welcome. Where should I put this?" He asked as he gestured to the stool, not wanting to have to have her pick up everything herself.

@ katahdin

A warm smile came along Azana's face as Elliot complimented her craft. It was very nice of him to do so and it seemed genuine as well. Not like he was making fun of her or being a weird pervert. It was actually really nice to hear. "Thank you... that means a lot." Azana said softly as she looked at the vial he offered back. She gave a little shake of her head. "No, you should keep it. Free of charge." Azana told him.

Before he was able to argue with her, Azana waved his words away and moved to the other side of the counter. "It was nice to be able to talk to you a little bit. And my favorite customer would never overstay his welcome." Azana told him with a large smile. She then took the stool that he gestured to before he was able to argue about that as well. "You have a good day then, Mr. Thurston. I hope you can stay dry on your way home."

@ BearGirl

Elliot smiled as she thanked him, about to say she didn't have to, but was shocked when she said that he could keep the vial she'd handed him, looking down at it like it was the most valuable thing in the world. He'd begun to argue but she waved his words away as she insisted and said that it was nice to be able to speak with him, his eyes lighting up as she called him her favorite customer.

He was partially convinced that maybe she'd performed some sort of love spell on him, because hearing those words and seeing her smile at him made his heart swell. He'd talked to her twice, and now he was her favorite customer. He didn't even care if she said that to everyone, he was to elated by the news that she actually liked him despite his craft. "Thank you.. I feel like I should say more, but I honestly don't really have the words right now." He admitted softly as he carefully tucked the vial into the bag that contained his herbs, smiling widely as her as he started to back toward the door. "Have a good day, Miss Azana.." he called when he finally reached the door, not even caring about the rain as he began the long walk home, absolutely filled to the brim with happiness.

@ katahdin

A little hum of thought left Azana once Mr. Thurston had walked out of her store and the door closed behind him. He was certainly an interesting man...Very sweet as well.

---

It was towards the end of what had been a very busy day. People were in and out since the moment she opened and Azana felt as though she hadn't even had a moment off of her feet. She didn't want to complain about a good thing. Business was good. Customers were good. Selling product was good. But why couldn't the gods give her just a moment to catch her breath. Or eat lunch!

As the final customer in her store headed out, Azana's smile dropped. Her hands reached up and rubbed at her cheeks lightly, feeling the muscles in her face grow sore from smiling so much. Just a little longer and the store would be closed. Azana let out a small sigh before grabbing a clipboard. She should take inventory while she could. Who knew what tomorrow would be like.

@ BearGirl

Elliot had been busy crafting a number of potions for a client that was willing to pay double for a rush order, and because he needed the money he was willing to work overtime to complete the order, but as he was finishing the last potion that afternoon he realized he was out of the last and most important ingredient. In a rush he packed up the completed potions, as well as the one unfinished vial and rushed to Azana's store, hoping it would still be open by the time he got there.

He stumbled through the door only a few minutes before closing, looking quite frazzled as he looked around the store before catching her eye. "I know it's very rude to show up right before closing, but I desperately need an herb to finish this potion. The client put in a rush order and wants them delivered at the end of the hour, and if I don't make it I'm screwed. I need just a bit of ghost orchid, but I don't have enough to pay for it right now, but I swear that after I get paid for the delivery I'll come back and pay you double for it." He said desperately, looking rather worried that she'd refuse.

@ katahdin

Azana wanted to laugh when she heard the bell of her store door go off. Of course, she couldn't even get a few moments before closing time. Life could not be that easy today. Though as she turned around to see Elliot stumbling in, looking like the world was ending, her eyes softened. At least it was him. But she couldn't help but worry about the slightly crazy look coming through in his eyes. And he was talking before she could even welcome him to the store.

A small hum, taking a second or two to think over what he said. If it was anyone else, Azana wouldn't have even considered it. Ghost orchid was extremely rare. Only 11 had been seen in the last 100 years in the wild and Azana had managed to get one of them (by means she wasn't exactly proud of) and breed it. So it wasn't something she would give without payment first as they were expensive. Though she looked over Elliot again and her eyes softened even more. "I only have a little that is potion ready so hopefully it'll be enough."

With that, Azana disappeared into the back of her store. A few minutes later, she came out with a jar of what she had and handed it to Elliot. "Use what you need and come back here tonight with what you didn't use, if anything, and my payment."

@ BearGirl

Elliot let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding when she agreed, placing a hand over his racing heart as he gave a little nod before watching her disappear out back. Thank the gods she'd agreed. He didn't know what he would of done if she hadn't. Money was very tight right now, and with rent due at the end of the week, he couldn't afford to mess up this delivery.

He carefully took the vial from her and slipped it into his pocket for safekeeping, looking at her with a grateful smile. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." He murmured, taking her head in his hands and pressing a kiss to the top of her head, too overwhelmed with a variety of emotions to consider that it might have been weird or wrong. "I promise I'll be back in an hour with your money. I promise." He said before he rushed out of the store.

True to his word, he was back a little over an hour later, although with a pit of dread in his stomach. He'd had to use all of the ghost orchid to finish the potion, and even though the man he'd delivered them to had been true to his word about paying him double, if he stuck to his word about paying Azana double for the ghost orchid he wouldn't have enough for rent at the end of the week. Sure, he didn't need to eat regularly, so that would help a little if he pulled some money from his already small weekly meal budget, but he'd still have to pull off a miracle to get the last bit of money for rent, and he knew his landlord wouldn't take another late payment. He was still lost in thought when Azana let him into the store, tugging the envelope with all the money he'd been given out of his pocket, as well as the empty vial as he moved to the counter. He stood there in silence for a moment, clearly thinking things over, before counting out what he needed to pay her double for the ghost orchid and setting it down on the counter, tucking away the rest. He couldn't cheat her of what he promised, he'd just have to figure something else out.

"There, double payment, as promised." He offered her a smile that was clearly forced, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry again for doing this, but I really appreciate it. I promise it won't happen again... I doubt I'll be coming around regularly anymore, anyway, if at all." He sighed. If he couldn't pay his rent, he would be evicted, and then he wouldn't have a place to practice his magic, which meant he wouldn't be able to make any money. Of course, he could try getting an office job or something, but they always did background checks, and once they found out he was a necromancer any chance at a job would be thrown out the window.. he'd figure something out though. He'd have to. "Well, I should get going, I don't want to keep you since it's already past closing. Thanks again, Miss Azana."