A Drip in the Pot
The wide cobblestone streets rumbled with the rolling of the sun-time rush. From folk’s foot falls of the people pushing their ways through the crowds, the clack and burr of the horse-drawn carriages carrying affluent inhabitants to their destinations, to the swarming spellbound streetcars, with their high pitched, but quiet buzz that bounces off the track that it trails. All manner of folk already starting their days just as the light returned to the city. The flowers bloomed, and the trees sang and danced with the wind while the birds chirped along. This beautiful morning could be enjoyed by all, but not me. Instead, I struggled through the packed streetcar, trying to find the exit. And unfortunately for me, I was in the center of the morning time rush. The cars were even more packed than usual, as the Mage’s Guild’s strike caused workers to head towards the picket lines. I squished and squeezed, until my feet met the open air.
But my steps were unimpeded.
I walked along the crisp morning air stepping over the crowded streets, and the horse-drawn carriages. I briskly made my way across the street, until I made a controlled descent in front of a café made of reddish-orange wood, with vines and flowers growing up the front walls, only peeling away from the large, curtained windows. The plants crawled towards a dark wood sign reading out “The Witch’s Den” in a gold font, with a second sign on the large matching wooden door saying, “Closed”.
I pushed open the door, and walked in. “Morning Boo-Boo,” I said emotionlessly, waving my hands towards the hanging fairy lights, illuminating them. The first thing you’d notice entering the Witch’s Den is the smell. Wood varnish, mixing with the roasted coffee beans, and in a few minutes, the strong smell of coffee itself. The interior has the same reddish-orange wood that the outside is made of. Right of the door are matching tables and chairs, along with a large, patterned couch against the wall furthest from the front door. To liven up the atmosphere even more, I put potted plants around the walls, breaking up the simple paintings, filled bookshelves, and large mirrors I had in the room. To the left of the door is my domain, the counter. Well, that and my coffee cauldron, and the water pots.
“Hey boss,” I heard the gruff voice of my familiar as he bent over the flame seals below our glass pots. Boo-Boo is strange looking, even for a frog. He has bumpy green and grey skin, with splotches of brown and black on his under belly. He’s cat sized, but acts, moves, and stands like a human.
“Sorry to make you work before sunup. I can’t spare the energy to fly here,” I said, filling a pitcher with strained coffee water from the day before. I began walking around the café, watering the plants I kept inside to liven up the atmosphere.
“No prob boss, the more energy you have, the more I have,” he bluntly responded. “Hey, I think this seal isn’t working. No matter how much magic I pump in, it ain’t heating up.” I groaned, “Really? I had them redrawn before the strike. Can you ground the beans for today? I’m going to have to redraw this myself.” He groaned back, “Why do I always gotta do your work?” he said, walking towards the roasted coffee beans I had put aside for today. “You gotta figure your stuff out or hire someone else. I might have access to some of your power, but I’m still a frog.”
I dragged a massive tome from a hidden shelf below the counter. I looked down at the book, “Fire,” I commanded, and the book obliged. It swung open flipping through hundreds of pages, before abruptly stopping on a basic fire rune. I traced the rune on the page before turning my attention to the cold engraved stone tablet. I pulled it out from under the pots of water and traced the new rune with my finger. I put my hand flat on the tablet, and quickly raised it. The stone followed, as it rearranged into the fire rune in the book. The magic quickly ate through the stone, and as I placed it back under the pot, fire erupted from its center. My body swayed slightly, as I felt my vision blur slightly. I put my hand down to support me and took a deep breath to clear my head. “Good as new,” I smiled lightly. “Reminds me of University,” I called out to Boo-Boo. “Except now we’re getting paid.”
Boo-Boo quickly returned with the ground coffee beans and placed them on the counter. “Back to sleep with me. Good luck with your shift,” he waddled off towards the back room ready to nap for the rest of daylight. I poured the ground beans into a paper funnel above a large cauldron. I called the hot water through the air and locked it in place floating between my hands. Slowly I began to pour it into the ground beans, swirling around the edges before going inwards to the center. I’d watch the coffee foam, before it sunk, and I continued the process until I ran out of water.
I backed away from the hot cauldron, smiling at my good work before turning towards the mirror behind the counter. My brown hair was pulled back into a high tight bun, with strands left out to frame my slightly square face. My make up was still good, but my tired gold eyes weren’t as polished as they usually looked. I was wearing my work uniform, a short black dress, with a white apron and black stockings below them, along with small golden metal chains that dangled off and across my ears, and a purple gem that dangled around my neck. I did a quick spin in the mirror, before taking a deep breath and clapping my hands. “Opening time!” And with a swish of my finger the sign on the door flipped over, and now read “Open”.
Before long a man walked in, a black and green suit, along with a small shoulder cape. Slightly balding, but not that much older than I was. He’s a Streetmage. His job was to make sure the magical energy lines flowed properly into establishments and houses.
“Good morning,” he said with a cheerful tone. “Half milk, two spoons of sugar please!”
“Coming right up!” I tried to match his cheerful tone and began gathering my ingredients.
“How are you doing, Valori?” he tried to make small talk.
“I’m doing well, just a little tired is all,” I placed the coffee mug on the counter in front of him, “I’m powering everything with your strike going on.”
His surprise grew, “Ah! I was wondering how the lights were on. Sure, you’ll be okay?”
I nodded and threw him a tired smile.
“Oh so, Manne,” I began to question, “How’s the strike going?”
“Uh it’s alright. I had to take another job to get through it, but I’m enjoying doing a bit of magical journaling.”
He sat there for a while, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. “So, when do you get off? Would you want to... I don’t know... grab dinner or something?” Manne looked down into his almost empty coffee cup as he said it. “Oh, well, we close at sundown,” I began recoiling, “I’m not interested though.”
He sighed and slumped his shoulders. “Are you spoken for?”
I stood out of arms reach from the other side of the counter, “No, can’t say I am.”
“I understand,” he said, standing up and walking towards the door.
“Oh, Manne!” I called out to him as he passed the threshold.
He turned around, a smile beaming on his face “Yes?”
I smiled back, “Guess you could say I’m waiting for the right woman. Oh, and coffee’s a silver.”
Maybe I should’ve been nicer. I hate it when people do that, but most of the time it’s random patrons, never my regulars. I’ll probably have to see him again tomorrow. I guess I’m getting grouchy with my energy draining; I should drink some of my own coffee.
The steady stream of morning time caffeine addicts made for non-stop work, and leading into the afternoon it didn’t let up. Every few customers I had to remake a batch. Lights, fire, water, swirl. The repetitive rhythm tricked my brain into not paying too much attention to myself, to my energy.
“Valori!” I heard Boo-Boo yelling from the backroom. Our mental connection projected pain into my brain.
I turned to check on him and stumbled before catching myself on the counter. I grabbed a sugary scone that I normally sell and took a bite of it, before carefully walking towards the back room.
“You okay Boo?” I leaned on the outside of the doorway, and peaked my head in.
He was laying down on his back, with his arms and legs sprawled out. “I tried to get out of bed and fell. I’ve been napping for hours, but I’m so out of energy.”
I sighed, “Yeah that’s on me. The energy it’s taking to work the counter and power the store is kind of getting to me.”
“You have got to hire another hand around here,” the frog said back. He sat up, and looked deep into me, “If you die, I die, and I don’t want to die.”
I nodded, “I’ll be okay, the strike is temporary. I just have to finish today’s shift; we need the money.”
Boo-Boo stood up, “Fine, I’ll help. If you consider getting another employee.”
I smiled weakly at him and gave a thumbs up and returned to the counter.
My day was interrupted as a group of four people stopped outside the windows of my café, and stared in. I turned to look at them, and that’s when I saw her. Her hair was cut short, just above her neck, but blue hair dye clung on, fading slightly. Her face beamed with excitement, and a huge smile hung on her perfect lips. Her metal chainmail swayed slightly as she couldn’t seem to keep still. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen her. She’s come in several times, always in the afternoon, and always wearing armor. She never liked talking about herself though, not for lack of me trying. Her brown eyes scanned the almost empty room, before they landed on me. She began waving enthusiastically. I waved back. She jogged towards the door, as one of the members of her group punched her on the shoulder. Another rolled their eyes at her, and the last just laughed.
She swung the door open and began to march towards the counter. “Oh, hey there Boo-Boo!” her attention turned to the frog struggling to carry a plate of coffee and bread to the only other customers in the café. “Let me get that for you,” she took the tray and placed it on the customer’s table.
Boo-Boo looked at me, and then looked to the woman, “It’s the tall one. Thanks.” I felt happiness from Boo-Boo.
“No problem little guy,” she said, continuing her march towards me. She leaned on the wood, and it stressed slightly under her arm, “Heya Valori! How’s my favorite barista doing?”
“I’m doing good Goldie, how were the streets today?” I stared at her face as I said it, studying it. Her name is Marigold, and she’s a guard.
She rubbed her shoulder, “Ah not that bad. Took a hard fall, but I’m alright. I could use a pick me up though,” she trailed off.
“Oh!” Immediately I shot up and began to prepare her usual order. Coffee, ice, cinnamon, cream, a dash of vanilla, and three sugar cubes. I mixed them all together and dropped them into a large glass container. I placed my hand above the open container and focused before firing energy into it. The lights flickered and the fire below the heated water extinguished, as the contents spun, swirled, and blended. I felt my knees begin to buckle, her cup left my hand, and I began to fall.
Suddenly, Marigold quickly jumped over the counter. She landed on her shins and caught me. She put one hand on my waist, and the other behind my head. “You okay, Val?” she said, looking concerned above me.
I tried to move my arm, but I couldn’t move. I fought and fought, but I was completely drained. “No,” I finally admitted. I felt my stomach churning, “I’ve only had snacks to eat, have drank three cups of coffee, and I was late today… I can’t do everything around here.” I felt tears welling up, “I need help.”
“You shouldn’t be alone then,” she said, pulling me up, so I could sit against her. “Hey you know what? Once I get off, I’ll come help, okay? From tomorrow on,” she softly smiled at me. I tried to shake my head no, but my body still couldn’t move, “I can’t accept that. You already have one job.”
“It’s only for an hour or two, and you need to take a break,” she laughed, “Anyways, it’ll be fun hanging out.”
I stared at her. She was right; Boo-Boo was right. I needed help; I needed her. “Okay,” I gave in. At that moment movement returned to me. I sat up, dusted myself off, “I’ll get another uniform ready, so you don’t look so out of place.” She smiled at me, her eyes full of concern, but also a bit of hidden excitement, “Then I’ll get ready, need to rest up. So do you, though.” She stood up, helped me onto a stool behind the counter and walked around herself. “I’ll take off then! See you tomorrow, Valori!”
“Oh! Marigold!” I called out to her as she passed the threshold.
“What’s up?” she responded, turning to look at me with a smile.
I paused, shut my eyes tight and took a deep breath.
“You can do this,” said my brain.
I opened my eyes, and smiled at her, “You free tonight?”
She swung around, smiling ear to ear, “Yeah, I got some free time.”
I looked down into her empty coffee cup, “I get off at sundown, see you then?”
“Sounds like a date,” she said, confidently striding back up to the counter, placing a silver coin on it.
I never charged her, but as I slid it back to her, she grabbed my hand. “Keep it, for your troubles,” she blushed slightly, as she held my hand. “See you tonight. Oh, and rest until then,” she said, looking up at me. She walked out without looking back.
I’m glad she didn’t look back. I couldn’t do anything but watch her go. So, I stood there, my face hot. My stomach jumped and bounced, and I could feel the butterflies trying to force their way out of it. Nothing else seemed to matter, cause all I could think about was that sun going down. Until I could see her again.
“She’s a good help. Guess you found the right woman,” I heard Boo-Boo say, carrying the tray of empty cups and crumb filled plates.
I laughed, shaken out of my trance. I picked up silver coin and placed it under the counter, “I hope so too.”
I walked along the crisp morning air stepping over the crowded streets, and the horse-drawn carriages. I briskly made my way across the street, until I made a controlled descent in front of a café made of reddish-orange wood, with vines and flowers growing up the front walls, only peeling away from the large, curtained windows. The plants crawled towards a dark wood sign reading out “The Witch’s Den” in a gold font, with a second sign on the large matching wooden door saying, “Closed”.
I pushed open the door, and walked in. “Morning Boo-Boo,” I said emotionlessly, waving my hands towards the hanging fairy lights, illuminating them. The first thing you’d notice entering the Witch’s Den is the smell. Wood varnish, mixing with the roasted coffee beans, and in a few minutes, the strong smell of coffee itself. The interior has the same reddish-orange wood that the outside is made of. Right of the door are matching tables and chairs, along with a large, patterned couch against the wall furthest from the front door. To liven up the atmosphere even more, I put potted plants around the walls, breaking up the simple paintings, filled bookshelves, and large mirrors I had in the room. To the left of the door is my domain, the counter. Well, that and my coffee cauldron, and the water pots.
“Hey boss,” I heard the gruff voice of my familiar as he bent over the flame seals below our glass pots. Boo-Boo is strange looking, even for a frog. He has bumpy green and grey skin, with splotches of brown and black on his under belly. He’s cat sized, but acts, moves, and stands like a human.
“Sorry to make you work before sunup. I can’t spare the energy to fly here,” I said, filling a pitcher with strained coffee water from the day before. I began walking around the café, watering the plants I kept inside to liven up the atmosphere.
“No prob boss, the more energy you have, the more I have,” he bluntly responded. “Hey, I think this seal isn’t working. No matter how much magic I pump in, it ain’t heating up.” I groaned, “Really? I had them redrawn before the strike. Can you ground the beans for today? I’m going to have to redraw this myself.” He groaned back, “Why do I always gotta do your work?” he said, walking towards the roasted coffee beans I had put aside for today. “You gotta figure your stuff out or hire someone else. I might have access to some of your power, but I’m still a frog.”
I dragged a massive tome from a hidden shelf below the counter. I looked down at the book, “Fire,” I commanded, and the book obliged. It swung open flipping through hundreds of pages, before abruptly stopping on a basic fire rune. I traced the rune on the page before turning my attention to the cold engraved stone tablet. I pulled it out from under the pots of water and traced the new rune with my finger. I put my hand flat on the tablet, and quickly raised it. The stone followed, as it rearranged into the fire rune in the book. The magic quickly ate through the stone, and as I placed it back under the pot, fire erupted from its center. My body swayed slightly, as I felt my vision blur slightly. I put my hand down to support me and took a deep breath to clear my head. “Good as new,” I smiled lightly. “Reminds me of University,” I called out to Boo-Boo. “Except now we’re getting paid.”
Boo-Boo quickly returned with the ground coffee beans and placed them on the counter. “Back to sleep with me. Good luck with your shift,” he waddled off towards the back room ready to nap for the rest of daylight. I poured the ground beans into a paper funnel above a large cauldron. I called the hot water through the air and locked it in place floating between my hands. Slowly I began to pour it into the ground beans, swirling around the edges before going inwards to the center. I’d watch the coffee foam, before it sunk, and I continued the process until I ran out of water.
I backed away from the hot cauldron, smiling at my good work before turning towards the mirror behind the counter. My brown hair was pulled back into a high tight bun, with strands left out to frame my slightly square face. My make up was still good, but my tired gold eyes weren’t as polished as they usually looked. I was wearing my work uniform, a short black dress, with a white apron and black stockings below them, along with small golden metal chains that dangled off and across my ears, and a purple gem that dangled around my neck. I did a quick spin in the mirror, before taking a deep breath and clapping my hands. “Opening time!” And with a swish of my finger the sign on the door flipped over, and now read “Open”.
Before long a man walked in, a black and green suit, along with a small shoulder cape. Slightly balding, but not that much older than I was. He’s a Streetmage. His job was to make sure the magical energy lines flowed properly into establishments and houses.
“Good morning,” he said with a cheerful tone. “Half milk, two spoons of sugar please!”
“Coming right up!” I tried to match his cheerful tone and began gathering my ingredients.
“How are you doing, Valori?” he tried to make small talk.
“I’m doing well, just a little tired is all,” I placed the coffee mug on the counter in front of him, “I’m powering everything with your strike going on.”
His surprise grew, “Ah! I was wondering how the lights were on. Sure, you’ll be okay?”
I nodded and threw him a tired smile.
“Oh so, Manne,” I began to question, “How’s the strike going?”
“Uh it’s alright. I had to take another job to get through it, but I’m enjoying doing a bit of magical journaling.”
He sat there for a while, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. “So, when do you get off? Would you want to... I don’t know... grab dinner or something?” Manne looked down into his almost empty coffee cup as he said it. “Oh, well, we close at sundown,” I began recoiling, “I’m not interested though.”
He sighed and slumped his shoulders. “Are you spoken for?”
I stood out of arms reach from the other side of the counter, “No, can’t say I am.”
“I understand,” he said, standing up and walking towards the door.
“Oh, Manne!” I called out to him as he passed the threshold.
He turned around, a smile beaming on his face “Yes?”
I smiled back, “Guess you could say I’m waiting for the right woman. Oh, and coffee’s a silver.”
Maybe I should’ve been nicer. I hate it when people do that, but most of the time it’s random patrons, never my regulars. I’ll probably have to see him again tomorrow. I guess I’m getting grouchy with my energy draining; I should drink some of my own coffee.
The steady stream of morning time caffeine addicts made for non-stop work, and leading into the afternoon it didn’t let up. Every few customers I had to remake a batch. Lights, fire, water, swirl. The repetitive rhythm tricked my brain into not paying too much attention to myself, to my energy.
“Valori!” I heard Boo-Boo yelling from the backroom. Our mental connection projected pain into my brain.
I turned to check on him and stumbled before catching myself on the counter. I grabbed a sugary scone that I normally sell and took a bite of it, before carefully walking towards the back room.
“You okay Boo?” I leaned on the outside of the doorway, and peaked my head in.
He was laying down on his back, with his arms and legs sprawled out. “I tried to get out of bed and fell. I’ve been napping for hours, but I’m so out of energy.”
I sighed, “Yeah that’s on me. The energy it’s taking to work the counter and power the store is kind of getting to me.”
“You have got to hire another hand around here,” the frog said back. He sat up, and looked deep into me, “If you die, I die, and I don’t want to die.”
I nodded, “I’ll be okay, the strike is temporary. I just have to finish today’s shift; we need the money.”
Boo-Boo stood up, “Fine, I’ll help. If you consider getting another employee.”
I smiled weakly at him and gave a thumbs up and returned to the counter.
My day was interrupted as a group of four people stopped outside the windows of my café, and stared in. I turned to look at them, and that’s when I saw her. Her hair was cut short, just above her neck, but blue hair dye clung on, fading slightly. Her face beamed with excitement, and a huge smile hung on her perfect lips. Her metal chainmail swayed slightly as she couldn’t seem to keep still. It wasn’t the first time I’d seen her. She’s come in several times, always in the afternoon, and always wearing armor. She never liked talking about herself though, not for lack of me trying. Her brown eyes scanned the almost empty room, before they landed on me. She began waving enthusiastically. I waved back. She jogged towards the door, as one of the members of her group punched her on the shoulder. Another rolled their eyes at her, and the last just laughed.
She swung the door open and began to march towards the counter. “Oh, hey there Boo-Boo!” her attention turned to the frog struggling to carry a plate of coffee and bread to the only other customers in the café. “Let me get that for you,” she took the tray and placed it on the customer’s table.
Boo-Boo looked at me, and then looked to the woman, “It’s the tall one. Thanks.” I felt happiness from Boo-Boo.
“No problem little guy,” she said, continuing her march towards me. She leaned on the wood, and it stressed slightly under her arm, “Heya Valori! How’s my favorite barista doing?”
“I’m doing good Goldie, how were the streets today?” I stared at her face as I said it, studying it. Her name is Marigold, and she’s a guard.
She rubbed her shoulder, “Ah not that bad. Took a hard fall, but I’m alright. I could use a pick me up though,” she trailed off.
“Oh!” Immediately I shot up and began to prepare her usual order. Coffee, ice, cinnamon, cream, a dash of vanilla, and three sugar cubes. I mixed them all together and dropped them into a large glass container. I placed my hand above the open container and focused before firing energy into it. The lights flickered and the fire below the heated water extinguished, as the contents spun, swirled, and blended. I felt my knees begin to buckle, her cup left my hand, and I began to fall.
Suddenly, Marigold quickly jumped over the counter. She landed on her shins and caught me. She put one hand on my waist, and the other behind my head. “You okay, Val?” she said, looking concerned above me.
I tried to move my arm, but I couldn’t move. I fought and fought, but I was completely drained. “No,” I finally admitted. I felt my stomach churning, “I’ve only had snacks to eat, have drank three cups of coffee, and I was late today… I can’t do everything around here.” I felt tears welling up, “I need help.”
“You shouldn’t be alone then,” she said, pulling me up, so I could sit against her. “Hey you know what? Once I get off, I’ll come help, okay? From tomorrow on,” she softly smiled at me. I tried to shake my head no, but my body still couldn’t move, “I can’t accept that. You already have one job.”
“It’s only for an hour or two, and you need to take a break,” she laughed, “Anyways, it’ll be fun hanging out.”
I stared at her. She was right; Boo-Boo was right. I needed help; I needed her. “Okay,” I gave in. At that moment movement returned to me. I sat up, dusted myself off, “I’ll get another uniform ready, so you don’t look so out of place.” She smiled at me, her eyes full of concern, but also a bit of hidden excitement, “Then I’ll get ready, need to rest up. So do you, though.” She stood up, helped me onto a stool behind the counter and walked around herself. “I’ll take off then! See you tomorrow, Valori!”
“Oh! Marigold!” I called out to her as she passed the threshold.
“What’s up?” she responded, turning to look at me with a smile.
I paused, shut my eyes tight and took a deep breath.
“You can do this,” said my brain.
I opened my eyes, and smiled at her, “You free tonight?”
She swung around, smiling ear to ear, “Yeah, I got some free time.”
I looked down into her empty coffee cup, “I get off at sundown, see you then?”
“Sounds like a date,” she said, confidently striding back up to the counter, placing a silver coin on it.
I never charged her, but as I slid it back to her, she grabbed my hand. “Keep it, for your troubles,” she blushed slightly, as she held my hand. “See you tonight. Oh, and rest until then,” she said, looking up at me. She walked out without looking back.
I’m glad she didn’t look back. I couldn’t do anything but watch her go. So, I stood there, my face hot. My stomach jumped and bounced, and I could feel the butterflies trying to force their way out of it. Nothing else seemed to matter, cause all I could think about was that sun going down. Until I could see her again.
“She’s a good help. Guess you found the right woman,” I heard Boo-Boo say, carrying the tray of empty cups and crumb filled plates.
I laughed, shaken out of my trance. I picked up silver coin and placed it under the counter, “I hope so too.”
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