As much as Thorne Castle’s library was very useful, Bay did occasionally need to check the local book shops. Thevan loves his books, to the degree he occasionally forgets Bay can’t follow his thoughts as he starts looking over his shelves.

Bay needed a few more books to read just for herself, a break from her studies to understand her new home. Her fingers touch the spine of a book. Oh, The Girl Bathed in Dragon Ashes! I loved that book when I was younger, and unmarried. For a brief moment her hand was that of an old woman, And a few inches taller. There was a rich floral scent, a perfume? Something a little too strong for Bay.

Bay stumbled away from the shelf, bumping into the shelf behind her. What the hell was that!?

Bay picked a spot in the gardens to sit, not drawing today, just enjoying the sun and the beauty of nature. Her mother, her real mother, would love this sort of garden. Something delicately and expertly crafted. No detail left to chance.

Except maybe the small stack of stones next to where she sat. It was curious. Intentional, but not a part of the garden. A little more amateurish, someone working through something. Bay reached to pick up the topmost stone. She’ll say yes, she’ll have to say yes. Yes. But what if she doesn’t? No, no, it’s been four months she’ll say yes. Bay’s heart was racing, all at once and she dropped the stone immediately.

Her stomach was in knots, her palms were a little sweaty now. The thoughts washed away after only moments but it was a strong reaction to the thought. “Why does that keep happening?”

Exploring the shops in Nocwich was a very important part of Bay’s month. Because the offering of seasoning and spices was just better outside of Thorne. Of course, she’d also explore the artisan’s offerings of jewelry and fabric. Just because the fabrics were gorgeous and she liked the works of other artists, especially in mediums she wasn’t capable of.

Eventually she was brushing her fingers over items and when she touched an innocent bronze pendant of a rune she didn’t recognize. I won big at cards. I can afford a steak at the sisters’. A man, maybe in his thirties was contemplating the pendant. Or rather, he acted as the pendant was on his mind when dinner was all he was interested in that night. All the scents of the market grew sharper in that instant, but none of the scents that were present now.

Maybe it was two months ago? The air was warmer and there weren’t any humans. Bay continues to curiously stare at the pendant as she works out what she just saw.