“You know the village,” I offered.
“Do I?”
“There’s a memorial to the priest you retrieved Lilith’s book from in the church where Phin was living. The village is called Aymonroux now, after him as well.”
“Truly? How incredible. They did have a significant vault there for such a small congregation.” He squinted. “I’m afraid my memory isn’t as detailed as I’d like, I don’t recall what the village was called then. How did you find the selection at the apothecary, Tap?”
I shrugged “The proprietor seemed to have just about anything you could want, if I’m honest, and mentioned special orders as well. Seir and I both bought several things in addition to the plants and herbs he went there to find. Ink, needles, tea, candy. There were bouquets of flowers, wrapped and ready to gift even, despite the season.”
“Are there farms there that operate year-round?” Calla asked, eyes turned to Phin.
She shook her head. “Not that I know of. But I didn’t get out much.”
“That’s likely from the greenhouses,” Vassago said. “The monastery has grown their own food that way for ages. Perhaps they’ve expanded.” He turned to his wife. “I’ll take you there any time you want to go.”
“This week sometime? It sounds like they may have some of the rare botanicals we need to restock.”
He thought for a moment. “After my morning class on Thursday we can. It’s too cold to fly, perhaps we should portal.” Vassago looked at me.
“Seir could escort you, or I could. Though you’re always welcome to come and go through the great hall as a transition point if you like.”
“Oh! Yes, let’s do that.” Greta placed a kiss on his cheek. “Good. I’m so excited to get to work on this.”
Phin blushed and ducked her head.
“Seir’s going to be very upset I got shepherd’s pie and he didn’t.” Hailon looked far from contrite.
“He’ll riot if you don’t take him some,” Rylan chuckled.
Grace laughed. “I’ll make him a plate but tell him he’s officially rationed on pickles. We won’t have enough to last even until the soil thaws at this rate.” Magnus chuffed. “I don’t know why you’re laughing, you are too.”
He sagged. “I remember.”
“We’ll be planting more, I promise, Merry already has plans drawn up,” Hailon said.
“Seeds have already been ordered for spring planting as well,” Rylan confirmed.
Magnus finished his first plate and rose to refill it, gesturing for Grace to remain seated when she started to shift. “I’ll get it.Hailon, if you wouldn’t mind asking Merry if she could consult with a few of the aunts about expanding the beds at the conclave, we can contribute as well. Everyone loves pickles.”
She laughed. “Of course.”
“Better add more jars to the order, headmaster.” Grace smiled.
“Already done.”
Mostly, Phin and I watched the others and their easy conversation through the rest of the meal, the laughter around us vibrant and warm. Grace supplied a decadent cake for dessert, and I ate until I almost couldn’t move.
But eventually, my restlessness was too loud to ignore.
“We should be getting back.”
“I’m so glad you came,” Calla gushed, getting to her feet and embracing me, then Phin. The gestures were repeated as everyone abandoned the table and walked us slowly down the hall toward the doors. “You’ll want your coat.”
“I’m plenty warm, and it’ll only be a moment,” Phin refused, her old coat folded over her arms. “Thank you, though, for everything.”
“You’re very welcome.”
“We’ll be through in a few days,” Vassago said.
