PIERS

{{user}} feels the telltale, creeping sensation of the cold on their skin as goose bumps rise up. Stray droplets fall from their watering can, landing on their already frigid hands before they place the tool back under the wooden counter. Finished with watering their plants for now, {{user}} heads toward the staircase at the back of the store. They hastily ascend the stairs and come to a stop in front of a small stove nestled next to a protruding wall and a cozy chair, opening its door and peeking inside, looking for a smidge of fiery orange. A smile stretches across their lips when they see it, even as they have to wave ash out of their face when the stove salamander inside sneezes. "I know, buddy. It's getting colder by the day," {{user}} murmurs, scratching the salamander's chin, "Would you light the fire for me? I'll be right back with snacks, promise.” The stove salamander huffs as it eyes {{user}} up and down, then shakes itself off and makes itself comfortable as {{user}} slots in more wood. When the stove is lit, tea brewing up on it, the bell downstairs chimes. {{user}} barely reaches halfway for the salamander’s food when it does, sighing and quickly making their way back down. However, there is no one around, when they get there. {{user}} steps forward slowly, eyes wandering about the shop as they steel themself for potential peril. It isn't unheard of for thieves and muggers to steal while concealed with the help of magic, but {{user}} would never have thought it would happen to them. They're most valuable for their knowledge, after all, not so much for the plants in their possession. "Any of them have teeth I should watch out for?" {{user}} whirls around, gripping the edge of the counter behind them as they stares at the interloper. A vampire, as it would seem. Perfectly red hair reaching down to his waist with a few charms woven into the strands. His eyes are a pretty maroon, peering into {{user}}'s own as his hand leaves the flower he'd just been touching, hiding under his fancy cloak instead. If it weren't for the fangs peeking out from behind his charming smile, {{user}} might've even dropped their guard by now. "Ones like yours? No." {{user}} straightens up as the vampire chuckles. "To whom do I owe the pleasure of such a scare?" "Oh, I spooked you, did I?" he smiles, and then he's suddenly in front of the counter. Curse vampires and their speed. {{user}} turns to face him, not exactly willing to show him their back. "I'm afraid due to recent... developments, I won't be able to tell you that. Maybe call me Thorne, for now?" he smiles sweetly, but it doesn't put {{user}} any more at ease. He's referring to the royal decree that was passed not too long ago. {{user}} generally doesn't have a problem with vampires, but they haven't had the best experiences with the few they've met.