December 27th 2025
Speech: #cfa120
Thoughts: Italics
@Colin McCoire
@Scout Fu-Hai
_{Will probably end up being a shorter thread than I planned, but hey! We'll have fun with it ;3}

"Come on, come on! This way!"

They barely exited out the back entrance to the shopping centre before Emily hurried her friends past Smithfield Market. Opposite it was the familiar purple store she recognised all too well. She was surprised it was open so soon after Christmas Day. She figured they would've taken the week off and reopen after the start of the New Year. Not that Emily was going to complain! She hadn't stopped by in so long. So when "Auntie" checked the opening hours when she realised she was running low on Florida Water, Emily was starving to go back.

"There it is! Right there!

She hopped back to take Colin and Scout's hands, pulling them behind her as they pulled up to the small shop just before the corner of the street. The window display was covered in glitter and knickknacks; several crystals and bracelets sat along a bed of sewn pillows, a couple books advertising witchcraft and divination on either side of the display itself while a purple and black curtain rested behind the whole thing.

Before they walked in, Emily stopped in front of them.

"Before we go in..." Her voice lowered. "This shop sells a lot of divination-y and magic stuff, but not actual Wizarding World magic...! It's more like muggle beliefs and superstition, that kind of thing. So while you may look, don't touch. And for the love of God, don't mention any kind of Wizarding stuff... Remember where you are. Just... Stay close and don't do anything weird."

Her warning was directed more to one than the other.

When she felt sure they both understood the assignment, she made sure they followed close behind her as they all walked in. A bell chimed when they opened the door and the man behind the till greeted them warmly. Emily returned an eager wave at him. Of course, being a regular meant you got well acquainted with the man running the business.

Inside, the store smelt of delicate perfume and was cosily packed with idols, crystals, mini notebooks and carved faux wands on the left. On the right was a well stocked collection of incense organised from A-Z, a tray of soaps and essential oils further down the room until at the back were conjoining shelves of tarot cards, novels, dream catchers and herbal ingredients in large jars.

Emily gravitated to the back where she spotted the bottle of natural oils alongside the ingredients. Bending down, she lifted what "Auntie" had sent them to get. She picked up a yellow stained-glass bottle, a calligraphed label with Florida Water written on it glued to the side.

"That's one down. Just incense left."

She nudged her buddies on the shoulders. "Auntie gave me a little extra spending money, so if you see something you like, you can buy if it you want."

She left the two to go back to the incense. She immediately began searching for Chamomile. That was her favourite. Frankincense was also a good one. She found both and lifted them off the shelves. She could buy another three. Five for £10. A bargain in this day and age. She scanned the shelves for Palo Santo and Dragon's Blood. Either one would be alright. According to "Auntie", both were good for protection. Where she couldn't find one, she'd use the other. Palo Santo it would be.

The bell chimed and whoever walked in brushed by Emily's arm.

"Oop- Sorry-!"

She looked up and looming over her was him. From Christmas Eve. His hair blown apart by the wind from outside. He wore the same outfit. Same shirt and suspenders. Familiar scruff around the jaw. The only thing that changed was his expression. He wasn't as cold-looking as last time. Just confused.

"You."

"You."

The man ran a calloused finger through his aging locks. "Didn't think I'd be seeing you again."

Emily shrugged. "I find solace in this store."

"Huh... Figures."

Emily arched a curious brow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

The man shook his head, no threat at all in his voice or expression. "Nah, just... You have that kind of air to you. Contact with nature and all that."

Emily hummed. Him and Casey would get along very well.

The man then abandoned her at the incense to go browse the books on the far left hand side. Emily switched glances between him to Colin and Scout, whom she had faith were behaving very well. When the man looked behind him - because of course he could guess Emily was still staring at him - Emily quickly forced herself to become very interested in the incense, in which she found Cinnamon and Midnight Calm. Ah! That was five boxes on incense.

Emily shuffled back over to her buddies. "I have everything Auntie needs. Did you guys find anything you like?"

_{Word Count: 825}

Stats: Stamina: 8 | Evasion: 7 | Strength: 7 | Wisdom: 9 | Arcane Power: 8 | Accuracy: 8
Abilities: Non-Human Enthusiast |Cat's Grace |Calming Presence