Ariel

"Hey Cassie," the cashier says to the fifteen-year-old goth as she walks into Incense 'n' Things. Unlike Tandy's other magic shop, The Magic Touch, Incense 'n' Things caters more to the gothic style of life frequently associated with those interested in witchcraft.

The cashier is a gothic girl in her early twenties named Ariel who dyes her naturally red hair purple with green tips; a very odd hairdo that goes well with her equally bizarre favorite shirt (a black turtleneck with only one sleeve), which she is wearing today.

"Same to you, Ariel," Cassie answers with a grin that's become quite rare these days. "Have anything new?"

"Got a new book in the back. I looked through it and there's some awesome stuff, but if you want to buy it you will be broke for awhile."

"How much are we talking?"

"One-twenty."

Cassie winces. "Any chance you could hold it for me for a few weeks?"

"Sorry, Cass," the cashier replies with a shrug, "The manager has been cracking down on holding things, and this job has too many perks to risk losing." Ariel stops and thinks for a second, before asking, "How much do you have on you?"

"Half."

"Here's what I'll do. I will..."