Asra's Route

Introduction- The Hierophant

It's the morning of the Masquerade announcement, the lazy sun just barely peeking over the horizon and warming the cracked cobblestone beneath my feet. I need to be back in the square for it at noon, but for now, I've decided to check in on the shop. I want a few things for my investigation. Reagents, herbs, one of Asra's magic books...

Hopping up the steps, I press my palm to the door and release the sealing spell. I spot a small leather pouch resting on the stoop.

I frown. Clearly someone left it for me. But who...?

I reach to lift it up and into my hands, picking at the knot. The pouch falls open.

Inside is a mixture, clearly reeking of magic. Myrrh is strongest of scents that I can pick up on, but there are other herbs.

A mixture for protection.

I cast a glance to either side of the street for my mystery guest, but to no avail. I'm alone.

Pushing away my confusion, fetch my keys and turning the locks. Just as I push the door in, it gives way, swinging wide open and nearly sending me sprawling into the last person I expected to see.

Doctor Devorak.

The sight of him freezes me in my tracks, the pouch dropping from my nerveless fingers.

"I-" I struggle to speak, to form any kind of words, but he beats me to it, a coy grin spreading across his features.

"Well, hello there. Fancy seeing you here."

My shock immediately turns into flustered fury as I regain my footing and step back from him. I cross my arms, glaring.

He has the decency to look embarrassed, at least. His face glows red as he scrambles for an explaination. "Ahem. Maybe not so surprising. I, ah.. I was in the neighborhood."

I raised an eyebrow. As if I'd believe that.

Julian's lips fumble for another excuse, his eye trailing over me. "And you look.. er.. splendid! Marvelous!" It drops down to his trembling hands and he quickly stuffs them away into his pockets as he looks away, guilty. "I-I'll stop wringing my hands."

For a moment, I think about calling the guards but I hesitate. This is the second time he's been in my shop. Will the guards think I've been harboring him?

I certainly didn't want that.

I narrow my gaze, drawing myself up straight to look up at him, pointing a finger straight at his chest.

"You've broken in twice now. What are you after?"

"Why, I'm not after anything." The doctor says, adverting his finicky gaze. "What would I be-?"

He cuts himself off, realizing what I'm asking.

"Oh, I hope you don't think I'm a thief. I'm a lot of things, but not that." I can see the wheels turning in his brain from behind his slate colored eye, searching for a way to weasel out of the situation. "But... You wouldn't take my word for it, would you?"

I open my mouth to give a smart retort, but to my surprise, the doctor shucks off his overcoat and starts to unbutton his waistcoat. He throws it open with a flutter, arms outstretched and palms up in submission.

"Search me."

I stare at him, shocked into incredulous silence.

"If you find anything of yours, I'll show myself to the stocks." His eye lights up challengingly. "Go ahead. Search until you're satisfied."

He lowers his gaze, presenting himself for inspection. The sight makes me grow hot at the ears.

I tapped my foot a few times, thinking.