Page 28 of Tyr

Vali nodded. “I’m booked, but you are welcome to use mine if that works for you.”

“Thank you.”

Vali held up a finger for them to wait. He jogged to the wall of jars and removed several of them. He took out a bit of each and ground them together with a mortar and pestle before putting them into a small linen bag.

He hurried back over and handed them to Celeste. “These herbs are for healing. But they are also for soothing the mind. I’ll have some hot water prepared and sent out so you can make tea.”

Celeste took the herbs and smiled. “Thank you. That is very kind.”

Vali turned to Tyr. “Feel free to browse the fresh fruits and vegetables for anything you two might want. I made goat cheese this morning as well. There are three different varieties. Help yourself.”

Tyr nodded. “Thanks.”

“There are also extra clothes in my closet if you both would like to get into something less restrictive and lighter.”

Tyr nodded.

A woman with deep purple skin and white, glassy eyes called to Vali from across the room, and he turned toward the juice bar and nodded.

“Stay as long as the two of you would like. I’m happy to sleep in the garden if you would like to use my room.”

“That won’t be necessary. We will be heading back to my place before dark.”

Vali nodded. “Let me know if you need anything else.”

Tyr led Celeste across the room and out the back door.

Celeste walkedaround the room in awe as Tyr removed his jacket and threw it onto a soft, creamy-colored bed. It was hard to tell the difference between the outside and the inside. Only a wooden doorway separated the spaces.

The entire room was made out of a grove of tall trees. Evergreens, maples, and oaks lined the walls of the circularroom. A spongy moss with tiny purple flowers covered the floor. But outside the room, the moss morphed into long, thick blades of grass.

The ceiling was made of tightly woven tree branches. Yet somehow, the sun filtered through, lighting the room with a soft glow.

Every piece of furniture was made from natural wood and stone. It made her feel like she’d gone back thousands of years to a time when people lived naturally off the land.

On impulse, she slipped off her shoes and let her feet sink into the moss. A surge of peace washed through her, and she smiled. She wanted to strip off all her clothes and lie naked on the ground.

“I love it.”

Tyr watched her with interest, and her cheeks flushed at having wished to be naked.

“I thought you would,” he said.

A small rap on the door pulled their attention, and Tyr crossed to it and took a tray with a pot and two cups from the woman on the other side.

“Thank you.”

She gave a slight bow with her palms together. “Namaste.”

Tyr returned her bow and closed the door.

Celeste sniffed the small satchel of herbs Vali had given to her.

“Would you like to take tea here or outside?”

She shrugged. “Is there much difference?”

He motioned with his head for her to follow him as he walked out the door.

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