Anna von Bernus

The late afternoon sun filters in through the heavy-paned windows of the shop, catching on shelves of odd trinkets and gewgaws made from wire, glass, stones, and even small unidentifiable bones. At the rear of the shop is the counter, made of some heavy, dark wood that will probably outlast the house itself. Next to an incongruously modern cash register there is a small statue of Baphomet. Anna sits on a stool behind that imposing counter, resting her chin on one hand as she scrolls through her phone with the other, heaving a sigh as she does. A keen observer might be able to discern a clue as to the source of her malaise--a chalkboard sign set up just by the counter. It reads: HEXES (small inconvenience) HEXES: (significant mishap) CURSES: --Misfortune --Poverty --Disfigurement --DEATH Next to each item on the 'menu' is a price, with the death curse being the most expensive by far. However, it's clear from the chalky scuff marks that each price has been erased and re-written a number of times, going lower each time. The unspoken meaning is clear: business is not good. The sound of the door creaking open reaches her ear. Sunlight glints off of her round glasses as she looks up. "Hallo, welcome. We are open until sundown, so feel free to look around. But do buy something, ja? This is a serious establishment."