THE MOMENT
"This is Todd," Monday introduced the lanky teen to the potbellied man in a grey silk suit. "Todd, this is Mr. Peter Smallwood. He runs a small apothecary chain named 'Peter's Potions'." The two students and Mr. Smallwood were standing outside in a relatively empty market square with more stalls than shoppers. It was still early. Just past two, the golden sun was only just thinking about sliding down the still vibrant purple sky. Monday asked Todd to meet her there to introduce him to a client. "Hi," Todd nodded with a smile. He started to reach for a handshake, but it was apparent Mr. Smallwood wasn't interested, as the bald man's hand didn't move an inch. "Todd's one of my best potion suppliers, and since your orders are so large, it's easier for all three of us if you two work together directly," she said. "One of?" Todd asked playfully. He didn't think she meant anything by it, and he wasn't offended. It was just an unexpected comment. [Salesmanship. I'm working. - Monday] The Whisper felt like a gentle tap on Todd's shoulder as he heard Monday's voice in his mind. "Oh yeah, it's easy to forget Aury," Todd commented, and Monday moved on. Peter was well-versed in the AlterNet, and he knew all about Whispers, and Aurelio's reputation. However, Todd's follow-up comment happened so seamlessly that it appeared he remembered on his own. “I'd like 500 Major Health Potions.” Todd was already nodding at the simple order, but Peter continued. “The older the better,” he added. “Huh?” Todd knew his business pretty well, but he also knew there was always something more to learn. “Does that matter?” Todd asked Peter and glanced at Monday for a second opinion. Peter nodded frantically, but Monday rolled her eyes while Peter wasn't looking. “As counter-productive as it may seem, older healing potions are actually more effective. Aging in a cool, dry place like a dungeon can often do wonders for a potion.” [Just play along. - Monday] The Whisper tapped Todd's shoulder again “Oh, yeah, right,” Todd nodded with a grin. “I just make the things; don't really use them that often, though. I'll dig up the oldest ones from any unclaimed order and cycle them out, then complete the order with fresh ones. By when?” “Saturday. I'll send along precise timing and delivery details by Thursday.” “No sweat,” Todd agreed as the two of them shook hands. “Then, I'll see you Saturday. Thank you, Monday,” he said with a chuckle. “I'm sorry to say, I think you've inadvertently lost me as a customer. You've introduced me to so many fine tradesmen, I hardly need the middle merchant anymore.” “I'll manage somehow,” Monday smirked as Peter opened a portal for himself, then vanished through it with a wave. “There's a backstory here…,” Todd grinned once they were alone. Monday shook her head with a frustrated sigh. “He's good business, but oh my god, he's such a know-it-all. And 90% of what he knows is known by 90% of people, while the other 10% is just rumors or misinformation. Maybe he won't be so bad for you, but I had to unload him. Trying to be the ‘everything’ merchant for him was exhausting. Small talk about the weather? ‘It’s not widely known, but there are some universes out there with blue skies,’” she took on a mocking tone for the extra statement. “Offer him a drink out of courtesy? ‘You’d be surprised to learn that the water is actually dry on some Earths.’ Whether or not I have any item he asks for, it comes with a story. ‘Liquid silk comes from very rare spiders found on very rare Earths, but it’s a key ingredient in a lot of potions.’” “He said that?” Todd shook his head in amusement. “That does feel like he thinks everyone else is stupid. But maybe they don’t have wine on his Earth?” Todd asked about the only experience he did have with Peter. He was still trying to be generous. “Or maybe it just hasn’t occurred to him that potions would work kinda the same way?” “But they don’t work that way; it’s just a rumor he heard somewhere…” Monday was surprised that he didn’t seem to know that. “No, no, I know. I’m just trying to put myself in his shoes. Trying to imagine situations where it could be considered counter-productive to age potions. I guess there’re a few perspectives to it,” he shrugged. “That’s not how they work, but it is giving me some ideas…” “Whatever,” Monday smirked and turned to leave. “Be prepared to hear about how to properly store manaberries to draw out maximum effectiveness.”