Four. Dragon Looks Like a Lady

[wakethedragon]

Welcome, travelers! It's so nice to see new faces in our beloved kingdom. I do so hope you enjoy your stay with us.

If anyone is looking for quality hand-made goods, look no further than the shack just outside of town. I provide sewn goods, candles, and souvenir trinkets celebrating your stay in Ravin!



Visenya clutched her coin purse tightly as she made her way to the apothecary's shop. She was nervous about this, but filled with purpose. She would buy a potion, and that potion would change her life for the better. She would no longer be that poor girl in the shack, slaving over needle, wax, and paints.

Comments

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

"Don't you have someone picked out? There's another potion that you can slip to guards if you need to, to make them take you right to him. Then just give him some wine - don't put it in water, water dissolves most of the potions - and you're set. Don't be lazy, you can't get what you want by being lazy." Arya Stark, Apprentice. Mouthy little brat.

[wakethedragon.livejournal.com]

"I have several someones picked out." This was the kingdom of Ravin! Princes around every corner. She didn't need this impudent little brat making her feel foolish. She could get into one of the palaces, certainly, under the pretense of being a seamstress. Or a maid if necessary. "And I'm not lazy. I work all day long!"

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

"Well so do I," Arya shot back, putting both hands on her hips. "That's how it works. Miracles aren't cheap, and Master Hannibal's are the best! Do you want one or not?"

[wakethedragon.livejournal.com]

"All right, yes, fine." She could work out the details later. She had the money now, and there was no telling when she'd have the money again. "Does he guarantee his work?"

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

"Of course he does! He guarantees mine, too. Master Hannibal's a good teacher, just as good as he is a miracle worker! If it doesn't work I'll - I'll refund you." She does not like the sound of that at all, but there's really no helping it.

[wakethedragon.livejournal.com]

Visenya smiled. As long as she got her money back, that was all that mattered to her. She didn't want to be played for a fool, even if buying a love potion was foolish. If there was a refund if it didn't work, what was the harm in trying? "How much?"

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

Arya eyed the pouch, wondering how much the woman had. "Three gold pieces?" It was a nearly outrageous amount, but if she had it...Arya could probably part with the potion for some silver, though.

[wakethedragon.livejournal.com]

Her eyes bulged out of her head. She had several silver pieces, but she was more than certain that there wasn't a single gold piece, let alone three. She opened the pouch and started to flick through the coins inside.

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

The bulging eyes was all the answer Arya needed. She sighed, then grinned. "Five silver pieces, then. You have that, right? I won't take copper."

[wakethedragon.livejournal.com]

She looked up from her purse, caught the grin on the child's face, and smiled herself. "Five silver pieces. Sold." She plucked the appropriate number of coins out of her bag, approached the apprentice, and handed them over. Quickly, not allowing herself time for second thoughts.

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

Arya snatched them up as soon as they were offered, hiding them away in her belt. And then she turned on her heel to head right into the house. "You can come in," she said. "I have one already brewed, but I can make it fresh if you like. It's still potent."

[wakethedragon.livejournal.com]

She tucked her purse away in the pocket tied around her waist, hidden beneath the folds of her gown, just in case the apprentice got any ideas. "Will it make a difference? How long do I have to use it?"

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

"No, it doesn't make a difference, just sometimes people are stupid about having fresh potions. Some potions are better when they're older, but do they care? No." She went to a shelf, pulling out a small bottle. The liquid inside was pale blue in the light. In another, it might be pink.

"I'd use it before the next month is up, I think."

[wakethedragon.livejournal.com]

Before the next month is up. That gave her plenty of time to give further study to the rich men in Ravin, and decide which one she wanted to fall in love with her. She grinned as she watched the pale blue liquid glow ever-so-faintly in the light.

"I'll take your word for it. You're the apprentice, I'm just some girl." She held out her hand to take the bottle.

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

"Yes I am," Arya said, and if she glowed just a little, it had to be a trick of the light bouncing off the bottle. Which she handed over after checking that the coins were still in her pocket. "Good luck."

[wakethedragon.livejournal.com]

"Thank you." She smiled, albeit nervously, and took the bottle. She quickly pocketed it and made her way out of the shop.

[fearcutsdeeperthanswords]

Arya followed her out - she had to finish cleaning the cauldron, after all - and lifted a hand in a small wave. "Come again!"