Calytrix is a young witch who just turned 20. As is customary for all witches of her age, she must leave her home village and explore the world. She journeys to find her own place within it and a purpose, but magic is declining and only a few witche...
Despite Akios leaving and everything supposedly being resolved, the contract mark on my hand remained. My magical attempts to remove it resulted in repeated low intensity electric shocks. The electricity caused an unpleasant tingling sensation and made my hair a mess. Although the fire spirit found my predicament humorous, my angry glare kept it distant. Perhaps the spirit believed it was finished, and Akios's return was impossible.
It bothered me that the contract was still in effect because I wasn't sure why. Akios mentioned once he had another goal, but that he'll probably be able to achieve it without help once he saves my world. He must be working on his goal that didn't have any connection with me. Akios likely left the contract active, anticipating a possible emergency where he might need to use some of my magic.
I even tried washing it off from my hands violently, but of course, it didn't have any effect. If soap and water could wash away problems, we'd spend almost all the time bathing.
"For these potions, I can offer you a small collection of these fine rings," the trader brought me back from daydreaming.
She meticulously examined each of my potions. I offered simple potions that could cure minor wounds, headaches, and stomachaches. Such potions were easy to create, and their popularity was undeniable. They should be easily sell-able, yet this person in front of me was lowering the price the best she could.
"I don't need rings. As I said, in the beginning, I want coins!"
If she gave me rings, I'd have to resell them and I'm not a merchant. I'm a witch. Those kinds of things weren't in my line of business. She probably couldn't sell the rings, so she wanted to push them onto me.
The old lady in front of me let out a sigh and showed me a tortured expression on her face.
"I'd really like to buy your potions because they'd surely attract costumers, but you know how the economy's been these last few past months." She explained. "You're a really tough negotiator. I can only offer you even more rings, but if I give you too much, I won't be able to eat. You know, when I was young..." her story didn't seem to have an end.
Although the elderly woman was undoubtedly an experienced merchant, my need for coins was pressing. Who knows when and for how much I'd be able to sell the rings? I didn't want to take a risk. My money purse was almost completely empty, so I needed to fill it as soon as possible.
"And that's how I ended up here," she finished her story.
Though preoccupied with other matters, I feigned attentiveness to her story out of politeness, lingering near her merchant table.
"No deal then," I said.
"Suit yourself, but you could have made a bigger profit by taking the rings," she said.
We exchanged a handshake even though we didn't make a deal. It was a common practice in the area. I saw the merchants did handshakes with almost everybody, but they also sold a lot. Despite what the woman told me about the economy, from my perspective, it seemed that they were doing fine.
My growling stomach signaled it was lunchtime, so I decided to grab something to eat before getting back to selling my potions.
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