Lyra, the priestess of the year

The walk felt longer than it should have. Spring. There was a birthday coming up, wasn't there... Ah, that adorable little Lorrena's birthday was coming up soon. She would have to get that sweetheart something. The flower shop was one thing but she also needed to head over to The carpentry shop. Or whatever you called that place. All she knew was that they were good at making furniture. What Lyra needed was to have a new rocking chair made. Since the other kids broke the only one they had. Two kids and a hammer means destruction. She knew that but she couldn't really get the hammer back with them swinging it around. Either way, one of the cuties loved that chair and now they need another one.

Lyra nearly got lost on the way there. She hadn't been to the workshop before but she had heard of the people living there. It was a small town and when two people moved in without greeting much people if any, it stood out and just made people want to gossip even more. Finally at the shop, Lyra walked in and was met by one of the workers.

"Good morning. A beautiful day, isn't it. Your name is... June or Bethany, no?" She had a kind smile on her face as she continued to speak. "We haven't met but I'm just the mere priestess living in the church just around here. Anyways, Im looking to have a chair made. A rocking chair. Blue and white. I don't know how long it would take but I would like it to be done in 1 or 2 weeks if possible." Lyra sounded as sweet as ever, speaking with ease to the beautiful stranger.

"Finally, nom--" Whiskey took on another bite, "An envelope, 2 pac-, I mean 3 packets of potato chips, I don't have any loose change for that amazingly helpful honor system~" Whiskey stated sarcastically, taking another packet of potato chips from the shelve, putting a 300G coin on the table. Better to have a bit food supplies, just to play it safe~

Meanwhile, a gust of wind entered the Library, blowing away her mom's letter, sending it flying off the windows, then littered along the streets.

June had been leaning back in a chair with her feet propped up on a comfortable looking foot rest, carving away at a piece of wood to pass the time. It kept her hands busy in case she had no business. Of course when she suddenly heard a voice she jumped as if bit. Her eyes spinning on the priestess, only staring for a few seconds before getting to her feet. Immediately switching from surprised to a friendly smile. "June. Bethany's my little sister." She explained.

If Bethany heard she wasn't being polite or friendly she'd definitely scold June over it. And she didn't want a lecture. Bethy was as scary as Mom.

"I'm sure I can do that for you. Any special requests?" June asked as she snagged up a notepad off the nearby table along with the pen that sat on it. "If you'd like you can look at some of the pieces I already have done, if you want to get an idea of what you might like. I promise I'm not that scary, just don't get out much." She offered, smiling again at her widely obviously poking fun at herself for her hermitage. Priestess or not she was pretty, June couldn't help going the extra mile. Even if she knew it might just get her in trouble again.

--

Bethany wandered the new town, exploring what she could. The town was small and felt very homey. She greeted anyone she passed on the road, including a rather pretty priestess who was heading past her. She eventually found her eyes land on a open restaurant this early caught her interest. Curiosity driving her she stepped in and looked around. Even though she just had breakfast, a little snack couldn't hurt could it?

June would never know.

With that thought in mind she was beaming as she looked around, before finally calling into the restaurant "Hello?" She asked, honestly she just wanted to sate her curiosity more than anything else. Part of that meant exploring the actual businesses rather than just wandering around.

~The Ever so Great Witch in training, Selma~

Selma was completely oblivious to the noises that the miner was making. She was too busy trying to fan herself and being a bit of a drama queen. The mine wasn't exactly a prime locale to take a rest at, but it was cool and that's all she care about at the moment. Not like she was gonna get dirty. That cleaning spell was something she mastered first. Now, all she had to do was hope there weren't any spooky scary ghosts living in this mine or something.

"Hey,"

The witch actually yelped a bit, somewhat startled by the voice of the girl, jumping somewhat comically as she waved her arms around in a somewhat defensive fashion.

"No entering the mine without proper safety equipment! What are you doing here? Some friends dare you or something?"

Selma peeked out from behind her arms, noticing that this was in fact, a girl. Not a ghostie or something. She immediately regained her poise and composure.

"Dare? Pfft, no." She wasn't going to add that she didn't exactly have what one might call 'friends'. "Like I, the great Witch need to be dared to go somewhere. I go wherever I want." She replied with a smirk, not mentioning she was only in here because it was a bit warm outside. It was then, a small light bulb went off in her head. She was a miner. at least, judging from the looks of the girl she was a miner. "Say, you're a miner right? I bet you don't wanna work in this heat, yeah? Or at least, you want to make some quick money~" She continued with a grin. "Well, with a small donation of five thousand gold, I can fill this mine to the brim with gold ore!~"

Lorrena's lessons were finally done for the day and it was now time for the picnic. Sega hummed a tune as she got the food ready, and Lorrena put Bernie on an ant pile. She laughed as the ants wandered onto her furry friend.

"Mom! Look!" she yelled as she tossed her teddy bear while holding its paw. Ants went flying all over their quilt.

Sega gave a slightly grossed out look, but her face relaxed again as she began sweeping away the little black insects with her hands. The mom tapped the spot next to her, signaling for Lorrena to take a seat there. Which she did. They both enjoyed their meal and packed up. Sega picked everything up, and felt a gentle tug on the back of her shirt. When she turned, Lorrena had a large, goofy smile on her face. With her little hands she pointed to a small grassy hill, "Let's roll down it!!" Sega returned her daughters smile with a large goofy one of her own. What was nice about living here in Bellview was that it wasn't a trash dump like the city. You could freely roll down hills or walk barefooted without worry of stepping on broken glass or the like.

"Wee-weee-weee-weee-weeeeeeee~" they both yelled as they laughed the whole way down the hills. When at the bottom, they looked at each other and hugged. Sega was so happy her daughter was so happy. Moving to Bellview was truly a great thing.

That's when it popped into her mind that Lorrena's birthday was coming up soon. She wanted to surprise her with a gift. How she was going to get the chance of being alone without Lorrena seemed impossible but that didn't stop her from wanting to try. Today seemed like a great day to window shopping and get some ideas.

"Let's walk around a little more before we go home!" Sega said enthusiastically. It was right at that moment that she noticed her daughter rubbing her eyes and letting out a yawn, "But moooommmmm~ I'm getting tired...Nappy time." It was usual for Lorrena to have a nap after class, but Sega really wanted to window shop. "I promise a nap afterwards." Sega smiled hoping to sway the little girl. Lorrena grumbled but nodded.

They made their way to the town center, passing a few shops. Sega looked curiously at them, and felt Lorrena's hand slip from hers. She looked down and seen the girl running towards a muscular man wearing blue with cowboy boots who was standing infront of a truck packed with fruits and veggies.

Lorrena kept a distance from the man but peeked from him eating, to his pineapples, back to him eating again. Sega walked up, smiling at the man. She had seen him in the town center before with his shop and purchased a thing or two, but never really got into deep conversation with him. "Hi there!" she said sweetly. Lorrena looked at her mom then went to hide behind her legs, tugging at her dress while she did so. "You have some great looking produce and eggs today!" She folded her arms confidently and felt the light breeze toss her hair and tickle her neck.

@Tyler Night

Hearing the woman speak he smiles and gives her a nod.

"Good morning hun and thank you, I started most of these last month inside and got them planted a few days ago, except for the pineapple, that was grown indoors completely."

He hops down setting down his chips and salsa. He notices Lorrena and smiles.

"Too bad there isn't a little girl here, I bet she would like some fresh pineapple or maybe some fresh heirloom tomatoes."

@RosebeltAngel

It almost seemed like Lorrena's ears wiggled at her name. A small smile almost escaped her at the thought of how easily she hid from him. But pineapple did sound good... She put a hand out towards the man, but didn't move from her spot. Her big eyes looked in protest at him, then at her mom.

"Sorry," Sega laughed, "She's a bit shy." She bent down next to Lorrena and whispered,"I'm sure if you went up to him and gave him this-" she slipped Lorrena a little bit of money, "he will be happy to give you some pineapple! We can even make a pineapple bowl later!" And with that, she gave Lorrena a gentle nudge forward.

The girl tugged at her shirt and stood with her feet pointed inward. She had the money, but didn't like she was ready to offer it.

"Go ahead. It's okay." Sega stayed at Lorrena's height with her fist holding up her chin. Looking like she was enjoying this.

Lorrena's face turned red and she stomped up to the man, then held out the money."Pineapple!"

"Lorrena..."

Looking at her mom with embarrassment, she glanced at the man,"Pineapple! ..please..."

@Tyler Night

Ralph was a little off-put by the potato chip eating lady's demeanor, but he didn't let it show. Instead, he smiled, nodded and grab the things she wanted and put them in a bag. After that, he grabbed the 300 G coin and said "you're welcome to make change yourself in the register next time I'm not around. It isn't locked," the store owner pointed out, opening it to make change. As he finished doing that, Ralph handed Whiskey her change, saying "and here's your change. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you have a great day." He really did mean that, even if she didn't really seem to be in the mood for small talk.

Aria’s eyes widened along with her smile at the simple hello she just heard. With a simple black apron and pep in her step she emerged from the kitchen into the main room. Her ember eyed gaze shifted over the room, only to stop when she saw a young lady (who appeared to be in her teens) standing in her restaurant. She was slightly surprised to discover that she did not recognize her, but she didn’t look it.

“Hello dear, can I get you something?” she inquired, walking over to the young lady. “Would you like to take a seat, see a menu…?”

Hopefully she didn’t come across as pushy, first impressions were always important.

@Rica

He smiles and gives her an entire pineapple with a smile, taking the money from her then kneels down handing her a yellow and brown tomato.

"That is called a pineapple tomato, I use that in my salsa here. Next week I will be back in town with a salsa that has 8 tomatoes in it. Be sure to get some more money and you can try some of it then."

Lorrena's eyes widened with curiousy at the pineapple tomato. She held the pineapple like a baby in one arm and the other hand grabbed the tomato. She gently squeezed it, feeling it's texture. She gave a small smirk, "Okay!" she said as she turned to her mom, "Mom! We need more money!"

Sega laughed as she rolled her eyes at her daughters in a silly manner, "Yes yes, my dear! More money! On the double!" She turned her focus from Lorrena to the man, "I'm not sure if I caught your name before, I'm Sega. I'm still pretty new around here and haven't introduced myself to everyone yet." She held her hand awaiting a handshake.

@Tyler Night

Smiles watching the girl get so excited about money and the tomato. He turns his attention from Lorrena to Sega when she mentions not knowing his name.

"The name is Lane, my family for 5 generations grew up in this town."

He shakes her hand then looks at Lorrena with a smile.

"If only we could be that age again huh? Or even just have that level of energy. Well now, anything else I can sell to you?"

"Dare? Pfft, no. Like I, the great Witch need to be dared to go somewhere. I go wherever I want. Say, you're a miner right? I bet you don't wanna work in this heat, yeah? Or at least, you want to make some quick money~ Well, with a small donation of five thousand gold, I can fill this mine to the brim with gold ore!~"

Sierra's face turned immediately to one of derisive incredulity. "Pfft," she scoffed, "If you're here to con me, then you're shit outta luck, kiddo. Im from the city, so not your average, gullible townsperson. Go back in town and find whoever is living the most comfortably right now, they're usually the kind of people who aren't willing to work hard to earn their way in this world and are more likely to want a 'magical' solution to their problems." Sierra thought for a momemt, "Why am I giving you pointers? Get out of my mine if you don't have anything better to do."

Guinevere paced around the shop for a moment, looking at the different plants on display. The different textures, the shapes of the petals, fine details, the color combinations.... "I should take from these flowers and put it into my work..." she muttered to herself. The owner of the shop came up to the counter and spoke up.

“What can I do you for? Or what can I do for you –– I just like the other version,” he said at the wooden counter. “Everything okay?”

Turning her attention to him, she gave a smile and leaned over the counter. "Morning, Mr. Honeywell!" the tailor beamed. "The shop hasn't been busy at all lately, so I decided to do my errands rather than later this evening." Noticing his hidden arm, she gave Arthur an odd look. Assuming he didn't want anyone to see what happened, Guinevere shook her head, with a small smirk on her face. "I'm here for my order of flowers, to make my dyes."

@McHaggis

Lyra, the priestess of the year

"Ah, the sister." This is why strangers were nice. Most people didn't like making bad first impressions so they gave her no reason to dislike them. And this stranger was fairly charming.

"Special requests... Hmmm... Well, it's a gift so perhaps a heart carved into it and a ribbon wrapped around it? That's all I can think of right now." She thought it over for a second before she heard that there were examples. Lyra smiled at the woman.

"That would help. Thank you." She said, nodding. Did she have anywhere to go after this? She felt like she needed to get some fresh fruits and veggies afterwards but that's about it.

@Rica

"Thanks for letting me know," Whiskey put her change into her pocket as she let a michievous smile, "Next time, I will empty the cash register hahas~" She joked, grabbing her bag of goods, heading back to her workplace.

"Better hurry, been stuck in that place for quite a while now..." Whiskey paced herself back towards the library, she's glad that nobody had touched any books there, until she realized her desk being messed up from some wind. She had forgotten to secure her papers with a heavier object. "Damnnit, that stupid shop owner!" She ranted while rearranging her desk to the proper order. "Mom's letter, where did it go?" Whiskey frantically shoved around every possible corners of her desk, but to no avail.

"F**K!" Whiskey slammed her desk in frustration, then laying back on her chair and sighed. Even though she doesn't read those letter, she wouldn't want to lose any of them, especially when its one that came after a long long time. "Haizz... I will just send my letter later, at least I didn't lose this one..." She folded her letter into the envelope, placing it into the drawer to prevent the same thing from happening again. "Must mail it after my shift..."

June beamed and clapped her hands together, looking around over the pieces. "There is a bed frame. Right here." She walked over to it, she kneeled and lifted the bed frame up, carefully moving it so it was standing up so the priestess didn't have to kneel down either. "The carvings were done with influence from the forest outside of town. My sister Bethany insisted we go have a picnic one day."

She offered a small smile, somewhat sheepish. "Anyway I loved all the life out there...so I carved the trees and wildlife into the frame, look." June showed her the designs of the trees and the rabbits. The deer and the birds. They were very well done. Professional and clean. The designs took her a week. She was proud of her work, that much was clear.

@sakurasan

-

Bethany beamed at her, "Yes please. I'm new in town and I haven't had much of a chance to really explore. My sister insists on hiding away in her workshop most the time." She shrugged, she had plenty of time to make June more social.

"I'm Bethany. June's little sister." Knowing people at least somewhat knew who June was if only through the jobs she did.

@shi12

~The Ever so Great Witch in training, Selma~

@Stern Algorithm

"Pfft,"

She could taste the nonbeliever disdain. Heh. Hehhe. Selma grinned impishly as the girl continued.

"If you're here to con me, then you're shit outta luck, kiddo. Im from the city, so not your average, gullible townsperson. Go back in town and find whoever is living the most comfortably right now, they're usually the kind of people who aren't willing to work hard to earn their way in this world and are more likely to want a 'magical' solution to their problems. Why am I giving you pointers? Get out of my mine if you don't have anything better to do."

The witch fell silent. She had to play her cards right here. Turn on the charm. Smooth talk her way into this girls head and make her believe.

"Gullible? Oh no no, not at all~" She giggled mischievously, offering the girl a smile as she turned to a cross legged, position, resting her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands. "I think you're one of the most non-gullible people in town!" She hopped off the boulder she was sitting on, getting almost uncomfortably close in front of the other girl. "As such, my cute little human," She poked her playfully on the nose before giving a dramatic twirl and taking a few steps back.

"I think you deserve a free demonstration of my skills!~" She held out a hand for the miner to shake.
"So, here's what I will do for you. Give me one piece of copper, and I will turn it into silver! Absolutely free, no strings attached!~" For the sake of a possible repeat customer, she could give out a free little bit of magic.

...well.

Considering she got the spell right.

"Gullible? Oh no no, not at all~ I think you're one of the most non-gullible people in town! As such, my cute little human," She poked her playfully on the nose before giving a dramatic twirl and taking a few steps back.

"I think you deserve a free demonstration of my skills!~" She held out a hand for the miner to shake.
"So, here's what I will do for you. Give me one piece of copper, and I will turn it into silver! Absolutely free, no strings attached!~"

Sierra flinched when Selma touched her nose, snorting the way dogs do when something they don't like touches their face. Sierra didn't like her personal space being invaded and especially didn't like getting touched anywhere near the face and neck, but she didn't react beyond the flinch; life had taught her to just accept that some people would be touchy-feely. Sierra crossed her arms in skepticism when Selma made her offer, taking a long look at the witch's outstretched hand. "Are you going to turn copper ore into silver ore, or can you turn a copper bar into a silver bar?" she asked, playing along. "If you can do the latter, that would really impress me, but we'd need to get to the blacksmith so she can either smelt this ore here into a bar, or maybe she'll just have a copper bar lying around the smithy. But if you can do that, then call me a believer." Sierra took Selma's hand and shook it, but then didn't let go. "But what happens if you fail?" Sierra took on a morbid intensity that she hadn't yet shown the witch.