Alexander continues to study the half-drow girl before him, thoroughly intrigued. Nullthara's eyes suddenly dart over to Alexander with a piercing gaze. In return Alexander gives a knowing nod before passing through the door at a jog. Looking back he calls out.
Alexander: "Ms. Anera I'm heading to Mound of Potions for work. I'll be back in a couple hours."
Anera: "Ok, be safe."
As Alexander heads toward Genmar's he avoids being stopped for being too long with the token given to him. Upon arriving two cloaked figures stand at the entrance of Mound of Potions. One is the height of an average human, the other the height of a gnome. They stared with looks not of disdain, but of curiosity. They quickly jut out their arms to grab Alexander's arm to stop him. Seamlessly dodging their arms Alexander passes through the door. Another figure at the counter in a cloak draws a knife, turning on their heel revealing a female tiefling with red skin like a ruby, long wavy purple hair, and her 4ft tail hanging out of her fitted leather armor. Genmar at that moment comes out of the back, vile in hand, with black liquid is set onto counter.
Genmar: "Alright Vallista, I got the Atra Venena venom, now that'll be 500 gold for the vial…. Alexander, welcome."
The tiefling looks back at Genmar with a look of confusion at his completely calm demeanor.
Vallista: "Genmar? Who is this child? Also, tell me why you're so calm?"
Alexander casually sits in a waiting chair with a slight grin.
Alexander: "Let me intrude Little Red. Genmar, I knew you were trying to rip me off for that snake. So, when do I get my cut?"
Genmar: "Vallista meet my assistant Alexander, he is the one who brought in the snake. And, don't worry about him being here, he brought me the snake knowing its venom's... value."
"You'll get your cut after the purchase, and I'll set it aside for you. It'd be odd for an orphan to have so much money."
Vallista sheaths her knife putting her hands on her hips letting out a little chuckle.
Vallista: "What a cheeky child. I'm looking forward to working with you later in life. Alright Genmar, thank you very much, we'll be back for more when we need it again."
Placing a sack of gold on the table, she heads for the door. With a snide comment Genmar wishes her well.
Genmar: "Stay safe out there, you're a valuable customer."
Alexander: "Have fun with your murder."
Passing through the threshold, she flips off the pair as she let's the door close behind her.
"Awe, what a kind lady. Definitely not one that'd stab you in the back if she feels like it."
Genmar: "Haha, that is most likely the case. I'll need some help with some potion making so you'll get to help me for the experience. So Alexander, are you ready to begin training?"
Alexander hops off the chair heading to the back room with Genmar.
Alexander: "Yes, I do love giving my services without any pay."
The room is more of a lab with beakers, flasks, and magical bunsen burners galore. An assortment of ingredients line the shelves along with cupboards filled to the rim. A resting Atra Venena is in a cage in the corner of the room.
Over the next couple of hours Genmar showed Alexander the proper hand motions with mistletoe as a focus. The verbal incantations are in the language of nymphs that calls forth the swelling energy of nature. After covering the basics, Alexander is more or less forced to aid in the creation of basic health potions and some other tonics with no discernable purpose.
Alexander: "Well as much as I've enjoyed 'Breaking Bad,' I think I'll head back to the temple."
Genmar: "Heh heh, alright! See you tomorrow. Digest what you learned today, and practice the spell."
Waving goodbye to the firbolg, Alexander leaves the grass covered building smelling of smoke phantosmia that burns the nose. On his path towards the temple he gets in a morning jog.
Upon returning Alexander sees Nullthara practicing martial forms for hand to hand combat.
Alexander: (inner monolog) "Her form is a bit archaic, it's definitely for exercise more so than for killing. But, still not bad. It will definitely be useful against somebody untrained. When we go to the woods tomorrow I'm sure she'll be jumped. I can't wait to see how she handles the situation. I'll need to grab some viper venom, maybe a needle too."
For the rest of the day Alexander does his daily routine of reading and pushing his body to exhaustion. While getting ready to sleep Nullthara walks over to Alfonso's former bed. As she is laying down, her head quickly lurches up. She sniffs the pillow again, then chunks it across the room with a look of disgust.
Morning, Alexander hurriedly heads back to Mound of Potions while letting Anera know that he'll meet up with the other kids. The half-drow is already up doing push-ups in the temple courtyard.
Similar to yesterday Alexander focuses on the basics of druidic spell casting while aiding Genmar in the making of new potions. Alexander turns around Just as he'sabout to leave.
Alexander: "Genmar, do you have a vial of the venom ready right now? Also, could I borrow a needle?"
Genmar: "Yes I have another ready, and yes you can use a needle. I am surprised you need one already. Are you heading out today to kill someone else?"
Alexander: "Ohhh, you know what? I really shouldn't kiss and tell, but I will say that this might help someone besides myself."
Genmar: "Hmm, have fun kid. Watch out for snakes, ha."
After morning of work Alexander waits at the gate for the group from the temple. He stands around while the guards endlessly watch him inquisitively. An hour later the party arrives which he joins at the back next to Nullthara. As they continue towards the forest no words are shared between the two, only a glare from her to Alexander.