"What is your name?" I asked, the boy, now that I have a closer look at him. He looks just a bit younger than me.
But from the way he was hunched over I would not have noticed.
"Elius." he said,
"Elius, you have a nice name." I said warming him up to me, "can you show me things that I can use when I am fighting. But they have to be small. Easily concealed."
"I can," he said nodding, "come with me." He nodded hesitantly and led me through the labyrinthine aisles, his footsteps more assured with each passing moment, to a section of the shop dedicated to potion.
The walls were adorned with crystals their vibrant colors dancing in the flickering light of the enchanted candles that lined the room. Jars filled with mystical powders and potions, their labels inscribed with delicate calligraphy, dotted the shelves, emitting a soft luminescence that added to the ambiance of enchantment.
And he presented her with a collection of potions, ranging from healing elixirs to concoctions that heightened her strength and agility to the potions of healing and rejuvenation.
His voice quivered with excitement as he explained the effectiveness of each elixir, detailing how they could mend wounds and restore vitality during a fierce battle.
Moving deeper into the shop, the boy revealed a hidden corner where defensive enchantments and weaponry were.
I marveled at shelves filled with enchanted artifacts - glowing amulets, talking mirrors, and time-worn relics, gleaming weaponry each holding their own mystical story.
Elius began explaining the unique properties of each item looking confident, without faltering. He showcased a slender, silver dagger adorned with intricate engravings, its blade whispered to be enchanted with disrupting magical energies it can cut through anything.
He then directed my attention to a small pouch filled with sparkling dust, which, when thrown into the air, would create a blinding cloud, momentarily disorienting her foes. He then showed me an assortment of protective amulets, each with unique properties to ward off danger.
It was evident that the cruel nature of the shopkeeper had cast a shadow over the boy's spirit, causing him to retreat into a shell of timidity and insecurity. Now that he was in his own element there was his real nature.
Then he took small round metal balls, there was a sparkle of excitement in his eyes as he held them up for me to see. "I think you will like these. When you throw them on the ground, these magical spheres would create a magical circle paralyzing anyone who is within its range."
My eyes widened at that; I had not seen such advanced weaponry at Aradia. These are a marvel, I took one of the spheres from him it was so small, I could fit three of them in my hands.
I marveled at how this small sphere would be able to paralyze people.
"I'll take these," I said to the boy, with a pleased smile, he turned to the shelf to remove more of them, and his long sleeve slid down his hand, that is when I saw a scar on his hand, it was a red angry line marring the skin.
When Elius saw me looking at the scar, he instantly covered it with his sleeve. "It was an accident," he said,
I know scars like that don't appear in accidents. He did it. That old man was the reason for that scar.
Her heart went out to him, and a surge of determination coursed through my veins. I vowed silently to protect this young child, no one deserves to be treated like that.
"Come with me there are so many things that I have to show you," he said, his eyes wide with excitement.
"This," he was on a ladder taking out something from the top shelf. "This will be very useful for you," he said climbing down, there was a leather belt in his hand, it was wide as wide as my palm, with intricate design etched on top.
I was confused as to why it would be useful. But then he turned it to the other side, there were many small pockets and sections in the belt.
I was truly amazed by it, as I will be able to store so many things in it.
I couldn't help but be impressed by the boy's knowledge and expertise. Despite his timid nature, he possessed an innate understanding of the shop's inventory, as if every item held a story that only he could unravel.
"Do you want to quit this job and work for me? I will pay you handsomely," I asked him, he stopped shocked by my sudden question.
He opened his mouth but no words came out.
"No," he said after some thinking "he is my father, and this shop is all I have known, I might hate him, but I love this shop." There was adoration in his eyes as his eyes scanned the place.
"You do know everything about this place," I said with a smile understanding his decision.
"He is drunk most of the time. I am the one who runs this shop." he said, then with a smile "Thank you."
"Thank you for being so kind."
"And don't worry about me. I will become strong enough to endure everything he will throw at me."
After I paid for the five bags of things, I brought and made my way out of the shop, thinking of a way to help Elius.