Theaton can tell that the ground in front of the threshold is well trodden and recently used, in fact many of the grasses and plants were cut within the last month.
He also sees within the building a bubbling pot over a fire and shelving containing various bottles and flasks with a few filled with liquids. Herbs hang from the ceiling next to meats and on a patched couch sits an old man staring at the fire beneath the pot, transfixed.
Theaton opens the unlocked door and speaks from the doorway. The old man looks up, startled.
He replies in an excited and jittery voice, "H-Hello there! I am Bokken the alchemist! I really was not expecting anyone here! Out in the wilds there is an abundance of natural herbs of great quality, not yet touched by man. But there's monsters... Monsters with useful bits in them as well. Some have to die, others you must run from.
"Except of course Fangberries. I haven't seen them for months and I really, really need them! If you find a berry bush with very long and sharp thorns, I could do with a bagful.
"And then there's my brother." He lifts up his right hand, missing his little finger. "Bastard cut that off me the last time he hit my mother, Desna rest her soul. But he took off right after to live in a hollow tree down south rather than face the guards, so I guess it all worked out well enough."
Bokken replies, "Oh, my! Things out of dreams and things out of nightmares. Huge monsters like The ugly green ones with huge teeth, something the size of a bear with the head of an owl and large mounds of compost with tentacles that feed on the living. Gods forbid you come across another human, if they're not desperate then you don't know their motives. Trust nothing out there.
"I mostly deal in potions that help the drinker. It's too cold up here to find the ingredients for fire bombs. Acid flasks are too simple of a weapon to be effective, but I will sell them for just 10 gold.
"However, I can also make you invisible for a short time, or bolster your defenses, or increase your strength. Or even oils that enhance your weapons, or create a dark shroud.
"Then there's the usual. Antitoxin, smelling salts, beast scent and cure wounds potions of various strength. So, what did you have in mind?"
"Good questions! Good questions! I would suggest 2 acid flasks for 20 gold, antitoxin for 50, a cure light wounds for 50, an obscuring mist for 50, and endure elements for 50, and an invisibility for 150. So all up 370 gold pieces. If you find those berries, I'll half that price! That's what I recommend if you want to be sure for every situation, but you can take out whatever you want.
"Of course, you shouldn't trust me," He smiles and shows his yellowed teeth. "But my potions speak for themselves. I don't sell bad product. If anything I can't trust you! How do I know when you'll find some berries?"