Sure enough, come the next morning, the village was abuzz with anticipation. A magic shop in their tiny village? Some were worried that it was a Necromantian scheme to subvert Adela. Others claimed that it was a malicious witch planning to pawn off cursed trinkets. Still others were certain that the Mages were coming to Adela. All were wrong.
In the middle of the morning, a very small figure emerged from the shop and ever-so-delicately removed the note from the door. The figure, clad in a dark robe--or was it a dress--then hung a wooden sign next to the door, reading "Open" in six languages, Common writ largest at the very top. She turned and reentered her shop, her long blonde ponytail swinging behind her.
A handful followed her in and were awed at what they saw--crystalline figurines in every shape and size they imagined, smooth flowing robes which seemed to whisk out of sight of their own volition, a vast assortment of crystal balls, and even an odd pair of hiking boots with elegant embroidery. The tiny woman scurried about, anxious to answer any questions anyone had.
"Oh, no, no...you can't see the future through a crystal ball, least of all that one. That one can only show you the great Drake Esthepholivoxintharkusmarikwentarl--well, you don't need to know the whole name, I'm sure." She grinned cheerfully, then returned to her explanation. "It'll show you what she does all day, and will even show you some of her more dramatic victories over those who would plunder her treasure. Oh yes, of course you can see her treasure, it's quite magnificent--that sight alone is worth more than I'm asking for the crystal ball. I wouldn't recommend pursuing it, though." Another grin. "An army could attack Estheph--whatever--and see the Golden Hills before snatching a single golden coin."
"Oh, yes, really a wonderful item. No, no, it's not an Invisibility Cloak--those are only legends. This will do nearly as well, of course, unless it's midday thievery you're about. And as I don't endorse such behaviour, it's just as well. Oh--yes, it just makes you look kind of shadowy and unnoticed. No, no! Not for thievery, of course not." Placing her hands on her hips for emphasis and appearing almost to grow several inches, she glowered. "I would have nothing to do with such unsavory activities. This is for avoiding thievery. If the thieves don't notice you, they'll not rob you, that's for certain."
"Ah, you're admiring my mask. Indeed, finest handiwork I've ever done. Sadly, though, I doubt you'd get much use out of it. It was a custom-requested item, you see. The magic only functions for Elves, you must understand." At her customer's response, she broke into a hearty and unfeigned laugh. "Oh, of course, it works fine as a mask for a mask's sake, but just because you're not an elf doesn't mean you won't be paying for the magic." With the last, she jabbed the customer playfully in the ribs with her elbow to show her good humor about it.
