The rest of the morning dragged on painfully slow. Aside from the usual customers no one else had come in to buy or even browse. Autumn was starting to come to a close and soon it would turn to the unforgiving winter and though adventurers may be foolhardy, they were not stupid— well mostly.

It was just after the noon day bells when Master Anderson Allwood finally staggered through the door. He had made an effort to slick back his thinning hair but his bloodshot eyes revealed the extent of last night’s bender. Similarly he wore a clean jacket but had neglected to change his shirt, crumpled and sweat stained.

“Afternoon Master Allwood,” Lukas said in a practiced voice but Allwood just huffed in response and moved straight to the register. “Mr Draydon was in first thing this morning and Colts, Weatherworth, Munray, Heathers and Lox have all collected their scripts. They all expressed their gratitude to you.”

“Paf, those doddery old fools wouldn’t be able to tell a potion from a poison. I could have you change all their remedies to bitter root and chalk and they still wouldn’t know the difference.” Allwood pushed a laugh through his nose while Lukas struggled to keep his face impassive. “Is this it?” Allwood snarled as he counted the money.

“The street has been quiet all morning, but I completed all the orders and they have all been collected except for one.” Lukas explained with a level tone, but flinched slightly when Allwood shoved past him with a grunt to check the remaining order.

“What’s this?” He accused angrily, waving the brown paper package at Lukas. “You were supposed to deliver this first thing this morning. Are you so dim that you cannot follow a simple instruction?”

“But there was nothing written about a delivery,” Lukas responded before he could think better of it.

“You dare question me,” Allwood spat and slap Lukas across the face with the parcel. It didn’t really hurt, it barely even stung but Lukas flinched out of instinct. He grit his teeth and stared hard at the ground waiting to see which way this would go.

Allwood’s breathing was laboured after such a small exertion. “Stop pissing around and get it done,” he wheezed through his teeth. “And change out of those muddy rags before you embarrass my good name any further.” He snatched the money and shoved it into his pocket. He turned to leave then spun back and cuffed Lukas hard on the ear. “And don’t you ever talk back to me again.”

Lukas couldn’t hear the sound of the door slamming over the ringing in his ears, but he knew he had gotten off lightly. He was certain that there had been no note about delivering the parcel but questioning Allwood had been a mistake. Lukas didn’t know what was wrong with him today; losing track of time in the forest, then tripping over and now this incident with Master Allwood. Maybe it was the dream that had his mind all in a whirl, but he had better watch himself for a few days to not make things worse.

He shuffled his way to the front door but just as he was about to flick the lock it pulled open and a man with dark hair and golden skin stood framed in the doorway. Lukas’ pulse spiked, he was the very image of the man from his dreams. He stood frozen, shocked; like all the air had been sucked out of the room.

“Woah, sorry. You weren’t closing up were you? I just need a few things, I’ll be quick promise.” His voice was warm and bright and easily matched his wide smile and relaxed demeanour, and yet it didn’t fit with how he had imagined it. And then he noticed. The curve of the smile was off and when he looked higher Lukas saw that the eyes were the wrong colour; not a dark amber but the vibrant green. It was also at that moment that Lukas realised he hadn’t responded and was just standing there— staring.

“Of course, come in.” Lukas offered as he stepped away from the door. “I was about to step out for a delivery, but it can wait. What can I get you?”

“Really? Thanks man.” He clapped a friendly hand on Lukas’ shoulder. “I’m heading north and could use some supplies in case I run into trouble.”

“Y-you’re heading north at this time of year? You must be brave or—” Lukas cut himself short and flushed pink with a sheepish look.

“I prefer the term foolhardy, in truth it’s a little bit of both.” The man chuckled and grinned broadly. Lukas smiled back and allowed himself to relax. He shuffled around the room collecting up the usual herbs and potions. Casting an occasional glance over his shoulder Lukas could now see the obvious difference from the man in his dreams. This man’s hair was a deep russet that curled playful around his face, and not only were his eyes that wrong colour but they were entirely a different shape. His eyes were large and round beneath a pair thick eyebrows.

The man looked up from a colourful display of clay jars and caught Lukas staring at him. He straightened a little and smiled back at Lukas.

“Umm,” Lukas stammered trying to compose himself. “I’ve also included some dragon-fire tea to help keep you warm and dried basil in case of fever. Was there anything else you needed?”

“You are a true master of your profession apothecary.” The man admitted as he leaned against the counter and marvelled at the selection. Lukas blushed again, though less from the compliment itself and more from the way it was said and the look in his eyes. “I don’t suppose I could convince you to join me on an adventure?” He leaned further onto the counter and flashed a quick wink. Lukas stood frozen for a moment, surprised and unused to such attention.

“Sorry, I’m not really the adventuring type and I hate the cold.” Lukas replied with a smile, composing himself, as he packed up all the items.

“How will I keep myself warm at night now?” He sighed dramatically and pursed his lips into a pout. “But if you ever get that itch for adventure, my name is Beau and I promise that you would enjoy it.” He propped himself up on the counter and lightly pressed a kiss to Lukas’ cheek.