The tanned woman gave Kalia and I a small smile as we entered her store, those stormy grey eyes alternating between us as she gave us her serviced smile, waiting for an answer.
"Ah, just browsing~! Just going where my heart tells me to, y'know?"
She nodded, her smile as stock as could be as she replied "Very well then. Pura Emporium is an... everything store. We have a wide variety of items available, though according to our more common customers, our Emporium carries the perfect items for the occult and those who dabble in rituals and the like, be they solely social in nature or magical in nature."
That made me raise my brow at her, though she couldn't see it because of the veil, so I asked "Rituals? Are those things people do often inside Birchan? I'm not from the city, so... this is all new to me."
Kalia listened on as she began to browse around, looking down at the various tables and exploring the shelves as she curiously listened as well, wondering what this woman was talking about.
"Yes, they are a rather common activity amongst our people. Rituals have a myriad of meanings behind them, and most are not nefarious or evil in nature. For instance, many hold yearly rituals to honor the passing of their parents or grandparents. Another example are the rituals for the planting and harvesting of crops. Rituals are used as ways to pray to the Goddesses above and appease them, as well as ask for assistance, if they deem you worthy. Think of them as higher variations of prayers."
"Oh, interesting. Thank you for that, Miss. It's always nice to learn new things about the place that I now live~!"
She nodded, watching as I began to browse alongside Kalia and hum to myself as I perused everything that was available, seeing if anything caught my eye.
Though, eventually I got far too curious and asked "Miss? What exactly is common inside a ritual? And what does one need to perform it?"
Looking back towards the collared woman, I tilted my head as I added "What would I need for a ritual that's meant to help keep my family safe?"
Coming out from around the counter, the olive skinned woman continued to give me her best smile as she gestured towards a table, saying "For a simple ritual like that, all you need are some candles and a bundle of herbs devoted to whichever Goddess you are hoping to invoke the blessing of. We don't sell herbs, but if you have an idea on the Goddess - or Goddesses - that you wish to pray to, I could tell you?"
Whilst she was speaking, she picked up two bundles of candles and looked between them before picking one, handing it to me and making her way over to another table, where she lifted a small wooden box that had a thick white cylinder in it, which was clearly chalk.
"Oh, we're a rather diverse family in that regard... I personally pray to Goddess Reincantra, while my wife prays to Goddess Areseta. My daughter there prays to Hecata, whilst my other daughter has no particular Goddess that she worships, instead praying to them and revering them all equally. Is there a set of herbs that is loved by all?"
Pursing her lips, the shopkeeper thought on it for a moment and went through everything in her head, leaving Kalia and I to continue looking through the various items on sale as we slowly gathered a few things of interest; a few more candles, another box of white chalk, some scented twine...
"Well, most Goddesses enjoy the scent of sage, cedar and juniper, so those are rather universal to use in rituals. Typically any herb or thing that can smell sweet, earthy or 'warm' are acceptable, though don't expect most Goddesses to appreciate such an average display of devotion; they might not answer your prayers."
"Oh, that's not a problem~! I'm sure there are... other ways to display a deeper level of devotion as well! The rituals are just a start, after all~!"
The shopkeeper narrowed her eyes slightly at that, before looking at the large pile of items Kalia and I had gathered up, not saying anything about my words and instead asking "Will you need a bag for all of this? We sell bundles and bags as well."
Picking it all up and moving it over to the counter, I shook my head and replied "No, we'll be more than alright with it all! We aren't that far away from home, so... How much for all of this?"
"Two boxes of chalk, black candles, red candles, white candles, and some scented twine... that all comes to 14 Silvers and 75 Coppers."
Opening my coin purse, I plucked out the coins and placed them on the counter, counting them out and ensuring everything was there before taking my newly purchased ritual gear and making my way out of the store after saying goodbye, unaware that the merchant I thought was rather interesting was... well, really, really interesting.
After I left, the previously empty and quiet room was occupied by a few more people then expected, and all of them were watching the door, before turning towards the shopkeeper, who removed the collar from her neck.
"Well... That wasn't expected. That wasn't expected whatsoever..."
Rubbing at her neck, the shopkeeper let out a low sigh before looking towards the scarred, black skinned woman that lounged on the counter, a sharp grin splitting her otherwise dark, terrifying face.
"No, no it was not... who'd have thought such a bounty would have landed in our laps, waiting to be plucked? That fragrance around her... she's Divine Touched. And unlike those damn Princesses who are protected by... her... this one is ripe for the taking~! Why, it's slowly becoming worthwhile keeping you alive, you damn freak!"
Leaning over, the black skinned woman smirked as she tapped the shopkeepers neck, before pressing harder against her jaw, her lips curling up in disgust as she watched the flesh separate and reveal the cerulean flames beneath.