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A bitter wind made Zota pull her shawl tighter around her shoulders. The day had started out sunny with only a slight chill, but now she wished she'd brought a sweater along. She had the ingredients she had come to town for though, and scurried along with her head ducked down. As she turned a corner, she bumped straight into someone's chest. "Oh! My apologies."

The stranger chuckled lightly. "No trouble, no trouble. Say, you need a little warming up, sweetie?"

Zota frowned and gave the man her best no-nonsense look. "Excuse me?"

The man grinned and raised his hands innocently. "No offense, miss. It's just a chilly day here, you know." He looked exactly like a side-alley merchant would look; dark clothes, oily hair, and a smile that might have been charming without the tobacco stained teeth. "I've got a stall just down the way that might interest you since you seem to be passing by anyway. Perfect for a cold day like today."

Though her interest was piqued, Zota shuffled her feet with uncertainty. It might be best to head home... Then a familiar voice piped up nearby, and she looked up with a bright smile. Who needed what that stranger was selling when just seeing Tiam's smile could make her forget the chill? "Hello, Tiam!"

He had some free time? How lucky! "Of course I would be glad to," she assured him. She reached out to take his arm for a proper escort and gave the stranger a nod. "You may lead the way."

The merchant's grin widened. More customer potential! "Yes, yes, do come, both of you." He whirled and scurried down the path until he reached his stall. It was a boxy tent with three sets of shelves that both held up the tent and displayed the merchandise. "Look around as you like. I've got a bit of everything here. Warming tonics, meals in a bottle, healing salves.." He looked at the pair and chuckled. "Even love potions, if you're so inclined."

Zota wasn't sure what she had been expecting, but the simplicity of the tent surprised her. She was far more used to shops with solid walls and long aisles of shelving. Hopefully, the size wouldn't make the trip go by too quickly.

Mention of a love potion naturally had her blushing, but Tiam's words really set the fire to her cheeks. She chewed on her lip for a moment before a smile that was bashful, playful, and hopeful all rolled into one look rose. "I don't believe that will be anything we need help with," she purred softly, gaze peeking over to Tiam before they dropped to focus too hard on a bottle filled with a shimmering gold liquid.

The man looked between the pair again and chuckled. Ah, to be young again... He pointed at the bottle Tiam was holding. "In that case, might I suggest this brew? Twice as potent as a cup of coffee, yes, yes. Will keep you energized for whatever needs doing."

Zota idly wondered about what she would do with an energy potion. There was always something to work on.. but she did enjoy getting her beauty sleep. "Oh, I wasn't thinking about that," she replied with a giggle as she held the bottle up next to her face for comparison.

The salesman smirked and waggled his finger. "Ah, it wouldn't do to give out my secrets like that. I assure you it's made from only the best ingredients though, yes, yes. Can't get good results without a good base." He looked at the one Zota held and laughed. "I doubt you'll be wanting that one, miss, unless you like the idea of growing a beard."

Zota's brow rose with surprise and a light laugh rang out. Imagine, her with a beard! Tiam's attention made her laugh fade rapidly. Her breath caught in her throat at his touch, and she couldn't help the way she unconsciously pressed herself a little more into the contact while bashfully peeking up to meet his gaze.

"I am willing to bet you would look quite handsome.." She raised her hands into a 'V' shape and held them in front of Tiam's face to try imagining a full beard covering that jawline. "Hmm. I might need to see it first."

The salesman took a peek as well from behind Zota and smirked playfully as he added his opinion to the otherwise sweet moment. "Quite dashing, yes, yes. Facial hair and a drink for making your muscles stand out. Quite impressive with the right purchases~"

Oh, now this was going to be interesting. Zota couldn't imagine anything making Tiam look bad, but would she like a beard as much? Would he like it? She didn't know too many guys with beards, so it would certainly be different.

Heat rushed along her cheeks at the compliment. Frankly, there wasn't much that she would change about herself either. "Just to be clear, you don't need to change anything either." If he was willing to try a beard, perhaps she could give something new a try as well? Maybe.. curls? Was there a potion for that, or would she just do it the old fashioned way? "Have you used potions before? What are the chances of side effects?"

The potion maker snorted lightly from the counter. "Only the intended effects. Like I said; quality ingredients only here!"

Zota gave the rows of potions a wary glance. She hadn't thought about the potions going wrong before, but now that the thought was there... Oh, healing potions made sense. Surely her parents had used such a thing before, or at least her father had in his work.

The salesman laughed lightly at the potion brought up. "Yes, yes. Makes the drinker light as a feather, exactly as it sounds. Good for adventurers who find themselves on unstable ground. Or when a buddy's had too much to drink and needs a carry home~"

Zota couldn't help eyeing the feather weight potion. "I would be afraid of being blown away on a windy day." Of course, that thought just made her laugh as well and she hugged to Tiam's arm with a sweet smile. "I suppose I would just need to hold tight to you." That certainly wouldn't be a problem for her.