A Warm Cup of Tea

We started roaming around town, searching for the town's bulletin board to see if there was anything we could do to earn some money. 

From a distance, we noticed a middle-aged woman with a walking stick, pinning a paper onto the board. Her leg seemed to be injured.

 Strixx and I approached her, and as we got closer, the woman called out to us.

 “Young boy, young girl, if you have some spare time, would you mind helping me out?”

 

Strixx instinctively hid slightly behind me, peeking from beneath her cloak.

 

I answered, “Actually, we’re new to town. Since we found out the Flower Festival we came to see is two weeks away, we need to find an inn to stay at while we wait. So, we were looking for work.”

 

The lady’s face lit up. “Ah, perfect timing! You see, young boy, my name is Finecia. I’m a herbalist—I make medicine and potions to sell. But as you can see, because of my leg, I can’t climb Vaeliris Mountain or go deep into the forest where my ingredients are. So, I usually put up help requests like this on the town bulletin. Sometimes help arrives early, sometimes late.”

 

She gave us a kind smile. “If you two are willing to help me, I can help you as well.”

 

Strixx looked up at me. “Luca… Strixx thinks we should help her…” she mumbled softly beneath her cloak, still clinging to my arm.

 

I glanced at her, then back at the lady. “Yeah, Strixx. I was just thinking the same thing.”

 

I turned to the woman. “Umm… Ms Finecia, we’d like to take up your request for as many days as possible.”

 

Finecia smiled warmly. “That would be wonderful. It’s just about helping each other, after all.”

 

Then  we looked at the lady, I asked, “Ms. Finecia, what exactly is the job about?”

 

She gave a warm smile. “I need these herbs listed on the request. They all grow on Vaeliris Mountain and should be easy to find.”

 

She paused, then looked at us thoughtfully. “Hmm… but since it’s your first time collecting herbs, you’ll need some information.”

 

She turned towards the road. “Young boy, young girl, follow me.”

 

Strixx and I followed as she led us through the quieter parts of town. Eventually, we arrived at her home, which was in a peaceful area, slightly isolated from the other houses.

 

I looked around, taking in the calm surroundings. “This seems like a really nice and quiet place, Ms. Finecia.”

 

Strixx, as always, was still clinging onto my arm.

 

 Ms. Finecia gave a soft smile. “My shop used to be in the middle of town… but when a war erupted twenty years ago, it was all destroyed. This town was nothing but ruins after the war. But little by little, people rebuilt it, and now, it’s back to what you see today.”

 

Hearing that, a thought crosses my mind. Is this the same war Riko talked about?

 

I figured I’d ask later.

 

Finecia notices my expression. “What’s wrong, young boy?”

 

I quickly shook my head. “Ah, it’s nothing.”

 

She didn’t press further and instead focuses on the herbs.

“More importantly, young boy, young girl, these are the herbs I need.”

 

She opens a jar on her shelf, revealing the dried remains of the herbs she wanted us to collect.

 

I looked at them carefully and nods. “I think I understand.”

 

Finecia gave me a knowing look. “Are you sure? Here, take these samples with you in case you forget what they look like.”

 

I smiled and took the samples. “Thank you, Ms. Finecia. That’ll be really helpful.”

 

Before we could leave, she gestures towards a small seating area outside. “Come, sit for a bit before you go.”

 

Strixx and I followed her and sat at a beautiful wooden table with chairs placed in front of her house.

 

After a moment, she returned with three cups of tea and a plate of sweet-smelling desserts.

 

She smiled as she set them down. “Try the herbal tea, young boy, young girl.”

 

Strixx, still pulling her seat close to mine, watched as I passed her a cup and a piece of the dessert. I took some for myself as well.

 

I took a sip of the tea first. It wasn’t sweet, but the fragrance of fresh herbs was incredibly soothing. The warmth of it spread through my body, leaving behind a refreshing sensation.

 

As Strixx took a sip, she leaned close and whispered in my ear. “Strixx don’t know… what is this… but… Strixx feels… happy drinking this…”

 

I smiled.

 

Then, we both took a bite of the dessert. It was soft, fragrant, and had a delicate floral sweetness.

 

Strixx took a small bite at first… but then quickly ate the whole thing in excitement.

 

She leaned in again, whispering in my ear with a delighted tone. “What is this… so good… Strixx loves it…”

 

Finecia chuckled at the sight of us. “It seems like you two are enjoying the tea and the cake.”

 

I nodded. “Ah, yes! The tea is really refreshing, and the dessert is so fluffy, fragrant, and sweet. It’s really delicious.”

 

Finecia smiled. “I’m glad you both like it.”

 

She then observed us for a moment before speaking again. “You two seem to get along really well. How long have you been traveling together?”

 

Strixx, who had been quiet and shy before, suddenly stood up with excitement.

 

“Yess… Strixx and Luca are the best… travel… buddies…” she said happily.

 

Then she added, “It’s been… two months since… Strixx… going on… journey with… Luca…”

 

Realizing how excited she sounded, she quickly sat back down, blushing in embarrassment.

 

I laughed lightly and turned to Finecia. “Yes, she’s right, Ms. Finecia.”

 

Ma.Finecia seemed a little surprised by Strixx’s energy, but she smiled warmly.

 

“That reminds me,” she said. “You two haven’t introduced yourselves yet.”

 

I laughed a little.

 “Oh, I almost forgot too. I’m Luca.”

 

I gave Strixx a small nudge so she would say hers too.

 

“Strixx is Strixx,” she said.

 

 

Ms.Finecia chuckled. “Luca and Strixx… what adorable names you two have.”

 

Ms .Finecia’s smile grew. “Would you like some more floral shortcake? No need to be shy, you know.”

 

Strixx suddenly stood up, her eyes sparkling. “Strixx would love to—”

 

Then she quickly sat back down, blushing again.

 

 Ms.Finecia chuckled. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

 

Then Ms. Finecia brought an extra serving of cake and tea for Strixx and me.

 

After finishing the tea and cake, Strixx and I thanked Ms. Finecia for the treat.

 

She smiled warmly. “It’s rare for me to have guests around. Every now and then, I serve herbal tea and chat with customers,” she said with a gentle smile.

 

I looked at her and nodded. “Ms. Finecia, we’ll be off to collect the materials you asked for.”

 

She gave us a grateful smile. “Thank you, Strixx, Luca, for your help.”

 

With that, we headed toward Vaeliris Mountain.

 

As we approached the foot of Vaeliris Mountain, the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers.

 

The surroundings were beautiful, with different kinds of flowers blooming all around.

 

I glanced around, taking in the sight. “I see… That’s why this town is called the Town of Flowers.”

 

Strixx looked around as well, then turned to me. “Can Strixx eat these flowers?”

 

I quickly shook my head. “No, no! You mustn’t eat them.”

 

She tilted her head but didn’t argue.

 

I let out a small sigh and smiled. “Come on, Strixx. Let’s collect the herbs Ms. Finecia asked for.”

 

We made our way up the mountain, searching for the herbs.

 

Fortunately, they were easy to find and in abundance, so it didn’t take long to gather everything we needed.

 

After gathering all the herbs, Strixx tugged at my sleeve, her eyes shining with curiosity.

 

“Luca… Strixx wants to see more flowers…” she murmured, almost pleading.

 

I chuckled softly. “Alright, but just for a little while.”

 

Then, we wandered around, taking in the scenery. The mountain was full of colorful flowers, their sweet scent filling the air. It felt peaceful, almost like time had slowed down.

 

However, as we explored, we eventually stumbled upon a blocked path leading further up the mountain.

 

I stopped and glanced at Strixx. “Looks like this is as far as we can go. We should head back and deliver these herbs to Ms. Finecia.”

 

Strixx, however, puffed her cheeks in protest. “But… Luca, we can just jump over that and go!” She clung to my arm, eyes filled with determination. “Strixx wants to see more! Strixx loves this place so much!”

 

Before I could say anything, a calm, gentle voice interrupted.

 

“Young girl, you mustn’t do that.”

 

Both of us turned to see an elderly man standing behind us, his expression kind yet firm.

 

The moment Strixx saw him, she gasped softly and quickly hid behind me, like a startled kitten.

 

I stiffened slightly, worried that he might scold us for wandering too far. “Ah… Sorry! We didn’t know. We’re new to town and just running an errand right now,” I explained, scratching the back of my head.

 

The old man let out a small chuckle. “No need to apologize, young boy, young girl. The path to the top of the mountain is always blocked three weeks before the festival.”

 

Hearing that, I relaxed a little. “Oh… I see,” I said, glancing at the barrier. “So, it’s not just off-limits all the time?”

 

The old man nodded.

“The Festival of Vaeliris is famous because of a special flower that only blooms at the peak of this mountain—the Vaeliris Flower.”

 

Hearing that, I pieced things together “So that’s where the town got its name?”

 

The old man smiled. “That’s right. When this town was first discovered 300 years ago, the explorers were mesmerized by the strange yet beautiful Vaeliris Flowers. And so, they named the town after them.”

 

He gestured toward the blocked path. “The way up is sealed off three weeks before the festival so that the Vaeliris Flowers can bloom in peace. Only when they reach full bloom will their petals scatter into the wind, marking the beginning of the festival.”

 

Strixx and I both nodded in understanding. Bowing slightly, I said, “Thank you for telling us.”

 

The old man’s gaze shifted toward the bundle of herbs in my hands. “I see… You two must be running an errand for Finecia.”

 

I looked up in surprise. “Oh, you know Ms. Finecia?”

 

The old man chuckled, then motioned for us to follow him.

 Strixx hesitated for a moment but clung to my hand as we followed him through the peaceful mountain paths. Eventually, we arrived at a small yet cozy-looking cottage nestled among the trees.

 The old man pushed open the door and stepped inside. “Come in, young boy, young girl.”

 We entered, and he gestured for us to sit. The place had a warm, homey feel, and the shelves were filled with jars of dried herbs, bottles of tinctures, and small bundles of flowers.

 Curious, I asked, “Mister, are you a herbalist too?”

 The old man chuckled. “Finecia, the one you speak of, was once my apprentice. She used to run errands for me.”

 Strixx and I blinked in surprise.

 The old man continued, “You two are new to town, aren’t you?”

 I nodded. “Yes… We’re travelers from far away. We came to see the festival.”

 The old man smiled. “I see…”

 Leaning forward slightly, I asked, “So Ms. Finecia was your student?”

 He nodded with a gentle smile. “Well, I wouldn’t call myself a teacher. I just shared what I knew—nothing more. But she was always so eager to learn, always watching closely, asking questions. She used to say she wanted to be a herbalist.

 His voice softened with nostalgia. “Finecia is a good girl. Many years ago, before the war, she used to come here with her friends. After playing, she would stop by my place to help out. She was always so curious about herbs, always watching me make medicine.”

 He paused for a moment, a fond smile appearing on his face. “As time passed and she grew up, she finally opened her own herbalist shop in the middle of town. But even then, she still used to visit me whenever she came to the mountain to collect herbs. No matter how busy she got, she never forgot this place.

 His expression darkened slightly. “After the war, I heard she was injured… She hurt her leg, and after that, she stopped coming by herself. Instead, the children from the town began coming here to gather herbs for her, just like she used to do for me.”

He sighed. “Ever since I knew she couldn’t climb the mountain anymore, I tried to bring her herbs myself from time to time… Not regularly, but whenever I could. But now… I’ve grown old, and my body isn’t what it used to be. Since I live up in the mountains,

 I don’t visit town much anymore. These days, I can’t even do much at all. It’s been years since I last saw her.”

 Then, he looked at us with a warm smile. “But young boy, young girl—thank you for helping her.”

 The old man reached for something and placed a small pouch in my hands.

 “These are the seeds used to make herbal tea.”

 I blinked in surprise. “Oh! The same tea we had at Ms. Finecia’s place?”

 He nodded.

 Strixx’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She tugged at my sleeve and whispered, “Strixx loves that tea…”

 

The old man let out a hearty chuckle. “Then, you should take good care of those seeds.”

 Before we knew it, it was time for us to leave.

 As Strixx and I stepped out of the cottage, the old man waved at us with a gentle smile.

 “Take care, young boy, young girl.”

 We turned back and waved enthusiastically. “Bye, Mister! Thank you!”

 As we walked down the mountain path, Strixx held my hand, humming softly as we made our way back to town.