The Dreaming Tea

This afternoon, I traveled beyond the path to the Pearlstone market. Instead I followed the lanterns to The Grand Artisan Expanse, a market open only for a couple days near the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. It is a large event where artisans from all over visit and sell their goods before the winter season. 

I had originally gone to support my dear friend and mentor Sophea. She specialized in making special tonics and tinctures for fellow adventurers dealing with ailments of all kinds. I admire her for her dedication as a healer, many far and wide come to visit her as her potions are quite legendary across Lunaria. 

But as with most adventures in Lunaria, one intention led into another, and soon the entire afternoon unfolded like a tapestry filled with surprises. I stepped through the veil and the smell of hot cocoa filled the air. Despite the cold air outside, the market was warm and bright. I passed an area just for children and I saw my favorite little adventurers laughing and running amok. I laughed as one of them threw a ball my way on accident. I smiled and simply threw it back and then waved as I walked by.  

The deeper I walked into the expanse, the more the world seemed to shimmer with life. Lanterns floated overhead in slow spirals, glowing with a soft golden light. I wandered between the stalls filled with fabrics that rippled like moving water. I paused to admire hand carved wooden creatures that blinked at passersby. I watched as an artisan painted a landscape that changed gently with the light. Everything felt alive in some small way. Even the air tasted sweet, almost like cinnamon and star sugar.

Eventually, the smell of baked pastry pulled me toward a pair of Ember Isle sisters who were tending to a large copper pan. Their stall was warm and inviting, decorated with a woven banner depicting glowing islands and drifting smoke. They greeted me with bright smiles and offered a savory crescent pastry they had just finished shaping. The outside was golden and crisp. The inside was filled with seasoned mushrooms that carried a gentle heat. The first bite made me pause right where I stood. The flavors reminded me of the empanadas I once enjoyed in another realm.

A few stalls later, that was when it hit me. The smell of sweet candied nuts filled my nostrils. I spotted a vendor stirring a cluster of glazed nuts in a copper pan. You could see them shimmer with that sugary glaze that just made them look like little jewels. I rushed over and bought a small pouch. I ate them while they were still warm. It cracked softly between my teeth and melted with a sweetness that made my shoulders relax.

I wandered slowly down the stalls admiring all sorts of things, I eventually reached a corner where there were handmade items. One artisan sold beaded loops adorned with tiny glass charms. At first I mistook them for bracelets, though she explained they were meant to be keychains. I picked one up and instantly liked the way it sparkled in the light, so I purchased it without hesitation. I will admit it was an impulse decision, but I could use a new keychain for the inn, the old was getting…well old. 

Not far from that stall, I found a little crocheted cloud kitten resting on a soft blanket. Its embroidered whiskers and tiny bell charm made it look full of curiosity. I knew right away that a young friend of mine from the scholars district would adore it. She often comes to the Inn for tea and quiet study time. She hugs any soft creature she finds, so I tucked the cloud kitten safely into my bag.

Further down the aisle, I discovered a stall that looked like a pocket sized coffeehouse. Soft jars of enchanted cold brew glowed under gentle lantern light. The vendor called it Moonbeam Brew Company. They offered me a cup filled with iced moon vanilla and caramel. The drink tasted like comfort. Sweet. Creamy. Gentle. As I sipped, I felt the tiredness from the morning melt into something softer.

Before leaving I returned to Sophea’s booth, she smiled brightly at me and with a little laugh she admitted she needed a short break and asked me to watch her stall for her. I agreed of course. While I watched over her table, a handful of travelers wandered by. Some asked simple questions about the tinctures, and I did my best to answer them in the way Sophea would. Others simply admired the soft glow of her bottled remedies. Watching her work laid out so beautifully reminded me again of how much dedication she pours into every creation. Each potion felt like a story sealed in glass, meant to guide someone toward balance or clarity.

One visitor, an older man wrapped in a heavy woven cloak, asked for something to ease joint stiffness. I recognized the blend instantly. Sophea had shown it to me many times during my training. With care, I selected the correct tonic and explained to him how to use it. He looked grateful, and when he left, he bowed his head in thanks. Moments like that made my heart warm. It felt good to be helpful in her place.

After a short while Sophea came back, we took a moment to chat about a few things and I ended up watching her stall again as she swiftly went over to a nearby stall to help another vendor. The woman happened to be experiencing some symptoms of an ailment known as high blood pressure. The woman had mentioned about possibly visiting an emergency healer as soon as the event was over for the day. Sophea quickly brought her one of her potions and it helped. Soon after she bought something from her stall and brought it to me and placed it in my palm. I asked her what it was and she just told me to open it. It was a Jade pendant carved in the form of an Earth deity known as Quan Yin. I thanked her for the gift and stayed just a little while longer before leaving the expanse and headed back to the inn. 

By the time I made my way back toward the Dreaming Tea Inn, the familiar light of the entrance glowed like a beacon. The moment I stepped through the doorway, the Inn brightened slightly as if welcoming me home. I could hear the gentle creak of the wooden floors and the soft hum of the enchanted lanterns in the hall. A sense of peace settled over me that I had not realized I needed. I smiled to myself and brewed a warm cup of tea before starting to write into my journal for the day. 

Today was quite an adventure but I had fun! It’s not often I get to visit events like these, I do hope in the future I get to do more fun things like this. 

Until next time,

Ella

Owner of The Dreaming Tea Inn