"Hmmm, let's see what a pinch of powdered mandrake root does." I mutter to myself. Adding the fine brown powder caused the contents of the beaker to bubble and turn from light blue to a vibrant green. It also released a cloud of spicy smoke that causes me to cough but it wasn't an unpleasant aroma. Consulting a tome I continue to muse, "The restorative properties of the root should work well with the calming effects of the chamomile. I wonder if that will counter the invigorate abilities of the ivy flowers..."

I sit back and think for a while. The air is filled with different scents, heavy with a wide range of smells. The afternoon light filling in through the window is tinged with the vapors and smoke from a number of different bubbling vials and beakers. The air shimmers with different colors adding a delightful ambiance to my otherwise plain wood and stone laboratory.

I walk to my racks and look thoughtfully at the containers. Thousands of bottles and jars line the wall containing ingredients mundane to the magical. "What will help with clearheadedness...too much mandrake causes delusions not to mention the wormwood base can react for hallucination. Not an ideal mix...."

So lost in thought I don't even hear the front door to the shop unlock and someone bustle in. It takes the dropping of a basket and a loud noise from my assistant for me to notice. "Oh hello Penelope. I trust your errands were fruitful?"

My young apprentice smiles back, proudly showing off the basket and sacks she carried in. "Yes sir Master! Found a lot of lavender and clover in the fields. Also have a nice supply of burdock roots and flowers, early this time of year. Our order from the shipping company came in and Master Thames threw in some extra manioc roots and powdered cinnamon." She looks at my experiment table and groans in mock weariness. "Experimenting again Master?"

I push up my magnification monocle and give her a disapproving look. "Always experimenting my dear. As an alchemist you always need to. You never stop learning and it's good to keep the skills sharp and the mind curious."

"But we are behind on work! Don't we have all those orders to do? We don't have time for you to mess about when we are so busy." She replies as she puts away the new ingredients.

"Bite your tongue Miss." I return with fake affront in my tone. "I spent the morning working while you slept in late and then took your time on the errands." I point at several beakers in turn and name them from memory and sight. "Madame Goshawk's rash remover only needs to simmer for another hour then is finished. The cushioning oil for Engineer Jorus is titrating and will be completed this evening. The sterilization fluid for the apothecary just needs some more powdered mountain scales, you did get them yes, and then will be finished. Finally we just need to combine those two vials and the restorative for young Bethany's cough will be finished."

Penelope finished putting the items away and gives me her impish smile. She points at a beaker of brown fluid. "What is that then?"

I gesture for her to try it. "Merchant Senna gave me some to try. It comes from a land to the south and is supposed to be a drink to improve wakefulness." I smile at her grimace. "Yes that was my reaction as well. Quite bitter isn't it? It's called Kafee or some such name. It is cheaper to make then our usual invigoration draught so it may be worth experimenting with."

"What's that over the fire? It looks lumpy and may be not going well." Penelope asks giving it a wary look.

"That is supper my dear. If my chicken and dumplings don't look good to you then you may make something else for your dinner." She gives me a doleful look with a whimper and I shake my head, my smile joining hers as she takes a sip from a ladle. "How about Lady Fisra's love potion?"

"When will that woman learn I won't make it. I don't do love potions. Cause far too much trouble." I say with a scowl.

"Then how is making Mayor Winstead's virility potion any different from making a love potion?" Penelope asks me with wide innocent eyes that clash with the graphic hand and body gestures she makes.

I shrug awkwardly stifling a smile. "Stop that silly girl! Well I suppose the difference is that the mayor still needs to use his natural charms for him to have the opportunity to use said potion." Her snort shows what she thinks of his charms and I laugh in agreement. "Also, not that you deserve it, I finished your allergy drink. Add some foxfire petals and drink it."

"Thank you Master!" Penelope chirps happily. She sprinkles in some petals and drains the beaker, handing me the jar to put away. Looking down as I do I notice what's inside. "Penelope really, you must pay more attention. These are Siren flower petals. They are smaller and much less red than the foxfire. These also have some strange transformation properties...". Turning I see Penelope standing frozen in shock, the beaker empty and she looks at it then to me in horror.

"Now now, no need to panic." I say soothingly, walking over pat her shoulder. "Sit down here, there we go, and I'll whip up a cleansing concoction. That should do the trick" I smile encouragingly. Rather I hope so. I've never mixed Siren petals with those other ingredients before. I have no idea what's going to happen...

Hello everyone! Hope everybody is have a good day/night. Sorry for the long post but I was kind of inspired to write.

I would like to riff off this idea today. A mild fantasy theme of an alchemist living somewhere and working with his apprentice. I wanted to show off how they can make their living and do a more fun take on things.

I'm looking for something more light hearted and fun. We can do a slice of life, maybe an ingredient hunting adventure, doing some tasks, basically the sky is the limit. Or we can pick up where it ended and see what happens to Penelope. Nothing dark or dismal please. Just good fun with a sexy element.

Feel free to message me to trade ideas, kinks and limits, or just to chat. It's fun to think up of potions and solutions and what they do. I wrote the prompt as not super sex focused but of course there will be some. I just like a good balance of normal life and sex. More fun that way.

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it. Comments and critiques always welcome. Have a lovely day!