What a LOOOoong hike to Hotsprings. It was well worth it, tho. I met some wonderful people: Herald Mage Danya, Heralds Yarik and Kaylan, Shein the Artificer, Moonstar the Tayladras, and Master Healer Tam Felter.
Hotsprings hosted a Harvest Market while I was there. Tam and I chatted about teas and tea additives. The healer has a stall with herbs where I can find some of what I seek, as well as a few new ideas... a flower with an anise flavor. Not my favourite choice, but some might like it. I came for rosehip and oranges, pumpkin, and some more exotic spices if possible. I am imagining orange and rosehip for winter tea this year... and for the fall... maybe a tea that tastes like pumpkin pie.
When I arrived in the late evening, I caught the end of a new Choosing! Someone got Chosen by a Companion right there! WOW! I never saw that before, even while studying in Haven's collegium. Clearly my nose was in a book too often or I was sequestered at too many temples studying teas to notice. It was amazing.
Before the market closed, I headed to the healer's stall and bought the items I sought... and maybe a few more: chamomile, honeybush, honeysuckle... oops... there is clearly a theme happening there.
In the morning, I did a cursory exploration of the rest of the market in the morning for the last things on my list for the pumpkin spice tea experiment. I wish I could have stayed longer, but I need to get back and check on the inn and temple.
Maybe I will pop by Haven's Collegium for a bit of research in their library. I am working on my Master Scholar assignments after all........... but I keep being Called.... That Temple I started really Calls in more than just the capacity to be a quiet sanctuary for weary souls. Maybe I will travel back to Hostsprings as an interesting different place to work out those writings.
Next month is Samhain. Many people honour their ancestors at the Winter Solstice. For me, I feel more inclined to do so at Samhain.
