Stella returned after washing, her hair was damp, and her clothes were already fresh.
She looked far more comfortable now, though her eyes were still weary after the long study. Ruth and Darlene sat at the small wooden table, waiting patiently.
"So," Ruth began with a gentle smile, "how have your studies been going? You've had plenty of time with the alchemy texts."
Stella nodded eagerly, pulling out a stack of notes. "I've memorized most of the ingredients listed in the book you gave me. But… I noticed something strange. Some of the names don't match the ones used here in Breeze Town. At first I thought I was making mistakes, but then I realized that it could have names in other regions. Anyway, another book from the orphanage helped me cross‑reference."
Darlene leaned forward. "Different names?"
