Project 6

The port city of Zirhewa has always been known as a cultural hub for magical creatures from across the world. You’ve had the fortune of living here since you were a young woman, with bright ideas and hidden ambitions. You’ve money to spare and days of others to make. You’ve decided that today is as good a day as any to peruse the marketplace of Zirhewa, see what new products you can find. In your pocket is a short list of your favorite shops, some for their products, some for their workers. [[Florist]] [[Apothecary]] [[Coffee Shop]] [[Bookstore]] [[Tavern & Inn]] [[The Woods]] (set: $carnations to false) (set: $peonies to false) (set: $roses to false) (set: $florist to 0) (set: $moonstone to false) (set: $potion to false) (set: $spell to false) (set: $apothecary to 0) (set: $cocoa to false) (set: $latte to false) (set: $espresso to false) (set: $cafe to 0) (set: $spellbook to false) (set: $journal to false) (set: $bestiary to false) (set: $bookstore to 0) (set: $grog to false) (set: $scraps to false) (set: $gruel to false) (set: $tavern to 0) (set: $clover to false) (set: $trinket to false) (set: $rock to false) (set: $woods to 0) (set: $date to false)

A whiff of strong spices overtakes you as you step into the apothecary. The room is dark, but a colored light shines through stained glass windows, dancing rainbows across the hanging plants above. Medicinal and magical herb mixtures reside in the various glass bottles you see displayed. Large mahogany shelves with hundreds of small drawers line the back wall. There you meet the gaze of a witch. Her thin purple eyes regard you keenly. “Feel free to look around, potion samples are near the front. If you’re looking for something specific, our catalog is over here” She gestures to her right at the large leather bound book. You notice the delicacy of her pointed fingers that protrude from her long black batwing sleeves. She has a certain quiet elegance to her, save for her medium-length blue and purple hair. Thin wired spectacles hang from her neck, swinging as she floats from one side of the counter to the other, plopping ingredients into her brewing stand. [[Ask if they need anything|florReq]] [[Buy items|florBuy]] (if:$clover is true)[[[Give her the foraged plants->giveClover]]] (if:$cocoa is true)[[[Give her the cocoa->giveCocoa]]] [[Leave|florLeave]] (if:$florist > 1)[[[Flirt->florFlirt]]]

A whiff of strong spices overtakes you as you step into the apothecary. The room is dark, but a colored light shines through stained glass windows, dancing rainbows across the hanging plants above. Medicinal and magical herb mixtures reside in the various glass bottles you see displayed. Large mahogany shelves with hundreds of small drawers line the back wall. There you meet the gaze of a witch. Her thin purple eyes regard you keenly. “Feel free to look around, potion samples are near the front. If you’re looking for something specific, our catalog is over here” She gestures to her right at the large leather bound book. You notice the delicacy of her pointed fingers that protrude from her long black batwing sleeves. She has a certain quiet elegance to her, save for her medium-length blue and purple hair. Thin wired spectacles hang from her neck, swinging as she floats from one side of the counter to the other, plopping ingredients into her brewing stand. [[Ask if they need anything|apocReq]] [[Buy items|apocBuy]] (if:$spellbook is true)[[[Give her the spellbook->giveSpellbook]]] (if:$peonies is true)[[[Give her the light flowers->giveLight]]] [[Leave|apocLeave]] (if:$apothecary > 1)[[[Flirt->apocFlirt]]]

The open air cafe butts up against the riverbank. Someone has dug out and reinforced the embankment with stone, so that the river is at counter level when you descend a set of steps. All along the banks, machinery that you could never imagine in your wildest dreams sits, warmed by small glowing crystals. People are spread out everywhere, on blankets in the grass, at tables arranged around this sort of earthen amphitheater. As you walk up to the counter, the owner of the shop flashes you a smile, her too-many teeth gleaming in the sun. A mermaid, with silky blue hair and gleaming scales to match, you watch as she dives across the pool, carrying a mug above the water. You’ve been told that people were hesitant when a mermaid requested a custom cafe at the bank, but the skepticism has long dissipated, replaced with laughter and joyous conversations. She waves to you from the other end of the pool, where she’s chatting with a young girl. You wait a couple minutes, and watch as the girl reaches for the mug that the mermaid has been gesturing with. “Oh, your tea! Of course. My bad! Well be sure to take care of those ladybugs, alright?” You overhear. She swims over to you. “Welcome to my cafe! What can I do for ya?” [[Ask if they need anything|coffeeReq]] [[Buy items|coffeeBuy]] (if:$grog is true)[[[Give her the grog->giveGrog]]] (if:$potion is true)[[[Give her the potion->givePotion]]] [[Leave|coffeeLeave]] (if:$cafe > 1)[[[Flirt->coffeeFlirt]]]

The bookstore is located just off the main street. The quaint facade suggests a cozy store, but when you walk in, you’re greeted by grand decor. Gilded sconces adorning the walls, a glowing chandelier of light magic hanging from the ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling bookcases arranged in neat rows. You expected a musty smell when you came in, but there isn’t a speck of dust to be found. Customers mill between the shelves, some settled in plush armchairs placed strategically around the store. Nobody pays you any mind as you enter, too engrossed in their own browsing. A tome with a scarlet cover is displayed on the front counter. You approach, gently brushing it with your fingers. The Romantics: Spells and Potions from the Premodern Era. You open it to a random page, but the symbols are unfamiliar to you. “What are you looking for?” You startle, and notice the shop owner for the first time. Behind a curved desk sits a sphinx, laying down and reading a book where it lays open before her. You watch as she cocks her head, the book’s pages turning for her. Her emerald eyes flick to you for a moment, and she stretches, just as a cat. Her blue fur ripples as her wings flutter gently against her back. You can’t help but notice her claws that peek from her hands as she flexes her forearms. [[Ask if they need anything|bookstoreRequest]] [[Buy items|bookstoreBuy]] (if:$espresso is true)[[[Give her the espresso->giveEspresso]]] (if:$trinket is true)[[[Give her the trinket->giveTrinket]]] [[Leave|bookstoreLeave]] (if:$bookstore > 1)[[Flirt->bookstoreFlirt]]

The tavern is as dreary as death. It reminds you of being enclosed in a coffin. The darkness and dust chokes you. The tavern is completely abandoned, but that is only because the day has not yet reached nighttime. The wall is lined up with various casks and shelves full of ales, meads, beers, and rums. You assume that the staircase beside the bar’s counter leads to the inn. The stunning Vampire towers above the bar. With a full-figure and doll-like face, she is quite easily one of the most beautiful women you’ve ever seen. The Vampire’s eyes are not different from red carnations in the summertime. You immediately feel self-conscious as she observes you. She is dressed in a plain, noir barmaid’s outfit. Her hair hurls down her back with roses sewn into her tresses. When she catches your gaze, you feel dizzy and breathless. Before speaking, the Vampire lets her tongue flick over a fanged tooth. “Hello,” She says while smirking, “Welcome in… But do wipe your grubby feet before getting mud on my carpet.” [[Ask if they need anything|TavernRequest]] [[Buy items|TavernBuy]] (if:$roses is true)[[[Give her the flowers->giveFlowers]]] (if:$journal is true)[[[Give her the journal ->giveJournal]]] [[Leave|tavernLeave]] (if:$tavern > 1)[[Flirt->tavernFlirt]]

At the edge of the woods, a makeshift stand hides below the trees. The ‘shop’ is entirely constructed entirely out of garbage. Heaps and heaps of junk surround it, suffocating it from the rest of the world. As you come closer, you realise that shiny gems and gold are scattered among the trash as if each item there had the same value. At least it probably did to the shopkeeper. The little Harpy is perched behind the crummy counter. She bears a strong resemblance to the market’s doves that crowd around the stands, looking for breadcrumbs. Her feathery eyelashes, hair, and wings are a snowy white. Above her heliotrope eyes, a smear of starlight glitter lays. While the Harpy wears mere rags, she is also adorned in jewelry. Somehow at once, she looks like both the prince and the pauper of fairy tales. Upon seeing you, she cries with delight. “Hi!” She says, voice lilting high and crooning low, “Welcome, welcome, welcome to my pretty little shop! Oh, yes, isn’t it beautiful! Yes, yes, yes! It is so lovely! Yes! It is such a darling place, and it’s all mine! I love it oh-so-much! Ah! I am very happy to have company! Has anyone told you that you are very beautiful? Ah, I’m sorry! I’m speaking out of turn! Ah! Did you know that very few people make the journey down here? No, they don’t bother! No, not at all! No, they don’t! But you did! How brave!” [[Ask if they need anything|WoodsRequest]] [[Buy items|WoodsBuy]] (if:$crystal is true)[[[Give her the crystal->giveCrystal]]] (if:$scraps is true)[[[Give her the food scraps ->giveScraps]]] [[Leave|woodsLeave]] (if:$woods > 1)[[Flirt->woodsFlirt]]

“Do I need something?!” The Harpy squawks, then turns away and asks herself, “Do I need something?” She faces you again. “No, I don't! Or maybe I do? Of course I do!” She rambles with an abrupt sadness, “Unfortunately, the townsfolk are a bit cruel to my kind… Ah! Terrible! It makes it very difficult for me to go into the markets!” You cannot help but feel sorry for her. “I do wish I could go get something shiny for myself in town, but they always chase me out of shops or jack-up the prices! Yes, yes, yes! It is horrible! Awful! Dreadful! But I could never ask you to do such a thing! I couldn’t even ask you to bring me something else to eat because I am sick of nuts and berries! No, I couldn’t! That would be very, very, very rude of me! I’m just happy that you are here!” [[Buy items|WoodsBuy]] [[Leave|woodsLeave]] (if:$crystal is true)[[[Give her the crystal->giveCrystal]]] (if:$scraps is true)[[[Give her the food scraps ->giveScraps]]] (if:$woods > 1)[[[Flirt->woodsFlirt]]]

(if:$clover is false)[[[Buy some foraged plants->Buy some foraged plants]]] (if:$trinket is false)[[[Buy a trinket->Buy a trinket]]] (if:$rock is false)[[[Buy a stone->Buy a stone]]] [[Ask if they need anything|WoodsRequest]] [[Leave|woodsLeave]] (if:$crystal is true)[[[Give her the crystal->giveCrystal]]] (if:$scraps is true)[[[Give her the food scraps ->giveScraps]]] (if:$woods > 1)[[[Flirt->woodsFlirt]]]

You purchase a silvery trinket. With a lopsided grin, she carefully picks out the shiniest one in her pile. She slips it into your palms. [[Ask if they need anything|WoodsRequest]] [[Buy items|WoodsBuy]] (if:$crystal is true)[[[Give her the crystal->giveCrystal]]] (if:$scraps is true)[[[Give her the food scraps ->giveScraps]]] [[Leave|woodsLeave]] (if:$woods > 1)[[[Flirt->woodsFlirt]]] (set: $trinket to true)

You purchase some four-leafed clovers. They emanate good-luck and fortune. She thrusts them into your hands haphazardly. [[Ask if they need anything|WoodsRequest]] [[Buy items|WoodsBuy]] (if:$crystal is true)[[[Give her the crystal->giveCrystal]]] (if:$scraps is true)[[[Give her the food scraps ->giveScraps]]] [[Leave|woodsLeave]] (if:$woods > 1)[[[Flirt->woodsFlirt]]] (set: $clover to true)

You purchase a rock. It is plain, smooth, and absolutely unremarkable. She stares at it in awe as if it were a diamond while she puts it into your hands. [[Ask if they need anything|WoodsRequest]] [[Buy items|WoodsBuy]] (if:$crystal is true)[[[Give her the crystal->giveCrystal]]] (if:$scraps is true)[[[Give her the food scraps ->giveScraps]]] [[Leave|woodsLeave]] (if:$woods > 1)[[[Flirt->woodsFlirt]]] (set: $rock to true)

“A crystal?” She yelps, “I love it, I love it, I love it! This is too kind of you! Oh! I will treasure this forever! Forever and ever!” She tosses it into the pile along with the rest of her junk. “You are such a great friend! May I call you that? What a great day this has been!” [[Ask if they need anything|WoodsRequest]] [[Buy items|WoodsBuy]] [[Leave|woodsLeave]] (if:$scraps is true)[[[Give her the food scraps ->giveScraps]]] (if:$woods > 1)[[[Flirt->woodsFlirt]]] (set: $woods to it + 1)

“People food?” She shrieks, “How did you know that I wanted this?! Ah! You are the sweetest! The loveliest! The darling-est! You know, I tire of foraging. Yes! Sometimes I like a home-cooked meal like anybody else! Yes, I do! Bon appetit to me!” [[Ask if they need anything|WoodsRequest]] [[Buy items|WoodsBuy]] [[Leave|woodsLeave]] (if:$crystal is true)[[[Give her the crystal->giveCrystal]]] (if:$woods > 1)[[[Flirt->woodsFlirt]]] (set: $woods to it + 1)

“Ta-ta!” She says with a cackling laugh, “Until we meet again, my friend! I sure hope you come back! Yes, I do! It would be such a splendid thing!” [[Back to the market->IntroTwo]]

You return to the main street of the market, ready for your next stop. [[Florist]] [[Apothecary]] [[Coffee Shop]] [[Bookstore]] [[Tavern & Inn]] [[The Woods]] (if: $date is true)[[Meet your date->date]]

She pulls you by the hand while walking into the tavern. Her grip is surprisingly soft and gentle. She seems a bit nervous, biting her lip. “I already took care of it,” she says with a bashful smile, “The room, I mean.” Your heartbeat thrums in your chest like an angry beehive. The two of you head upstairs. “After you,” she whispers quietly as you approach the door. You open it up and walk inside. You let your eyes look around the cozy bedroom, which had been flooded with black pillows, blankets, and tapestries. The fireplace’s light lashes against the walls and across her, casting a dancing shadow below her luxurious eyelashes. “Oh, there is only one bed,” she says, “I… I hope you don’t mind.” You cannot tell if she’s lying, joking, or doing a bit of both. She reaches past you, then shuts the door. You look at her face. Her beauty is utterly bewitching, from the curve of her cheek to the contorts of her hip. If she asked you to do anything in this moment, you do not know how you could possibly resist. “I hope this is to your liking,” she smiles coyly as she catches you staring. You start to sheepishly turn your face downwards, but she catches your face with her hand. She pulls your lips to hers, then collides into you with a kiss. Pulling away, you sit on the bed. She stands between your knees, looking downwards at you. She titters in laughter, “What are you up to?” You slip your fingers around her wrist, then gingerly tug her onto the bed. The two of you lay beside each other. She rests in the crook of your arm. You peer down at her, allowing yourself to kiss her once more.

While peering down at you, the Vampire laughs with an edge of cruelty, “Do I strike you as an indigent? Do you think I’m in a state of utter destitution?” Each word strikes at you like a blacksmith hammer against hot iron. “You must have a reason for speaking to me as if I were a beggar on the streets with trembling palms held to the sky. ‘Oh God’ I cry, ‘I only seek pity from a beautiful woman like you–’” She stops herself with a purply flush, shaking her head. “You may think I vex too much. In truth, I haven’t been able to visit the market during the daytime and my doltish errand-boy has fallen ill. While I doubt you are clever enough for the task, I do wonder if you take the boy’s place for the meantime. The other night, I had asked him if he could make it a bit more lively here. A few imprudent guests–now departed–have made some unseemly comments.” She adds with an almost-human sigh, “It certainly doesn’t help that I also seem to have lost my ledger.” [[Buy items|TavernBuy]] [[Leave|tavernLeave]] (if:$roses is true)[[[Give her the flowers->giveFlowers]]] (if:$journal is true)[[[Give her the journal ->giveJournal]]] (if:$tavern > 1)[[[Flirt->tavernFlirt]]]

(if:$grog is false)[[[Buy some grogs->buyGrog]]] (if:$scraps is false)[[[Buy some food scraps->buyScraps]]] (if:$gruel is false)[[[Buy gruel->buyGruel]]] [[Ask if they need anything|TavernRequest]] [[Leave|tavernLeave]] (if:$roses is true)[[[Give her the flowers->giveFlowers]]] (if:$journal is true)[[[Give her the journal ->giveJournal]]] (if:$tavern > 1)[[[Flirt->tavernFlirt]]]

“A journal,” She chuckles in astonishment, “How lovely! I will confess that I am rather fond of the print. I’m quite surprised since very few people have an eye for aesthetics and beauty such as this. It will make a fine ledger.” [[Ask if they need anything|TavernRequest]] [[Buy items|TavernBuy]] [[Leave|tavernLeave]] (if:$roses is true)[[[Give her flowers->giveFlowers]]] (if:$tavern > 1)[[[Flirt->tavernFlirt]]] (set: $tavern to it + 1)

“A bouquet of nightshade,” She laughs in shock and bewilderment, “How beautiful! These flowers are exquisite. I admit that you did much better than I anticipated. I shall put them into the best vase I have at once.” [[Ask if they need anything|TavernRequest]] [[Buy items|TavernBuy]] [[Leave|tavernLeave]] (if:$jouranl is true)[[[Give her the journal->giveJournal]]] (if:$tavern > 1)[[[Flirt->tavernFlirt]]] (set: $tavern to it + 1)

She says nothing as you leave, yet her eyes burn at your heels. [[Back to the market->IntroTwo]]

“Ah!” She coos while reddening in the face, “Yes, yes! I do like pretty things! And you are a pretty thing! Do you think I am too familiar? I think I am! Yes, I am, I am! But who minds? You don’t seem to! Ha! Would you like to go with me to the tavern? That would be a good thing, no? I think so! Yes, yes, yes!” [[Leave|woodsLeave]] [[Accept|woodsLeaveButGood]]

“Ta-ta!” She says with a cackling laugh, “Until we meet again, my friend! I sure hope you come back! Yes, I do! It would be such a splendid thing!” [[Back to the market->IntroTwo]] (set: $date to true)

She says nothing as you leave, yet her eyes burn at your heels. [[Back to the market->IntroTwo]] (set: $date to true)

You purchase grog, a beloved drink of sailors. She rolls her eyes as she puts the oceanic cocktail of sea water, rum, and mildew into your hands. [[Ask if they need anything|TavernRequest]] [[Buy items|TavernBuy]] (if:$roses is true)[[[Give her the flowers->giveFlowers]]] (if:$journal is true)[[[Give her the journal ->giveJournal]]] [[Leave|tavernLeave]] (if:$tavern > 1)[[[Flirt->tavernFlirt]]] (set: $grog to true)

You purchase food scraps. With a raised brow, she cannot resist making a low hum of disapproval at the odd request. [[Ask if they need anything|TavernRequest]] [[Buy items|TavernBuy]] (if:$roses is true)[[[Give her the flowers->giveFlowers]]] (if:$journal is true)[[[Give her the journal ->giveJournal]]] [[Leave|tavernLeave]] (if:$tavern > 1)[[[Flirt->tavernFlirt]]] (set: $scraps to true)

You purchase some gruel. She slams it on the table in disgust, then shakes her hands in repulsion. [[Ask if they need anything|TavernRequest]] [[Buy items|TavernBuy]] (if:$roses is true)[[[Give her the flowers->giveFlowers]]] (if:$journal is true)[[[Give her the journal ->giveJournal]]] [[Leave|tavernLeave]] (if:$tavern > 1)[[[Flirt->tavernFlirt]]] (set: $gruel to true)

“For once, I am at a loss for words,” She blushes, “Would it be wrong of me to say that I don’t find you particularly repugnant? One could even say that you are quite fetching. Excuse me if I am being impertinent, but perhaps we could get to know each other better upstairs?” [[Leave|tavernLeave]] [[Accept|tavernLeaveButGood]]

“What do I need?” She flicks one of her ears back. “I’ve traveled the world on my own two wings, walked amongst the ancients, and have forgotten more magic than most will ever learn. I need nothing.” Her ears narrow, as though in thought. “However, it’s hard to find things I’ve never seen before. I’m always seeking out curiosities– trinkets, baubles, the like, in the hopes of novelty.” She yawns. “My apologies. I’ve had a few late nights sorting through a new shipment, and haven’t made it over to the cafe for my espresso.” [[Buy items|bookstoreBuy]] [[Leave|bookstoreLeave]] (if:$espresso is true)[[[Give her the espresso->giveEspresso]]] (if:$trinket is true)[[[Give her the trinket->giveTrinket]]] (if:$bookstore > 1)[[[Flirt->bookstoreFlirt]]]

(if:$journal is false)[[[Buy a journal->buyJournal]]] (if:$spells is false)[[[Buy a spellbook->buySpellbook]]] (if:$bestiary is false)[[[Buy a bestiary->buyBeast]]] [[Ask if they need anything|bookstoreRequest]] [[Leave|bookstoreLeave]] (if:$espresso is true)[[[Give her the espresso->giveEspresso]]] (if:$trinket is true)[[[Give her the trinket->giveTrinket]]] (if:$bookstore > 1)[[[Flirt->bookstoreFlirt]]]

“A genuine dragon pendant from the Adron clan. Where did you get this?” The sphinx studies the piece closely. “It’s been centuries since anyone has seen one.” Suddenly, she stands up, moving on all fours towards one of the nearby shelves. You watch as she stands on her back legs, towering over you as she reaches for a book on a high shelf. She looks at you as she pulls it down. “A book by an Adronian historian.” She offers it to you. “It’s fascinating. Perhaps we could... discuss it together sometime.” [[Buy items|bookstoreBuy]] [[Ask if they need anything|bookstoreRequest]] [[Leave|bookstoreLeave]] (if:$espresso is true)[[[Give her the espresso->giveEspresso]]] (if:$bookstore > 1)[[[Flirt->bookstoreFlirt]]] (set: $bookstore to it + 1)

“From the cafe?” She looks at you for a moment, calculating, before taking a sip. Immediately, her ears and wings perk up. “I feel more like myself than I have all week.” She smiles at you, a fang peeking out. “There are few things better than a book and a beverage,” she purrs. “Of course, good company helps.” [[Buy items|bookstoreBuy]] [[Ask if they need anything|bookstoreRequest]] [[Leave|bookstoreLeave]] (if:$trinket is true)[[[Give her the trinket->giveTrinket]]] (if:$bookstore > 1)[[[Flirt->bookstoreFlirt]]] (set: $bookstore to it + 1)

“I should hope you’ll return soon,” the sphinx calls. She settles once more, gaze returning to her book, but you swear that you feel her eyes upon you as you leave. [[Back to the market->IntroTwo]]

The sphinx smirks, tail swishing. “Trite,” she says. “But charming.” She sits up, looking carefully into your eyes. Her hands knead at the ground in front of her, claws flashing. “You’re interesting. And kind.” She sniffs, imperiously. “Besides, someone needs to teach you a few more phrases when it comes to entreating women. If you’re interested in learning such things, we should meet in the tavern tonight to discuss.” [[Leave|bookstoreLeave]] [[Accept|bookstoreLeaveButGood]]

You purchase a journal. The thick pages feel luxurious. [[Ask if they need anything|bookstoreRequest]] [[Buy items|bookstoreBuy]] (if:$espresso is true)[[[Give her the espresso->giveEspresso]]] (if:$trinket is true)[[[Give her the trinket->giveTrinket]]] [[Leave|bookstoreLeave]] (if:$bookstore > 1)[[[Flirt->bookstoreFlirt]]] (set: $journal to true)

You purchase a bestiary. You don’t recognize most of the animals, but the illustrations are beautiful. [[Ask if they need anything|bookstoreRequest]] [[Buy items|bookstoreBuy]] (if:$espresso is true)[[[Give her the espresso->giveEspresso]]] (if:$trinket is true)[[[Give her the trinket->giveTrinket]]] [[Leave|bookstoreLeave]] (if:$bookstore > 1)[[[Flirt->bookstoreFlirt]]] (set: $bestiary to true)

You purchase a spellbook. It has a soft leather cover. [[Ask if they need anything|bookstoreRequest]] [[Buy items|bookstoreBuy]] (if:$espresso is true)[[[Give her the espresso->giveEspresso]]] (if:$trinket is true)[[[Give her the trinket->giveTrinket]]] [[Leave|bookstoreLeave]] (if:$bookstore > 1)[[[Flirt->bookstoreFlirt]]] (set: $spellbook to true)

“Everything!” she laughs. “My to-do list is longer than the path to the palace. Well, not actually, but,” she leans on the bank, resting her chin on her hand. “And even if my to-do list were that long, it’s not like I could walk it.” She ponders this for a moment, patting the grass. “Ugh. Sometimes it feels like I might need something a teeny tiny bit stronger than coffee to get through the morning rush, if you know what I mean. Not that I don’t appreciate being busy, in fact, someone came in just this morning asking about hot chocolate, and I told them that we don’t actually have hot chocolate, we have hot cocoa, and he looked at me like I had just flopped out of the river. Anyways…” [[Buy items|coffeeBuy]] [[Leave|coffeeLeave]] (if:$grog is true)[[[Give her the grog->giveGrog]]] (if:$potion is true)[[[Give her the potion->givePotion]]] (if:$cafe > 1)[[[Flirt->coffeeFlirt]]]

“Lemme know if I can get you anything!” She gestures at the menu board with one hand, sipping from her drink with another. (if:$cocoa is false)[[[Buy a hot cocoa->buyCoca]]] (if:$latte is false)[[[Buy a latte->buyLatte]]] (if:$espress is false)[[[Buy an espresso->buyEspresso]]] [[Ask if they need anything|coffeeReq]] [[Leave|coffeeLeave]] (if:$grog is true)[[[Give her the grog->giveGrog]]] (if:$potion is true)[[[Give her the potion->givePotion]]] (if:$cafe > 1)[[[Flirt->coffeeFlirt]]]

“Shhhh!” She holds the flask close. “Is this from the tavern? You’re a lifesaver!” She pours a little into her coffee. “After the day I’ve had, I need this. Like, so badly. You have no idea. Well, I mean, you have some idea because you’re here, talking to me, but you haven’t lived it. Not that anyone could live anyone else’s life.” She takes a sip, sinking deeper into the stream “Mmmm. I’d offer you a swig, but I’ve been told not to mix work and pleasure.” [[Buy items|coffeeBuy]] [[Ask if they need anything|coffeeReq]] [[Leave|coffeeLeave]] (if:$potion is true)[[[Give her the potion->givePotion]]] (if:$cafe > 1)[[[Flirt->coffeeFlirt]]] (set: $cafe to it + 1)

“What’s this?” She holds up the bottle to the light. “This looks suspiciously like a land-walking tonic from the apothecary?” She tries to hand it back to you. “Yep! Definitely one of those tonics.” She pauses. “Wait, is this for me? Thank you so much!” She claps her hands together, leaning close. “You’re the best. Idea– you should come with me on a walk! I’m not sure where we’d walk, honestly I’d have to check my to-do list, but maybe you’d chaperone my time on land? Well, not chaperone, because it’s not like you’d be watching me and someone going on a date, it’d be more like the two of us– not dating, right? Not? Not-not? Maybe I’ve had too much coffee today.” [[Buy items|coffeeBuy]] [[Ask if they need anything|coffeeReq]] [[Leave|coffeeLeave]] (if:$grog is true)[[[Give her the grog->giveGrog]]] (if:$cafe > 1)[[[Flirt->coffeeFlirt]]] (set: $cafe to it + 1)

“Oh, shoot,” she peers at the long line that has formed behind you, gesturing helplessly. “Work calls. I’ll see you later!” [[Back to the market->IntroTwo]]

“What did you say?” The mermaid is distracted, not looking up from the intricate latte art she’s working on. She looks up, and blushes, spilling the drink into the calm waters. “Oh!” You repeat yourself. Her eyes go wide. “One moment, my um, my fish friend is summoning me.” She disappears beneath the surface of the water. You see the swirl of her scales beneath the water, followed by a flurry of bubbles. It’s muffled, but you’re pretty sure you’ve just heard a scream. She resurfaces suddenly, splashing water across you and the counter. “Oh, sorry! Uh,” She smiles sheepishly. “Would you like to maybe perhaps go out sometime? Like to the tavern?” [[Leave|coffeeLeave]] [[Accept|coffeeLeaveGood]]

You purchase an espresso shot. She gives you a double. [[Ask if they need anything|coffeeReq]] [[Buy items|coffeeBuy]] (if:$grog is true)[[[Give her the grog->giveGrog]]] (if:$potion is true)[[[Give her the potion->givePotion]]] [[Leave|coffeeLeave]] (if:$cafe > 1)[[[Flirt->coffeeFlirt]]] (set: $espresso to true)

You purchase a latte. She draws a little heart on top. [[Ask if they need anything|coffeeReq]] [[Buy items|coffeeBuy]] (if:$grog is true)[[[Give her the grog->giveGrog]]] (if:$potion is true)[[[Give her the potion->givePotion]]] [[Leave|coffeeLeave]] (if:$cafe > 1)[[[Flirt->coffeeFlirt]]] (set: $latte to true)

You purchase a hot cocoa. It’s quite sweet. [[Ask if they need anything|coffeeReq]] [[Buy items|coffeeBuy]] (if:$grog is true)[[[Give her the grog->giveGrog]]] (if:$potion is true)[[[Give her the potion->givePotion]]] [[Leave|coffeeLeave]] (if:$cafe > 1)[[[Flirt->coffeeFlirt]]] (set: $cocoa to true)

“Oh, shoot,” she peers at the long line that has formed behind you, gesturing helplessly. “Work calls. I’ll see you later!” [[Back to the market->IntroTwo]] (set: $date to true)

She places a bottle down in frustration. “Nothing but sage to finish off this protection spell. Of course, I could probably find an alternative spell if that damned chimera hadn’t come in and burnt my 300 year-old copy of Tamara’s Grimoire to a crisp… Ah, I am rambling, my apologies.” She looks down at her brewing station for a few more moments before looking up at you. “It is kind of you to ask me if I require anything, but I truly would like to know if you have done anything for yourself today. Surely filling others’ requests is a tiring and expensive venture, no? I don’t really need anything, dear. The things I desire are of my own persistence.” [[Buy items|apocBuy]] [[Leave|apocLeave]] (if:$spellbook is true)[[[Give her the spellbook->giveSpellbook]]] (if:$peonies is true)[[[Give her the light flowers->giveLight]]] (if:$apothecary > 1)[[[Flirt->apocFlirt]]]

(if:$stone is false)[[[Buy a moonstone->buyMoonstone]]] (if:$potion is false)[[[Buy a transformation potion->buyPotion]]] (if:$spell is false)[[[Buy a cleansing spell->buySpell]]] [[Ask if they need anything|apocReq]] [[Leave|apocLeave]] (if:$spellbook is true)[[[Give her the spellbook->giveSpellbook]]] (if:$peonies is true)[[[Give her the light flowers->giveLight]]] (if:$apothecary > 1)[[[Flirt->apocFlirt]]]

“Come by if you need anything. I do my best to be a one stop shop,” the witch says, barely looking up from her work. [[Back to the market->IntroTwo]]

“How very forward of you. And yet, you didn’t even need a love spell to catch my eye.” The witch leans over the counter, a smile on her face. When you lean over as well, leaving your faces only a few inches apart, she reaches out and traces a finger along your chin. “If you’d like, I would be happy to meet up at the Tavern later. We can share a different kind of love potion there. The aphrodisiacs here can be a little too intense.” [[Leave|apocLeave]] [[Accept|apocLeaveGood]]

Her features turn soft as she takes the book into her hands, smoothing over the cover. “A new grimoire?” She takes her spectacles and places them on her nose to get a better look You try to explain how you unfortunately couldn’t find a copy of Tamara’s grimoire, but the witch shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter. This will do lovely. No one has bought me a spellbook in years, I’m not sure how I could repay you.” She thinks for a moment, before a bashful giggle escapes her lips. “I know a kiss on the cheek wouldn’t suffice, but if it would help pay that debt, you let me know.” [[Buy items|apocBuy]] [[Ask if they need anything|apocReq]] [[Leave|apocLeave]] (if:$peonies is true)[[[Give her the light flowers->giveLight]]] (if:$apothecary > 1)[[[Flirt->apocFlirt]]] (set: $apothecary to it + 1)

“A bouquet? But- Oh!” She smiles softly. “There’s sage here, yes, this will do quite well.” The witch plucks two stems of sage from the bouquet, whispers some words over them and plops them into her brewing stand. The potion bubbles and seeps a blue fog up and over the container. Her smile widens as she takes a spoonful of the liquid and pours it into a small vial. She hands it to you. “It’s on the house, for if you ever need a bit of security and I’m not there to provide that for you. Of course, if you’d rather have an in-person spellcaster, I wouldn’t be against following you around.” The witch places her chin on her hands, leaning over the desk to look at you. [[Buy items|apocBuy]] [[Ask if they need anything|apocReq]] [[Leave|apocLeave]] (if:$spellbook is true)[[[Give her the spellbook->giveSpellbook]]] (if:$apothecary > 1)[[[Flirt->apocFlirt]]] (set: $apothecary to it + 1)

“Come by if you need anything. I do my best to be a one stop shop,” the witch says, barely looking up from her work. [[Back to the market->IntroTwo]] (set: $date to true)

You purchase the colorful bouquet of carnations, lilies, and fern. [[Ask if they need anything|florReq]] [[Buy items|florBuy]] (if:$cocoa is true)[[[Give her the spellbook->giveCocoa]]] (if:$clover is true)[[[Give her the foraged plants->giveClover]]] [[Leave|florLeave]] (if:$florist > 1)[[[Flirt->florLeave]]] (set: $carnations to true)

You purchase the light bouquet of peonies, chrysanthemums, and sage. [[Ask if they need anything|florReq]] [[Buy items|florBuy]] (if:$cocoa is true)[[[Give her the spellbook->giveCocoa]]] (if:$clover is true)[[[Give her the foraged plants->giveClover]]] [[Leave|florLeave]] (if:$florist > 1)[[[Flirt->florLeave]]] (set: $peonies to true)

You purchase the dark bouquet of black roses, nightshade, and lavender. [[Ask if they need anything|florReq]] [[Buy items|florBuy]] (if:$cocoa is true)[[[Give her the spellbook->giveCocoa]]] (if:$clover is true)[[[Give her the foraged plants->giveClover]]] [[Leave|florLeave]] (if:$florist > 1)[[[Flirt->florLeave]]] (set: $roses to true)

“That’s very sweet of you to ask, Miss!” She taps her chin with a hum, weaving her way through the stacks of flowers. “Luckily for my business, most of the things I need I’m able to go out and forage at night. There’s a few plants I need to fill some orders—ranunculus, lavandula, trifolium—but I’m sure those can wait until tomorrow.” The fae finds herself lost in thought, counting something on her fingers when she suddenly perks up. “But if you come across any chocolate, please do get me some! Oh, I do adore chocolate.” [[Buy items|florBuy]] [[Leave|florLeave]] (if:$clover is true)[[[Give her the foraged plants->giveClover]]] (if:$cocoa is true)[[[Give her the cocoa->giveCocoa]]] (if:$florist > 1)[[[Flirt->florFlirt]]]

(if:$roses is false)[[[Buy a dark bouquet->buyDark]]] (if:$peonies is false)[[[Buy a light bouquet->buyLight]]] (if:$carnations is false)[[[Buy a colorful bouquet->buyColor]]] [[Ask if they need anything|florReq]] (if:$clover is true)[[[Give her the foraged plants->giveClover]]] (if:$cocoa is true)[[[Give her the cocoa->giveCocoa]]] (if:$florist > 1)[[[Flirt->florFlirt]]]

The blush on her cheeks extends to the tips of her ears as she blinks rapidly at your forwardness. “I mean I- um-, well, okay-.” And then, she disappears behind a pillar of flowers. You’re not sure what’s happening until she’s come back out with a large bouquet of pink roses. “Sometimes I find it hard to use my words. The language of plants fits me much better.” She hands the roses to you, and you take a deep breath to smell their magnificence. The fae twirls her fingers around the vines that adorn her. You joke that if the two of you wish to bloom something, it might be best to continue this interaction later tonight at the tavern. She nods enthusiastically at the request, a sparkle in her eye. [[Leave|florLeave]] [[Accept|florLeaveGood]]

“Please feel free to stop by any time, Miss!” The fae waves after you with a wide grin. [[Back to the market->IntroTwo]]

When you hold out the foraged items, you want the fae’s eyes gloss over, before she practically jumps on you and embraces you in a tight hug. Instantly, she realizes her position and jumps back with a blush. “I probably shouldn’t smush the plants, my apologies.” She takes them from you and puts them in a vase of water, hiding her face slightly as she takes in the smell. “You know,” she chuckles. “One of these days I wouldn’t be against you and me taking a stroll in the woods to forage together. Of course, only if that would be something you’re interested in.” [[Buy items|florBuy]] [[Ask if they need anything|florReq]] [[Leave|florLeave]] (if:$cocoa is true)[[[Give her the cocoa->giveCocoa]]] (set: $florist to it + 1)

You purchase a cleansing spell. A bag of ingredients and an instruction scroll are included. The fire needed to enact it is not. [[Ask if they need anything|apocReq]] [[Buy items|apocBuy]] (if:$spellbook is true)[[[Give her the spellbook->giveSpellbook]]] (if:$peonies is true)[[[Give her the light flowers->giveLight]]] [[Leave|apocLeave]] (if:$apothecary > 1)[[[Flirt->apocFlirt]]] (set: $spell to true)

You purchase a transfiguration potion. The bottle says that it will grant any creature a human form for 24 hours if consumed in its entirety. [[Ask if they need anything|apocReq]] [[Buy items|apocBuy]] (if:$spellbook is true)[[[Give her the spellbook->giveSpellbook]]] (if:$peonies is true)[[[Give her the light flowers->giveLight]]] [[Leave|apocLeave]] (if:$apothecary > 1)[[[Flirt->apocFlirt]]] (set: $potion to true)

You purchase a moonstone. It shines a brilliant rainbow in the light. [[Ask if they need anything|apocReq]] [[Buy items|apocBuy]] (if:$spellbook is true)[[[Give her the spellbook->giveSpellbook]]] (if:$peonies is true)[[[Give her the light flowers->giveLight]]] [[Leave|apocLeave]] (if:$apothecary > 1)[[[Flirt->apocFlirt]]] (set: $moonstone to true)

When the Fae sees what you’re holding, she gasps “You didn’t!” She takes it from your hands, and before you can warn her that it’s incredibly hot, she takes a sip, unscathed by the heat, and a relaxation rests across her shoulders. “This hits the perfect spot.” You can’t help but laugh, asking her how she hadn’t burnt her tongue. She smiles, tilting her head as she plucks a carnation from a bouquet and hands it to you. “Well, if I couldn’t handle things that are hot, I wouldn’t be able to be in the same room as you.” Right as she says the words, her hand comes up to cup her mouth, and a fierce blush reddens her freckled cheeks. “Pretend I didn’t say that.” [[Buy items|florBuy]] [[Ask if they need anything|florReq]] [[Leave|florLeave]] (if:$clover is true)[[[Give her the foraged plants->giveClover]]] (set: $florist to it + 1)

“Please feel free to stop by any time, Miss!” The fae waves after you with a wide grin. [[Back to the market->IntroTwo]] (set: $date to true)