The herbalist’s cottage, nestled at the edge of Trellsen, is a quaint structure almost swallowed by the ivy that creeps up its stone walls. Inside, the space is cozy and dimly lit, with a gentle glow from the hearth casting warm light on rows of shelves cluttered with jars, bundles of herbs, and vials filled with potions. The air is thick with the scent of dried plants, earth, and the faint hint of arcane energy—a mixture that feels both comforting and mysterious.

Orla Veylan, the village herbalist, presides over this space with quiet authority. Her movements are calm and deliberate as she tends to her latest concoctions, her fingers worn but nimble from years of practice. She wears robes that echo the hues of the forest, blending easily into her surroundings. A sense of wisdom and secrecy surrounds her; the villagers regard her with a mix of respect and awe, for she not only heals bodies but, they say, can soothe troubled spirits as well.

Around the room, dried herbs hang from the rafters, baskets overflow with roots and plants, and mortars and pestles are scattered across the counters. At the center of her work lies an ancient, leather-bound book filled with recipes and symbols that hint at a deeper knowledge, perhaps learned from an old druidic order or a pact with the mystical energies that lurk in Brackenhollow.

One shelf is dedicated to her potions and salves for adventurers, the most popular of which is her Nighteye Salve, a greenish paste that grants improved vision in low light for a time. Rumor has it she enchants this salve with whispers to the forest spirits. Locals speak of Orla’s powers with a blend of reverence and superstition, whispering that her remedies carry the magic of the ancient woods and are not to be taken lightly.

The cottage is a sanctuary for those in need, yet it holds an eerie allure that keeps the curious from lingering too long. Here, amidst the herbal jars and mystical symbols, Orla continues her work as healer, guide, and occasional enigma to those who seek her aid.

• Orla Veylan