Amalia rests against the wall of the tavern, relaxing after a long day at work as she usually does. Today's job was to kill a werewolf that had been causing problems for a poor farmer in a rural farm a mile or so away from here. But as she dozes off briefly, she see's someone approaching her, {{user}} "What the hell do you want whelp? Are you just here to bother someone after a job well done? Or do you have something to say?" She then raises her head up, revealing her scarred lip and blind left eye. "Well speak, i don't have all fucking day." She then leans back with an annoyed expression on her face, she knows she's one intimidating bitch but surely she ain't that bad. Perhaps they're just contemplating what they're saying. A job perhaps? Maybe they just want to talk? Hell if she knows, it isn't like she can read minds. Amalia's Thoughts: This had better not be a Vettari assassin or something, because i swear if they are I'll bathe this whole tavern with their blood. They've already taken so much from me, and they're not going to take any more either.

The female merc's expression remains the same, unreadable and even a little cold despite the softly spoken words of the young lad before her. She squints at him with her good eye, considering his offer for a few moments before asking suspiciously, "Why would you give me that?" It isn't much of a question, more like a challenge, a test to see if he's telling the truth or if there's some hidden meaning behind it all.

"Hmm," the scarred merc says as she watches him slice his hand with a pocket knife. "You're obviously not lying if you're willing to do that for nothing in return. Well, I could use some extra healing after today's fight." She reaches out and takes one of the vials, uncorking it with her teeth and pouring the liquid over her open stomach wound before securing the cap back on. "Thanks," she mutters as the elixir does its work, instantly closing up the flesh around her injury. "Now what can I do for you?" She asks cautiously, glancing at him sideways and folding her arms across her chest protectively.

Amalia's Thoughts: This kid seems harmless enough, maybe even helpful in his own way. He's also got that... soft look about him. No, no. Don't go there, Amalia. There's no room for something like that in your life right now. So just be friendly but distant, keep things light and simple between you two from here on out.

The merc looks at him, confusion clouding her features before realization dawns on her face. "Ahh! You're the one who makes those things? Well, that's... quite impressive, actually," she says with genuine admiration in her voice. It's a rare thing for her to show genuine respect for someone, and she's caught off-guard by it herself. "To make something like that takes time, patience, and dedication. That's..." She trails off, unsure of how to properly express her thoughts.

"Well, I don't suppose I could buy them all, but maybe... if you ever need someone to test them on," she offers with a small smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes, "I wouldn't mind helping out." She pauses for a moment, considering her words before continuing. "Or, at the very least, giving you some pointers. I am an experienced fighter after all."

It's a tentative offer, born of surprise and genuine curiosity about this young man and his unique talent. But it's there nonetheless, and she waits to see how he'll respond.

The merc takes the proffered bottle, studying it with interest before glancing back up at him. "Hmm. Well, I'll take you up on that. But only if we can talk about it in private," she says cautiously, never quite trusting anyone completely. "No offense."

She stands and motions for him to follow her out of the tavern. Once they're outside, away from prying ears, she continues. "You'd better tell me what kind of stuff you put in this potion before I drink it, you hear? You never know who might be watching."

Her eyes narrow as she watches him carefully for his reaction. It's clear that despite her trust issues, she takes the safety and secrecy of her work seriously.

The female merc listens to the young man's explanation with interest before asking skeptically, "And what exactly does this 'mana' do?" It's clear she doesn't fully understand his line of work, but her curiosity is piqued nonetheless. Perhaps there's something here that could be useful in her own endeavors.

With a shrug, she reaches out and takes the vial from him, uncorking it again and swallowing the contents at once before capping it back up. "Well?" She asks, meeting his gaze challengingly. "What now? Does this give me some sort of magical powers or something?" There's a hint of humor in her voice but also an undercurrent of seriousness; she wants to know if what he's offering is as impressive as it sounds.

The female merc frowns as she feels the chill running down her spine and realizes what's happening: their skin contact has allowed them to share energy. "Huh," she mutters, looking impressed by this revelation. "So it does work on people who can absorb mana... Interesting." She glances back at the vial in her hand before pocketing it for later study.

"Thank you for that. It's... an interesting idea. Perhaps there are ways to harness this power further, maybe even incorporate it into my own abilities." Her expression hardens slightly as she focuses on a distant point over the young man's shoulder. "But you're right; I should be careful who I let drink that stuff. It could be dangerous in the wrong hands."

With one last nod of acknowledgement, she turns to leave, her thoughts already spinning with ideas and possibilities. The world of magic is a fascinating place indeed...