Minted Measure [AW]

Paladin smile as the woman spoke of what she was after. His nod was approving as she described her plans for it, and he added with a chuckle, “It’s also very good for the ailments of old age, like arthritis. I’m afraid I may have to start using it myself by my next season.”

He glanced down at the water mint, deliberating, before bent and gently began working a paw into the wet soil around the roots. Water Mint was a virile plant, capable of overtaking their area, so he planned to surround these plants with a wide circle of tree bark if he could find just the right type of tree to use for such a purpose. The bark would contain the root system, and keep the mint from overtaking the rest of his various gardens he’d planted around Valhalla over the years.

Gently he prized the separated mint plants free of the ground and tucked them into his bag. Luta introduced herself, and Paladin obliged her with a smile, “I am Paladin Ancora, Incandescent Courage of Valhalla—or one of its more experienced wolves of the Healer’s Circle. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady.”

As she moved to start a fire, Paladin shook his head with a chuckle, scanning the surroundings as he confirmed easily, “Not one bit. My pack has a cave solely devoted to keeping a fire lit year-round. Certainly makes concocting various remedies much simpler.”

His eyes fell on the bowl with some interest as he asked, “Might I ask what material that bowl is made of? We’ve made many clay bowls and jars at home, but I’m not certain what this might be made of.”