There was never any sign of construction known to the people of Rhydin. One day there was nothing in the northwestern woods...but seemingly out of nowhere that has changed.

A shallow river now flows through, slowly and quietly, but it was not there before.

Strange things seem to be growing now. Odd looking mushrooms of infinite shapes, sizes and patterns litter damp areas. Herbs foreign to Rhydin now grow in the woods. Random vegetable patches can be found...one vegetable in particular seemed to be common. Pumpkins. None of that was there before.

A beautiful garden now grows. Flowers common to autumn were blooming in it, pumpkins and other gourds were scattered about the ground. A courtyard was set up in the middle of this garden, with walls golden and sparkling. Though for now, this courtyard is shut off and locked. None of that was there before.

And Elly's Atelier certainly wasn't there before either.

It was an odd looking place to say the least. From the outside... it was pumpkin shaped, but what else could you expect? The windows and doors were carved out, like a pumpkin face. And one might see an occassional Pumpkinhead wandering around the atelier... the woods... the mountains..or even the town. But they would never attack someone, they'd simply smile and say "Baaaa~" Peggy the rainbow Pegasus would be grazing on some grass outside of the atelier, but she's friendly.

Inside it's musty and smells a bit..odd. Though one can never quite place the smell. Bottles... just tons of bottles are laid everywhere. Many different shapes and colors, one has to be careful of what they might pick up, since most bottles are unlabeled and the effects of using them in any way are unknown. Some bottles have labels though. 'Dragon Urine' 'Mugwump' 'Frog Slime' 'Lizard's Tail'..just to name a few.

Dried herbs are sorted in baskets laying around. Jars of unknown..jelly like substances are organized on the shelves. Vials of unknown fluids are tossed carelessly around the place. On one shelf lies several bottles of just about every color labelled 'Elly's Shampoo Dye'. One would simply get a bottle and wash their hair with the shampoo normally, and it would change their hair color, and additional shampooing maintains the color, so no nasty roots!

Wands of all kinds are set up on a counter. Wooden wands, golden wands, silver wands, each with their own unique magical endowement. Particularly rare are the thin, crystal wands that look as if they might break if touched. Those wands have the unique ability of allowing one to enter someone's dreams.

The most important, distinct thing about Elly's atelier, would be Elly herself. Upon entering she always greets her customer with a friendly smile, wave, wink, or kiss.. depending on how cute she thinks you are of course.

"Welcome to my atelier~ What do you need~?"

Tromping on through the door, staff in hand, was a certain Ravenlock.. probably the most adept of the bunch at using magic. Oh, as we all know, he darn well requires it in just about anything he does!!

As he stepped in, having heard about a "Magnificant Grand Opening" concerning a magic store, he met a face full of dust, hacking a cough as he swatted a hand in front of him, "Holy...gaah!" Unable to see, he'd trip over one of those brooms that were sweeping and going about their routine, slamming into the ground moments afterwards.

Of course, none of this was complete until the broom went ahead and started to sweep HIM.. "I'm a person, not a door mat!"

He's doing what he can to hide his face within his arms as a second swung around to attempt to sweep him away.

"Shoo~ Shoo~!" He heard a voice, although from where he could not tell.. those brooms were patting him in the face several times further before scurrying away to handle deeds else where. ... and he could have sworn he just saw a pumpkin mounted on a blanket going for a ride.

A wonderful impression!

"I'm sooo sorry about that~" The apology came somewhat to a shock to him. Emerald seeping through awkward inky blackness shifted to gaze down at the small, colorful girl as she patted at him, brushing the dust from his figure. Well, he wasn't aware that she was getting herself a free feel - he probably was not going to complain very much, either.

As she looked up to him, he planted a large smile upon those pale lips of his, hood being dragged back to let the lavender strands flow from place, and roll just past either shoulder. "Mymy.. an amazing welcome!" He didn't seem any bit displeased at all! In fact, he was happy to know the brooms weren't going to do something insane.. like eat him. (C'mon, folks, he just saw a pumpkin being swept away here! It's possible!)

A hand shifted to swipe several stubborn forelocks from his face, an attempt to pretty himself up for the cutie, ".. and yes, I am quite alright! Nothing like being molested for a welcome, yanno?" Motioning to the brooms with one hand, as he offered her a quick wink.

A brief nose twitch was offered to one of the pumpkinheads as he passed by them, certainly providing a double-take.. nono, a triple-take at them. What started as a walk didn't remain one for long. He was going to prevent being rude, which involved not staring and pointing as he saw several other of those pumpkinheads roaming about.

It's a magic shop. He knew better than to be weirded out by molesting brooms and happy looking pumpkinheads.

"Now what can I help you with~?"

His attention shifted back to her with a slight shake of his head. "Oh! Well, you see.. I have this potion here.." He pulled from his satchel a pink potion that bubbled as though it was boiling. "Apparently it is supposed to turn anyone you feed it to into a kangaroo! .. however, I believe there is something wrong with the quality. .. it seems to only provide kangaroo qualities.. stereotypical hops.. maybe strange ears.. a flab of skin that's resembles their pouch... but it never seems to fully convert."

How's this for an opening request?

"I'm curious.. what kind of reagents do you have? Or are you familiar with alchemy enough to help out with this?" .. granted, he's attempting to look serious. And doing a bang-up job. He was certain never to leave that link she had placed upon them via arm.. the contact was pleasent!

"I can turn someone into a kangaroo for you if you need me too~ I'll just need the person to extract their soul, and a kangaroo carcass~"

It wasn't too horrible an idea,really. Well, for the most part!

"Err... well you see.. I kinda need it as an 'on the fly' gag. So less yer wantin' to come with me in my pocket..!" He just shrugged, setting the vial back into his satchel without so much of a second glance or thought made about it.

From that point, he went ahead to examine some of the contents of the shop. Much like any typical browser would. Several things were touched, picked up, examined.. hell, if she had a slinky somewhere, there was a possible chance he'd even play with it. It did kind of depend what was around.. things that were suspecting to bite him without second notice might have gotten the cold shoulder.

"What's your primary provider..er..?" He looked over shoulder, a smile catching his face to flash directly at her, "Elly is it?"

Between where he was located, and where she was at, no doubt he spotted a certain Ickybod still tangled up in that sweeping broom... poor pumpkinhead.. Alex was just in that position no more than several minutes ago. The question was altered, ".. er.. should we help your.. .. erm.. mask?" So he had no idea what a pumpkinhead was.. didn't change that he'd call it everything under the sun other than what it really was!

It had been three full lunar cycles since the female Viking had first noticed signs of Orc activity in the woods. Having tracked the creatures for a day and a half, she finally had to stop and return to her longship since preparations had already been made to set sail in two more days. However, a vow had been made, to herself, that upon her return to RhyDin she would check for any additional signs.

As always, another promise is kept.

It was not difficult to remember the path she followed month's ago. Markings, though not always noticed by others, still remain. So it is with stealth and purpose she nears the area where Elly has set up her atelier, although at the time, Shy is unaware of such happenings.

That is. . .

Until keen light blue eyes fall upon a golden pumpkin-house complete with courtyard, gardens and a nearby stream.

"Hva? What be this?!" quietly exclaims.

Without a doubt, she knew that before her voyage nothing of the likes she is staring at existed in this part of the forest. A quick glance around to make sure no one is hiding and might try to jump out and ambush her. The place is very curious, indeed, and the seafaring warrior decides to step out-of-sight, into the shadows, for the time being.

While she continues to observe from her unseen spot, the pumpkin-house triggers a remembrance of rhyme from one of the books she read located in the Red Dragon Inn's Keep. "Na, how did that go?"

"Oh ja!" And with whispered cadence says. . .

"Peter, Peter pumpkin-eater,
Had a wife and could not keep her!
He put her in a pumpkin shell,
And there he kept her very well !"

Could this be Peter's wife's house? Anything is possible in RhyDin!

Even more curious than a moment ago, the decision is made to approach the atelier and peek inside. Utmost caution is exerted.

"The.. squirts, huh?"

The Witch blushed. Not because of the..pleasant topic, but because of his voice. His smooth, perfect voice that was like honey to her ears. The blush deepened as his hand enclosed around hers, and the bottle of course. Violet eyes looked into his deep emeralds as she batted her eyelashes...oh so slowly...

".. I think I was more interested in having an Elly in my pocket. Could have all sorts of majestic gags .. on the fly."

Elly leaned closer to the tall handsome potential beau, giving him her sweetest, most delicate smile. She lifted a finger to trace along his chest in an oh so flirty way. "I think that can be arranged~" Her violet gaze then moved to his lips, that were just calling out to her. She closed her eyes and started to lean in, every so slowly, her own lips puckering to meet his.

"BAAAAAA!"

Icky exploded out of the garbage can with violence and malice, his clothy hands lunged out as he hurled straight for the tall goonie dude. He was ready to cause some hurtin'... until a broom intercepted and smashed into him, sending him straight for an open window.

"Baaaaaaaaa~"

Never throw caution to the wind.

Just as the Norse Viking nears the pumpkin-house with its jack-o-lantern eye for a window, something orange came flying out. Automatic reflex ... ducks and dodges ... avoids getting hit. That orange something sails through the air, thuds to the ground, then rolls a few feet before coming to a stop up against a tree trunk. Stares at what looks like a pumpkin head. More unnerving ... it is looking back at her.

"By the gods in Valhalla!"

After a few more moments of staring and waiting, to make sure nothing else is going to follow the pumpkin head out of the window, slowly rises from her squatting position to peer inside the unusual house. What she sees is a tall male smiling and waving at her and a short female standing near him holding a broom. However, the lavender-haired male is appearing mighty nervous all of a sudden with his quick movements away from the green attired female, along with the rubbing of the back of his head.

Since the seafaring warrior has spent well over a decade in the land, she recognizes many of those who visit the various establishments in RhyDin, particularly those at the Red Dragon Inn. She has seen this male there before, and is how she knows him to be of the Ravenlock clan.

Although she has never been introduced to him, mayhap his first name is Peter, and that is his wife, and this is where he keeps her very well !

Curious. Very curious indeed.

At least the green-clad female did not come running toward the window brandishing her broom. And though no display of emotion is evident, Shy is actually relieved. If at all possible, the Viking prefers not to do battle with someone newly met; unless it is of the Orcish type. Especially someone who looks so young and cute dressed all in one colour, and wears a pointy hat and lives in a pumpkin shell. Once the friendly greeting from Elly is heard, the seafaring warrior smiles. A waggle of gloved fingers returned in her direction.

"Is there anything I can help you with~?"

"Ja, you can tell me wha. . ." remainder of sentence falls away as the pumpkin head unsteadily treks back inside the unique house. Light blues wide as she watches the strange little creature and the goings-on.

Good thing Shylah did not see him get up and move away from the tree or he might just have become a gourd-less Ickybod, even before he decided to do his own head popping.

"Uff da!"

*SPLAT*

Never, even in her wildest dreams, did the seafaring warrior ever think pumpkin head-goo would be oozing down her cheek and dripping off her chin. However, there she stands, at the jack-o-lantern eye-window, with orange 'stuff' on her face.


"Sorry about that~ So what is it you wanted~?"


"A clean towel to wipe off my face shall be most welcomed." requested of Elly in a quiet tone of voice. No smile, innocent or otherwise, on the female Viking's lips - just a bit of Ickybod slime.


One must tend to first things ... first.

He himself had found that being involved in this certain room was becoming somewhat.. not frightening.. but a little quirky. Which wasn't to say that he was afraid to stay and see what was going on.

The other woman that had arrived was getting the attention, which meant he was perfectly okay with skimming and scanning the area around him. Kangaroo forgotten, for his actual needs were being considered, through various bottles and books that he was coming across as he looked.

For him, it didn't seem to matter much. As long as he was around the magical powers of the world, he'd be rather content.

It was just a nasty thirst of his. Smokers were addicted to their ciggs.. Sorcerer's were addicted to their magic.

"Takk!"

The Witch smiled widely as she watched the lady with the pretty red hair hastily wipe pumpkin goo from her face. Not that Elly blamed her, it was pretty gross when Ickybod had a tantrum and got his innards all over the place. When the towel was offered back to her, she removed her hat and tossed the dirty towel in there, and the hat was plopped right on top of her crimson head.

"So na, what be this place that I have komm upon? And what be that creature that babbles in such an odd way? Be that your pet?"

Questions indeed! But The Witch welcomed them, rather than having people believe she was an awful ugly witch that turned people into cats and ate children like so many people believed witches were. Her smile broadened as she beamed and her ego nearly popped.

"This is my atelier~ Here, I live and practice my magic and run my shop~" She considered what she did a work of art, hence why she referred to her home/shop/studio as an 'atelier'. "There's very little I can't do~ I have everything from beauty products to healing products to items of various magical natures that I crafted myself~ I also offer my services to anyone that might need them~" One has to wonder what services that might be... "And that 'creature' was the first pumpkinhead I ever crafted~" It was spoken as if it were common knowledge what pumpkinheads were. "His name is Ickybod~"

Violet eyes curiously followed the finger point over to the tall, attractive, potential beau/customer.

"Be his navn Peter?"

She canted her head curiously as her eyes traced over his body. "Ya know...I'm not sure~" With a grin she waved in his direction.

"Yoo hoo~ What's your name~?"

So without further ado, the female Viking moves away from the jack-o-lantern eye-window and willingly enters the Atelier to get a better look at Elly's wares.

Once her light blue eyes lock upon those magical wands, long-legged strides are made directly to the place where they are on display.

"Oh! Na I wish to purchase at least one of these!" Enthusiastically exclaims as she points a leather-clad finger at the slender rods.

"Hva kan de gj?r og hva er prisen?"

A wide smile appears after the question is asked, and a sliding of gaze eventually comes to rest upon the little witch.

Close attention is paid as the six different coloured wands are presented for the Viking's perusal, as well as to the explanation of what kind of magic each contains. Everything told to her is placed to memory.

".....Fire, Water, Ice, Wind, Lightning, and Earth~!"

But before Shy can ask another question, Elly quickly continues. . .

"Even for humans lacking natural talents, they're very easy to use, and last a long time~ They only cost 30 silver each and when the mana runs out you can always return to get them recharged for a mere 5 silver~ And of course usage of the wand determines just how long it'll last~!"

The female Seafarer simply bides her time and waits for the excited, tippy toe-bouncing, all green-attired, pointy hat-wearing little witch to take a breath. And just when it appears as if that moment finally arrives, out pops a question.

"So how many do you want and of what kind~?"

Oh! The little magic-user is very clever in the asking, and Shylah can plainly see a sales technique being put into practice! A sly grin forms as the Dark Blue Water Mana wand is gently eased out of Elly's grasp.

"I shall very much like this one. Howe'er, I also wish to know about those others." Another finger point ... this time to the small, fragile-looking crystal wands nearby.

Surprised that Elly would simply release her hold on the mana wands, seemingly without a care or concern for their breakage, Shy watches as they tumble to the floor. But even more surprising are those unassisted brooms that appear and head toward the place where she stands. A quick few strides are taken to where the magic-user pauses, all the while keeping a close eye on those sweepers.

"Those are my Dream Wands~!"

Yet the moment those five words leave the little witch's mouth, she has the Seafarer's complete attention. Dream Wands! Once again the Viking-Warrior listens intently to all that is told to her, and finds the information extremely intriguing as well as enticing.

"Well na, I simply *must* have one of those wands too!"

However, the statement is soon followed by a barrage of questions.

"What if the person be not dreaming? Be it possible to *make* someone dream with the wand? Can I control what happens in someone's dream? How long can I remain in their dream? Do I awaken when they be finished dreaming? Do we awaken at the same time? Hva?"

And finally. . .

"How much be the price of the case?"

As far as she is concerned, the fifty silver should include the wand box. If not, she is ready to barter! Light blues hold a glint of wile although determination and stubbornness can be glimpsed far more easily. Flashes her own wide, dazzling, dimple-smile to Elly.

Naturally, the Seafaring Warrior is not looking forward to seeing the strange pumpkin-headed 'friend' of Elly's again.

Memories of head-popping and pumpkin goo are still fresh in her mind. And the words he says (if indeed it *is* a 'he' and not simply an 'it), are enough to make her wonder who taught him how to speak. Perhaps it had been some old, persnickety man with nothing better to say than, "Bah, humbug!" or "Boo hoo! Get off of my lawn you whippersnappers!"

So when little Ickybod emerges from the back room with the wand case, Shylah's gaze darts to the doorway and she keeps a keen eye on him; the NorseEye. Never has an ambulatory pumpkin-head smiled at her like that before and she prefers not to see it again, for it is simply ... eerie. Worse yet, is the wink he adds. Good thing she is a seasoned warrior and can maintain a stoical mask.

"Takk," quietly said to Icky as she eases the pretty purple-sequined box out of his clothy grasp. Purple is one of her favourite colours!

And then, quick as that wink, Shy is standing at the counter where the Witch is ringing up her purchases. Though she refrains from glancing back at the pumpkin-head, is well aware of his proximity. Mayhap luck is on her side and those magical brooms will sweep Ickybod into the back room or out Atelier door.

"How many silvers in total for the wands?" politely asks as she fishes a coin pouch from cloak pocket. "Oh! One more ting. Do you sell fruited-lips gloss?"

Such an odd question coming from the female Viking. As usual, she has no idea what that particular product is, but was intrigued while eavesdropping on two giggling young females in the Marketplace who were verbally comparing banana to cherry and cherry to strawberry gloss.

Notices the eerie and lecherous pumpkin-head, better known as Ickybod, finally taking his leave of the main room and returning to the back one. What is he doing while in there? It is enough to send a shiver down her spine if she gives additional thought to it. Truly, some things are better left a mystery!

Once the little Witch tells her the price of the two wands (including purple-sequined case) and then reduces the cost because of her 'new customer' status, another dimpled-smile appears. "How very kind of you!" Obviously quite pleased with the outcome of the transaction, as well as not having to barter this time.

Cardboard box is glanced at with much interest, when brought forth.

"Make up? Be that not what you do after a verbal spat?"

But, watch how light blue eyes widen after Elly spreads a smorgasborg of cosmetics on the counter top before the Seafaring Warrior. It is not so much the beauty products that has Shylah's rapt attention, but that last sentence she heard!

"Feel free to help yourself~ No charge for this of course~!"

The Witch is about to learn a lesson of great value and importance. . .

"Oh! Tusen takk! A tousand tanks to you, lady!"

And before Elly can blink her pretty violet eyes, the female Viking scoops up every single one of those items and begins stuffing her breeks pockets. Does it matter that Shy has no idea what they are used for? Absolutely not. She shall find out that information when necessary.

"Mmm~ I hope.. you enjoy all of that~ I have to say though~ You're really too pretty to be using *all* of that~ It'd be a shame to cover up your face~ The only thing I'd recommend would be a wardrobe change~ You've such a lovely body but you don't wear clothing that accentuates it~ If you'd like, I could give you a little make over sometime~"

Shylah hears all of what Elly says about the free cosmetics which currently strain at the hand-sewn seams of reindeer breek pockets; tips of lip and eye pencils peeking out of the right side. A curious glance at the little Witch when she speaks about the female Vikings face, body, and apparel.

"I be not covering up my face, lady. Not yet. Howe'er, I so very much appreciate that you be concerned about it."

Of course, what Shylah is talking about is more than likely not the same as what Elly means. In fact, one can be fairly certain it is entirely different, for Shy's thoughts are on an upcoming masquerade party for All Hallows Eve. Perhaps she will even know how to use the 'make-up' by the end of Oktober.

"My clothing be most appropriate for a Seafaring Warrior, and males do not seem to mind. My breeches accentuate my arse quite nicely, so I have been told."

A dazzling, dimpled-smile appears as she chortles merrily. Money pouch plucked up off the counter, to be opened, and the amount of sixty silver coins are fished out. Is it luck or fate that she has precisely that amount of monies and not one silver more?!

"Na I be not so sure hva you mean about a 'make o'er', but I do not believe you be challenging me to do battle." At least the Seafarer hopes not. And before the cute, all-green clad Witch with the pretty violet eyes can reply, continues, "Until we cross paths again, my tanks to you for e'eryting! Ha en godt dag!"

A departing smile and wave given. Wand purchases (including that sparkly case) grasped firmly in other hand, and bulging pockets full of Elly's beauty products. Long-legged strides take her out of the unique Jack-O-Lantern Atelier-Hus.

All in all, an excellent day!

Woe be to any Orcs that are in the forest.