Spirit

Page Eight: Onward

Anastasia got up early the next morning. Careful not to wake Katara, she pulled on her combat attire and a black cloak. She left her robe on the table along with a note explaining her absence and location. She grabbed a broom and her adolescent dragon that has recently grown significantly larger. Upon arriving in Kikka and entering the Black Markets, she pulled the hood over her head and walked amongst the stalls selling magic items.

As she walked about, she found nothing of use to her. With a scowl, she began to exit. As soon as she was going to move, however, she saw a sign that piqued her interest. It was in front of a well-hidden, brick and mortar shop that she overlooked earlier. She read the sign apprehensively.

"Raven's Feather Shoppe and Apothecary," she thought to herself. "Strange, but worth a shot... I've got time."

She opened the ornately carved black wood door and entered. She looked around and grimaced slightly in suspicion from under the hood. She saw dusty books stacked high on shelves, bottles of strange substances lined on the walls, and herbs hanging from the ceiling. She glanced over to the desk in front of her and saw an elderly man smiling gently at her.

"Hello. I'm Mister Featherworth, the shopkeeper," he said. "What brings you here?"

"I'm looking for a few things for a road trip," she replied.

"Well look around, then," Featherworth chuckled. "No need to look so stiff, we don't really get undesirables—or anybody really—'round this shop."

She inclined her head at him out of respect and began to look. She looked at the shelves and picked up a few books on ancient curse magic and old legends. She sighed before walking to the apothecary section of the store. She plucked a few bottles off the shelf.

"I have Sleeping Deadnettle, Lelas, Asnier, and corviweed," she thought. "I just need Ebier."

She looked around at the ceiling and caught sight of a root sprouting what looked like electric blue daisy-like blossoms. Snatching it off the shelf, she gathered all of her herbs and books at the desk. Featherworth looked shocked at the amount of merchandise she wanted to purchase.

"You're a learner aren't you?" he asked. Anastasia was getting her money ready and looked puzzled at what he said.

"I suppose," she answered, trying to be as vague as possible. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, nobody takes an interest in ancient magic anymore," he replied somberly. "It's such a shame... there's so many secrets to find and truths to seek in that bottomless pit."

"That's why I like it," she chuckled. "There's always something else you can learn... or use."

"I like you, girl," he smiled jovially. "You're an old soul, like me."

She gave a small smile in return and placed the right amount of yul on the desk. As he was counting, he gave her a small satchel. It was black leather lined with dark velvet.

"I didn't pay for this," she said.

"It's an everything bag. Lightweight and extends magically depending on how much you put in the bag, it carries everything you need," he answered magnanimously. "On the house, it seems you may need it."

"Thank you Mister Featherworth," she grinned, putting everything in her new extendable bag before discreetly placing a protective charm on it in case it was jinxed.

"Stay safe now!" he called after her as she exited the shop.

She put the satchel crossbody off her shoulder and quickly left the Black Markets and wrote a small note, tying it to Remiel's leg.