Chapter Text
Pearl took a deep breath before gently pushing the shop’s door open. A little bell tinkled, signifying the shop’s owner of her presence. She was sitting behind a small counter with a cash register and little bowl of sweets. She was tanned and muscular, light flashes of paler skin running in stripes across her skin. She smiled widely as Pearl closed the door behind her.
“If it isn’t the new witch,” she greeted, her voice tinged with a laugh. Pearl stiffened. The woman smiled, waving her hand before beckoning her over. “Gossip travels fast around here. I’m Jasper,” she said, “what can I help you with today?” Pearl shyly made her way closer to the counter. She fiddled with her hands before responding, “I was hoping you could help me make some carved sigils.” Jasper quirked an eyebrow.
“Do you have a picture of what they look like?” Pearl jumped slightly, then began rummaging through her satchel she had slung over her shoulder. Suddenly, a rather large fluffy cat jumped onto the counter. She was pure white with an almost purple tinge to her fur. She had a collar adorned with a round amethyst resting on her chest. Jasper grinned at the sight of her. The cat looked at her with round yellow eyes before meowing loudly. Pearl startled as she was pulling a crumpled piece of paper out of her bag.
“Amethyst!” Pearl practically squeaked, “I told you not to jump on counters! Where are your manners?” The cat flicked her tail, ignoring her owner’s protests. She looked at Jasper before meowing again. Pearl felt heat flush her face and she prayed Jasper wouldn’t notice. Jasper scratched behind Amethyst’s ears. “She’s not bothering me at all.” She reached her hand out towards Pearl’s hand gripping the paper. She quickly unfolded it before placing it on the counter for Jasper to see.
“How big do you need ‘em?” she asked gruffly, her face slightly scowling from concentrating. Pearl fidgeted with her hands again. “I was thinking the size of small coins.” She took another breath in an attempt to calm her frayed nerves. “I’m going to sell,” she paused for a second, “charm infused teas and herb bundles and wanted to include little tokens with them. Like for good luck or happiness.” She became less nervous the more she spoke. Jasper would’ve interrupted by now if she had a problem with her craft.
Jasper nodded. “I think I can help you out. Come on back and we can get started.” She stood up, walking behind the counter to open a door. “We?” Pearl asked. Jasper laughed, “You don’t think I’m gonna have your magic mess up because I made your sigils unsupervised, do you?” She shook her head. Pearl left out a quiet sigh of relief. She had a much harder time getting help the last time she had asked her old village for help.
Jasper pushed the door open, waiting for Pearl to make her way behind the counter and enter her workshop. Amethyst bounded off the counter, barreling her way into the open door. She chirped excitedly, running around the room to take in everything. “I never got your name,” Jasper said as Pearl walked past her. She stopped in her tracks. “Oh goodness, I’m so sorry! My name’s Pearl,” she hesitantly held her hand out. Jasper beamed as she took her hand in her own, giving it a light shake.
Jasper shut the door as Pearl made her way into the workshop. She gasped lightly, almost spinning around to gaze at the carvings around her. They ranged from small simple carvings of flowers to more intricate works, like houses and wild animals. “Oh Jasper,” she breathed, “these are beautiful.” Jasper chuckled, folding her arms and leaning against the door. “I’m glad you think so.” Pearl began to reply but was interrupted by a thump, followed by a wail.
“Amethyst, please,” Pearl complained, “What did I say about jumping on tables?” Amethyst flattened her ears. Pearl turned to Jasper, “I’m so sorry for her behavior. She’s usually much more behaved when meeting strangers.” Amethyst gave a chirp and Jasper could’ve sworn she saw her roll her eyes. Pearl huffed. “Watch your tone,” she mumbled under her breath. Amethyst meowed again, almost grinning. She jumped off the table and wound herself around Jasper’s legs. Jasper crouched down, stroking the purring feline. “Don’t worry about it. She’s great!” Pearl smiled lightly.
They spent the next few hours working on making the sigils. It was easy for Pearl to talk to Jasper. She may have been loud and brash, but was kind and funny, and surprisingly gentle. Pearl helped her as best as she could but nearly broke several pieces of wood before sheepishly allowing Jasper to take over. She gave her directions on how to carve each symbol and explained what each one meant. The sun was beginning to set as the two finished their work.
“These are only samples,” Jasper explained, turning the tokens over in her hands before giving them to Pearl. “Now that I know how to make them, I can make bigger batches.” Pearl smiled widely, examining Jasper’s work. “They’re perfect. Thank you so much.” Jasper gently took the sigils from Pearl, “I’ll clean these up a little and wrap them up. You can wait at the counter. I’ll only be a few minutes.” Pearl nodded. She lightly whistled for Amethyst, who was dozing on a table in the corner of the room, and the two walked out into the entrance of the store.
A few moments later, Jasper came out of the workshop. She had the sigils wrapped in a cloth, tied shut with a ribbon. She set them down on the counter. “Oh!” Pearl exclaimed, “how much do I owe you?” She dug into her bag and muttered, “I don’t have much but...” Jasper cut her off with a chuckle. Pearl looked up, frowning. “I’ll tell you what,” Jasper said, leaning her elbows on the counter. “I’ll give you those for free if you bring me some those magical teas of yours.” Pearl face lit up with delight. “Thank you so much!”
She placed her sigils in her satchel and began making her way to the exit. “I’ll bring some teas for you tomorrow!” she smiled warmly. She held the door open for a second as Amethyst trotted out, swishing her tail. The two made their goodbyes and Pearl closed the shop door. Jasper sighed, her expression soft. She could get used to helping Pearl out.