ou're still stinging a little from the insult, but decide it's best not to make a scene here on the street. You don't want to have your magic discovered, especially when you need to get back to your original age somehow. You leave the thug laughing with his posse, and make your way back to where you think the magic shop should be.
When you walk into the shop, the first thing you do is head towards the discount box. Nothing in here is labeled like the ring was. You've had some unexpected turns already, and you're not eager to end up in some unknown hell. You bring the box to the front and set it down on the glass countertop. You notice this is not the same middle-aged man who served you yesterday, but someone new. The clerk eyes you up and down. He seems to stare at your face, then leans over the counter slightly, pausing when he sees your humongous feet. He raises his eyes to meet yours again, with a wry smile. "Ah, so I see you tried out the ring."
This clerk is an older man. His hair is a shiny silver, and he has a well-groomed mustache the same color. He's wearing a crisp white dress shirt, which displays a pin with the name of the store on his breast pocket. His gaze is intense, his icy blue eyes studying you carefully. His nose and jaw are long, but he is still very handsome for his age. You think he might be in his mid-50s, but you can't be sure. If this is a real magic shop, he might be in his mid-500s. His hands are resting neatly on the glass display, his fingers covered with expensive looking jewelry, a high-end watch sparkling on his wrist.
You decide to speak directly. "Can you tell me what these do? I want to buy more from you, but I want to be careful of any side-effects. I've already had some surprises." The old clerk smiles. "I can certainly tell you what those items do, my good man, but unfortunately you won't be buying any." He raises his hand theatrically, gesturing in a practiced manner to a sign on his left. 'ONE ITEM PER CUSTOMER. ALL SALES FINAL. REVERSAL OF ANY MAGICS WILL BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL FEES.' You slump a little. You feel a small twinge of pain from the improper posture and you make a conscious effort to stand up straight again. You guess your body is a little more fragile now. "Oh."
The man has a twinkle in his eye, and considers you for a moment. After a weighty pause, he speaks. "I will inform you that I am the proprietor of this shop. My apprentice, who sold you that ring, may not have emphasized the importance of careful consideration with its use." You look into his wolfish eyes hopefully. "I have created the rules this shop operates by, and it is within my discretion to make adjustments in special cases." The shop owner reaches his hand into his pocket and places another ring into your hands.
"This is a sister ring to the one you purchased. In truth, the magical energy inside has been calling out to be reunited with its companion." You look at the ring, also made of a cheap plastic. There is a gem in the middle, but it is smooth and flawless, unlike the chipped one on your finger. It's vintage packaging bears the header: 'THE SPLENDID RING OF BALANCE'. The old gentleman elaborates. "Whereas your ring was intended to switch features, this ring averages the two. For example, a short man and a tall one would both become medium height. It works similarly to yours; you focus on a quality and a target and kiss the ring. Once per day, as with the other." He hands it to you. "You can have it to complete the pair, but be warned. With your ring, there is always the chance to switch back. Once you average something, however, it cannot be easily undone; you'll need to trade the feature away or find a creative resolution." You reach for your wallet, and the old man gives you another theatrical gesture, raising a flat hand. "No need, [name]. Consider the reunion of these two items fate." You accept the ring and turn to leave, nearly tripping when your canoe-sized feet collide. You smile sheepishly and successfully make your way out.
You thank the man one last time and leave the store, sliding the new ring onto your finger. You throw the packaging away in a nearby trash can and consider your next move. What are you going to do with your newfound power?