Sierra follows the shopper into the private room, her eyes scanning the shelves and cabinets, taking in the array of rare and exotic herbs and ingredients on display. The air is thick with the scent of incense and something else, something sweet and floral.
"Ah, the White Ice Lotus," the shopper says, producing a small, delicate flower from a hidden compartment.
"A rare and precious ingredient, said to have the power to heal even the most grievous of wounds."
He hands the flower to Sierra, who takes it, her eyes widening as she feels the flower's energy coursing through her.
"And the Myue Herb," the shopper continues, producing a small pouch of dried leaves.
"Said to have the power to grant strength and vitality to those who consume it."
Sierra takes the pouch, her eyes locked on the shopper's, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.
"I'll take both," she says, her voice low and husky.
"What's the price?"
"The White Ice Lotus is 50,000 Krugers, and Myue Herb is 50,000 Krugers as well. We take Union Credit, silver ruen, or golden ruen"
Sierra's eyes narrow slightly as she calculates the cost, before nodding to herself.
"I'll pay in Union Credit. 100,000 Krugers." She produces a small, sleek device from her pocket and transfers the funds, her eyes never leaving the shopper's.
The shopper's eyes flicker to the device, and he nods, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Very well, transaction complete. The White Ice Lotus and Myue Herb are yours." He hands Sierra a small, intricately carved box containing the flower and herb, his eyes glinting with curiosity.
"You're a woman of means, I see. What do you plan to use these ingredients for?"
Sierra's expression remains serene, but a hint of wariness creeps into her eyes, as if she's sizing up the shopper's intentions.
"I plan to make an elixir that can balance both the yin and yang," Sierra said as thought of her youngest daughter.
The shopper's eyes light up with interest, and he leans forward, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.
"Ah, an elixir to balance the yin and yang. A truly ambitious project. The balance of yin and yang is a delicate art, one that requires great skill and knowledge."
He pauses, studying Sierra's face, before nodding to himself.
"I think I can help you with that. I have a few...rare ingredients that might be of use to you. Ingredients that could make your elixir truly exceptional."
He glances around the room, as if ensuring they are alone, before leaning in closer to Sierra.
"But I must warn you, these ingredients are not for the faint of heart. They are powerful, and unpredictable. Are you sure you're prepared to handle them?"
"I already have the rest," Sierra said she simply shrugged her shoulders.
The shopper's eyes narrow slightly, a hint of surprise crossing his face.
"You already have the rest. That's...impressive. Most people wouldn't even know where to begin searching for the ingredients you'd need to balance the yin and yang."
He pauses, studying Sierra's face, before nodding to himself.
"Very well, in that case, I think I can trust you with the final ingredient. But I must warn you, it's not something to be taken lightly. It's a rare and precious herb, one that requires great care and handling."
He produces a small, delicate vial from his pocket, filled with a shimmering, iridescent liquid.
"This is the Essence of the Golden Phoenix. It's the final ingredient you'll need to complete your elixir."
"Sir I have that as well," Sierra said.
The shopper's eyes widen in surprise, and he takes a step back, his voice filled with a mix of amazement and curiosity.
"You have the Essence of the Golden Phoenix? That's...impossible. I'm the only one who knows where to find it, and I've only managed to collect a small amount over the years."
He pauses, studying Sierra's face, before shaking his head.
"I think I've underestimated you, Sierra. You're not just a skilled alchemist, you're a master of the rare and unknown." He smiles, a hint of admiration in his eyes.
"I think I'd like to know more about you. What's your story, Sierra?"
"Here Sir so I notice that you have been bothered by Wuen poison," Sierra said.
The shopper's eyes flicker, and he nods, his expression serious.
"Yes, the Wuen poison. It's a...persistent problem. I've been searching for a cure for years, but it's been...elusive."
He pauses, studying Sierra's face, before nodding to himself.
"I think you might be the only one who can help me, Sierra. You seem to have a...unique understanding of the rare and unknown."
He holds out his hand, and Sierra can see the faint discoloration on his skin, the signs of the Wuen poison's slow progression.
"Can you help me, Sierra? Can you find a cure for this poison?"
Sierra's eyes narrow slightly as she examines the shopper's hand, her expression thoughtful.
"I think I can help you, but it won't be easy. The Wuen poison is a rare and complex toxin. It will require a specific antidote, one that is difficult to create."
She pauses, studying the shopper's face, before nodding to herself.
"I can try to create the antidote, but I will need something from you in return."
The shopper's eyes flicker with curiosity, and he leans forward, his voice filled with anticipation.
"What do you need from me, Sierra?"
"Rylan must be not be allowed in the North Star Alchemist Shop."
The shopper's eyes narrow slightly, and he nods, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.
"Rylan Gray, that spoiled and entitled woman. I've had enough of her condescending attitude and her family's attempts to strong-arm me into doing their bidding." He leans forward, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone.
"I'll make sure she's not allowed in the North Star Alchemist Shop from now on. In fact, I'll make sure to spread the word to all the other shopkeepers in the city to keep her out of their establishments as well."
He pauses, studying Sierra's face, before nodding to himself.
"Consider it done, Sierra. Rylan Gray will be persona non grata in this city from now on."
The shopper's expression turns serious, and he nods to himself.
"Now, let's discuss the terms of our agreement. You'll create the antidote for the Wuen poison, and in return, I'll make sure Rylan Gray is banned from the North Star Alchemist Shop and other establishments in the city." He pauses, studying Sierra's face, before continuing.
"I'll also provide you with a rare ingredient, one that will aid you in your research and experimentation. But I must warn you, Sierra, this ingredient comes with a steep price. Are you willing to pay it?"
"Here is the Acqub elixir take it for a month every month, it will reduce the pain, within a month I will have the cure," Sierra said as she held the bottle. She also gave the man her contact informations.
The shopper's eyes light up with hope, and he takes the bottle from Sierra, his hand closing around it as if it's a lifeline.
"Thank you, Sierra. Thank you so much. I'll take it as directed, and I'll be in touch with you in a month to report on my progress." He takes the contact information from Sierra, his eyes scanning the details before nodding to himself.
"I'll make sure to keep in touch, and I look forward to hearing from you soon." He pauses, looking at Sierra with a serious expression.
"You know, I think you might be the only one who can help me. I've tried so many other alchemists and healers, but none of them have been able to help me. You have a gift, Sierra. Don't waste it." He nods to himself, as if reaffirming his own thoughts, before turning to leave.
"I'll be in touch soon. Thank you again, Sierra."