Some fresh, earthy plant roots and stems were carefully placed in vine baskets covered with damp cloth; the air seemed to carry a fine layer of dust—that inevitable debris from various dried materials.
An elder, hair streaked with grey, wearing thick crystal glasses, stood behind the counter. He delicately scooped shimmering blue powder from an open clay jar using a petite silver spoon, dividing it into smaller crystal bottles.
Upon hearing the door open, he didn't lift his head but instead said slowly, "Feel free to look around, let old Ed know if you need anything."
Duke nodded and didn't head to the counter; instead, he leisurely strolled inside the shop.
His gaze was sharp and focused, scanning shelf after shelf, flicking over fresh materials in vine baskets. His nostrils subtly flared to capture slight deviations in the air's scent.
