Apothecary

The Apothecary is a antiquated shop that sells herbs and remedies.

A Welcome Respite

I was long from and longing for home at the time. Sun setting and weary, I espied the lambent glow of a lantern limning a hilltop, puffs of gray smoke dissipating into the appearing firmament. Cresting the rise revealed this rustic dwelling, a sign welcoming wanderers as I, the front patio laden with the soft shine of those deep-fruit that I had thought grew only in the mines.

Having learned caution on this perilous quest, I circled the building for a once-over. The eastern wall bustled with growth, even in this evening hour. A family of bees were pollinating beetroot sprouts and returning to their hive beneath the window. A menagerie of potted plants laid strewn and stacked under an awning. Rainwater pooled in a wrought-iron cauldron. Rounding the back, I found more supplies cached in barrels. I nearly missed one that was well-hidden for good reason, containing some marvelous and specular tincture of unknown provenance.

Deeming the shop innocuous, I knocked at the front doors. I was greeted by a kindly old scholar who was the keeper of that place, gentle and eager to show me his wares. Hung on shelves behind his counter was an eclectic collection of bottles. I offered him a three-carat beryl for one that whispered knowledge. I was interested in his work, and he generously toured me through his distilleries in the corner, enumerating his discoveries on Flowerpot Condensation. His curious copper automaton moved between the stills, keeping them oxygenated and hot.

As the night lengthened, I asked of access to his hearth. He welcomed me to a cozy loft with a double bed and a wonderful view of the valley. He obliged I make myself comfortable in front of the roaring fire, and I lapsed into dream to the popping twinkle of sprucewood.

I woke well before dawn. Tiptoeing down the stairs, I patted his golem on that odd protrusion from its head, and left a pair of beryls on the counter. I swept out into the cold incipience of morning.