The herbal shop was still and humid, thick with the scent of dried roots, crushed bark, and flowers in various states of decay.
The moment Amari turned her back, Rin nudged Nova forward and stepped in after him, her fingers anxiously playing with the hem of her sleeve.
"Amari…I… need a favor."
She started, voice too light to be casual.
The older woman raised an eyebrow and turned her gaze toward the young girl.
"Isn't dragging a stranger into my workspace already a favor?"
"No. The man I brought—he's… he's lost his memory."
Rin said quickly.
Amari's hands paused mid-reach toward a hanging pouch of blackened herbs.
"He doesn't remember anything. Not even who he is. I found him wandering near the imperial pools, disoriented. And since it's kind of my fault he got caught up with me, I was hoping you could let him stay here for a few days. Just until he stabilizes."
Rin continued, speaking faster now.
