Welcome to Gaia! ::

The words above cover a large hand painted sign hanging over a small unassuming shop in the center of Latent's marketing district. In the shop windows are dozens on dozens of small trinkets and charms of varying size and shape and color. The scent of fresh herbs, fresh paint, and sometimes fresh wood or pastries seeps through the small wooden door and out into the street.

Upon entering the shop most magical creatures would feel a sort of buzz, either do to some sort of enchantment on the shop itself or the amount of magic filling it. Directly across from the entrance is a wooden counter, behind which is a door leading into a workshop. At either side of the door leading to the main counter are glass displays, in which are literally hundreds of items, above each waist level display are racks with weapons, staffs, rods, and several other items either covered in odd runes, or paints, or simply spilling a magical aura.

Staff
The shoppe itself is owned by the Magician Lucillien Dark, a man who very rarely makes an appearance, instead leaving his apprentice, a young man by the name of Maximos to handle his affairs.
Maintenance - Walter Worthington III.
Errands - D
Delivery Boy - Damion Hedley
Looking for employment? Apply within!

Products
The Magician Lucillien Dark will take on any commission provided he has the necessary materials, and/or is willing to take on the commission. Likewise any trinket on display in the shop is available for sale, though not necessarily for any amount of gold. A simple conversation with the Magician himself, or Mr. Maximos will lead most customers to finding exactly what they need, and its price.

Reagents
The Magician works only with quality ingredients, harvested from the Gaia itself. No manufactured or imitation ingredients allowed. Each of these reagants have been collected by Mr. Maximos himself, from more or less willing donors, each listed below.
Heart of Luck - Dont ask. Trust it is as lucky as can be considering the fate of its owner.

Specialty Items
At times the Magician has let flow his creative impulses and using rarer items lying around the shop created enchanted gear of his own design. Some of these items are very powerful others are not, almost all are for sale, but all cost more than simple gold. In chalk written on a small blackboard sign are the following projects:
Sing Song Sword - Work In Progress
Sonic Grenade - Work In Progress
Graceful Flight Potion - Work In Progress
Curative Omega - Work In Progress
Feathered Cloak - Work In Progress
Lucky Sliver - Work in Progress[/]

Security
Strangely enough such an odd shop does not attract much in the way of thieves. All who attempt to enter the shop however will find that they will need to knock each time they visit. The door is always locked, even during business hours. Any other risks involved in attempting to force entry into a place full of enchantment, is left to the imagination.

OOC NOTE
Every scene in the Magician Lucillien Dark's Shop is immune to time skips. Everything happens in one fluid arc, unless of course some sort of literal in character time altering magic is being used. Otherwise, anyone entering a busy shop will indeed find a busy shop. - Temporarily Suspended For Questing

Ember smiled slightly as she examined a small piece of parchment and wandered the streets of Latent. She had spent the afternoon there, searching for various ingredients and items that were located on her list that she had. Many people found it strange for a small girl to be wandering the streets, especially one as odd as she was. But it wasn’t how old she looked which really got their attention, but rather on how ghost like she resembled. From head to two, her entire body and clothing was practically grey other than her flesh which was a delicate pale color; a rather unusual sight for a ten year old child like herself.

Behind her, a raven followed closely before quietly landing on her shoulder as she came to a stop. The young girl smiled and looked over to him rather happily.

“I think we’re almost done shopping for today. I even managed to find that Wormwood!” She beamed rather proudly before folding up the piece of parchment and tossing it into her silver colored pouch. The raven only squawked in reply as though the two of them were having a conversation. Giving him a quick pet on the top of his head, she continued down the street.

Finally, she came to a stop only to notice a strange man with gray hair standing in front of what appeared to be another shop. Unfortunately, he seemed rather lost as he stood in front of the store and was blocking the sidewalk. Calmly, she attempted to walk in front of him and behind him. However, there really wasn’t any luck. This man was definitely waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too big in comparison to her, and this didn’t sit well with her at all. Narrowing her eyes, she placed her hands on her hips and scowled.

“Excuse me sir, you seem to be blocking the way.” Although she was frustrated, she did manage to use a rather polite tone of voice. However, her body language really didn’t seem to match her appearance. She probably came up to his hips or at least his stomach, which caused her to look up.

“Are you lost or something?” She dropped her arms down and her temper seemed to have faded, after all if he was lost as he seemed to be displaying than perchance she could help him. She did know Latent fairly well after all.

Ryugi knocked and then turned to look in the direction of the small voice behind him. He then looked down to face the short girl and blinked.

I'm sorry. But the door seems to be locked, otherwise I would have entered by now. And I'm not lost at all, I don't think...

Ryugi turned back to the door however as he heard footsteps slowly walking towards the entrance of the establishment, and heard a semi-familiar voice coming from behind it.

Ryugi returned the smile, grinning. It had been a long time since he'd seen this little fellow, and alas, he seemed not to have grown an inch since then.

That was a very nice welcome, D. I'm sure Maximos would be very proud of your manners. In fact, I've come to see him and congratulate him on the opening of the shop.

Ryugi paused for a moment. Come to think of it, he hoped Max would be around for that matter. That man was always here and there and everywhere but where you might expect him to be. Ryugi then turned back to the grinning D.

May I come in?

Thank you, Walter. You're too kind.

Ryugi walked into the shop with a grin, passing a young D who seemed more eager to pass him by to talk to the young girl behind him. As he passed D, Ryugi took a moment to admire the shop. The shelves were perfectly placed and filled with several trinkets. It seemed that Max had been busy gathering items for the shop's customers for quite some time.

Ryugi walked up to the counter where Walter was sweeping before perking up and digging into his pockets.

Oh! As long as I have you here, Walter. I have something for you. Max mentioned that you might enjoy these.

Ryugi would hold out his hand and ofter it to Walter. When the elderly butler would accept, several small, black seeds would fall into his hand. They were almost like black sand grains in size, but were too shiny and light on weight to be made of rock.

They're seeds for Angaran Creep Vines. I gathered some from Max's and my visit to Angara and have been waiting to give them to you. He'd mentioned that you might enjoy a plant that you can actually talk to. They make excellent pets, as well as guardians for your home when they grow large enough.

Ryugi chuckled and dug back into his pocket, looking for a certain piece of paper he'd written with instructions on care for the plant-animals. Once he'd found it, he also moved to hand it to Walter.

They need plenty of water and rich soil. However, once they get old enough, they can move themselves to better areas if the one they have isn't good enough. They're also quite intelligent, and while they can't speak any common language, they understand perfectly well, and can respond with growls, chattering, or different body motions.

Walter would also find a few small recipes for various foods containing Dragonfruit. As he looked it over, Ryugi would explain.

They also bare fruit at certain times of the year which is called Dragonfruit. Its easily my favorite snack, and seeing as you like to cook, I'd imagine that you'd likely find some creative uses for them along with your Arian Cuisine.

Thank you, Walter. You're too kind.

Walter very respectfully bowed his head, placing a hand over his breast pocket so as to keep the chain of his monocle from falling out. It was a butlers job to serve, to be ready and available but not obvious. As such, as the stately butler rose from his bow he returned to his broom, sweeping small wooden scraps and paint chips into a dust pan before depositing it in a nearby receptacle, he was about to turn and slip both instruments into the back room when something expected occurred.

Oh! As long as I have you here, Walter. I have something for you. Max mentioned that you might enjoy these.

He hadnt expected that. While none of Master Maximos' friends ever chose to outright ignore him, none had ever brought him a gift. Rules and manners dominated the moment. The broom and pan were leaned gently against the counter, and after a small tug at his apron to assure he was presentable he reached a white gloved hand, towards Ryugi's offering hand.

For me?

Like pepper from a shaker, small black specks fell softly into Walter's waiting palm, and once they had all fallen, a gloved thumb rolled them gently against the white fabric. There was a mote of recognition on the Butlers face, but it was intertwined simultaneously with curiosity. They were seeds, that much he knew, but from what?

They're seeds for Angaran Creep Vines. I gathered some from Max's and my visit to Angara and have been waiting to give them to you. He'd mentioned that you might enjoy a plant that you can actually talk to. They make excellent pets, as well as guardians for your home when they grow large enough.

Mr. Kazamaru! You shouldnt have.

The butler said, sincerely although automatically. Surprised passed over his features for a moment before settling into a pleasant smile. He had heard of living, mobile plants before, even owned a few, but never a plant that could be a pet! There was a sort of spark in his eyes as the possibilities of such a thing whirled behind his gray eyes, but first and foremost were the niceties of the moment. Walter's open palm balled into a loose fist so as not to lose any seeds, and he very formally bowed.

You have my utmost and sincere thanks.

This might have been the time when an individual then offered something in return or said something like, "If there is anything I can do for you...." But this was Walter, a butler, a man servant, that assumption was already made. The very moment Ryugi became a guest his every wish was Walter's command.

One gift, even one seed was more than Ryugi had seen from anyone other than the Master in longer than he could remember. One can only imagine the surprise on his face when he rose from his bow to the site of Ryugi handing him another. Of course, it would have been rude to leave the other man simply hanging as he overcame his surprise, and so Walters opposite hand reached out and accepted the note. He moved to read it, only to have Ryugi summarize it for him.

They need plenty of water and rich soil. However, once they get old enough, they can move themselves to better areas if the one they have isn't good enough. They're also quite intelligent, and while they can't speak any common language, they understand perfectly well, and can respond with growls, chattering, or different body motions.

I...dont know what to say. I, thank you.

He scanned over the instructions and carefully flipped the sheet gliding over the recipes. Judging by the ingredients alone and the way they complimented each other, Walter imagined this Dragonfruit must have been sweet, perhaps even a sort of dessert. Secretly, Walter liked dessert the best, it was the most highly anticipated part of the meal. The Master would be thrilled,

They also bare fruit at certain times of the year which is called Dragonfruit. Its easily my favorite snack, and seeing as you like to cook, I'd imagine that you'd likely find some creative uses for them along with your Arian Cuisine.

At this, a smirk stretched the butlers aged pale lips.

And I trust Mr. Kazamaru, you will do me the honor of having you present to sample said cuisine when I do?

-

“Hi!”

She was friendly! D did everything in his power to keep from giggling. He was taught it was improper in very formal occasions. But he failed miserably, giggling something akin to a shy school boy.

“What’s your name?”

I'm--

A fanged maw split and small dark haired boy was about to answer when a loud caw split the air. His coal black eyes immediately snapped upwards, his eyes widening in shock. That had to be the second largest bird he'd ever seen!

--Birdie!

At which point D began to hop up and down attempting to grab the large raven.

C'mere! C'mere!

The bird cawed rather loudly as the young boy tried to reach the bird. Flapping its large black wings it flapped towards him in a very angry manner in attempts to threaten the bird. Ember only looked more upset at the bird as he cawed loudly at the boy.

“Stop it Shadow! Don’t be mean!” At that moment the bird fell quiet and didn’t even make a sound as it flew down to the side walk behind her, but rather he cocked his head at her. He peeped once more at her and she scowled even more so than the worst look she had ever received from her own mother. Walking quietly over, Ember picked the bird up and then walked back over to the boy with a skip in her step.

“Now Apologize!” But rather than apologizing the bird merely turned his head away, how rude! Shoving the bird towards the other boy she held her arms straight out and looked held it towards the new friend she had made.

“Give him a pet. Shadow doesn’t normally like people until he gets a pet. Or some snackies, those work too. ” Ember quietly began to pet the top of the birds head with her fingers as she continued to hold it for the other boy in front of her.

Shadow could only look rather uncomfortable as the boy ackwardly petted his black feathers. He didn’t seem to complain, especially since Ember practically had a viper grip on his sides. Grinning, after he had received his pets, she continued to hold him tightly as the boy seemed to be digging for something in his pocket. Perhaps he had a cracker in there or something, but no. Instead he pulled out the most peculiar item ever. Both Ember and Shadow seemed to stare at the strange things that he pulled out of his pockets. She had never seen so many bright colors on objects before. Instantly, the raven seemed to take interest and grab one in his beak it seemed that he had grabbed interest in the small ball that was wrapped in a clear packaging. However, Ember still looked rather curiously at it.

”What is it? Is it a newt’s eye?” At that moment she snatched the object from the bird’s mouth and placed him on the ground so she could examine it closer. For a moment the only thing the two of them heard was squawking as it demanded to have its treat back. Carefully, she began to pass it in between her hands and squishing it in-between her fingers as though to check the density. As she did her clearly scientific investigations, Shadow made himself comfortable on her Mary Jane shoe that she was wearing.

”It’s too hard to be newt’s eye...” Slowly, she continued to play with the packaging and feel the air squeeze between her fingers. It was a strange sensation, and she honestly had no real way to explain it. Whatever it was, she was finding great amusement with the object she was looking at, despite the fact that she had no clue what exactly it was. But her face showed nothing more than amusement as she continued to decipher the code.

“Maybe...it’s a pretty gem from a giant!” She moved her arms so they would be shooting straight up in the air as though to demonstrate what a giant would resemble. Then she made a large growl sound as she tried to do her best impression of the ugliest creature that she could produce. However, that only resulted in her making a funny face. Giggling, she put her arms down and looked at the boy in front of her. She then quickly fixed her appearance and gave him a quick curtsy by grabbing the corners of her gray dress which showed a few of the darker grey patches that had been sewn onto it.


”Thank you very much, young sir. Me and Shadow are very happy for your Giant Jewel. Right, Shadow?” As if there was an instant response, the bird chirped from on the ground as she handed it back to him. Quietly he began to peck at the object as he attempted to get through the wrapping. But despite his efforts it really didn’t seem to be working, no matter what he tried to do.




"AH!" Ember jumped half a foot as she didn’t expect the sound!

Well, at least Shadow got his treasure.

D watched fascinated. He had never seen someone so intrigued by candy before! But there was something wrong, what he had handed her was most definitely not a newts eye. Or a giants eye. Or even a gem. Or anything of that nature. Now, he was happy she enjoyed the gift, but she was enjoying it all wrong! She was missing the best.

As Ember toyed with the wrapping, D reached into his pocket and pulled out another loli-pop which he then opened and slipped into his fanged maw. Oddly enough, he didnt immediately crunch it into nothingness, but instead left a white loli-pop stick peeking out of his smirking mouth as he began to undo the wrapper on the first loli-pop he had offered Ember.

About now the gumball had been passed to Shadow. And D was grinning from ear to ear, his mouth and lips stained strawberry red by strawberry flavoring.

Yer welcome. But your doing it wrong.

He said. And then the wrapper popped, Ember jumped. D stepped forward, letting the shop door close behind him, and thrust the lolipop forward....She did say "Ah" after all.

Like this!

It wasnt the nicest thing to do, but he meant to poke the lolipop into her open mouth. Lil'D had never claimed to be a gentleman, and he figured that had he seen it big brother would not have approved but...He was confident that the delicious awesomeness that was candy would smooth everything over.

--

Enter, a particular young teenager who just so happened to be walking down the street. Samantha would find the shop door closed, but not all the way. And she would find two little children playing in front of the door. Or at least it seemed like they were playing. One child wore a dark hooded cloak a few sizes too big for him, with its hood down, and a pair of shorts, a dress shirt, and a small child sized vest. He looked perfectly ordinary as he shoved a lolipop at the mouth of the girl across from him, except that he was grinning.

And his grin was in fact two rows of razor sharp pinkish-red stained fangs. The small girl, adorned in a gray dress seemed startled, but not directly by the lolipop being thrust at her. And at her feet was a large raven who appeared to have just popped a gumball wrapper with his beak.

The door, closed by gravity and as opposed to a lock was actually partially open. Samantha's soft wraps were enough to cause it to slowly creak open and inch or two. Being of a magical nature, Samantha might even notice that while the door was enchanted with a translocation spell, it was not currently active. But, with a small seam in its opening she would be able to hear two muffled voices. Both of them were male, one was young and the other somewhat elderly albeit exceedingly proper.

Where fate led the young Ms. Night, was now in her hands.