Chapter 33

The carriage trundled along the dusty road, a symphony of creaks and rattles accompanying the gentle sway of the vehicle. Lilah, her head resting against the back of the seat, couldn't help but steal glances at Ysabel, who sat beside her, seemingly lost in a world of her own. Ysabel's brow was smooth, her face relaxed, and a faint smile played on her lips. It was a rare sight, this tranquility that seemed to emanate from her, and Lilah found herself inexplicably charmed by it.

The journey back to Tyverah had been an unexpected one. Lilah, having returned to Dydilah to fetch Ysabel, had been surprised to find Aleric with Ysabel in the gate and just waiting for her arrival. Lilah had observed them from afar, from Ysabel, discreetly stealing glances to Aleric ,to Aleric who's been so oblivious by ysabel's side. Though they had not spoken much, Lilah had sensed the contentment from that days activity, an understanding that transcended words.

Now, as the carriage rattled closer to Ysabel's cottage, Lilah broke the silence. "Ysabel," She said, her voice warm and reassuring, "take a rest tonight. Tomorrow, we'll be venturing forth."

Ysabel's eyes fluttered open, and she turned to Lilah with a gentle smile.

"Where are we going?" She asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Lilah leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous glint.

"To the House of Umbra," She said, the words practically dancing off her tongue. "Not far from here."

A wave of confusion washed over Ysabel's face, her brow furrowing slightly. "The House of Umbra?" She repeated, her voice laced with a hint of trepidation.

Lilah laughed, her eyes shining with amusement.

"Yes, Ysabel," She said.

"Aleric's place. Off you go now, darling," Lilah said, her tone playful as she gestured towards the cottage. With a final, teasing wink, she urges the horse forward, watching as Ysabel disappeared into the cottage.

Once the door was secured, Ysabel wasted no time. Her heart raced with excitement, a mix of anticipation and nervousness bubbling within her. She quickly made her way to her small, cozy room, her bag clutched tightly in her hand.

With a flourish, she dumped the contents of her bag onto the table. It was a jumbled mess of small, colorful bottles, fragrant candles, wax, canisters, woven string, and a small pouch filled with shimmering crystal dust. A kaleidoscope of colors and scents filled the room, creating a sensory experience that was both exhilarating and comforting.

Ysabel's eyes sparkled as she surveyed her treasures.

"I think I spent a lot on these,"

She murmured, a slight grimace crossing her face as she remembered the silver coin she'd spent. But the guilt was quickly overshadowed by a surge of excitement as she began to visualize what she could create with these magical ingredients.

She moved to her small kitchen, where she carefully lit a candle, its soft flame casting dancing shadows on the walls. Holding the bowl with a piece of cloth to protect her hands from the heat, she started to pour the wax, mixing in the crushed herbs and crystal dust. The scent of lavender and pine filled the air, a gentle reminder of the bustling market she had visited earlier. As the wax melted, she added a drop of oil from each bottle, watching in fascination as the mixture transformed.

But as she stirred, a sudden realization dawned on her. She had forgotten to purchase a spoon. Her gaze swept across the table, landing on a piece of a thin tree branch, smooth and sturdy, that Lilah had left behind during a previous visit. With a chuckle, Ysabel decided to use it as a makeshift spoon, grateful for Lilah's unintentional gift.

As she stirred the mixture, her thoughts turned to Aleric and the others who had been so kind to her, despite her being a stranger to them. A wave of gratitude washed over her, and she felt compelled to offer a prayer of protection.

"Aleric and the others have been so kind to me, even though I'm a stranger to them," She whispered, her voice barely audible above the gentle crackling of the candle flame.

"So I pray I might be of help, even with this little thing. May the strength of the earth breathe cleansing air and warmth of fire, and may the wisdom of pristine water continuously surround them. May darkness not dim their light. Please protect my friends, by God, this I pray."

She finished her prayer, her heart filled with a newfound sense of purpose. A gentle warmth spread through her, a feeling of connection to those she had come to care for so deeply. She knew, that come what may, her loyalty will be with them, and perhaps in the future she'll be able to be of help to them, to the place they hold so dear.

With a soft breath, Ysabel extinguished the candle, plunging the room into darkness. The only light came from the moonbeams filtering through the window, casting long, dancing shadows across the walls. The darkness, however, did not frighten her. She felt a strange sense of peace, as if the darkness held secrets, whispered promises of a world yet to be discovered.

The wax, cooling rapidly in the bowl, had begun to thicken. With careful hands, Ysabel poured it into the small canisters, sealing them with lids and tying them with woven string. She worked with a quiet intensity, each movement precise and purposeful. The delicate aroma of herbs and oils filled the air, a tangible reminder of the magic she was creating.

As she finished her task, a wave of satisfaction washed over her. The canisters, nestled neatly on the table, held more than just scented wax. They held her gratitude, her hope, and her silent pledge to protect those she now considered her friends.

That night after a very long time, Ysabel finally drifted to sleep with a new found peace.