At the edge of the northern cliffs, Liora’s Hollow gleamed with crystal-like trees and delicate glass flowers. Each plant refracted sunlight, casting tiny rainbows across the ground. Villagers whispered that the Hollow was alive, not in the sense of movement or speech, but in the way it responded to care. If someone tended it with patience, the flowers seemed to reach toward them; if they hurried, petals drooped slightly. Fantasy lived here in subtle gestures, but the lessons were real.
I arrived just after dawn, carrying baskets of fresh herbs and woven linen cloths. My cousin Jara was already crouched by a bed of peppermint and chamomile. We had come to prepare herbal drinks for the Hollow’s visitors, who were recovering from long journeys, fatigue, or minor illness. Herbs like peppermint and chamomile support digestion, calm nerves, and encourage hydration, which promotes overall well-being (McKay and Blumberg).
We began by cleaning. All surfaces, from tables to the stone benches, were wiped with mild soap and warm water. Cleaning before handling food or drink reduces microbial contamination, including bacteria and fungi that can spread on damp surfaces (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Even the glass flowers were wiped gently to remove dew or dust. The Hollow rewarded care with brighter reflections.
The first visitor was an elderly gardener named Thom, whose hands shook slightly with age. He had mild oral discomfort, likely a result of dry mouth and prolonged sun exposure. Hydration, through warm herbal infusions, can soothe oral tissues and support salivary function, which helps prevent infections such as thrush (Humphrey and Williamson). I guided Thom to a shaded bench while Jara poured chamomile and lemon balm into small cups.
He sipped slowly, breathing in the steam. The warmth of the liquid and the ritual of drinking created a moment of calm. Sensory comfort, combined with hydration, can reduce stress and improve focus on recovery (Mennella). The glass leaves around him shimmered subtly, reflecting his slow, steady movements. Fantasy was present, but grounded in reality: care, patience, and attention.
While Thom drank, we harvested additional herbs for drying and future infusions. Only a third of each plant was taken to ensure continued growth. Sustainable harvesting is essential for long-term yield and ecological balance (Gibson et al.). Liora reminded me that love often looked like restraint.
Throughout the morning, more visitors arrived: children returning from forest walks, a young couple fatigued from travel, and a small group of elders who wanted restorative tea. We prepared infusions in rotation, cleaning surfaces and utensils between each use. Repetition and predictability provided reassurance, reducing anxiety and supporting adherence to care routines (Ryan and Deci).
Midday brought a pause. Jara and I sat beneath the tallest glass tree, drinking a cup ourselves. Warm herbal drinks, mindful breathing, and a quiet environment promote relaxation and improve minor health conditions by reducing cortisol levels (Bratman et al.; Van den Berg et al.). The Hollow responded: lanterns embedded in the glass trees glowed brighter, and petals shifted slightly as if leaning into our presence.
By late afternoon, the Hollow was calm again. Visitors left with small bundles of dried herbs and instructions for continued use. Chamomile and peppermint had been prepared for home infusion, offering warmth, hydration, and gentle relief from fatigue or mild digestive discomfort.
We cleaned thoroughly before the evening light dimmed. Stone tables wiped, cups rinsed, and linen cloths folded neatly. The Hollow shimmered faintly, resting after a day of care. Fantasy had been gentle but present, guiding attention and patience. The real magic lay in sustained care, predictable routines, shared warmth, and love expressed through mindful work.
As the sun set over the northern cliffs, Liora’s Hollow glimmered in silence, ready to welcome those who approached with intention. Health, hydration, relaxation, and attention to detail had been shared, leaving visitors and caretakers alike refreshed in body and spirit.
Works Cited (MLA)
Bratman, Gregory N., et al. “Nature Experience Reduces Rumination and Subgenual Prefrontal Cortex Activation.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 112, no. 28, 2015, pp. 8567–8572.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Food Safety Tips for Fruits and Vegetables.” CDC, 2023.
Gibson, R. S., et al. Principles of Nutritional Assessment. 3rd ed., Oxford University Press, 2005.
Humphrey, Susan P., and Richard T. Williamson. “A Review of Saliva: Normal Composition, Flow, and Function.” Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, vol. 85, no. 2, 2001, pp. 162–169.
McKay, Diane L., and Jeffrey B. Blumberg. “A Review of the Bioactivity and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint Tea (Mentha piperita L.).” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 20, no. 8, 2006, pp. 619–633.
Mennella, Julie A. “The Chemical Senses and Nutrition.” Nutrition Reviews, vol. 69, suppl. 1, 2011, pp. S8–S20.
Ryan, Richard M., and Edward L. Deci. Self-Determination Theory: Basic Psychological Needs in Motivation, Development, and Wellness. Guilford Press, 2017.
Van den Berg, Agnes E., et al. “The Benefits of Nature Experience: Improved Affect and Cognition.” Landscape and Urban Planning, vol. 99, no. 3–4, 2011, pp. 216–224.
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