A mighty crack rang out across the valley and the dark skies split open, unleashing a torrential downpour just as Amriel hurriedly swung through the heavy oaken door of her stone cottage, seeking refuge from the deluge. In the distance, jagged flashes of lightning split the sky, illuminating the rugged hills. Deep rumbles of thunder followed, rolling through the valley like a warning.

“Whew! Just made it, Meeko!” Amriel gasped, her voice a breathless whisper as she shut the sturdy door behind her, sealing out the storm's fury. She leaned against the door for a moment, catching her breath and listening to the rain drumming against the roof—a soothing contrast to the tumult beyond.

Across the small cottage, Meeko lifted his head sharply at the sudden intrusion, ears pricking forward. The large forest cat had been asleep on the end of the bed when she burst into the cottage. When he realised it was Amriel, the large forest cat relaxed, half-closing his liquid amber eyes and letting out a wide yawn that revealed sharp white teeth, he lazily uncurled from the cozy blankets at the foot of the bed, stretching his limbs with a feline grace.

Hoping down, he leisurely padded across the floor over to her, and a gently butted his large head against her leg. The gentle purrs and soft chirps that escaped him envelop Amriel like a comforting embrace.

Smiling, she bent down to run her fingers through his velvety fur, feeling the rhythmic pulse of his purring resonate through her.

"Hey there, buddy," she murmured, scratching beneath his chin and behind his tufted ears, all his favorite spots. "I now understand why you didn't come out with me today."

Much like domestic cats, forest cats possessed a sleek and agile physique, but their size was a striking difference; they were at least four times larger. Roughly about the size of a dog, with powerful muscles rippling beneath their thick fur. Their long, fluffy tails helped with balance as they navigated the dense underbrush and through the canopies above, while their keen, almond-shaped eyes glimmered with intelligence and curiosity.

Meeko’s coat, a striking blend of ebony black and tawny dapples, resembled the interplay of sunlight filtering through the dense forest foliage. The rich colors of his fur shimmered with each movement. As he settled beside Amriel, his deep, rumbling purrs resonated against the weathered stone walls of their cozy, one-room cottage, filling the space with a comforting vibration.

Kicking off her shoes, Amreil relished the cool, hard earth beneath her bare feet as she hung her belt and knife on the hook by the door. The gentle weight of her braid swayed with her movements, and she pushed back the damp tendrils of hair that had escaped, tucking them behind her ears before stepping further into her cottage. The quaint dwelling, with its sturdy stone walls and a roof of weathered wooden slats, exuded a rustic charm that felt like a warm embrace.

Slinging her herb pouch off her shoulder, Amriel padded across the cool earth, her footsteps soft and silent. The corner of the cottage dedicated to her kitchen and herb preparation was a tapestry of vibrant colors and earthy scents. Shelves lined with glass jars filled with dried herbs and roots gleamed in the afternoon light, while bundles of fragrant herbs hung from the ceiling, their scents mingling in the air. Opening the leather satchel, Amriel drew out the contents. Her attempts to forage for herbs had not proven as fruitful as she might have liked. But she had not come home entirely empty-handed.

First, Amriel reached into her pouch and pulled out a clump of soft, feathery moss—Chaliss Moss. Its velvety texture felt comforting in her hands, and she knew it was invaluable for dressing wounds and preventing infections, thriving as it did in the damp, shaded corners of the forest.

Next came the roots of the morrow plant, their rich, earthy scent filling the air. The leaves were known for their uplifting, euphoric effects. In contrast, the roots, when dehydrated and finely ground, were cherished for their calming properties.

Last to be freed from the pouch was the long, slender Fhaeris Fern. Its delicate fronds curled gracefully, and Amriel admired its vibrant green hue. Renowned for its ability to soothe the spirit and restore balance, the Fhaeris Fern was a staple in her herbal preparations, embodying the very essence of the forest's healing power. Each plant held its own magic, and as she laid them out before her, Amriel felt the familiar pulse of the natural world flowing through her, ready to work with the gifts it provided.

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“And how would we use this?” Her mother’s voice asked inside her head.

“When dried and prepared into a salve, the Fhaeris Fern can help both soothe and heal burns.”

Just then, a thunderous clap reverberated through the vale, shaking the very foundations of her cottage. A fierce draft from the savage spring storm swept in, sending a shiver through Amriel and she hurried to add her precious herbs to the bundles drying on the counters. Finally finished, she grabbed her shawl from the chair and wrapped it around her shoulders for warmth before kneeling by the hearth.

In the heart of the fireplace, she arranged a small tinder bed from dry leaves and twigs, carefully layering several pieces of kindling on top. Reaching for a small pouch beside the fireplace, she poured its contents into her palm—a piece of flint and a slender steel striker. With her lower lip caught between her teeth in concentration, Amriel struck the steel against the flint, sending sparks dancing onto the tinder. The tiny flames flickered to life, and wisps of smoke began to curl, filling the air with the promise of warmth.

Gently, she blew on the newborn fire, coaxing the flames to grow until the kindling ignited, crackling in response. She settled back on her heels, watching intently as the fire awakened. The flames danced higher, their golden light flickering against the stone walls, transforming the dim cottage into a haven of warmth. As the kindling burned down into glowing embers, Amriel added a small, dry log, allowing the fire to consume it with a satisfying roar. The heat radiated outward, wrapping her in a comforting embrace, and for a moment, the storm outside felt a world away.

Beside her, Meeko settled into a cozy spot, his purrs rumbling deeply in his chest. As the flames flickered and grew, Amriel absentmindedly stroked the forest cat's back, the softness of his fur grounding her amidst the storm’s chaos. Each contented purr reverberated through the air, a soothing melody that wrapped around her like a warm blanket. In this shared moment of peace, the world outside faded, leaving only the gentle crackle of the fire and the comforting presence of her loyal companion.

“I think it’s time for some tea,” said Amriel to Meeko. The cat chirped softly in response and gently butted his head against her.

The sound of thunder echoed ominously outside the small cottage, mingling with the relentless drumming of rain against the windows as the storm raged on. Savage winds howled through the towering trees of the Vheghal forest. Each rumble of thunder rolled across the darkened skies, a reminder of nature's raw power, while inside was a cocoon of safety against the tempest outside.

Amriel rose from her spot by the hearth and padded over to the corner that served as her kitchen. The rich scent of drying herbs wafted in from the window above the sink, enveloping her in familiar comfort. She retrieved her worn, dented kettle from its resting place and filled it with cool water. As she walked back to the hearth, she placed the kettle over the young fire, its warmth flickering to life.

With the kettle warming, she turned her attention to her selection of teas. On the shelves above her counter, nearly a dozen jars held her carefully crafted blends, each a testament to her knowledge and love of herbal remedies.

Amriel chose a blend that showcased the earthy richness of roasted nettles, the delicate essence of marrow root, and the delightful sweetness of goldberries. After she placed the mixture into her teapot she settled into a chair near the fire, pulling her shawl closer around her shoulders and letting the warmth seep into her bones as she waited for the water to boil. Beyond her love for herbs and healing, Amriel harbored a passion for books. There was nothing better on a stormy evening than to curl up by the fire, cozy beneath a soft blanket, and lose herself in the pages of a story. The crackling flames danced in harmony with her imagination, each flicker a reminder that even amidst the tempest outside, there was magic to be found within.

Curling up under a scratchy woolen blanket, Amriel nestled into her armchair, a book in hand as she immersed herself in the unfolding story. Her eyes darted across the pages, completely absorbed in the world within. Outside, nature unleashed its fury; the wind howled like a restless spirit, and rain lashed against the windowpanes.

Just as she lost herself in the narrative, a sudden, loud knock reverberated through the cottage, jolting her heart into a frantic rhythm. Meeko, resting at her feet in front of the fire, emitted a low growl, his fur bristling with unease.

Amriel slowly closed her book, the comforting warmth of her literary escape slipping away. She paused, listening intently. She hadn’t been expecting any visitors—especially not in the midst of such a storm. Had she truly heard a knock, or were the fierce winds playing tricks on her ears?

Then the knock came again, louder and more insistent. And again.