She had left Gabriel buried in his books, his eagerness to decipher the depth of each magical tome increased hundredfold since his run in with the Demon.
Audrey Ashgrove sighs, running her hand through her hair. The pain caused by the burns had been alleviated through the care and skill of Healers and ArchDruids, yet Gabe had hidden himself away since returning from the Infirmary. She had coaxed him into just one moonlit stroll since his brush with death and she was certain his fear of being rejected by people because of the burns on his face and hands was keeping him in hiding.
Audrey Ashgrove breathed in the aroma of the forest and sea as she crossed the walkway leading to Cheshire. She waved gaily to the young woman who lived in the small house outside the walls of the town. As yet, her shyness had kept her from talking to the girl, but she lingered each time she passed to savour the delicious smell of pies and bread wafting from the house.
Audrey Ashgrove looked toward the setting sun. The beauty of these Lands was spellbinding and it was easy to lose track of time, but she quickly passed the arched entryway to Cheshire, nodding at the guards on duty and headed towards the island, a short way across the sea, where the Hobbits lived their peaceful, happy lives.
Audrey Ashgrove smiled as she neared the bridge adjoining the Isle, keeping an eye peeled for Juste the Hobbit, who had been so friendly to her shortly after she arrived. She had not known of Hobbits in her own homeland and their gaiety and ease was infectious.
She wandered through the long grass towards a large oak tree, her gaze keenly watching the sunset, searching the ground for the reason for this journey.
Audrey Ashgrove concentrated on the task ahead. She had watched her father, the ArchMagus, mix potions, oils, salves and such her whole life. She had been sent to gather flowers, herbs, leaves, bark... followed orders on how to portion and mix them... she sighed and set down her basket, kneeling in the flower covered meadow... but her father had never shared the secrets of his knowledge. She had not known the positive effects or detrimental intent of any of the potions she had unknowingly concocted for him.
Audrey Ashgrove watched the sun slide beneath the horizon, waiting patiently for the moon to rise. Gabe had shown her his books and given her the oldest, most precious one about potions to study. She had discovered a salve that was revered for healing scarring, especially from burns and she intended to try and make some for her love. She trembled as the moon began to rise and the importance of her task weighed heavily on her heart.
Audrey Ashgrove breathed in deeply, her eyes focusing on the thistles growing in abundance under the tree and at her first glimpse of the moon, she deftly plucked a handful of the blooms, moving soundlessly to the nettles nearby and harvesting another handful. Both plants purified and strengthened the skin and blood underneath. She had read that they were also used to remove curses or influences with malevolent intent. Gabe had been marked by his meeting with this Demon, he was doing his best to appear strong and fearless, yet she was sure that he worried about lasting effects from the encounter.
Audrey Ashgrove walked slowly back towards the bridge to Cheshire, a little sad that she had not met any Hobbits today, but her heart lighter seeing the moonlight making the sea glisten with diamond shards of light, as she returned to her home, determined to surprise Gabe with the potion within the next few days.
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