let us live, since we must die

She had barely had a few sips of her tea when her feline companion came trotting through the door. A hint of a herb sitting gently in his maw. He placed it on the bench and she put down her tea to inspect it further. "Trillium!" She said, delight in her tone. "You found Trillium! Show me!" She was already making for the door. She paused once, looking back at her bow regretfully. She felt strongly naked without it. But it was wet, if she pulled it down now it would wrinkle. She'd be back for it soon. Soon. And with Trillium to make more cleaning salves. She bustled out the door after her companion, falling into a quick lope as she chased him out of Ashen territory. Her tea discarded and forgotten in her haste.

Whe found the first batch and spent her time picking it gently and storing it carefully in her pack. Then, she spent the next few hours scouring every inch of the territory. She needed to ensure she wasn't missing a batch of it. If there was one, then there had to be another to pollinate it. After many hours of scouring, night fell. Her knees were dirty, and her paws were sore. It was time to give up the search. Her find of Trillium was small. But that wasn't unsurprising. Rare as it was.

With a light jump to her step, she started back to Ashen. Already planning out a use for every single crumb of the Trillium. And then some.

It was very late when she arrived back at the apothecary, and she slowed her steps. Inc would be asleep and she didn't want to wake him. So she crept through the door. She would store her herbs, and then she would fall into his arms. She would see if he stirred when she kissed the nape of us neck. If he didn't, she would let him sleep. If he did, she would enjoy what was turning into a vigorous and healthy night life between them. She was so lost in her thoughts, she didn't even notice him waiting there.