Tarquin had taken a walk down the main street enjoying the quiet early morning. He eventually arrived just outside the apothecary's building, a small, unassuming structure with a sign creaking in the gentle breeze. The sign read "Elara's Elixirs" in elegant, curved script. The building itself was made of weathered wood, with a sloping roof and a small chimney puffing out wisps of fragrant smoke. A small garden surrounded the building, filled with herbs and plants that Tarquin recognized as used in various potions and remedies.
As he entered the shop, Tarquin was greeted by Elara, a wispy-haired woman with a kind face and warm eyes. She was surrounded by shelves upon shelves of jars, vials, and bottles filled with strange and colorful substances. The air was thick with the scent of herbs, spices, and something sweetly medicinal.
"Welcome to Elara's Elixirs," she said, her voice soft and melodious. "What can I help you with today?"
"Good morning," Tarquin said, "you may not remember me, we met at the village hall, the Mayor introduced us. I have recently acquired the old manor on the edge of town.
"Oh yes, I remember, you're the sorcerer, correct? She replied.
Yes, I practice magic. I am looking to access your services." he stated. Tarquin went on to explain his need for a healing potion, four bottles in total, it was his intent to leave soon with his companion, Lexi, on an adventure and would benefit from having a few bottles with them. Elara nodded sympathetically and led him to a small workbench in the back of the shop.
"A healing potion, I can certainly create four bottles for you," she said. "I can do the work while you wait if you wish."
The first ingredient was a small pouch of dried chamomile flowers, which she crushed between her fingers and released into a large mortar. She added a pinch of finely ground rose petals, followed by a vial of shimmering golden liquid that Tarquin didn't recognize.
As she worked, Elara explained the properties of each ingredient. "The chamomile will help soothe the pain and reduce inflammation, while the rose petals will aid in the healing process. This golden liquid is a rare herb from the eastern mountains; it has remarkable regenerative properties."
Next, she added a few drops of clear oil extracted from the seeds of the wormwood plant. The aroma wafting from the mortar was pungent and earthy.
"This will help disinfect the wounds and prevent infection," she said.
Finally, she added a small amount of powdered silverleaf, which sparkled like tiny stars in the light.
"This will accelerate the healing process and leave no scars," she said.
As she mixed the ingredients together, Tarquin watched in fascination as the potion began to take shape. It had a gentle golden glow and emitted a soothing aroma that seemed to fill his entire being.
Elara poured the potion into four small bottles, each one sealed with a cork and tied with a length of twine.
"These are for your wounds," she said. "Apply them to any wound you may receive, and you should begin to heal within minutes."
"Thank you for this, it will assist us greatly," Tarquin told her.
Of course, they won't be able to help you if you get killed," she cautioned.
"Yes, I understand that, thank you," he said with a slight smile.
"Can I ask where it is you are intending to travel? Elara inquired.
"I have been doing some research, Tarquin began, "We plan to travel across the mountains and sail to the Island of Arkania. There is something there that I seek.
"The Island of Arkania," she repeated. "Do you think it would be possible for you to obtain a few specific herbs for me? They are quite rare but they do grow in abundance on the island."
"While I cannot promise we will find them if you describe them to me, we will certainly make an effort to find what you seek."
Elara then provided detailed descriptions of the herbs she would like him to bring back. "If you are able to bring them back, I will repay you by making a couple extra potions for you at no cost."
Nodding his agreement, Tarquin paid for the potions he had received. As Tarquin prepared to leave, Elara offered him several other potions from her shelves.
"You might be interested in this potion for strength and vitality," she said, holding up a small vial filled with a vibrant green liquid. "Or this one for clarity of mind and focus."
Tarquin thanked her for her offer but declined, explaining that he was not interested in those potions at this time.
Elara nodded understandingly. "Perhaps you don't really understand how important potions like these ones are to your success."
"I know that being an apothecary can be more valuable than being a sorcerer," she said. "Many people believe that magic is more powerful than potions. But without potions created by healers like me, many people would suffer unnecessarily. Those like yourself, who go on a quest, could easily be killed simply because they failed to understand the importance of taking the right potions with them. I provide tangible solutions to real problems, whereas magic can be unpredictable and often unreliable."
Choosing not to engage her in the debate she was clearly seeking, Tarquin nodded his head in agreement. While had seen firsthand the devastating effects of magic gone wrong might have, he also knew the power that he and others were able to wield. He was confident that, should the two of them engage in any type of battle, he would be him walking home victorious.
As he left the shop, Tarquin felt grateful for Elara's expertise and kindness. She had provided him with what he had requested but he was still chuckling slightly about the opinions expressed with respect to the magic he possesses. He knew that he would return to her again soon, not because of the potions she had provided but because of the power in his fingertips and the sword in Lexi's hand.
Walking along the main street heading back to the manor Tarquin looked around the little village, surprised by how much it had begun to feel at home to him. After years on the road now he had someplace to return home to and with Lexi by his side, someone to return with.