The bell above the door chimed softly as an older man stepped into the shop, the scent of dried herbs and faint citrus teasing his nose.
Ren turned with a practiced smile, already holding a small pouch in his hand. "Back for more of the mountain green, Master Dolen?"
The old man chuckled, his beard twitching with the motion. "Of course. You expect me to drink the city's sour leaf water?"
Ren laughed, weighing out the tea leaves. "Perish the thought. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy."
Dolen leaned on the counter, eyes gleaming. "You keep me young, boy."
"I try." Ren said, slipping the pouch across the counter. "Maybe next time I'll steep in some anti-aging herbs."
"Bah! That'd ruin the taste." Dolen scoffed, handing over a few copper pieces. "Don't go changing your recipe."
Ren gave a theatrical bow. "Wouldn't dream of it."
They exchanged a few more words before the old man shuffled out into the street, the bell ringing again behind him.
