[indent][indent]She was met by the sound of a tinkling bell above the door and a comfortable warmth, radiating gently from every corner despite the lack of hearth and fire. Poignant scents wafted toward her with the warm air—a hint of smoke from burning white sage, a medley of dried herbs and flowers, and just a trace of dust.

The variety of items for sale was astonishing; though spacious, the front room was cramped with shelves and displays of arcane books, assorted crystals and stones, mysterious figurines and symbols, an unusual selection of jewelry, mirrors of all sizes, sticks of incense, and even more objects she couldn't yet see from this angle. The shopkeeper's counter was currently abandoned, but a shout of "[b]One moment![/b]" from the back alerted her to his presence.

There was an answering [i]kraa[/i] and the flapping of wings, and a curious bird alighted atop a nearby shelf, peering at her with one of its bright red eyes. From its shape and size it seemed to be a raven, but its feathers were white as the snow that blanketed Asnye. Apparently approving of the customer, it croaked once more and flapped over to the jewelry, where it playfully pecked at a particularly shiny bauble.

"[b]I see that, Master Frostwing,[/b]" came a chiding voice. A man, presumably the shopkeeper, stepped out from the backroom, wiping his hands on his robe and raising an eyebrow at the bird. "[b]I know where you keep your nest. I'll just restock whatever you pilfer, so don't bother.[/b]" 

The bird merely cocked its head at the man and resettled its wings.

The shopkeeper then turned his attention to his newest customer. His pale gray eyes were crinkled at the corners in amusement, and laugh lines creased his face. He appeared to be in his late fifties, wearing work robes of somber gray and navy. His hair, though still golden-brown in places, had gone mostly gray and wispy.

"[b]Good morning, dear. What can I...ah. But of course. You'll be needing your equipment for Kinealle.[/b]" He nodded knowingly and tapped his temple. "[b]You're the right age for it, and it's September first today. I had two of you'n come in yesterday. I suppose I'll be getting a fourth within the hour. Come, then. The name's Reed Lindhall. What shall we start with, then?[/b]" He spoke quickly but clearly, those pale eyes of his piercing as he observed the girl.[/indent][/indent]