Is it wrong to fleece adventurers at the item shop?

Well, that meal was something else. I'm not quite sure I can get used to something like that. It was filling though. There is that much at the very least. Afterwards we head to my place together.

Elzbieta to resume work with the mana mill. Tamara and I to check on the enchantment.

So far I can only tell that the enchantment took hold, since I haven't used my appraisal skill on the tap yet. Thus I'm still a little nervous. Just because the enchantment took, doesn't mean it works as intended. There still is room for mistakes and surprises.

I really hope there won't be any of that, but simply can't tell with any certainty yet.

As Elzbieta resumes her work out back in the sun, I reopen the shop and meet the dwarven adventurer at the counter, the enchanted tap in hand. Tamara doesn't seem worried in the slightest. I wish I had her confidence.

After taking one last deep breath to calm my nerves, I scrutinize it thoroughly to activate the appraisal skill.

[Ghost Tap, Quality: Uncommon, It might look like simple tap, but it really isn't. Jab it into a manifested ghost and open it to drain its essence as stabilized ectoplasm! The amount of ectoplasm depends on the ghost's essence reserves. A word of warning, just carrying something like this can get ghosts who notice mighty mad. You really should properly immobilize the ghost first, before using this tool!]

I close my eyes and nod, as I place the enchanted tap down on the counter and let out a relieved sigh.

“Immobilize a manifested ghost and jab this into it. The tap should be closed for this! Then, once you have a container ready, open it to drain the essence and convert it into stabilized ectoplasm. Once the ghost is completely drained, it should simply vanish. And apparently ghosts really dislike people who carry tools like this, so you better be careful and watch your back.”

Apparently she is satisfied with this explanation. This is a good thing too, as I doubt I could formulate it any more straightforward.

She hands me the agreed upon three silver Crowns and picks up the enchanted tap, after shaking hands with me to finalize our transaction.

Again it is, as if a burden is lifted off her shoulders.

I in turn take a moment to enter this newest transaction into the ledger after depositing the coins in the strongbox.

Before either of us can say or do anything else a new arrival enters the shop.

It is Szmuel and he is struggling a little with the folded up net he is carrying. To be honest I wouldn't be too surprised if the net were to weigh at least half as much as the short catfolk adventurer. It is a little impressive that he managed to get it here all on his own.

He takes a moment to catch his breath after dumping the net on the counter.

“Sorrry furrr the intrrrusion. I brrrought the net.”

I nod and start looking over the item in question together with Tamara.

It isn't a new net, but I wasn't really expecting one anyway. It is maintained well enough though. Sure, it has been patched in some places, but these patches are all of decent workmanship. I don't see it coming undone or sporting any more holes anytime soon.

It is sturdy enough as well and the size should just about suffice for most ghosts. I n fact it might be a little too large for my enchanting table though.

“I think I'll have to enchant this down at the smithy. They have a spot prepared for bigger items. That isn't anything you need to worry about though. I'll talk with Olgierd and Nawoja. It should be done in the evening. Is that alright with you?”

After a series of nods and another handshake the duo is off. Maybe they will do another simple quest. Or maybe not. Szmuel certainly could use a little break first.

Well, I have other things to worry about anyway.

I grab the net, and I have to struggle a little as well. Not as much as Szmuel though. After all the net was made for someone my size.

It is just that I'm no fisherwoman. My arms simply aren't strong enough to properly wield it. Or rather, I'm not strong enough to throw it as intended. I can carry it around just fine though.

That is a good thing too, as I need to head down to the smithy. I take a few bronze Crowns from my strongbox too. Just in case. It wouldn't be unreasonable of Olgierd and Nawoja to ask for compensation after all, since I intend to ask to use a part of their workshop.

After grabbing one of my chalks and my notebook for good measure I close the front door and head out back to let Elzbieta know where I'm going.

“I'll be down at the smithy for a bit. I should be back in time to take care of your papers in the evening though. This enchantment should be a little easier than the last one.”

The pregnant archer raises an eyebrow.

“It should be easier, but you need to use the spot at the smithy?”

I simply shrug, putting some emphasis on the net I have slung over one shoulder.

“This thing is simply too large and cumbersome for my poor little table.”

I snort before I continue.

“I really hope they don't make Szmuel carry the thing around on their quest.”

Now she laughs out loud.

“Yeah, Odolan would be much better suited for the task. He is the tallest of the trio. If anything Szmuel should probably use the tap since he is pretty quick on his feet.”

She has a point. Her words get me thinking.

“And Tamara in turn handles the containers? Bottles or amphorae or whatever they use? Or maybe Szmuel will have to handle those too since they need someone to take care of any skeletons that show up. Damn, I still wish they would wait for Danuta, or get another adventurer to tag along. I'm a little worried.”

Elzbieta nods in agreement.

“Too true. It's always better to have a little extra help along.”

In the end she shrugs though.

“Well, it's not like we can make them do it. We will just have to hope for the best. And don't let me keep you. See you later!”

She winks at me at the end and after a quick, cheerful wave I'm off to the smithy at the village square.

Thankfully the way isn't too long. The heat from the smithy hits me hard as I enter though. Olgierd and Nawoja are hard at work after all. I wait until one of them has time for me and my request.

As usual it is Olgierd who approaches me while his partner minds the hot metal in the forge.

“Valeria? Welcome! What can we do for you today?”

I pat the net slung over my shoulder.

“I have to enchant something a little unwieldy and was wondering if I could use the spot out back.”

He rubs his chin briefly, before nodding.

“How does a bronze Crown to use the place sound? You have to clean up after yourself though.”

That actually sounds about as good as anything I can expect, thus I don't argue.

“Deal!”

I grab the coin from my purse, hand it to him and shake hands to seal our deal.

While he returns to work with his wife at the forge, I head out into their backyard since I know the way already and have everything I need with me.

Once there I get started right away. First I grab a broom and sweep the ground. Only then do I place the net down at the center of the spot intended for enchantments.

I calculate the circle's diameter once more, just the make sure, although I really hate doing these calculations in my head. Thankfully I arrive at the same result as before. I really don't want to start hunting for mistakes in those calculations right now.

Then I draw some guiding lines with coal, both to make sure the circle has the right diameter and to make sure the spacing of the runes is even.

Only once I'm done with that, do I grab my actual enchanters' chalk and get started on the real work.

There is no singing to guide me this time. That isn't really an issue though. Thankfully the smithy has a rhythm all of its own. Hammers, anvil and bellows come together in a curious symphony all of their own.

As a result it doesn't take me too long to finish and as I have hoped the circle of neat glowing and sparkling runes gets drawn into the net as intended.

This will be another little burden off Tamara's shoulders and to be honest, I feel a little relieved too. I'm not ashamed to admit it.

Before I get started on cleaning up, I quickly check on the result of my work with the appraisal skill.

[Ghost Trap: Uncommon, It might look like simple net, but it really isn't. Ghosts can interact with this net and, more importantly, the net interacts with manifested ghosts! A ghost in contact with this net can not change its state. If it is manifested, it has to stay manifested, until either the net is removed or it runs out of essence to maintain its manifestation. Ghosts can interact with this piece of equipment as any mortal could. They can't bring any of their supernatural powers to bear though.]

I nod to myself. Hopefully this will be good enough.