User:Nextoy/Farside Pub/The Crone of Farside

''Farside isn’t known as just a bar to many of it’s patrons. It’s also a meeting place. A watering hole, of sorts. Everyone comes here for their own things. Because of this, in recent years, the owner has given out licenses to people who wish to do business in and around it. Many use these licenses to set up satellite shops for their other business endeavors, with the occasional human entrepreneur willing to deal his or her goods to the “monsters” of this world.''

''The pub has even set up external buildings people can rent out and temporarily turn into shops, if they please. Because of this, Farside can be seen as both a pub and a flea market.''

However, there is one who is slightly different than the others in this regard.

''Many just call her “The Crone.” She is a witch who has lived far longer than anyone remembers, and comes to the pub with a tackle box full of different alchemic ingredients. The most important thing she brings with, however, is expertise. With her alchemic ingredients and arcane knowledge, the Crone will create potions, charms, and talismans for any who ask for her help. She only has two rules when it comes to those willing to pay for her services.''

No transmutation of living creatures.

No mind altering charms or potions.

''Many respect these two rules. They’re quite reasonable. Her magic is powerful and ancient, so being respectful of it is a wise choice. However, occasionally, there will be those willing to ignore her warnings; for the thing that makes the Crone especially dangerous, is that she will happily abide by those who request to go against her rules.''

One such tale followed an early december night…

--

“Alright folks, business time is starting. Remember, glasses stay inside the bar. Finish your drink, or grab a bottle.” The barkeep called out, shivering slightly from the cold despite being unwilling to put on his jacket. The heater was malfunctioning, and the repair crew hadn’t quite came around to fix it yet.

“Ey boss, when’s the damn heater coming on!” One of the patrons would call out, getting smacked by the man sitting across from him.

“This is what I get for pinching pennies and hiring a goblin repair crew…” The barkeep lazily groaned, leaning forward to see his door swing open. Across from him stood a boy, looked to be no older than 18, wearing a thick winter jacket with matching boots and gloves.

“Welcome to Farside, how can I help ya?” The barkeep asked, with the boy turning towards him.

“I hear there’s somebody that can help me. Someone with powerful magic.” He answered, a cold passion burning in his eyes.

“Gonna need to be more specific than that. Everyone here’s got some kind of tricks, just so happens mine’s booze.” The barkeep joked, twirling a bottle in his hand. However, the boy didn’t seem as amused by this.

“No, I mean someone with actual powers. Someone with the power to help me get what I need.”

“Again, we got a lot of those.” The barkeep interjected.

“I hear there’s a woman here with-”

“Oh, the Crone. Yeah, she’s out back.” The barkeep answered, interrupting him for a third time. As the boy started to leave -- thankful but frustrated -- he shouted back, “And close the door, will ya!?”

It wasn’t long before the boy found the Crone’s temporary shop, with her hiding inside.

“Jeremy… is it…?” She asked, a raspy melody in her voice. The woman looked ancient and spindly, dressed in garb reminiscent of the old Celtic druids.

“How did…?” He asked, with the old woman merely tilting her head. “Uh, yeah. That’s me.”

“Tell me what you seek. Then we talk prices.” She groaned out, her neck cracking from how quickly she tilts her head into the other direction.

“I…” Jeremy, now seeing the face of the power he sought, was frozen. Not in fear or awe, but more surprise.

“Out with it!” She hissed out, coughing from the sudden excitement.

“I, uh, need your help with someone.” He started, getting an annoyed grimace from the Crone. “I need someone to fall in love with me.”

While he expected initial silence, what he didn’t expect was the soft chuckle. If that’s what it was. He couldn’t tell if she was laughing or coughing again. Yet still, the woman reached into her tackle box and started to get out ingredients.

“Where did you get all of this stuff?” He asked, looking around the shop. While it was fairly plain, due to just being rented for the day, it did show her different charms and talismans hanging from the walls like a display case.

“Home grown, home made…” She answered.

“You made all of this yourself?” He asked.

“Not entirely.” She almost whispered. “Some of it… I ordered off Amazon… and eBay…” She answered, chuckling again. This oddly put Jeremy at ease, even though he felt like it shouldn’t.

Even powerful witches use modern conveniences. He thought to himself, rather amused.

Soon enough, it was done. She had made flower hair clip and handed it to him.

“Here. The person you give this to will fall madly in love with you. Her eyes will be yours alone.” She explained, with the boy grabbing it hastily. “However, there are two things you must keep in mind: if it is damaged before you deliver it, so too will the magic. Secondly, it will only work on the first person it is gifted to. If you screw up, you get to live with it.”

Though her words certainly haunted him, the boy agreed and nearly left before he was called back with an angered hiss. After all, even a witch such as the Crone had to make money some how.

Three times that month did he return.

The weekend after the event, he came with the girl of his dreams. Blond hair, brown eyes, fair skin, and a stunningly slim figure. She clung onto his arm like a schoolgirl with her first crush, unwilling to leave his side. In this instance he seemed happy.

The second time was during the week, both of them returning. However, despite their demeanor towards each other hardly changing, something definitely felt off between them. Anyone who saw their first trip to the bar could tell.

Even more interestingly, their first trip both of them barely drank anything. Mostly ordered food and soft drinks. This second time, however, both of them aimed to be drunk. Much to the dismay of anyone close to the upstairs bed they rented, given how little they slept.

But it was the third time that things got interesting.

“Where’s the Crone!?” The boy asked, slamming his hand down on the bar counter. The girl wasn’t at his side, and his phone kept buzzing.

“She ain't settin’ up shop today, kid. How many time do I gotta tell you that?” The barkeep answered, glaring back at the boy.

“That doesn’t mean she isn’t here!” He shouted, making far more noise than anyone would appreciate.

“You better shut up and sit down, kid. You’re lucky I serve you in the first place, given you’re a minor.” The barkeep ordered, calmly leaning forward. “I don’t want to kick you out for causing a lotta ear pain for my other customers.”

“I don’t care about-” He started before getting the back of the barkeep’s hand across his face. It was strong enough to make his head turn, causing his vision to eye the Crone as she sat alone in the back of the bar.

“There. Now git!” The barkeep ordered again, walking over to the little sink he had behind the bar to wet his rag. With the heater turned back on, he could wash his hands and the sweat off his brow without too much worry.

The boy stormed over to the Crone and slammed his hands down on the desk.

“What did your magic do!?” He growled, with the Crone calmly staring up at him.

“Exactly what you asked. Her eyes are only for you, her love absolute. The magic cannot be broken.” She explained, indifferent to his anger.

“She’s psychotic!”

“She’s in love.”

“She’s invasive!”

“She’s protective.”

“How can you not care about any of this!?” He asked, finally sitting down.

“Simple, you broke one of my rules.” She answered coldly, a smirk starting to crawl on her lip.

“How!? It wasn’t broken, and she was the first one I gave it to!” Jeremy pointed out, speaking truthfully. He was extra careful with it.

“You broke a rule long before I even gave it to you.” She answered, starting her cough like chuckling.

“What…?” Jeremy stuttered out, leaning back.

“No mind altering magic.” She revealed, swirling the tea in front of her to show the sign clearly on her desk. “You break my rules, you live with the consequences.” She reminded, taking a sickening pride from her own work.

It was at this point that Jeremy’s beloved came in, a wide smile on her face and a hop in each step.

“There you are, darling.” She called out, taking him by the arm. “Did you sneak out to grab a drink without me?”

“Yeah, I just needed a little me time.” He answered, with the girl shooting a glare at the uncaring Crone.

“And who’s this?” She asked, her tone dropping any sense of playfulness immediately.

“Oh, this is who I bought that hairpin from.” Jeremy answered, looking over to see an interesting site.

No longer had the Crone been sitting across from them, but instead a red haired woman. Everything about her had changed, from the decrepit expression to one of playful glee to her modest robes becoming a form fitting, revealing dress that left little to the imagination.

“Really? This is your type?” The girl asked, glaring at the now beautiful Crone.

“Hardly. Our relationship is pure business, my dear.” The Crone answered with a light, transatlantic accent. “He was just simply wondering if I had any other cute accessories to give you. I hear your birthday is coming up soon?” She asked, carefully switching which leg was crossed over the other.

“Oh, how romantic of you!” The blond haired girl spoke, hugging her “darling” Jeremy.

“Yeah, but it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if you saw me pick it out, right?” He asked, laughing nervously and shooting a glare to the youthful Crone; only to get a playful wink in return.

Not too long after Jeremy was dragged off by his girlfriend, leaving the bar to head back into town.

“That was a dirty trick.” The barkeep scolded.

“Please,” The Crone replied, taking a drink of her tea while she sauntered over to the counter. “I was teaching him, and anyone else listening, a lesson. Besides, wouldn’t a cute girl like me help bring in customers?” She asked, staring up at him while taking a small sip of her tea. Of course, her demure behavior was betrayed by the way she was leaning over the counter.

The barkeeper merely sighed and let her be, knowing better than to deal with this situation any further.

Rumor has it Jeremy still comes into the bar, looking for a way to break the curse he put on himself and his former love.