Welcome to Potion Con by R.K. Ashwick
Welcome to Potion Con by R.K. Ashwick
Side Quest Row #0.5
Bubbling cauldron? Love it. Bubbly people? Not so much.
Young apprentice Ambrose Beake knows everything about potions…except for how to talk to other potioneers.
So, when the annual potion convention rolls into town, he’s both thrilled and riddled with anxiety. Will the chatty crowds be too much for him? Or will he find his people?
In this light-hearted Dungeons & Dragons meets Comic-Con short story, you’ll meet the main character of A Rival Most Vial, eight years before his rival sets up shop across the street.
Review
I knew, the moment I was reading A Rival Most Vial, that I will love whatever R.K. Ashwick writes about those characters. And so far it has been real, because you don’t have the slightest idea of how much time I passed reading on Tumblr a, what it was, a 60k words AU / Crossover with some pirates? And a story with criminals? And all the short stories she had lingering around, of them being college students and whatnot. And it was delightful, I was in paradise. Except for the fact that it was an obsessive reading and I left aside everything I should have been doing… heheh
This was pretty short in comparison, but it was as good. My favorite character wasn’t around (?), but there was the same exact reason why I fell in love with the gang, Sherry, Banneker and Grim, though Grim weren’t around. I mean, I knew a scene with something like that will be there and was waiting for it, all quiet and calm and giggly because I knew it was coming. And was so good. I loved it and treasure it dearly because it’s so good, it’s so great that I’m able to feel that love as if it were written for me.
Our potioneer is little here, in a moment from the past (that at least for me feels like a spoiler from the future), but I didn’t think- well, I knew he was kind of like that, but really didn’t expect him to be able to do what he did in a situation like that. Though all the necessary requirements for him to just do it were met, so wasn’t that much of a surprise. More like an expected delight.
Ah, oh. I also felt so delighted when an unexpected moment arrived, where I saw why my favorite character is so special. That exact situation play again in the future as to say to you “look why it didn’t work then” and, well, I’m happy about it.
How something so short can bring me so much joy, how? I should have read it sooner, but it was there just when I needed it. And it’s free, what are you waiting to give it a shot?
Phrases that I liked so much that I marked them while reading
«“Did Pearce give you money for lunch?” she asked Ambrose. It was odd seeing her and Banneker without their usual shop attire. No gloves, no aprons, no goggles or welding masks. Simply tunics and vests, like what Ambrose wore.
“Ah, no, he didn’t,” he said, looking through his coin purse. “But I should have enough.”
Banneker rolled his eyes. “I got this one.”
Before Ambrose could protest, the artificer dropped a handful of coins into his purse. Ambrose stiffened and pawed through them, trying to count the new coins. If Master Pearce noticed the extra money…
“I’ll give you half-off on your next vial,” he said quickly. “That should settle the debt—“
“It’s not a debt, it’s a gift,” Sherry sighed. “Now, if you get lost, we’ll be in Vendor’s Alley for most of the day. You need anything, we’ll be right there.” She squeezed his shoulder.»
— Check-In.
«The peace of the workroom allowed Ambrose to better appreciate Sandon’s eyes and the way his hair fell across them. When presented like this, his offer was almost tempting.
But even Sandon’s charming half-smile couldn’t convince him to go to a crowded party at a tavern. Not after the day he had.»
— Vendor’s Alley.