Two weeks had passed since the hunt the falling snow grew stronger and air grew colder. Isolde found herself in Natalia's office reading over some tomes. Natalia was pouring over a tincture as they spoke "What's that?" Isolde asked, setting aside a dusty volume on herb lore.
"A remedy," Natalia replied without looking up. She measured out a precise amount of dried lavender into a small mortar. "For headaches."
Isolde frowned. "You're making your own remedies now? I thought you had an entire pharmacy at your disposal." Natalia's fingers stilled for just a moment before resuming their work. "I do. But some things... some things are better made by hand." Her tone was careful, measured. Isolde watched her crush the lavender with a small pestle, the aroma filling the room.
"What troubles you so?" Isolde asked suddenly.
"Old age." Natalia responded bluntly. Isolde scoffed, "You're not even sixty." Natalia's hands paused their work, a small smile forming.
