Smoke for the Soul

Aurelia stood amidst the comforting confines of the healers' den in the Polar Sound, a sanctuary of her’s that she had restored seasons ago, and was absolutely elated to be able to return to. The air was heavy with the heady scent of incense and smoldering cannabis, tendrils of fragrant smoke curling lazily around her as she worked diligently at her makeshift workstation. A soft glow emanated from the flickering candles scattered around the hollow space, casting warm shadows against the earthy walls. It was just as she had left it- including the stock she had collected before they moved for the first time. Or at least, what she hadn’t been able to take with her.

In the center of the room, on a large, flat rock next to the herb stores, she busily ground several herbs into a fine powder. Kava, Lavender, Chamomile, and Valerian all blended together in this state, barely recognizable. However, it was always useful to have a ready-made sedative just in case it was needed. She hummed tunelessly to herself, a steady rhythm that seemed to harmonize with the ever-present whistling of the Polar Sound's biting winds outside. It was cold, yes. But it was good to be back in the north.

"Aurelia Veratti"