***Cassius***
I was mixing a salve for joint pain, the scent of comfrey and arnica filling the shop, when Mira knocked on my door.
"Caelan, dear," she called through the window. "I brought you something."
I smiled and opened the door. Mira had become something of a fixture in my life, appearing at least once a day with food, gossip, or maternal concern about whether I was eating enough.
It was overwhelming sometimes, but also sweet. No one had fussed over me like this since... well, ever, really.
"You didn't need to bring me anything," I said, but I was already eyeing the basket she carried. Whatever was inside smelled incredible.
"Nonsense," Mira said, bustling past me into the shop. "You're far too thin, and you work too hard. A young man needs proper meals, not whatever scraps you're probably eating."
"I eat fine," I protested, but she was already unpacking the basket. Fresh bread, still warm, butter, cheese, some kind of meat pie.
My stomach growled traitorously.
