Page 18 of Sanctuary and Spices

Her short, purple-tinted coils bounced as she worked, and her dark skin was scattered with freckles that caught the portal’s shimmer. She moved with the easy grace of someone used to shipboard life, compensating automatically for the subtle vibrations that carried through the docking connection.

I slowed, studying the intricate patterns worked into the temporary structure around the portal. Unlike the utilitarian setups of cargo vessels, this one had been crafted with obvious care—panels of translucent fabric caught and diffused the portal’s light, while precisely arranged crystal formations created rainbow patterns across the small space.

The woman looked up, caught me staring. Her amber eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled.

“See something interesting?” Her voice held warmth and genuine curiosity.

“The metalwork.” I gestured toward the sign. “I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”

“Krythari craftsmanship.” She adjusted one final teapot, then turned to face me fully. “They have a way with making functional things beautiful. I’m Erynn, by the way. Captain of this particular traveling tea shop.”

“Jani.” I studied the display more closely. “These aren’t just decorative, are they?”

“Good eye.” Erynn lifted one of the teapots, letting light catch the subtle patterns etched into its surface. “Each one’s designed to enhance specific properties of different tea varieties. The crystals resonate with the leaves during steeping.”

My chef’s instincts perked up. “Like how different cooking vessels affect flavor development?”

“Exactly!” Her enthusiasm was infectious. “Would you like to see how it works? I just got in a fascinating blend from the outer colonies.”

I glanced at my tablet, checking the time. I’d been planning to start researching my menu for the festival. “I really shouldn’t...”

“You’re the new chef at the Wanderer’s Rest,” Erynn said, turning toward the shelf. “I saw the footage from the Crown.”

I stiffened.

“No judgment here.” She selected a specific pot from her collection. “I started over too. The station has a way of gathering lost souls.”

“Just a quick cup.” Erynn’s eyes sparkled. “Consider it research for the festival. I heard you’re planning something special.”

“News really does travel fast here.”

“Everything travels fast here.” She gestured toward the portal’s shimmering field. “Come on. I promise it’ll be worth your time.”

I followed her through the portal, that brief moment of transition sending tingles across my skin. The Eppersip’s Dream’s interior opened before us—all warm woods and polished metal, with crystal formations providing natural light.

The main space had been converted into an intimate tearoom, with low tables and comfortable cushions arranged to encourage conversation. Delicate lanterns floated near the ceiling, their light shifting in gentle patterns.

“Welcome aboard.” Erynn moved behind a curved counter inlaid with more crystal work. “Make yourself comfortable while I prepare things.”

I settled onto one of the cushions, watching her work. Her movements were precise and practiced, each gesture flowing naturally into the next. She selected a specific teapot from her collection, checking its crystal formations before adding carefully measured leaves.

“The tea itself comes from hydroponic gardens in the Reach,” she explained, adjusting the water temperature with tiny adjustments to the brewing station’s crystal array. “But the processing method was developed by Pel’ax herbalists. They found that exposing the leaves to specific crystal resonances during drying creates entirely new flavor profiles.”

The scent reached me first—something floral and complex, with underlying notes I couldn’t quite identify. Erynn poured with practiced grace, the tea catching rainbow patterns from the crystals worked into the cup’s rim.

“Most of my clients just want something warm and familiar,” she said, settling across from me. “But every so often, someone comes along who really appreciates the artistry involved.”

I lifted the cup, letting the aroma fill my senses. “The crystal resonance affects the molecular structure during processing?”

“Among other things.” Erynn’s eyes lit up. “The Pel’ax believe that intention matters as much as technique. Each batch is driedwhile focused on specific emotional states. They say you can taste the difference.”

The tea’s warmth spread through me as I sipped, bringing unexpected calm. Flavors bloomed across my tongue—familiar elements combining in ways I’d never experienced.

“That’s amazing.” I took another sip, trying to identify individual notes. “Almost like... but not quite...”

“Hard to describe, isn’t it?” Erynn grinned. “That’s what I love about it. The taste is different for everyone, depending on what they need in that moment.”

My chef’s mind raced with possibilities. “Could this technique be adapted for other ingredients? Maybe using different crystal formations during preservation?”

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