Victor
*Though the days had been sunny, the snow refused to truly melt away - spring was coming - but it seemed nature wasn't yet ready to rouse itself from its heavy slumber as of yet.*

*Though sluggishness wasn't on Nimue's list that day, or most days if she was being honest - while in her small brewing room with the door to the main clinic open in case anyone happened to drop by - she was hard at work preparing new potions.*

*Her current ones in the works was one that boosted one's strength or moxie, while another was to aid with healing one from toxins. The final of the three was a proper healing potion so to speak, but she was still in the beginning phases of that one.*

"Just have to seal these two samples up, and then after I've given them some time to rest... We'll have to see what the results are" *She remarked, writing down her notes in her journal.*
Mary
Sluggishness was the majority of another's day unfortunately, pain seemed to wash over every sore muscle in the poor girls body as she travelled down the road. 

A clinic was just the thing she may have needed, they had to have some sort of concoction to soothe the pains of her current existence. Traversing the northern roads was always a ton of work due to the many hills and ice cold rivers to cross, it didn't help that while all the scenery was quite beautiful it ***ALL LOOKED ALMOST THE EXACT SAME***

THEREFORE

*Rosaria fairly often got lost and after hours of traversing the wilderness found a main road which led her... Here.*


*Dling, dling.*


The bell chimed in her arrival as she gently placed her cold hands upon the chilled surface of the door. The smell hit her first, herbs and spices of many kinds granting her the aroma of creation. All sorts of potions were being concocted here. Surrounding Rosaria was a dull golden glow outlining her body, a small angel sat upon her shoulder. Small enough to fit within the palm of your hand. 

She didn't say anything like she should have, rather the bell announced her arrival just enough that she would spend the next few moments browsing the shelves and looking around. *She didn't wanna rush anybody and be rude.*
Victor
*Hearing the chime of the small copper bell, Nimue had just finished stashing away her latest potion creations - so least whoever arrived had decent timing. She'd clean up a tad, wiping off her hands before stepping out into the main room and easily spotting Rosaria - even from where she should she could feel the woman's weariness.*

"Looks like you've traveled some rough roads, the current season isn't favored by many travelers - do feel free to sit down" *She motioned to a nearby chair* "What brings you by? Ye don't look to be a local from these parts given ye attire."

*Nimue would be sure to also introduce herself* "I'm Nimue Reuben, a local healer, and ye might be?"
Mary
The sight of the woman was.. Well, good to have. Rosaria had encountered everything from insane old men talking to goats, giant lizards, bandits, talking monster cats, godlike men with wings, ninja racoons and much more. A *Seemingly ordinary* Person was a warm welcome to her. 


The sight of slight bags under her eyes spelled a lack of sleep in bold script. Her reaction to Nimue was also delayed at first, dictating just how much sleep she's missed the last few days. 

`Looks like you've travelled some rough roads...`

The words caused Rose to grimace at the thought of a certain swamp and make an ugly expression. 


`...- do feel free to sit down.`


And so she did, in alignment with the motioning gesture of Nimue. The chair was sturdy.. Carved wood engraved with dwarven designs, given the local communities that didn't come as to much a surprise.. But what did! Was the overwhelming comfort she felt as she sat down upon a soft cushion tied firmly to the backrest. 

`What brings you by?..` 

The woman was kind, Rosaria can tell as much from her tone alone. But was also perceptive enough to clearly tell She wasn't from there from attire alone, she then introduced herself and so; fittingly.. *So did Rosaria.* 

As the angel on her shoulder ducked behind her neck, Rosaria would smile and gesture with an empty hand to her chest. "**Rosaria Valentine. Adventurer. It's a pleasure. Forgive me for just walking in unannounced.**" 

In an incredibly formal manner, Rosaria would dip her head in respect, grateful for the opportunity to sit and speak to Nimue. "**You're.. A healer?..**" *Such an occupation had peaked her curiosity..*
Victor
*Adventurers were an all too common sight in these parts, many came looking for short jobs that worked on hunting or removing troublesome bandits - others simply came because they could.*

"Ye look like the type, but that's brought you out to these parts and still in the season of winter - though spring itself cannot come soon enough" *She remarked with a small chuckle.*

"Aye, I am versed in the arts of healing - much of it comes from my on hands training, and my potion crafting - while magical healing is something I mostly use for my flora."
Mary
The mention of magical healing and potion crafting caused something to spark inside the girl, the ability to heal through magic.. To craft potions that can do the same or even more, alchemy. These were all abilities her adoptive father told her about in the stories he read. Clerics, Paladins with oaths to their gods. Was she one of those?.. No, she couldn't be. 

Rosaria was starstruck a moment, a faint golden glow beginning to get brighter outlining her body as the small angel waddled from behind her neck and sat peacefully on her shoulder. It viewed Nimue as an ally now and would no longer be scared. 

"**..T-..Thats incredible! I always wanted to-.. Well, I always thought that magic like that was just something in stories. I learned basic medical care and got some training from the medical staff in bridian but I didn't know things like that were real!**"

Rosaria spoke with an excited tone, a jumpy, energetic expression of her true self. Even if her body was tired, such a topic truly did excite her. "**Did you learn on your own? Did somebody teach you?.. Could.. I try a potion? I gold, I can pay!**"
Victor
*Didn't know magic was possible, given she mentioned Bridian - Nimue guessed that the lass was from a fairly rural sort of area in Ostia.*

"Aye, magic is very much a breathing and living thing in alot of places, though given ye came from Ostia its understandable - though I did meet some mages and that sort when I traveled that region a year ago. Its not as common as one would think."

*Given the woman's interest in one of her potions, Nimue nodded her head and stepped over to a self - given she didn't always want to bring out the bottles, some were a bit more dangerous than others - Nimue had prepared a sort of catalog that had all the needed info and sketches of what her creation were.*

"Was trained by my late father, though it was my mother that taught me much more when it came to my magic; and the local Wood Elves - here have a look at my current potions and sort here" *She hand over the book, giving a small glance to the winged one before she went back to fix some things on the counter.*
Mary
"**Your parents sound really amazing, and as for Wood elves, i think I only ever met one elf in my life and they were an old guy who was gifted in using magic to create these really cool tools. I haven't seen them in a long time, though.. I hope they are well.**"


Flipping through the pages of the catalog once it was given, the small angel would crawl and lay on its tummy; looking down at the pages with her. As Rosaria browsed, ANOTHER small angel would appear seemingly from golden dust floating off the girls hair and fly over to where Nimue was, assisting the woman wherever she may have needed, a bottle about to fall? It held it up. Nimue's label wasn't correctly showing? It shifted the bottle slightly so it would be easier to read. *It tried to help her.*



"**This one!.. And this one too.. And maybe some of this one!**"

Rosaria pointed to three different potions. The Focus Tonic, Mending Oil and Honey Aroma respectively. 

"**These all peak my interest a lot, especially the honey one.**" 

*She had a sweettooth.*

At the same time, two more angels summoned themselves into existence seemingly at their own pace, mimicking nimue in appearance but without facial features, another mimicking customers as if it was a play; with "Nimue" Selling the "Customers" Various potions and brews created from the same dust they were made from. Each angel small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Performing this play on one of her shelves.
Victor
*She would arch a brow at the wee angels, finding them cute and did give the one closest to her some small tasks if only to let her do something.*

*Once Rosaria had chosen her potions, Nimue would step into the back for a short moment to bring out the three differently colored bottles. For each one she would explain how they were best used, and stressing on how best to use the Focus Tonic - her tone was akin to that of a mother laying it perhaps a bit thick on her child.*

"...So that roughly wraps it up for those three, did ye have any other questions?" *She'd ask, happy enough to assist with whatever other questions the woman might have.*
Mary
The three bottles were quite the sight, colourful and bubbly. She couldn't tell if they were carbonated or that was just the result of alchemical mixture.. The focus potion in particular smelling like mint and spice, her nose wasn't too fond of the scent but she appreciated the quality.. The honey aroma smelled delicious as it was described in the catalog, while the mending oil had a strange metallic sort of alcohol scent, mixed with notes of.. Herbs? She couldn't tell herself. 


Placing the appropriate coin on the table with little hesitation, Rosaria was seconds away from chugging the entire focus potion in a single shot only to have Nimue lay it down thick on why she *Shouldn't* 


However, taking a small sip was all she needed.. Almost immediately her body felt revitalized, as to its name; the focus potion surely did its purpose in helping her.. Well; ***__Focus.__***


"**Woah.. I feel.. This is incredible.**" She was speechless. These things acted quick like a powerful blast of caffeine running through her bloodstream. 

`...So that roughly wraps it up for those three, did ye have any other questions?`

Rose would narrow her eyes a moment, she didn't wanna be a bother but there was a significant tug in her chest; a want.. A need for.. Mentoring. She looked toward Nimue with a strong determination and desire for knowledge. "**I.. I wish to learn. In my travels I've come across many injured, sickly people who need attention and care that a medical kit could not solve on its own. If I knew how to make things like this, or even heal using my own magic.. Then maybe I can provide help to others.**"

Her tone of voice was a tad more grounded and serious, she *Truly wanted this.*
Victor
"Aye the Focus Tonic has been my most popular for its benefits, like I said just be mindful of your intake of it."

*While that seemed like the end of it all, when the woman began asking about help in learning potion crafting - Nimue easily picked up on that she really meant it. She would purse her lips for a moment, before she motioned for Rosaria to follow her into her into the clinic's crafting and brewing room. Right away one would be met with the smells and sight of various herbs and other ingredients.*

"Crafting potions while one travels is often a tricky thing, even though I did so myself though the year I spent traveling Ostia with my wagon - much like cooking or even smithing - certain tools are required to craft certain potions, tonics, and even poisons. But its not impossible, there are some that ye can aim to craft while on the road."

 "As for using ye own magic to heal, there are spells for healing but such healing magic is tricky to learn - least as I've seen and heard. I'm unsure if we have any sort of cleric mages in these parts."
Mary
Rosaria followed behind the woman closely and made aptly sure not to bump into or disturb anything, all ofcourse after placing the potions into the satchel on her hip, which.. For some reason just happened not to morph too much in size. Because, *Video game inventory logic, or something.*

As the two entered into the backroom the scent of everything definitely hit Rosaria like a train; but.. Something else did too. A pungent, accident smell.. *Blood?*

She suddenly found herself staring at the back of Nimues nape, a perfect spot to stab.. A perfect place to-..

*What?..*

Rosaria was stunned by her own thoughts so much that she almost completely missed Nimue's explanation on alchemy on the road; but was quick enough to catch her thoughts on healing magic. 

Taking the small moment to dismiss her thoughts, she closed her eyes and gently brought both hands to her chest with a gentle sigh. She would look to Nimue once more with that same stare of determination. "**Surely a hot pot, water and fire would be enough to brew even the most simple tonic right? Or..**" 

She narrowed her eyes a bit and shook her head. Clasping her hands together and shifting her weight a bit. "**N-No matter! I'm ready to learn whatever you could show me!**" Said Rose with a smile, practically bouncing on her toes with anticipation. The small angels threw both fists in the air in a sort of "*YEAH!*" Type gesture.
Victor
*For a short moment, Nimue felt something staring hard at her neck - but it soon vanished the moment it came to her mind. She'd glance over Rosaria, though the woman seemed full of good charm - everyone often had things hidden just out of view.*

"Aye, very simple sort of potions and other items can be brewed, but like cooking one needs to know the given amount and measurements to use - less you end up with with a useless potion" *She explained, bringing out some books that covered a few basic potions that could be brewed on the road. Provided the suitable herbs and other items were able to be collected.*

*While Nimue showed her a few potions Rosaria, she would bring up a question* "Are ye traveling these parts for pleasure or are ye one of the adventuring types, Rosaria?"
Mary
Rosaria wasn't sure at first how to answer her question exactly, travelling for pleasure or just adventuring? It was a bit of.. 


"**..Both.**" 


Rosaria would answer, whilst flipping the pages of one of the books. 


"**When I was younger, my adoptive father would often read to me books detailing the acts of legendary heroes and their respective stories.**" 

*She'd gently shift her weight into a chair as she sat down and continued to read the alchemy book.. Now gently smiling with love for her late father.* 

"**Tales of a hero who could wield time, traversing seven years to slay a great evil, ultimately to be sent back to live the childhood they once lost, tales of an animal that could run so quickly it warps the air around them, all in the pursuit of seven magical gems capable of granting intense chaotic energy.**" 

She looked to the woman. "**I don't think I'm capable of any of that stuff, or ever will be. But I adventure in the hopes that I can one day help people like they did. Both of them saved their people, both of them saved their kingdoms. All I want is to find my parents. And help them too.**"


Rosaria blushed red as she realized she may have rambled on, pressing both palms to her cheeks. "**Oh! S-Sorry, for rambling! I guess I got lost in thought!**"
Victor
"Nothing wrong with such tales, nearly every child I would think grows up upon such stories... I once have heard a saying, myths are stories not often untrue, rather one might consider them as foundations to any given culture" *Nimue remarked, as she moved to open a nearby window that overlooked the small garden and animal pens attached to the clinic.*

"As for what adventure anyone might take, often some might not be sure what they'll encounter... But I suppose that is the sense of the unknown, both fearful but also exciting."

*The moment she turned away from the window, the almost quiet arrival of Tempest was heard, though the Owlet was still getting the rough idea of flying and could only truly glide - and thus she bonked into Nimue's back. But quickly she climbed up and perched on Nimue's head - looking a tad ruffled by her less than stellar landing.*

"Almost had it that time Tempest, but maybe don't try landing in here until you can really use those wings" *Nimue remarked, giving a amused smirk at the owl upon her head.*
Judy
*She would hoot and fluff herself up, nibbling at the top of Nimue's hair* *"I'll never get better if I just practice outside, and besides it was getting cold!"* *She hooted, her true voice being unheard by others unless they could hear animals.*

*The owlet did however notice the stranger in Nimue's crafting room, and began to eye Rosaria as she often did with most strangers to the cilent - and even some locals - she'd hoot loudly.* *"Oi oi, who's this Nimmy?! She's funny smelling!"*
Victor
"Tempest, don't be rude" *Nimue sighed, as she was able to get the owlet off her head, and onto her shoulder.*

"Pardon all that, this is my friend and pet, Tempest the Horned Ram Owl... Though she's not yet grown into said horns" *She remarked, of which earned her a side eye from the owl, as she ruffled her feathers.*
Mary
The arrival of the owl caused a stir in Rosaria, whose eyes wandered along its feather patterns and features. She was amazed by the sight of it landing on her head, of it speaking to her and her understanding enough to speak back, Though most wouldn't be able to tell.. It was a skill her father shared with a mouse they had. *That or her dad just yelled at it all day and lied to her that he could "Speak to animals"*

`Pardon all that...`

Nimue apologized for the owls hooting and Rosaria quickly brushed it off with a gesture, replying with: "**Oh no! They're quite beautiful. I don't mind at all!**" The small angels floated around in the air, appearing once again as they danced around the room. From inspecting her equipment to pretending to be owls themselves, her angels mimicked curious children. 

"**How did you two meet? You adopted them young or?**"
Victor
*She had expected that question, indeed she had already been asked it by a few folks - Nimue glanced at Tempest whom seemed to be focused on the floating Angels, looking much like a cat in the moment.*

"Aye, I adopted Tempest... Her mother and sibling, encountered hunters... All perished" *She remarked with a grim tone, not so easily forgotten that day. Though she tried to shift the conversation* "So where will you be heading off to after you leave these parts? Seeing more of Heatherstead, or planning to head to one of the other kingdoms to the south?"

*She would shift herself about the room, checking up on the placement of bottles and supplies - Tempest keeping to her shoulder, looking to be most comfortable there.*
Mary
Flipping through the pages, Rosaria would continue to read the recipes and apply them to scenarios in her head, all while simultaneously listening to Nimue, she tapped her lips with her index finger.. Caught in thought.. 


If she could just master how to make these healing potions-..

`So where will you be heading off to after you leave these parts?.......`


Nimue posed a curious question, one Rosaria had not entirely considered herself. "**Thats.. Hm.. I suppose I'll go wherever the wind leads me. I have yet to fully witness heatherstead and the prospect of seeing the religious Vale city in person really speaks to me. Truth be told, I want to learn in becoming a cleric and I think the best first step would be to visit one of the most religious places in the known world.**" 

Rosaria would close one of the books, specifically detailing the recipe and instructions for brewing healing potions, simple to intermediate. 

"**May I ask, are you willing to part with this? Maybe with coin, or good favour? I would love to study this more on my own time.**" 

Politely asked Rosaria, before turning to look up at the owl. "**Or perhaps I could assist you with something? Maybe for this in return?**"
Victor
*She would shake her head* "I would be unable to part ways with any of the books here, many have been with my family for a number of years, and they certainly show their age."

*She moved around some sealed bottles of various herbs and spices* "But ye should be able to find a book with the same sort of content around the markets here in town, we do have some book sellers... As for traveling to Elsir Vale, it can be tricky if you're planning to take one of the various passes through the mountains to the west of us. But likely they'll have clerics and other healers that ye could study under, just don't let yourself get caught up in any of the various religions based there... I swear when I was last in that city, they were undergoing a voting season, streets got messy between the various groups. Rule of thumb for any visitor there, don't discuss religion."

*Indeed, Nimue had little desire to visit Elsir Vale again in the future, it was a beautiful city given its place so far in the north - but she did find it hard to stay there for a long period.*
Mary
Rosaria would heed her warning regarding the mountain pass, but would do her best to try and reassure her. "**No worries about me! Tricky is something I've dealt with on a number of occasions. I can handle myself..**" 

She then listened as Nimue went on about the vale and explained how it might be unwise to mention or discuss religion, though.. Her mention only made the girl more excited. Rosaria was an open minded girl, captivated by the tales of the various gods and deity's driving the beliefs of all races. 


She herself was unsure of what was fact or fiction when it came to religion.. But her adoptive father often spoke of one god, known only as "The Maker" A topic she wouldn't bury Nimue under.

Raising her eyebrows a bit and sighing, She would flip yet another page in the book.. Noting the existence of an alternate method of making one of Nimue's potions in its pages depths. 

"**Uhm, sorry. Whats.. This? I can't.. Read it.**" 

Rosaria pointed out the curious recipe, requesting the aid of the experienced Alchemist.
Victor
"Hmm which one are you looking at, given its that book... Wouldn't be surprised if the writing was from my father, he had a strange way of writing his notes" *She remarked, having at look at the recipe.* "Ah, this one... It was a potion that causes one to become rather confused or dizzy, though he never go around to making one himself. I'm trying to go through his list of potions, tonics, oils, and poisons... He had a great many ideas."

*Her tone became rather somber as she thought of her father, of which Tempest noticed her mood and nuzzled against her* "I'm quite alright my dear..." *She cooed, before looking back over her supplies.*

"Speaking of potions and such, I remembered I needed to collect some supplies from the market - why don't we head there together and we might see about getting yourself some items for crafting potions while on the road?" *She asked Rosie, glancing at her.*
Mary
Rosaria would smile sombrely in response to Nimue seemingly reminiscing over her father. The word "Had" In particular causing Rosaria to assume the worst, though she wouldn't bring it up or mention it directly.

However, she would say: "**Your father sounds like an incredible person.**" She meant that genuinely, alchemy was a skill in itself and if he indeed was the one to write all of these down? Well; Rosaria was impressed beyond words. 


`Speaking of potions and such...`


Nimue suggested going to the local market in town to find supplies for herself, and also Rosaria, who... By this point hadn't been to it yet and Aismir wasn't exactly a place she as familiar with seeing as she just arrived so.. 

She nodded. 

"**I'd love to accompany you, that would be great!**" 

She was a bit quieter now, not wanting to overwhelm the woman in anyway given the clearly, *At least to rosaria* Emotional feelings that must have started to stir deep down within Nimue.
Victor
*She'd double check the shelves for any other likely items she could pick up while at the market, hearing Rosaria's words, she'd turn to head to the door of the clinic, motioning for her to tag along.* "Aye he was incredible, though a bit of airhead at times... Least my Gran always says that" *She remarked with a chuckle.*

*Nimue would lead the way out of the clinic and into town, Tempest still choosing to stay on her shoulder but hooted at all the sights and sounds* "Should ye be heading to Elsir Vale, ye could see about traveling with one of the merchant caravans - normally they have the best protection when one is passing back into Ostia. Most of them choose to head south and through the Dark Ire Swamps... Though even that area is a pain to travel though no matter the season. Though ye could even catch a ship along the coasts to the north over the mountains, given spring is on its way, ye might have some luck sailing to Elsir Vale."

*They'd reach the market easily, it was full of locals and merchants, offering up various wares - while there was also a handful of established shops and businesses.*
Mary
Rosaria would smile sombrely at Nimue's chuckle regarding her late father's words and followed close behind her toward the markets in town, her recommendation to follow along the merchant caravans being noted by Rosaria with a simple nod and narrowing of her eyes, though the mention of the Dark Ire Swamps sent a notable chill up the girls spine, she'd literally rather risk being drowned by a sea monster then traverse the disgusting muddy swamps again.. Alas though.. The caravan did seem like one of her best choices.. 

Eventually they got to the market and my my was it flooded with populace. Many people scattered around bargaining and trading with one another. 

"**Woah! It reminds of home!**" The market did indeed look similar to the outdoor markets in bridian, but they definitely had their own northern taste, with one or two stands hosting dwarven ale as one of its main features in a huge keg. 

"**Do you guys have a blacksmith here? If so I would love to stop there later, could probably use a new sword.. And maybe an upgrade to my armour would be good too.**"
Victor
"Aye we have a fair number of blacksmiths about the city, ye shouldn't have any trouble getting needed aid from them" *Nimue remarked, weaving their way through the markets - nodding her head to a few of the locals she knew, or ones that were old family friends.*

*She'd soon enough spot one of the few local bookshops of the city, pointing it out to Rosaria* "Ye should be able to find a suitable book or two on medicines ye can make while on the road." *Thus the pair would make their way into the shop, while Nimue stepped off to the side to talk with the owner about seeing if a given tome or two had come in - Rosaria would be able to look around freely as they wished.*