Smoke for the Soul

As Caedes wandered past Aurelia's den, the familiar aroma of medicinal herbs and soothing incense greeted him like an old friend. His emerald eyes were drawn towards the entrance, where Aurelia diligently worked at her workstation, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight that played across her features, creating dancing shadows there.

Intrigued, Caedes silently approached, observing Aurelia's skilled hands(paws) as she expertly ground a mixture of herbs into a fine powder. Kava, lavender, chamomile, and valerian blended seamlessly under her practiced touch. Caedes tilted his skull, feeling a bit curious, prompting him to announce his presence with a gentle thud of his tail against the entryway wall.

"Do you mind if I join you, as a somewhat overgrown student?" Caedes inquired, lingering in the doorway, his gaze fixed on Aurelia with genuine interest in place of stoicism.