"Sorry to bother you at this time of the day," Leonardo began, suddenly realizing he hadn't rehearsed exactly what to say. "My friend and I were journeying through the woods when she sprained her ankle. I was told to bring her here?"
The young woman blinked slowly, her expression unreadable as she processed his words. "They… told you to bring her here?" she repeated, her tone soft yet probing.
"Yes," he replied quickly. "The herbs outside made it pretty clear we were in the right place. Unless… we missed a turn somewhere?"
That earned a small laugh from her, soft and melodic. "No, you're exactly where you're meant to be. You can bring her in– I'll have a proper look at it."
She stepped aside gracefully, holding the door open. The faint scent of lavender and burning sage wafted out. Inside, the flickering light of candles revealed shelves lined with glass jars and bundles of dried plants hanging from the ceiling.
"Please," she said, gesturing for them to enter, "come in."
