Small Steps

~Chapter 140~

The group returned later that evening, entering the cabin just before the second sun finished setting. Their arms were full of pouches stuffed full with the Urihanin pollen stems, that released a delicate floral spice fragrance into the air. Mae loved that scent; something akin to cinnamon and saffron with an undertone of anise. And like saffron, when dried and pulverized into a powder, Urihanin was the most expensive spice on Sah'korhune per pound. However, when fresh, the pollen alone was a bounty as precious as gold, as it could only be obtained for a day following the first snowfall, and only those wise enough to leave a stem on each flower would benefit in the year to follow with the same bounty. What they had collected, once processed, would be enough to keep them living comfortably for the rest of the winter and well into the spring.