Running a Tavern as a Former Witch!

Entry 1: A Peculiar Disciple

Dear Diary,

Today started like any other day in the serene expanded town here in the other realm, but it quickly turned into an adventure I never expected. As I was tending to the small herb field in the back garden of the tavern, I caught sight of Elara in her usual spot by the corner—a makeshift table cluttered with colorful vials and jars. It was arranged by Ion. He did not like the idea of his employer making explosions and atrocities inside. She was deep in concentration, stirring a bubbling concoction that emitted a smell somewhere between burnt sugar and wet earth.

Curiosity got the best of me. I approached her, recalling the time I had mistaken one of her brews for a refreshing drink. It was a mistake I won't forget! During the night of that event, I was plagued by an uncontrollable bout of hiccups. The morning of the following day, Elara was acting differently. I brushed it off, thinking that it might be one of those days that she's just clammed up. I spent the entire day trying to teach her the proper way to brew potions, especially those meant for healing injuries.

Entry 2: The Teaching Attempt

“Elara,” I began, trying to sound as patient as possible, " perhaps I could show you the proper way to brew a healing potion?”

Her eyes lit up with enthusiasm, and she nodded eagerly. We gathered the necessary herbs—comfrey for its healing properties, lavender for calming, and a touch of honey to sweeten the taste. I demonstrated the techniques I had learned from a village healer, carefully explaining each step.

But as I turned my back for just a moment to fetch more herbs, I heard a soft pop. I whirled around to find Elara's mixture had transformed into a bright purple cloud that fizzled and sputtered.

“I apologize for asking something so rude, but were you summoning evil spirits?” I sighed.

Entry 3: Unexpected Result

While I tried to salvage the situation, Elara giggled, clearly amused by my troubled expression. She stared at the pot of concoction with a proud grin. “I think this one is a 'Bubbling Delight.' It's supposed to be a mood enhancer!” she proclaimed, her eyes sparkling with pride.

“A mood enhancer that smells like a swamp?" I replied, stifling a laugh. “We're trying to heal injuries, not turn patients into embodiments of emotions!”

Despite the chaos, we spent the rest of the day experimenting together. Elara would add a pinch of something unexpected, and I would try to redirect her intentions back to healing. It reminded me of my days caring for the children in the orphanage.

By sunset, we had a collection of potions that ranged from mildly effective to downright bizarre. Later on when I examined her potions, I was surprised to learn that all of them were extremely valuable.

Entry 4: Reflection

As I write this, I can't help but smile at the day's events. Elara's enthusiasm is contagious, and while her methods may be unorthodox, well at the very least, she's not yet thinking about mixing any of her creations into the tavern refreshments.

I realized that teaching her is more than just about potions; it's about a learning how to survive against her… passion with potions.

Tomorrow, I'll try again—this time perhaps with a little more caution and a lot more patience. Maybe one day she'll finally create something that caters to the usual demand. Just a healing potion, hopefully.

Until then, I'll be refraining from taking a colorful glass from the tavern and her workbench!

Yours in adventure,

Levi