Khemrys (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
homeless_pard) wrote2021-12-13 05:54 pm
homeless_pard) wrote2021-12-13 05:54 pm
Entry tags:
Retail?
Who: Khem, customers
When: Some time after she has a shop and stillroom/greenhouse
What: Entitled customers and Yelp reviews are not really Khem's thing.
"Excuse me..." the voice was an attempt at cultured that came across more as nasal than anything. The woman was standing further down the counter while Khemrys was compounding a tea for one of her regulars, and as many did these days there was an ever present cellphone being pointed in her direction.
Ah, how she didn't care for those things. She owned one now, or rather had one gifted to her and she kept it in a pouch on her belt for use in emergencies, but it seemed many lived and breathed to watch themselves in the electrified glass. "Yes lady?" she offered softly.
"I've been standing here five minutes waiting for help!"
Khemrys sighed and glanced toward the door; she had learned the monetary system here, and what was, and was not legal in medicines not given by actual doctors, she'd even gained an apothecary license, but she had a manager to run the 'store' portion more than she herself cared to. Business was not her forte in the least, mainly because people in this world were so...strange. "You have neither asked nor signaled for help, lady, so I thought you content in browsing and reading the placards." That was another thing, writing out each ingredient in neat script for every display was...interesting. Time consuming in one manner, but saving in another. Like much of this world, dichotomous. "Is there a concern?"
"Wow, rude much? Whatever, is this vegan?"
Vegan. She still had trouble truly grasping the meaning beyond the definition on that one really. It could be explained, and the ingredient list should make such obvious, yet at least once a week it seemed someone asked. "Which item lady?"
The woman snorted, waving her camera, "any of it?"
"Aye, much is what you call Vegan, but all have quite different uses from one another, hence asking what you may have need of." Hopefully the manager would be back from their nooning soon. Please.
"What I call? Look, it's Vegan or it's not!"
"I find it an odd question from someone who wears true leather, but if you are shopping for another mayhap you can tell me what is needed?" She could tell by the smell of the sleek black coat, leather, and such was NOT Vegan that she was aware.
"What?! HOW DARE YOU THIS IS A LIVE STREAM!"
"You do not wish those who watch your, ah, broadcast? To know you purchase true leather?" she mused, lifting a calm gaze toward the woman. "Then mayhap it should not be worn in a place where another may know it for what it is?" Rather than assuming it shouldn't be mentioned?
"OH MY GOD JUST SHUT UP!"
Ah, drama. There was an abundance of drama in this world as well was there not? "With such nerves shown perhaps it is best you look unto the calming tisanes? Any bearing honey will also sooth the throat." To help against the strain of screaming.
"I WON"T BUY ANYTHING FROM A LYING CUNT LIKE YOU!"
She sighed again, setting aside her mortar and pestle, and laying her hands quite calmly upon the counter to stare at the woman, "the doors of my shop are ever open as a healers must be, but there are words above the lintel, that those who enter do so in good faith and shall be aided as I am able. Those with ill intent shall be barred."
"YOU THINK YOU CAN KICK ME OUT?"
"Nothing so harsh lady, I shall not move against you, but you are now unwelcome. The entry is rescinded." There was a brief stilling in the air; a quiet, swollen pause before the woman gaped a few times and...walked out.
At speed.
At the curb she whirled to stare at the still open door, screeching at her phone, but unable to cross that line of sidewalk to re-enter the shop. "YOU ARE GETTING A TERRIBLE REVIEW AND MY FOLLOWERS ARE GOING TO SINK THIS PLACE!"
She didn't bother replying, returning to her work exactly as if she couldn't hear the woman. The day manager, a young lady named Beryl, returned from lunch with a wince, "ouch, another one? I"ll find the video online and make sure sensible people see it."
"It matters not," Khemrys admitted with a smile for the returning girl. "A shrew will always be such, no matter what mask they may try to bear. Should she truly change mayhap she will seek tisanes as offered."
"You have a forgiving nature Khem," Beryl laughed. "Brats are brats are brats, they won't change. Luckily that coven group gives us a lot of word of mouth, reviews take a few days to deal with."
She wrinkled her nose slightly at the mention of that group, bemused, "they are not unkind woman," she sighed. No. "But they think we follow the same Powers and we do not. No matter how I correct them..."
"Still better than wanna be internet stars!" Beryl grinned. "Though bet that would have gone differently if she came this evening instead..."
Khemrys laughed softly at that, finger sure as she finished the blending she was doing and knotted the cords for the bottle accordingly, "like as not," she agreed. Requiem enjoyed running and working in the shop for a few hours of the week, so much so that he had a portion of the stillroom behind the shop as his own. Add atop that the fact that Jason often came to sup and spend hours in the apartment above with her and the 'night life' was a draw for no few she'd realized. "Mayhap kinder she was barred now..."
"...they do play with their food sometimes," Beryl snickered.
She flushed slightly, amused despite herself, "when justified, aye."
"Any sales while I was gone?"
Khemrys nodded to the thick book on the counter, a handwritten ledger, "most this past hour have been far kinder." By far. They were gaining something of following, being able to actually help people who preferred 'alternative medicines' and with items for everyday life that many with allergies could still use. Beryl was considering hiring a few more staff members, one for the store front and one to handle shipping ear full time. Khemrys was debating trying to find those who'd 'fit'. Beryl had been a lucky find honestly, a young woman with a business degree who'd been hard pressed by student loans and applying as a bartender at the club Jason worked at.
The girl had a good heart and an acceptance of the stranger things in life; not of the supernatural set herself, but her cousin was a shifter apparently. It was well and enough for Khemrys when Jason had brought the girl for a meal and to discuss business. No honestly, business, though Beryl had seemed a touch amused at first to realize she'd not been picked up for a 'date', she later admitted that she and Jason would not have done well together.
Grace was with Khemrys in the fact that such misunderstanding was not truly uncommon when it came to her chosen lord, and as such as long as Beryl was content not to pursue him, she had no issue. She had been a true boon in establishing their small store and more than happy to handle all the 'business models' and more importantly 'pricing', though Khemrys had insisted that they have other options for those in true need.
And more come close they offered safe space and healing to those in the eldritch community in need. Khemrys even yet was often called to the hospital by Lillian, but another location, held by the High Lord Jean Claude, for less serious injury was all to the good.
And she was truly grateful for the apartment above honestly. A few of the members of the circus had been unpleasant in long term association. Kinder to be able to control who may and may not be following her down a hall. Kinder indeed.
"And don't look now..." Beryl sighed.
Khemrys winced at that tone, looking up, ah. Of course. She closed her eyes a moment, "it is far too late to run," she noted quietly.
"Yeah, he saw you, sorry!"
"No matter." She settled a calm smile on her face and nodded genially as one young, earnest man by the name of Deputy McKinnon came into the store. "Good eve lord."
"I've told you before Ms. Khemrys, it's Dave!"
"As you say lord," she agreed. "Have you returned for the headache powders then?"
"Ah..."
"Or mayhap the muscle linment?"
"Do I..."
"Or there is a new batch of the cedar soap," she smiled gently.
"That all sounds good," he nodded. "But I was really coming by to see if you had plans for dinner?"
Ah. The man was ill content with her statement that she considered herself taken. He had ended up running calls near Guilty Pleasures and didn't feel that anyone employed there was 'of a quality to date' the man had confessed to Beryl. Who had promptly told Khemrys of course, but such was life. This was a world of such judgements and it seemed the man had hoped repetition and enthusiasm would overcome refusal. "Aye, a stew I set this morn and bread that has been rising," she answered easily.
"...ah?"
"My meal is well and truly handled, lord, thank you for your concern."
"That's not..."
She was making a packet of the headache powder, with the handwritten card about how to take such, and a jar of the muscle rub as he floundered, passing them to Beryl to ring up as she turned to carve soap for the man off the larger block. "My well being in regards to meals is oft questioned," she chuckled softly. "I am well aware that I still seem quite ill used from harsh years before coming to this city, but I have put weight on and eat regularly."
"That wasn't what I meant!"
"Ah, then my apology for assuming concern."
The deputy sighed, shifting on his feet, "I am concerned..."
"Then again my assurances."
He gritted his teeth a moment, "look, I just know you work hard and you seem to always be busy. It'd be nice to see you relaxing. I want to take you out, away from here for a bit..."
"I oft relax, lord," she smiled. "And well so. But you are not such as I would be alone with when I am bespoke to another. Your intent though kindly meant it seems, is romantic in nature yes?"
"...you're saying you'd need a chaperone?!"
"I am saying, again, lord, that you are a good man of good profession, but not one I will date. By your grace I would ask you stop hoping I may change my mind and seek another as there are many good and honorable woman who would be fair pleased with the attention."
"But those women aren't you Khem, can't you see?" he tried on a smile, but she was spoiled for such expressions knowing Jason as she did. Her chosen lord's face was built for smiling most days it seemed. A hundred flavors thereof and more she'd yet to see she did not doubt.
"Aye, but that are available, lord, as I am not."
"He's going to hurt you Khem, I just know it!"
"My lord Jason is a kinder man than you will ever realize. And far more dedicated to listening to what I may say rather than what he might wish to hear." Harsh perhaps but she was growing weary of the man's attention. Not a state she had ever imagined she would be in, not only taken, but spoiled for such and choice amongst them? No, not for her.
"Mark my words..."
"I have, lord. Well and often they have been given, and patience I have met them with every time. Now I believe this would be the time of your break, yes? You've naught time to spare such as you would on your lunch, so arguing against what is and is not in this realm benefits none."
"Damn it...just..."
"Your total is Fifteen ninety six," Beryl cut in smoothly. Despite the headache the man was, he did get a discount, all police and civil service did. It usually boiled down to 'a free chunk of soap' but it was an excuse to end this train wreck ye sit was.
Khemrys smiled warmly at the girl as the man in question fumbled for his wallet, then swept past her with a cheerful "if there is need or a patient, I've tinctures to finish." A graceful exit rarely went amiss, far from. Some days tending the shop could be quite the gift, and certainly a kindness on cold winter days where people wandered in from boredom and wanted to learn.
Not today though, no. Today she was going to take out her mild frustration on bottling a new mixture that needs must be pulverized first!
When: Some time after she has a shop and stillroom/greenhouse
What: Entitled customers and Yelp reviews are not really Khem's thing.
"Excuse me..." the voice was an attempt at cultured that came across more as nasal than anything. The woman was standing further down the counter while Khemrys was compounding a tea for one of her regulars, and as many did these days there was an ever present cellphone being pointed in her direction.
Ah, how she didn't care for those things. She owned one now, or rather had one gifted to her and she kept it in a pouch on her belt for use in emergencies, but it seemed many lived and breathed to watch themselves in the electrified glass. "Yes lady?" she offered softly.
"I've been standing here five minutes waiting for help!"
Khemrys sighed and glanced toward the door; she had learned the monetary system here, and what was, and was not legal in medicines not given by actual doctors, she'd even gained an apothecary license, but she had a manager to run the 'store' portion more than she herself cared to. Business was not her forte in the least, mainly because people in this world were so...strange. "You have neither asked nor signaled for help, lady, so I thought you content in browsing and reading the placards." That was another thing, writing out each ingredient in neat script for every display was...interesting. Time consuming in one manner, but saving in another. Like much of this world, dichotomous. "Is there a concern?"
"Wow, rude much? Whatever, is this vegan?"
Vegan. She still had trouble truly grasping the meaning beyond the definition on that one really. It could be explained, and the ingredient list should make such obvious, yet at least once a week it seemed someone asked. "Which item lady?"
The woman snorted, waving her camera, "any of it?"
"Aye, much is what you call Vegan, but all have quite different uses from one another, hence asking what you may have need of." Hopefully the manager would be back from their nooning soon. Please.
"What I call? Look, it's Vegan or it's not!"
"I find it an odd question from someone who wears true leather, but if you are shopping for another mayhap you can tell me what is needed?" She could tell by the smell of the sleek black coat, leather, and such was NOT Vegan that she was aware.
"What?! HOW DARE YOU THIS IS A LIVE STREAM!"
"You do not wish those who watch your, ah, broadcast? To know you purchase true leather?" she mused, lifting a calm gaze toward the woman. "Then mayhap it should not be worn in a place where another may know it for what it is?" Rather than assuming it shouldn't be mentioned?
"OH MY GOD JUST SHUT UP!"
Ah, drama. There was an abundance of drama in this world as well was there not? "With such nerves shown perhaps it is best you look unto the calming tisanes? Any bearing honey will also sooth the throat." To help against the strain of screaming.
"I WON"T BUY ANYTHING FROM A LYING CUNT LIKE YOU!"
She sighed again, setting aside her mortar and pestle, and laying her hands quite calmly upon the counter to stare at the woman, "the doors of my shop are ever open as a healers must be, but there are words above the lintel, that those who enter do so in good faith and shall be aided as I am able. Those with ill intent shall be barred."
"YOU THINK YOU CAN KICK ME OUT?"
"Nothing so harsh lady, I shall not move against you, but you are now unwelcome. The entry is rescinded." There was a brief stilling in the air; a quiet, swollen pause before the woman gaped a few times and...walked out.
At speed.
At the curb she whirled to stare at the still open door, screeching at her phone, but unable to cross that line of sidewalk to re-enter the shop. "YOU ARE GETTING A TERRIBLE REVIEW AND MY FOLLOWERS ARE GOING TO SINK THIS PLACE!"
She didn't bother replying, returning to her work exactly as if she couldn't hear the woman. The day manager, a young lady named Beryl, returned from lunch with a wince, "ouch, another one? I"ll find the video online and make sure sensible people see it."
"It matters not," Khemrys admitted with a smile for the returning girl. "A shrew will always be such, no matter what mask they may try to bear. Should she truly change mayhap she will seek tisanes as offered."
"You have a forgiving nature Khem," Beryl laughed. "Brats are brats are brats, they won't change. Luckily that coven group gives us a lot of word of mouth, reviews take a few days to deal with."
She wrinkled her nose slightly at the mention of that group, bemused, "they are not unkind woman," she sighed. No. "But they think we follow the same Powers and we do not. No matter how I correct them..."
"Still better than wanna be internet stars!" Beryl grinned. "Though bet that would have gone differently if she came this evening instead..."
Khemrys laughed softly at that, finger sure as she finished the blending she was doing and knotted the cords for the bottle accordingly, "like as not," she agreed. Requiem enjoyed running and working in the shop for a few hours of the week, so much so that he had a portion of the stillroom behind the shop as his own. Add atop that the fact that Jason often came to sup and spend hours in the apartment above with her and the 'night life' was a draw for no few she'd realized. "Mayhap kinder she was barred now..."
"...they do play with their food sometimes," Beryl snickered.
She flushed slightly, amused despite herself, "when justified, aye."
"Any sales while I was gone?"
Khemrys nodded to the thick book on the counter, a handwritten ledger, "most this past hour have been far kinder." By far. They were gaining something of following, being able to actually help people who preferred 'alternative medicines' and with items for everyday life that many with allergies could still use. Beryl was considering hiring a few more staff members, one for the store front and one to handle shipping ear full time. Khemrys was debating trying to find those who'd 'fit'. Beryl had been a lucky find honestly, a young woman with a business degree who'd been hard pressed by student loans and applying as a bartender at the club Jason worked at.
The girl had a good heart and an acceptance of the stranger things in life; not of the supernatural set herself, but her cousin was a shifter apparently. It was well and enough for Khemrys when Jason had brought the girl for a meal and to discuss business. No honestly, business, though Beryl had seemed a touch amused at first to realize she'd not been picked up for a 'date', she later admitted that she and Jason would not have done well together.
Grace was with Khemrys in the fact that such misunderstanding was not truly uncommon when it came to her chosen lord, and as such as long as Beryl was content not to pursue him, she had no issue. She had been a true boon in establishing their small store and more than happy to handle all the 'business models' and more importantly 'pricing', though Khemrys had insisted that they have other options for those in true need.
And more come close they offered safe space and healing to those in the eldritch community in need. Khemrys even yet was often called to the hospital by Lillian, but another location, held by the High Lord Jean Claude, for less serious injury was all to the good.
And she was truly grateful for the apartment above honestly. A few of the members of the circus had been unpleasant in long term association. Kinder to be able to control who may and may not be following her down a hall. Kinder indeed.
"And don't look now..." Beryl sighed.
Khemrys winced at that tone, looking up, ah. Of course. She closed her eyes a moment, "it is far too late to run," she noted quietly.
"Yeah, he saw you, sorry!"
"No matter." She settled a calm smile on her face and nodded genially as one young, earnest man by the name of Deputy McKinnon came into the store. "Good eve lord."
"I've told you before Ms. Khemrys, it's Dave!"
"As you say lord," she agreed. "Have you returned for the headache powders then?"
"Ah..."
"Or mayhap the muscle linment?"
"Do I..."
"Or there is a new batch of the cedar soap," she smiled gently.
"That all sounds good," he nodded. "But I was really coming by to see if you had plans for dinner?"
Ah. The man was ill content with her statement that she considered herself taken. He had ended up running calls near Guilty Pleasures and didn't feel that anyone employed there was 'of a quality to date' the man had confessed to Beryl. Who had promptly told Khemrys of course, but such was life. This was a world of such judgements and it seemed the man had hoped repetition and enthusiasm would overcome refusal. "Aye, a stew I set this morn and bread that has been rising," she answered easily.
"...ah?"
"My meal is well and truly handled, lord, thank you for your concern."
"That's not..."
She was making a packet of the headache powder, with the handwritten card about how to take such, and a jar of the muscle rub as he floundered, passing them to Beryl to ring up as she turned to carve soap for the man off the larger block. "My well being in regards to meals is oft questioned," she chuckled softly. "I am well aware that I still seem quite ill used from harsh years before coming to this city, but I have put weight on and eat regularly."
"That wasn't what I meant!"
"Ah, then my apology for assuming concern."
The deputy sighed, shifting on his feet, "I am concerned..."
"Then again my assurances."
He gritted his teeth a moment, "look, I just know you work hard and you seem to always be busy. It'd be nice to see you relaxing. I want to take you out, away from here for a bit..."
"I oft relax, lord," she smiled. "And well so. But you are not such as I would be alone with when I am bespoke to another. Your intent though kindly meant it seems, is romantic in nature yes?"
"...you're saying you'd need a chaperone?!"
"I am saying, again, lord, that you are a good man of good profession, but not one I will date. By your grace I would ask you stop hoping I may change my mind and seek another as there are many good and honorable woman who would be fair pleased with the attention."
"But those women aren't you Khem, can't you see?" he tried on a smile, but she was spoiled for such expressions knowing Jason as she did. Her chosen lord's face was built for smiling most days it seemed. A hundred flavors thereof and more she'd yet to see she did not doubt.
"Aye, but that are available, lord, as I am not."
"He's going to hurt you Khem, I just know it!"
"My lord Jason is a kinder man than you will ever realize. And far more dedicated to listening to what I may say rather than what he might wish to hear." Harsh perhaps but she was growing weary of the man's attention. Not a state she had ever imagined she would be in, not only taken, but spoiled for such and choice amongst them? No, not for her.
"Mark my words..."
"I have, lord. Well and often they have been given, and patience I have met them with every time. Now I believe this would be the time of your break, yes? You've naught time to spare such as you would on your lunch, so arguing against what is and is not in this realm benefits none."
"Damn it...just..."
"Your total is Fifteen ninety six," Beryl cut in smoothly. Despite the headache the man was, he did get a discount, all police and civil service did. It usually boiled down to 'a free chunk of soap' but it was an excuse to end this train wreck ye sit was.
Khemrys smiled warmly at the girl as the man in question fumbled for his wallet, then swept past her with a cheerful "if there is need or a patient, I've tinctures to finish." A graceful exit rarely went amiss, far from. Some days tending the shop could be quite the gift, and certainly a kindness on cold winter days where people wandered in from boredom and wanted to learn.
Not today though, no. Today she was going to take out her mild frustration on bottling a new mixture that needs must be pulverized first!