#cauldrons

Sam shifted his weight onto his other foot. His date wasn't as interesting and he cared less if the night ended well, so to speak. He was almost ready just to call it and crash out back at base.

"Can I help you with something?" Sam turned and the salesgirl was standing there, holding jars of black liquid. Her hair was also dyed blue-black and there were rings on all of her fingers. Too much eye makeup, though unexpectedly no tattoos. Sam shrugged. "Nah, just looking."

"Let me know if you need anything. We have good luck charms, amulets, and other things that can keep you safe during battle." She placed the bottles on a shelf above a large cast iron cauldron.

Sam was so surprised by her comment he responded without thinking. "What makes you think I'll need luck?" he asked, insulted.

The girl turned and looked directly at him. "Anyone who chooses to seek the death of another has the evil eye upon them. You will need protection, whether you want it or not, soldier."

"First of all-" Sam began, but then he stopped. He never bothered to argue with these types of people. Why waste his breath? They were never going to understand his point of view. He shook his head and turned back toward the window. Fucking hippies.

He felt a soft tap on his shoulder. He turned his head to find the salesgirl holding out a small jar. "Here." She didn't explain what it contained or what it was for.

Sam eyed it curiously. "Free sample?"

"You'll need it." Without another word, the salesgirl walked back to the counter, where the rest of the group had gathered.

Sam turned the small jar in his fingers, then lifted it up to smell it. He thought it smelled like some sort of weird soap. He turned it over, looking for a price on the bottom but there was none.

Sam shook his head. Mumbo-jumbo bullshit. He placed the jar back on the shelf next to the other bottles. He glanced back up at the salesgirl, who was watching. Sam defiantly shrugged his shoulders. Not today, hippie. The salesgirl shook her head slightly and smiled, though it seemed almost sad.