This choice: Luci returns to her laboratory in Silvervale • Go Back...Chapter #4Exotic Elixirs by: max   Lucinda arrived at Silverdale just as the sun was beginning to set. Durmrin wasn't necessarily far from Silverdale, but she had taken her time on the roads to avoid drawing any unwanted attention. After all, the last thing she needed was to be robbed because she strayed too far from the rest of the merchants and travelers on the road.
Leaving her horse at the stables Lucinda quickly made her way through town. While she didn't want to admit to Rizzik's talent, she was enthused about studying this new concoction he had created. As great as it was to be successful, to hobnob with the elite and partake in the finer things of life, alchemy was her true joy. Nothing excited her quite like studying and perfecting a new potion. Be it a serum, ointment, brew, salve, anything that combined the wonders of science with a spark of supernatural inherent in the world thrilled her.
Lucinda practically skipped through the door to her shop, Exotic Elixirs. As she moved by shelves full of vials and neatly labeled concoctions a voice called out.
"You appear to be in high spirits, Lady Lucinda" Came a smooth and melodious voice. Her assistant leaned on the counter by the scales and money box. A younger man, a very diligent person and son of a merchant. He had proven useful in many things. Primarily inventory and accounting, which helped free up Luci's time for conducting actual alchemy. The fact he was a relatively good looking man had been a boon too. Luci knew well that attractiveness helped move product. Be it her own charms, adored by men of any walk in life. Or Eli's boyish looks, which had significantly driven up revenues from female nobles shortly after his employ.
"Ah Eli! Why yes, it is a wonderful night." Luci replied as she kept moving towards the back of her shop.
"Judging by your demeanor I assume you acquired a new recipe or rare ingredient?" Eli asked as he watched Lucinda open the door leading to her basement lab.
"Something like that, yes. Be a dear and lock up for the night. I have work to do." Luci said, as she practically glided down the stairs.
"As you wish Lady Lucinda." Eli replied, moving to grab the coin box and scales and prepare to close the shop.
As Luci reached the bottom of stairs she took a moment to retrieve a small tindertwig from her belt pouch. Igniting the object she then touched it to a small furrow in the wall. As she did, the faint glow of the fire was drawn into the wall by alchemical oils of Lucinda's own design. A moment later a golden light rolled forward. The light outlined various decorative designs carved into the wall as it spread through the whole room. When it finished Lucinda's entire workshop was alight in the equivalent of a few dozen torches.
Smiling to herself Luci carefully placed the small vial of glowing pink potion on a large table in the center of the room. Then moving to a nearby basin of water she kept handy, she pulled out a red powder from her vest pocket. Pouring the powder in the water caused the fluid to boil almost instantly. A moment later it was simmering and then finally Luci had a basin of warm water to wash in.
She of course didn't need a full bath. This was merely to remove the make up she routinely wore. Blush, and bases used to cover her complexion to make it seem flawless. Lipstick, the same shade of pink as her lips, used to deepen their color and make her smile absolutely luscious. A very subtle eye shadow that accentuated her natural golden eyes, a wondrous augment from an experiment long ago.
Finishing with her face she finally adjusted her blouse and vest. Making sure to cover her chest completely, and lace the vest tight in the front. Its original purpose had been to function as a sort of adjustable corset. Allowing her modest bosom to stand out in the right outfit. Great for sales, unnecessary for actual alchemy. Lastly, she kicked off the heeled shoes she wore in favor of simple but well tread work shoes.
Finished with garments and make up she took a cloth and dampened her hair to remove the oils and various salves she used to make it lightly shimmer. When she finished she looked at the woman staring back at her in the mirror she kept hung above the basin.
Such a plain girl stared back. Stringy dark hair, and slightly ruddy complexion. She looked at her hands, not many noticed but she had thin calloused dry hands. The cost if working with so many alchemical agents. Looking back at her reflection something stirred in Luci. She watched as a single line of red bled into her hair's purple highlight. All that work, all the alchemy and potions and custom made oils and lip balms. Just ensure another edge and display her expertise in the art of alchemy to would be customers. She looked across the room and glared at the vial of pink potion.
"Beauty enhancer. What would that sandy haired, backwoods brewing wanna be know of beauty." Lucinda spoke to herself. She slowly walked up to the glowing vial.
"I've spent countless hours perfecting 'my face' for the art and my shop. Dozens of potions, salves, oils, balms, all working together. Rizzik thinks he can boil all that down to a single potion!" Lucinda shouted as the highlight in her hair flushed completely red.
"Yet, I can see it. The glow, the way the liquid swirls unnaturally. The power in this vial is undeniable." Lucinda said, carefully picking up the vial.
"And it and its secrets will be mine. All mine." A huge smile crept across her face as...
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