nulli secunda

[witch_perfect]

Alli's out of Lethe's Bramble again. She found a reference to a potion- almost like a memory purge but backwards, it's a memory aid. But she keeps getting it wrong, and all she has to show for it is a lack of potion ingredients and distinct difficulty remembering the last three books she read.

She planned for that, at least; they're not school books or anything. But she wants to get this potion right,and more importantly, she wants to have it done before exams. So today she can be found in the Magic Box, digging through the herb selections.

"Ugh, least organized spices ever," she mutters to herself.

Comments

[witch_perfect]

Alli shrugs. "Not everyone can do it. Magic's funny like that."

It usually runs in families, but magic is hardly known for its stellar consistency (see: Alli's current potion-making struggles). And although both Alli and her sister have the knack for it, their mother does not, for which Alli emphatically thanks her daily deity regularly.

"Have you come here before? I don't think I've seen you."

[keyed_up]

"I've been here like one time before, Sunday before last? I think I might have seen you at school."

[witch_perfect]

"Yeah, probably. Hooky's not my style. You a freshman?"

It's a reasonable assumption, the girl's not familiar.

[keyed_up]

"Sophomore. You?"

[witch_perfect]

"Junior. Sophomore? I didn't think I was that bad with the frosh last year. Is one of your spells invisibility? Cause damn, that would be awesome and I want to see your spell book."

[keyed_up]

"Oh, no, no, I wasn't here last year. Or even last semester."

[witch_perfect]

"Well. Welcome to Sunnydale, then! Damn, now I'm torn. 'Hooray, I'm not that oblivious' against 'damn it, invisibility sounded wicked.'"

[keyed_up]

"I found something that purports to do it, but it was vague and complicated and needs four full-length mirrors."

[witch_perfect]

"Pfff. Cause what witch doesn't have four full length mirrors just lying around the house?"

[keyed_up]

"I have six! In the attic. Collecting dust. Just in case I needed them for something, you know?"

[witch_perfect]

"Man, you know what would really be nice to have in the house? Plants." She sighs. "Except that I cannot keep things alive worth shit. So, digging through unsorted spice boxes every three days for more Lethe's Bramble. It's my new hobby all by itself."

[keyed_up]

"What is it that you want it for, though?"

[witch_perfect]

Alli considers her, and gives her a tentative 'probably not just screwing around' pass. "Memory potion. Want to take a look at the recipe? I keep messing the damn thing up, and forgetting things is getting reeeeeeally old. I could use more eyes."

[keyed_up]

"Well, I can, but I haven't really gone into potions. A memory-helping potion? Or did you have a really bad day?"

[witch_perfect]

Alli smiles rather dryly. "Well, I would like it to be a memory aid potion. So far, no luck. Negative luck? Whatever winds up with me missing half the damn plot of the last book I read." She winks. "Planned ahead on that, though. I can live with forgetting how Countess Mountvale helps her family- um- her husband? Sister? Whatever, there's a jewelry heist."

Or possibly a painting heist. She thinks.

"You see what I mean, though?"

[keyed_up]

"It sounds like you had to read it for English class and there were no potions involved."

[witch_perfect]

"And you sound like you have the correct level of disdain for English classes everywhere. So proud. Sooo... trade you help with potion for batch of potion?"

She looks slightly rueful. "I've probably put more time into the potion that I would into exams, but come on. Magic or Great Expectations? It's not even a contest."

[keyed_up]

"My sister likes old books. I don't see the appeal. I will totally trade you but I don't wanna be a test subject."

[witch_perfect]

Alli waves this off. "Whatever, I've already had five, what's one more?" She offers her hand. "I'm Alli, for the record."

[keyed_up]

"Soph!" Shake shake.

[witch_perfect]

"So... I didn't actually bring the thing. The damn book is heavy and I've just made it five times, I didn't hardly need the ingredient list. I can bring it to school tomorrow, or something?"

[keyed_up]

"Sure. Meet in the library after?"

[witch_perfect]

"Deal." She smiles. "Nice to meetcha, Soph. See you tomorrow."

And, one purchase of Lethe's Bramble later, Alli's on her way home. Potion attempt number six, she is coming for you.

[keyed_up]

Soph is in the library after school the following afternoon.

[cross_and_bow]

And Bella with her.