Cedric leaned forward, studying the young man who had clearly endured a difficult journey. He could see the determination in Tom's eyes, and it piqued his curiosity.
"An apprentice, you say?" Cedric asked, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He is not sure that he can become a good master for him but he is certainly in need of another helper in this shop.
"Well, you've certainly got the spirit. Tell me Tom, why do you want to become a potioneer? And what brings you all the way from Stonebrook?" Cedric asked.
Tom shifted in his seat, his face brightening with enthusiasm despite his bedraggled appearance.
"Well, sir, I've always been fascinated by the idea of making potions that can heal and help people. Back in Stonebrook, I didn't have much, but I always tried to help out in any way I could," Tom answered.
Cedric nodded, intrigued. "And what kind of help did you offer?"
Tom's smile turned wry. "Oh, you know, small things mostly. Like the time I tried to create a soothing balm for Mrs. Willow's rheumatism. Unfortunately, I mixed up the ingredients, and she ended up with glowing green skin for a week. But she said her joints never felt better!"
Cedric chuckled, shaking his head. "Glowing green skin, huh? That's quite the side effect. What else?"
Cedric is hearing a familiar event right now.
Tom continued, undeterred by the memories of his past mishaps. "Then there was the time I made a tonic to help Mr. Jenkins sleep. Only, I miscalculated the dose, and he slept for three days straight. He was very well-rested when he woke up, though!"
"Nobody thought he was dead?" Cedric asked.
"Everybody thought he was dead. But he is still breathing so they let them laying there. We get ready with weapon in case he wakes up as an undead."
"O-Okay, so… Tell me about yourself now."
Tom's expression grew more serious, though his optimism remained. "After my parents passed away, I was left to fend for myself. Stonebrook is a small village, and opportunities are scarce. I saved up what little I could and made the journey here, hoping to learn from the best. I've heard so much about you, sir, and I knew I had to take the chance."
Cedric's smile softened, seeing the determination and hope in Tom's eyes. "You've been through a lot, haven't you? Yet you've kept a positive attitude. That's a rare quality, Tom."
Tom shrugged, his smile returning. "I figure if I can laugh at my mistakes, I'll always find a way to keep going."
Cedric nodded, impressed by the young man's resilience. "Alright, Tom. I could use someone with your spirit around here. But being my apprentice means hard work, long hours, and plenty of trial and error, annd uhh… Maybe I can't pay yyou much yet. Are you ready for that?"
Tom's eyes lit up with excitement. "Absolutely, sir! I'm ready to work hard and learn everything I can."
Cedric stood and extended his hand. "Welcome to The Fated Liquid, Tom. Let's get you cleaned up and started on your first task. Just remember, no more glowing green skin or three-day naps, alright?"
Tom laughed, shaking Cedric's hand enthusiastically. "I'll do my best, sir! Thank you for giving me this chance."
As Tom headed to the back of the shop to wash up, Cedric watched him go. With an eager and spirited apprentice by his side, he knew the days ahead would be full of challenges and laughter.
Turning back to his workbench, Cedric picked up his trusty notebook, already planning the lessons he would teach Tom.
"Alright," he murmured to himself. "Let's see what kind of magic we can brew up next."
---
The morning sun streamed through the small window of Cedric's modest bedroom above The Fated Liquid, casting a warm glow across the room.
Cedric stirred, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and stretching lazily. He could already hear faint noises coming from downstairs, a rhythmic shuffling and clinking that piqued his curiosity.
Throwing on his robe, Cedric made his way down the creaky wooden stairs, the sounds growing louder as he approached the shop. As he stepped into the main room, he was greeted by an unexpected sight: Tom was already hard at work, cleaning the shop with a meticulousness that was both impressive and a little bewildering.
Tom was dusting the shelves, wiping down the counter, and even polishing the door hinges. He was humming a cheerful tune to himself, completely absorbed in his task.
"Good morning, Tom," Cedric said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You're up early. And I see you've been quite busy."
Tom turned, his face lighting up with a bright smile. "Good morning, sir! I thought I'd get a head start and make sure everything is in tip-top shape. There's a lot to do!"
Cedric chuckled, crossing his arms and leaning against the counter. "I can see that. You're cleaning parts of the shop I didn't even know needed cleaning."
Tom beamed with pride, not missing a beat. "I figured it's best to keep everything spotless. You never know when a little bit of extra shine might come in handy."
Cedric walked over to one of the meticulously polished shelves, running a finger along its gleaming surface. "Well, I have to say, you've done an excellent job. But you don't need to overdo it. We have plenty of work to keep us busy without polishing the door hinges."
"Master Ambrose!" a child burst from his front door with a smile on his face. "What are you going to make for the festival?!"
Turns out, the child came bringing a new challenge for him.
---