[Mature] Lilian's Herbal Shop
Posted: September 27th, 2019, 2:35 am
Katarya did not weep as her grandmother’s coffin was slowly lowered into the grave. She watched with a tired, red eyed stare.
She had done her crying alone; cursing and wracked with sobs when Lilian had breathed her last breath. When Lilian lay still in her bed, her grandaughter had clung onto her hand and cursed the disease that no amount of herbs and potions had been able to heal. She also cursed the city's stupid ban on magic, as she could not help wondering if someone with powerful magics in healing might have saved the person she loved most in the whole world.
But it was not to be. Her grandmother had died, and now she was being put in the ground.
The turnout was large, but not unexpected. Lilian had ran her little herb-shop, offering medicines and such to those in need, always kind, always patient, and never turning anyone away, even if they couldn’t afford what they needed. She would always accept whatever offerings were given in exchange for her help. Though the shop had been small, located in the south of the city, business was always good. The poor needed medicine just as much as anyone, and Lilian had been staunch in her view that everyone should get aid, should they need it.
Katarya could almost hear her voice now: “Oh, don’t worry Mister Garth! Let’s get a poultice on that leg and you can pay me the rest when you can afford it. And make sure to pop in with the little ones soon. Such a delight, they are! Now come, take a seat and we’ll get you sorted and back to work in a wisp’s minute.” The thought nearly broke her, and she took a deep slow breath to keep the tears at bay.
“Kat?”
She turned and took her eyes from the grave. She blinked and cleared her throat. “Sorry Cora; What did you say?”
Cora had been her friend since she was a little girl, and now, both women were twenty two. Cora was married and currently very much pregnant. Katarya had never even given much thought to a family of her own, something that Cora was always going on at her about. Also, Cora was the only person who knew what she was, now that her grandmother had passed, that is.
Pregnancy suited Cora. The young woman and her husband had been trying for a child for a full year before she had come to see Lilian for help. With some herbs and potions (not to mention a little magic), Cora had been overjoyed when her monthlies had stopped. The short young woman wanted nothing more than a whole brood. Right now though, she looked concerned. “Mister Cale suggested some drinks to toast your grandmother.” Cora’s own face was streaked with shed tears. “If you’d like, that is.”
Katarya’s head turned back to the grave. “Yes,” she said, after a while. “I suppose we should.”
***
It was a long walk to Mac’s from the graveyard. Cora had linked arms with Katarya as they walked. Around them, people were trading stories of their visits to Lilian’s shop (simply called ‘Lilian’s’), and the kindness of the woman in general.
Katarya would have given anything to break free of this little crowd and go back home, but even then it would be a home empty of the only mother she had ever known. Instead she focused on Cora’s chatter as they strode through the city, their small heels tapping along the cobbles.
“I see Karl is behaving himself, for once.” She said to Kat, motioning slightly to the young man who walked a few steps ahead.
“Thank Ny’tha,” Katarya muttered back. “I couldn’t handle him fawning over me today.”
“Well, at least it shows he has some tact, after all. Maybe you should reconsider him, Kat.” Cora gave her a small smile.
“I’d sooner not.” Katarya said, with a role of her eyes. “I doubt the man has a brain in that head of his!”
“He’s very handsome, though.” Cora countered. “And he’s been crazy about you since we were in our teens! My Bart could do with muscles like that!”
They turned a corner and Mac’s came in to view. Katarya just wanted to get this day over with, but also she felt guilty for even feeling that way. All these people were mourning, and their constant “I’m sorry for your loss’ and ‘if there is anything I can do’ was kind, but it begun to grate on her.
When they entered, Mister Cale spoke to Mac and then announced that the tavern owner had allowed them to sit upstairs on the second floor, so that they might have a quieter space for the informal wake.
***
“ … and just know that if you need anything, anything at all, then you just let me know, dear.”
Katarya managed a smile as the old woman patted her arm. “Thank you, Mrs Slate. That’s very kind.”
“Oh, not at all!” Mrs Slate responded. “Dear Lilian … she was such a kind soul, and here you are left with no one at home. I shall be so worried about you, having lost your poor mother and grandfather so early … and now Lilian.” The woman’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I don’t know how you’ll manage, all by yourself.
‘Thank you for the reminder.’ She thought, sardonically. But instead gave the woman a kind (if a little forced) smile. “With friends and neighbours like you, I am sure I will have no time to even worry about such things.”
Mrs Slate gave a smile, even if her face was a little puzzled at the statement. “Well, yes. And as I say, if you need …”
“If I need anything, I will be sure to stop by.” Katarya cut her off. “Thank you, Mrs Slate.” When the older woman left the table, Katarya winced as Cora pinched her arm. “What was that for?!”
Cora gave her a stern look. “You might as well have just told her to ‘bugger off’!” She sighed. “Really, Kat! These people are just here to honour your grandmother, and they are offering their support. You might even need it, sometime. Try and be nice.”
Reaching for her wine glass, Katarya took a good drink, then shrugged. “But, I’m not nice, Cora.”
“Then fake it.” Cora commanded, then gave her friend a nudge. “Here comes Karl; I’ll give you some privacy.”
Katarya turned to Cora with a scowl. “Don’t you dare!”
But Karl had just reached the table, and Cora was already on her feet. “Oh, hello Karl. I was just going to get a drink. Back in a moment.” Her blue eyes fixed Katarya with a look that had ‘be nice!’ etched into it.
Katarya took a slow breath of frustration, but turned to look at Karl who had taken a seat at the small table Katarya had specifically chosen so that she wouldn’t be surrounded by too many people. “Good afternoon, Karl.” She said, with some resignation in her voice.
Karl Hobson was the son and assistant to Master Hobson who ran a smithy. Because of his work, Karl was well built and his muscles strained at the shirt he wore (which Kat assumed he did on purpose, to show off). Couple that with a very handsome face, full of boyish charm, and that he had a trade, and many a young lass would give their right hand to be his wife. He had set his sights on Katarya since she was 14 and he 15, and had tried (and failed) many times over the years to ‘woo’ her. At first it had been amusing, then it had become irritating. “Hello, Kat.” He said, placing his tankard on the table.
She glanced at the mug with annoyance. ‘Oh please, do take a seat!’ She thought.
“It was a lovely service,” he said; another phrase she was sick of hearing. “It’s strange to think Mrs Lilian is gone. I thought she’d live forever.” He shook his head. “I’ll miss her giving me a ticking off for hanging around the shop.”
Kat smiled a little, despite herself. Memories were conjured in her head at the words he spoke, memories of Lilian shooing Karl out of the shop. “You can leave your attempts at romance when my granddaughter isn’t busy. Come on! Off with you now!”
After getting no reply, he simply carried on. “Will you be keeping the shop?”
She blinked at the question. “Of course! Why wouldn’t I?”
Karl shrugged. “Well, you were always talking of taking off on adventures; visiting Ajteire and all that. I reckoned you might do it, is all.”
It was true: she had always talked of leaving the city when she had got together enough coin. But now … leaving the shop her grandmother had ran for 30 years to go to some stranger … it seemed unthinkable. “No, I will keep it open and run it. Maybe not as well as her, but I’ll do my best.” She wondered if her best would be good enough! She was only 22, and though she had worked in the shop all her life, and could think of a hundred different potions and medicines off the top of her head, she had nowhere near the skill and knowledge her grandmother had possessed. “I will do my best with it. Lilian’s will reopen after I see out the mourning period.”
Karl nodded. “Well, I am pleased you’re staying. And if you need anything fixing up or …”
“I’ll be fine.” Kat said, quickly.
“There’s no need to be so proud,” he said. “Things fall apart, and I’d never charge, of course. Since we’re close friends and all that.”
With a raised brow, she gave him a pointed look. “‘Close’?” It wasn’t really a question. “I doubt we’d be called ‘close’, Karl.”
“Ah, come now, Kat. We’ve known each other since we were both kids! I’d say that would make us pretty close.” He sat forward a little. “How abouts I walk you home, when you’re ready?”
Kat rolled her eyes, turning away from his gaze. “I think not, Karl.”
***
“Oh, Ny’tha … what have I done?” She said, to herself, glancing at Karl’s slumbering (and very naked) form beside her. She had regretted it as soon as it was all over. There was no denying his stamina, at least, and she had found some relief through the release that their coupling had given her.
[ To view this content, you must log in. ] But there would be no denying that he would now assume she was ‘his girl’, and his pestering would only increase. Also, she didn’t really want the whole city knowing about this mistake, for she had no doubt that he would brag and tell all that he had managed to catch the famously stand-offish Katarya Frost.
Moving slowly, she swung her legs out of bed and reached for something to cover her naked form. The candles were almost completely spent, and for a moment she watched him with her deep brown eyes. He was handsome, and kind, and she didn’t even doubt that he did love her … could she see a future with him?
No. She could never be his wife. She couldn’t imagine ever being anyone’s wife!
Moving softly she made her way downstairs to the shop, holding a candle to light the way. She modest place was stacked with herbs of all kinds. She needed a particular one, for tonight …
It took a little while. She placed a mug on the floor and poured in the liquid into it. Taking a slow breath, she closed her eyes and held her hands over it. As she spoke the words of the spell, a soft glow grew around the mug. When the spell was complete, the glow faded, and Katarya nodded in satisfaction. “This’ll do, I think.” She said to herself.
Back upstairs, she poured the liquid into the mug of wine that sat on the bedside table, next to Karl, who was still snoring softly in the dim light. When she did, she hesitated a moment … it would take an hour or so for the spell-infused potion to take effect, so …
Slipping her night-dress off, she sat on the edge of the bed, running her hands over his muscled chest. She dipped her head down and kissed him, drawing him out of his slumber.
“Mmmm,” Karl opened his eyes, looking sleepy but pleased. “That’s nice.” He said.
Kat smiled taking the mug and offering it to him. “Drink up,” she said. “I’m not done with you just yet.”
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***
Closing the door to the shop, and the cold night air the night had brung, Katarya had watched Karl stumble off into the darkness, rubbing his head. She was sure he would get home alright; the spell had been a simple memory erasing one, so he would have no idea what he had been doing with Katarya.
She was now physically exhausted, as well as being emotionally and mentally beat. She got back into bed and collapsed, falling into a deep slumber.
***
The next day, she slept in. No one would expect her to open up the shop for at least two weeks, so she could mourn. They probably assumed she would be a sad, weeping young woman who would spend time taking tea with various people who had been insistent she shouldn’t be alone during this time. But that was not Kat’s plan, at all.
Of course she was sad; almost unbearably sad at times, but she had some work to do.
As she made her way into her grandmother’s bedroom, which she assumed she ought to move into since it was the largest of the two, the scent of lavender and chamomile filled her senses; two herbs Lilian always had hanging in her room to help her sleep. Katarya fought back tears and focused on what she was in there for. The chest.
It was nothing fancy, purposely so as not to draw attention to it. It was locked, but no key would open it. Reaching into her pocket, Kat pulled out the parchment her grandmother had given her on her deathbed. It was instructions to open this very chest.
Placing her palm on the lock, Katarya began to chant the words on the parchment. It took a while to get it right, and she wondered if her grandmother had written it wrong due to her bad health, but at last it clicked. Kat opened the top, and looked down at the thick heavy book within.
It was the Frost family’s very own Book of Shadows; a tome of spells, potions, instructions … dating back four generations. She had only ever seen it once before, but now it was hers.
“I wish I had had time to show you how to use your power, my darling girl.” Lilian had said, as she lay dying. “But my heart is failing fast. You’ll have to use that bright mind of yours, and also caution; keep it secret and keep it well.”
Lilian died later that day, no more than an hour after she had managed to write down the incantation to open the chest.
Katarya ran a hand over the book’s solid cover. It had symbols on it; wards mostly, wards that would ensure it would keep it’s secrets if it were to fall into unwanted hands. But as Katarya was a Frost, she opened the book and there was the patchwork writings of her family members, witches and wizards who had preceded her. Now it was hers.
***
Opening the shop for the first time, Katarya turned the sign to let people know they could come, and dreaded at the inevitable visits from people wanting to wish her well. She still wore black, though only a simple dress and black ribbon in her braided hair. It suited her well.
Now … who would be her very first customer?
She had done her crying alone; cursing and wracked with sobs when Lilian had breathed her last breath. When Lilian lay still in her bed, her grandaughter had clung onto her hand and cursed the disease that no amount of herbs and potions had been able to heal. She also cursed the city's stupid ban on magic, as she could not help wondering if someone with powerful magics in healing might have saved the person she loved most in the whole world.
But it was not to be. Her grandmother had died, and now she was being put in the ground.
The turnout was large, but not unexpected. Lilian had ran her little herb-shop, offering medicines and such to those in need, always kind, always patient, and never turning anyone away, even if they couldn’t afford what they needed. She would always accept whatever offerings were given in exchange for her help. Though the shop had been small, located in the south of the city, business was always good. The poor needed medicine just as much as anyone, and Lilian had been staunch in her view that everyone should get aid, should they need it.
Katarya could almost hear her voice now: “Oh, don’t worry Mister Garth! Let’s get a poultice on that leg and you can pay me the rest when you can afford it. And make sure to pop in with the little ones soon. Such a delight, they are! Now come, take a seat and we’ll get you sorted and back to work in a wisp’s minute.” The thought nearly broke her, and she took a deep slow breath to keep the tears at bay.
“Kat?”
She turned and took her eyes from the grave. She blinked and cleared her throat. “Sorry Cora; What did you say?”
Cora had been her friend since she was a little girl, and now, both women were twenty two. Cora was married and currently very much pregnant. Katarya had never even given much thought to a family of her own, something that Cora was always going on at her about. Also, Cora was the only person who knew what she was, now that her grandmother had passed, that is.
Pregnancy suited Cora. The young woman and her husband had been trying for a child for a full year before she had come to see Lilian for help. With some herbs and potions (not to mention a little magic), Cora had been overjoyed when her monthlies had stopped. The short young woman wanted nothing more than a whole brood. Right now though, she looked concerned. “Mister Cale suggested some drinks to toast your grandmother.” Cora’s own face was streaked with shed tears. “If you’d like, that is.”
Katarya’s head turned back to the grave. “Yes,” she said, after a while. “I suppose we should.”
***
It was a long walk to Mac’s from the graveyard. Cora had linked arms with Katarya as they walked. Around them, people were trading stories of their visits to Lilian’s shop (simply called ‘Lilian’s’), and the kindness of the woman in general.
Katarya would have given anything to break free of this little crowd and go back home, but even then it would be a home empty of the only mother she had ever known. Instead she focused on Cora’s chatter as they strode through the city, their small heels tapping along the cobbles.
“I see Karl is behaving himself, for once.” She said to Kat, motioning slightly to the young man who walked a few steps ahead.
“Thank Ny’tha,” Katarya muttered back. “I couldn’t handle him fawning over me today.”
“Well, at least it shows he has some tact, after all. Maybe you should reconsider him, Kat.” Cora gave her a small smile.
“I’d sooner not.” Katarya said, with a role of her eyes. “I doubt the man has a brain in that head of his!”
“He’s very handsome, though.” Cora countered. “And he’s been crazy about you since we were in our teens! My Bart could do with muscles like that!”
They turned a corner and Mac’s came in to view. Katarya just wanted to get this day over with, but also she felt guilty for even feeling that way. All these people were mourning, and their constant “I’m sorry for your loss’ and ‘if there is anything I can do’ was kind, but it begun to grate on her.
When they entered, Mister Cale spoke to Mac and then announced that the tavern owner had allowed them to sit upstairs on the second floor, so that they might have a quieter space for the informal wake.
***
“ … and just know that if you need anything, anything at all, then you just let me know, dear.”
Katarya managed a smile as the old woman patted her arm. “Thank you, Mrs Slate. That’s very kind.”
“Oh, not at all!” Mrs Slate responded. “Dear Lilian … she was such a kind soul, and here you are left with no one at home. I shall be so worried about you, having lost your poor mother and grandfather so early … and now Lilian.” The woman’s eyes brimmed with tears. “I don’t know how you’ll manage, all by yourself.
‘Thank you for the reminder.’ She thought, sardonically. But instead gave the woman a kind (if a little forced) smile. “With friends and neighbours like you, I am sure I will have no time to even worry about such things.”
Mrs Slate gave a smile, even if her face was a little puzzled at the statement. “Well, yes. And as I say, if you need …”
“If I need anything, I will be sure to stop by.” Katarya cut her off. “Thank you, Mrs Slate.” When the older woman left the table, Katarya winced as Cora pinched her arm. “What was that for?!”
Cora gave her a stern look. “You might as well have just told her to ‘bugger off’!” She sighed. “Really, Kat! These people are just here to honour your grandmother, and they are offering their support. You might even need it, sometime. Try and be nice.”
Reaching for her wine glass, Katarya took a good drink, then shrugged. “But, I’m not nice, Cora.”
“Then fake it.” Cora commanded, then gave her friend a nudge. “Here comes Karl; I’ll give you some privacy.”
Katarya turned to Cora with a scowl. “Don’t you dare!”
But Karl had just reached the table, and Cora was already on her feet. “Oh, hello Karl. I was just going to get a drink. Back in a moment.” Her blue eyes fixed Katarya with a look that had ‘be nice!’ etched into it.
Katarya took a slow breath of frustration, but turned to look at Karl who had taken a seat at the small table Katarya had specifically chosen so that she wouldn’t be surrounded by too many people. “Good afternoon, Karl.” She said, with some resignation in her voice.
Karl Hobson was the son and assistant to Master Hobson who ran a smithy. Because of his work, Karl was well built and his muscles strained at the shirt he wore (which Kat assumed he did on purpose, to show off). Couple that with a very handsome face, full of boyish charm, and that he had a trade, and many a young lass would give their right hand to be his wife. He had set his sights on Katarya since she was 14 and he 15, and had tried (and failed) many times over the years to ‘woo’ her. At first it had been amusing, then it had become irritating. “Hello, Kat.” He said, placing his tankard on the table.
She glanced at the mug with annoyance. ‘Oh please, do take a seat!’ She thought.
“It was a lovely service,” he said; another phrase she was sick of hearing. “It’s strange to think Mrs Lilian is gone. I thought she’d live forever.” He shook his head. “I’ll miss her giving me a ticking off for hanging around the shop.”
Kat smiled a little, despite herself. Memories were conjured in her head at the words he spoke, memories of Lilian shooing Karl out of the shop. “You can leave your attempts at romance when my granddaughter isn’t busy. Come on! Off with you now!”
After getting no reply, he simply carried on. “Will you be keeping the shop?”
She blinked at the question. “Of course! Why wouldn’t I?”
Karl shrugged. “Well, you were always talking of taking off on adventures; visiting Ajteire and all that. I reckoned you might do it, is all.”
It was true: she had always talked of leaving the city when she had got together enough coin. But now … leaving the shop her grandmother had ran for 30 years to go to some stranger … it seemed unthinkable. “No, I will keep it open and run it. Maybe not as well as her, but I’ll do my best.” She wondered if her best would be good enough! She was only 22, and though she had worked in the shop all her life, and could think of a hundred different potions and medicines off the top of her head, she had nowhere near the skill and knowledge her grandmother had possessed. “I will do my best with it. Lilian’s will reopen after I see out the mourning period.”
Karl nodded. “Well, I am pleased you’re staying. And if you need anything fixing up or …”
“I’ll be fine.” Kat said, quickly.
“There’s no need to be so proud,” he said. “Things fall apart, and I’d never charge, of course. Since we’re close friends and all that.”
With a raised brow, she gave him a pointed look. “‘Close’?” It wasn’t really a question. “I doubt we’d be called ‘close’, Karl.”
“Ah, come now, Kat. We’ve known each other since we were both kids! I’d say that would make us pretty close.” He sat forward a little. “How abouts I walk you home, when you’re ready?”
Kat rolled her eyes, turning away from his gaze. “I think not, Karl.”
***
“Oh, Ny’tha … what have I done?” She said, to herself, glancing at Karl’s slumbering (and very naked) form beside her. She had regretted it as soon as it was all over. There was no denying his stamina, at least, and she had found some relief through the release that their coupling had given her.
[ To view this content, you must log in. ] But there would be no denying that he would now assume she was ‘his girl’, and his pestering would only increase. Also, she didn’t really want the whole city knowing about this mistake, for she had no doubt that he would brag and tell all that he had managed to catch the famously stand-offish Katarya Frost.
Moving slowly, she swung her legs out of bed and reached for something to cover her naked form. The candles were almost completely spent, and for a moment she watched him with her deep brown eyes. He was handsome, and kind, and she didn’t even doubt that he did love her … could she see a future with him?
No. She could never be his wife. She couldn’t imagine ever being anyone’s wife!
Moving softly she made her way downstairs to the shop, holding a candle to light the way. She modest place was stacked with herbs of all kinds. She needed a particular one, for tonight …
It took a little while. She placed a mug on the floor and poured in the liquid into it. Taking a slow breath, she closed her eyes and held her hands over it. As she spoke the words of the spell, a soft glow grew around the mug. When the spell was complete, the glow faded, and Katarya nodded in satisfaction. “This’ll do, I think.” She said to herself.
Back upstairs, she poured the liquid into the mug of wine that sat on the bedside table, next to Karl, who was still snoring softly in the dim light. When she did, she hesitated a moment … it would take an hour or so for the spell-infused potion to take effect, so …
Slipping her night-dress off, she sat on the edge of the bed, running her hands over his muscled chest. She dipped her head down and kissed him, drawing him out of his slumber.
“Mmmm,” Karl opened his eyes, looking sleepy but pleased. “That’s nice.” He said.
Kat smiled taking the mug and offering it to him. “Drink up,” she said. “I’m not done with you just yet.”
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***
Closing the door to the shop, and the cold night air the night had brung, Katarya had watched Karl stumble off into the darkness, rubbing his head. She was sure he would get home alright; the spell had been a simple memory erasing one, so he would have no idea what he had been doing with Katarya.
She was now physically exhausted, as well as being emotionally and mentally beat. She got back into bed and collapsed, falling into a deep slumber.
***
The next day, she slept in. No one would expect her to open up the shop for at least two weeks, so she could mourn. They probably assumed she would be a sad, weeping young woman who would spend time taking tea with various people who had been insistent she shouldn’t be alone during this time. But that was not Kat’s plan, at all.
Of course she was sad; almost unbearably sad at times, but she had some work to do.
As she made her way into her grandmother’s bedroom, which she assumed she ought to move into since it was the largest of the two, the scent of lavender and chamomile filled her senses; two herbs Lilian always had hanging in her room to help her sleep. Katarya fought back tears and focused on what she was in there for. The chest.
It was nothing fancy, purposely so as not to draw attention to it. It was locked, but no key would open it. Reaching into her pocket, Kat pulled out the parchment her grandmother had given her on her deathbed. It was instructions to open this very chest.
Placing her palm on the lock, Katarya began to chant the words on the parchment. It took a while to get it right, and she wondered if her grandmother had written it wrong due to her bad health, but at last it clicked. Kat opened the top, and looked down at the thick heavy book within.
It was the Frost family’s very own Book of Shadows; a tome of spells, potions, instructions … dating back four generations. She had only ever seen it once before, but now it was hers.
“I wish I had had time to show you how to use your power, my darling girl.” Lilian had said, as she lay dying. “But my heart is failing fast. You’ll have to use that bright mind of yours, and also caution; keep it secret and keep it well.”
Lilian died later that day, no more than an hour after she had managed to write down the incantation to open the chest.
Katarya ran a hand over the book’s solid cover. It had symbols on it; wards mostly, wards that would ensure it would keep it’s secrets if it were to fall into unwanted hands. But as Katarya was a Frost, she opened the book and there was the patchwork writings of her family members, witches and wizards who had preceded her. Now it was hers.
***
Opening the shop for the first time, Katarya turned the sign to let people know they could come, and dreaded at the inevitable visits from people wanting to wish her well. She still wore black, though only a simple dress and black ribbon in her braided hair. It suited her well.
Now … who would be her very first customer?