The soft click of the door shutting behind her marked the beginning of Ashryn’s favorite part of the day. Her alchemy workshop was a small, cluttered haven tucked into the back of her home. Shelves lined the walls, brimming with jars of dried herbs, vials of shimmering liquids, and mysterious powders, all carefully labeled in her precise handwriting. The faint aroma of lavender and crushed sage lingered in the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the freshly pruned herbs she’d just brought back from the tavern.

Setting her bundle on the central workbench, Ashryn lit a few candles, their warm glow illuminating the room. With practiced hands, she untied the cloth and arranged the herbs on a tray, each component sorted by type and purpose. From a nearby cabinet, she retrieved her cauldron, its blackened surface bearing the marks of countless brews, and set it on the iron stand above a small flame.

She worked in a steady rhythm, her movements fluid despite the weight of her perfectionism. Ashryn measured water into the cauldron and added a base mixture of ground moonflower and powdered amaranth. A soft hiss and a swirl of silver steam rose as she stirred, the concoction beginning to shimmer with an iridescent hue.

Next came the freshly pruned herbs. She added them one at a time, her voice barely a whisper as she murmured their properties to herself—a habit that helped her focus. “A sprig of goldenroot for vitality… crushed foxglove petals for balance… a single star-thistle seed for clarity.” The brew began to shift, its color deepening to a rich emerald green, and the room filled with a vibrant, almost electric aroma.

Ashryn’s brow furrowed as she reached for her notes, flipping to the page where she’d scribbled this experimental formula. Her eyes scanned the parchment, her lips moving as she read, confirming the steps she’d already taken. Satisfied, she added a final pinch of crystallized stardust, watching as the potion brightened, sparkling faintly under the candlelight.

The process complete, she poured the brew into a series of small glass vials, sealing each with a practiced twist of a cork. She held one up to the light, her lips curving into a small, satisfied smile as the potion shimmered like captured starlight. "Not bad," she murmured to herself, carefully storing the vials in her satchel. This batch was destined for her shop, where she hoped it might bring a touch of magic to someone’s day.

Ashryn Elabella (Craft (Alchemy)): 30 = 1d20 [17] + 13

Ashryn sat at her workbench, the warm glow of a single lantern illuminating the cluttered surface. A dozen opened books lay sprawled before her, their pages filled with intricate diagrams, cryptic notations, and aged ink that smelled faintly of cedar. In one hand, she held a magnifying glass, her sharp green eyes squinting as she examined a particularly complex alchemical sigil. In the other, a quill hovered over her own notes, poised to capture any insight that might strike.

Her brow furrowed in concentration as she compared the sigil’s components to a half-finished formula she’d been working on for weeks. “If thistle root neutralizes the toxin,” she murmured under her breath, “then why does the infusion destabilize with elder sap?” She flipped to another book, muttering as she scanned its index.

A small, bubbling cauldron sat on the corner of the bench, emitting soft plumes of steam as its contents simmered. Ashryn glanced at it, adjusting the flame with a practiced turn of the dial, ensuring it stayed at the precise temperature required. Potions were as much about timing as they were about ingredients, and one mistake could ruin hours of careful preparation.

Beside her, a tray of freshly picked herbs and rare powders awaited her attention, each arranged with meticulous care. She selected a pinch of finely ground amethyst dust and sprinkled it into the cauldron, watching as the mixture turned a shimmering shade of violet. The sight brought a small, triumphant smile to her lips.

Time faded as she worked, her quill scratching furiously, her fingers deftly measuring and mixing. Here, in the solitude of her study, surrounded by the hum of magic and the scent of brewing potions, Ashryn found herself completely absorbed. The world outside didn’t matter; only the delicate dance of alchemy did. This was her sanctuary, her craft, and her greatest joy.

The next morning, Ashryn arrived at the house, a small toolkit and a bundle of wood carefully strapped to her back. She approached the broken door and examined it. The jagged edges of splintered wood and bent hinges making her wince. It was a messy job to fix, but a promise was a promise.

After examining the damage, she knelt to begin her work. With delicate precision, she unscrewed the battered hinges, her movements careful to avoid causing further damage to the frame. Her hands, used to crafting potions and handling fragile herbs, moved with surprising efficiency as she smoothed the splintered edges of the door with a planer. The sound of scraping wood filled the quiet air as she worked, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Ashryn paused to adjust her tools, cutting a new panel of wood to replace the shattered section. She secured it in place with small, well-measured nails, her fingers deftly aligning the pieces. Each strike of the hammer was firm yet controlled, echoing faintly against the walls of the house.

Finally, she reattached the door to its frame, oiling the hinges to ensure a smooth swing. She tested it once, then twice, nodding in quiet satisfaction as it opened and closed without resistance. Wiping a smudge of dust from her cheek, Ashryn turned to the woman with a small smile.

“It’s not perfect,” she admitted softly, brushing her hands off, “but it should hold until you can get a proper carpenter. I’m sorry again for the trouble.”

Journal Entry: A Day Like No Other

Today, the impossible happened. Lady Sarantha Ferency, fiancé to the King himself, stepped through the doors of my little shop. Even now, as I write this, I can hardly believe it. The sight of her—the elegance, the poise, the very aura she carried—was enough to make my hands tremble. The guards alone were intimidating, but her presence? It was... magnetic.

She complimented my shop. My shop. The Aromatic Infusion. Hearing such words from someone of her stature left me nearly speechless, but the moment that truly stole my breath was her request. She asked me—me—to craft a personal scent for her. Not just any scent, but one that would be hers alone, a fragrance fit for a queen. And she spoke of future commissions, bath oils and other creations for the palace. She believes this small shop, tucked away on the outskirts, has the potential to serve noble society.

Lady Sarantha was gracious and patient, urging me to take my time and do it right. She even spoke wistfully of her own studies, her love for learning. It was strange and wonderful to see someone so high above me in station speak of scholarly pursuits with such fondness. It reminded me that, at our cores, we share more than I realized.

This opportunity is immense—terrifying and exhilarating all at once. I’ve promised her that the formula will remain secret and that I’ll send word to the Ferency estate when I’m halfway through the process. I must not fail her. This is my chance to put the Aromatic Infusion on the map, not for fame, but for the pride of knowing that my work—my passion—has touched even the most esteemed in society.

I feel the weight of this task already, but it is a burden I will carry gladly. Tonight, as I close this journal, I resolve to pour every ounce of skill, knowledge, and care into this creation. Lady Sarantha has trusted me, and I will not let her down.

Ashryn sat at her workbench, the clutter of glass vials, dried petals, and intricate measuring tools surrounding her like an alchemical symphony. The faint, comforting hum of her shop was a welcome backdrop to the daunting task before her: creating a scent that would be uniquely Lady Sarantha’s, worthy of her elegance and grace.

She began with the base notes, the foundation of the perfume. Carefully, she selected an aged sandalwood oil, its deep, earthy aroma grounding the scent. Her hands moved with precision, yet as she measured and mixed, her mind wandered. Perhaps she could push the balance further, create something even more distinctive. She added a single drop too many. The result was underwhelming, the depth of the sandalwood overpowering the subtlety she was aiming for. A sigh escaped her lips as she poured the mixture away.

“Patience, Ashryn,” she murmured to herself.

The next day, she returned to the task, her mind sharper, her confidence bolstered. She refined the base, adjusting the proportions until the sandalwood harmonized with the delicate hints of ambergris she introduced. This time, the result was promising—a warm, elegant note that lingered on the air like a whisper of luxury.

Moving to the heart notes, Ashryn selected rare jasmine blossoms and orange blossom essence. Her fingers deftly crushed the petals, releasing their fragrance into the mixture. This stage required finesse, and Ashryn focused intently as she worked, blending the floral aromas into a bouquet that sang of sophistication. She smiled as she swirled the mixture, the delicate balance meeting her expectations perfectly.

Finally, the top notes—what would greet Lady Sarantha first upon wearing the perfume. Here, Ashryn knew she needed something unique, yet subtle. She chose a blend of bergamot and a rare white peach extract, its sweetness tempered by a hint of crispness. Carefully, she layered the final elements into the formula, testing it on her own wrist.

The scent was stunning, a masterpiece in the making, but not yet perfect. It needed one more trial to confirm its balance.

The third day arrived, and Ashryn repeated her process with growing confidence. Each step flowed naturally, the failures of her earlier attempts sharpening her precision. By the end of the session, the perfume was complete—a perfect harmony of sophistication and grace, with a subtle, unique complexity that made it unmistakably Lady Sarantha’s.

She held the vial up to the light, the pale golden liquid shimmering in the sunlight streaming through her shop window. A smile spread across her lips. This scent, this creation, was everything she had hoped it would be—and more.

Carefully sealing the vial, Ashryn prepared a letter to the Ferency estate. She was halfway through her work, and it was time to share her progress with the lady who had entrusted her with such an extraordinary task.

ROLLS

Ashryn Elabella (Craft (Alchemy)): 15 = 1d20 [2] + 13

Ashryn Elabella (Craft (Alchemy)): 25 = 1d20 [12] + 13

Ashryn Elabella (Craft (Alchemy)): 26 = 1d20 [13] + 13 ))

Back in the quiet sanctuary of her workshop, Ashryn sat at her workbench, her thoughts consumed by the events of the day. Meeting the King, speaking in his presence, and hearing his confidence in her—it had all felt like a dream. Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for her tools, the weight of her newfound responsibility pressing on her. The perfume had to be perfect, not just for Lady Sarantha, but now for the entire court’s scrutiny.

With a deep breath, she steadied herself and returned to her work. Her movements grew precise and practiced as she mixed ingredients, the familiar hum of her craft soothing her nerves. The blend was coming together beautifully, each layer of the fragrance harmonizing like a well-tuned symphony. She smiled faintly as the formula took shape, her confidence bolstered by the glowing results.

But as she reached for the next ingredient, her fingers stopped mid-air. Her heart sank as she realized the absence of a crucial component: star-glow essence, an incredibly rare extract known for its subtle radiance and unmatched ability to bind scents. Without it, the perfume would lack the final touch of elegance she envisioned. Ashryn’s brow furrowed as she scanned her inventory, hoping against hope that she’d overlooked it.

No such luck. The ingredient was nowhere to be found. Rising from her seat, Ashryn clasped her hands behind her back, pacing the small workshop as she considered her options. Star-glow essence was elusive, harvested only under specific conditions and from a plant found deep within the Old Forest. Acquiring it would mean venturing far from her shop and braving the wilderness—a daunting task, but one she knew she couldn’t avoid.

She stopped by her workbench, gazing at the nearly finished vial. “Perfection demands sacrifice,” she murmured to herself. If this perfume was to live up to its promise, she would have to find the star-glow essence herself.

Ashryn Elabella Ashryn Elabella (Craft (Alchemy)): 32 = 1d20 [19] + 13

Ashryn Elabella Ashryn Elabella (Craft (Alchemy)): 23 = 1d20 [10] + 13

Journal Entry:

Today has been... trying. The events have left me with much to reflect upon, and I feel compelled to write it all down to make sense of the chaos. It began with an encounter that left me unsettled. Officer Nalus, in his eagerness—or perhaps his arrogance—addressed me in a manner that was far from appropriate. His words carried an undercurrent of distrust, and though I understand the burdens of his position, it stung nonetheless. To be presumed guilty without cause is a weight I hadn’t anticipated carrying today.

Chief Sentinel Wu Mai addressed the matter with a grace and professionalism that I deeply respect. Her calm demeanor and measured words put me at ease, though the emotion in her eyes spoke volumes about the frustration such incidents bring. Her assurance that Nalus would face a formal reprimand felt like a small victory, not for me personally, but for the principle that all should be treated with dignity, regardless of station.

Yet, as I sit here in my workshop, surrounded by the tools of my craft, I cannot help but wonder if these moments are meant to shape me in some way. The King’s faith in me, the responsibilities I’ve taken on, and now the need to assemble a party to gather that one elusive ingredient—each step feels heavier than the last. But I cannot falter. The perfume must be finished. Lady Sarantha and, by extension, the entire court, are counting on me.

For now, I must turn my attention to preparation. If this day has taught me anything, it is that strength lies in perseverance. Tomorrow, I will seek those who can aid me on this journey, and together, we will find what is needed. There is no room for hesitation. I will see this through.

Back in the comforting hush of her workshop, Ashryn turned her attention to more conventional potions. The perfume—her grand project—would have to wait until she secured the elusive star-glow essence. She sighed, running a hand through her hair, then set to work.

Reaching for a familiar recipe, she carefully measured finely ground crystalseed and a pinch of foxglove petals. Today she began by crafting a batch of healing draughts, simple yet reliable. With deft movements, she heated the mixture over a small flame and stirred precisely as her notes dictated. The result was commendable—when she dipped a testing strip into the mixture, it glowed warmly, confirming its potency. She bottled it with a quiet smile.(Craft result 25).

Encouraged, she moved on to a more experimental tonic meant to enhance one’s vision at dusk. She measured out a delicate balance of silverleaf extract and powdered moth wings, but the vapors danced erratically above her cauldron. The mixture sputtered as she added a drop too many of night’s-bloom nectar, causing it to darken into a muddy haze (Craft result 15). Grimacing, Ashryn set this batch aside—perhaps it could still serve as a mild remedy, but it wouldn’t achieve the sharp clarity she had hoped for. Not every attempt was a triumph, she reminded herself.

Undeterred, she attempted a rarer concoction: a stamina elixir favored by guards and mercenaries. She calibrated the temperature and timing perfectly, adding each ingredient at its ideal moment. The liquid shimmered with an inner light, vibrant and alive, exactly as the recipe had promised (Craft result 23). Bottling it, Ashryn felt a quiet satisfaction. While her mind still drifted to the incomplete perfume, these successes reminded her of her capabilities.

Ashryn Elabella Ashryn Elabella (Craft (Alchemy)): 25 = 1d20 [12] + 13

Ashryn Elabella Ashryn Elabella (Craft (Alchemy)): 15 = 1d20 [2] + 13

Ashryn Elabella Ashryn Elabella (Craft (Alchemy)): 23 = 1d20 [10] + 13

Back in the serene comfort of her workshop, Ashryn stood at her workbench, the Star-Glint Orchid carefully placed in a glass dish at the center. Its faint silvery glow bathed her tools in soft light, a reminder of the lengths she and her companions had gone to acquire it. Her hands, steady and confident, moved with purpose as she began the final steps of the perfume’s creation.

She set the cauldron over a gentle flame, pouring in the base mixture she had painstakingly crafted earlier—a foundation of rare sandalwood, ambergris, and faint floral notes. The room filled with the subtle aroma of her work, a tantalizing promise of the masterpiece to come. With a pair of tweezers, she delicately plucked a petal from the Star-Glint Orchid, the edges shimmering like captured moonlight, and dropped it into the mixture. The liquid hissed softly on contact, releasing a faint swirl of silver vapor as the essence began to bind with the existing ingredients.

Ashryn’s brow furrowed in focus as she added precise measurements of distilled white peach extract and a whisper of bergamot oil, completing the fragrance’s intricate layers. Each addition was accompanied by a quiet murmur under her breath, her alchemist’s ritual to guide the process. She stirred the potion clockwise exactly seven times, watching as the liquid turned a soft, opalescent gold—perfect. A satisfied smile touched her lips.

The scent wafting through the workshop was exquisite—light yet rich, a delicate harmony of earthiness and elegance, with an ethereal undertone that lingered like a memory. Carefully, Ashryn siphoned the mixture into a glass vial, sealing it with a fine crystal stopper engraved with Lady Sarantha’s initials. Holding the vial up to the light, she admired the faint shimmer within, as though the essence of the orchid itself had been captured and suspended inside.

Ashryn set the finished perfume down with a sigh of quiet triumph, her chest swelling with pride. “Starbloom Whisper,” she whispered to herself, the name fitting the perfection she had achieved. It was more than a fragrance—it was art, crafted from determination, precision, and just a touch of magic. Tomorrow, she would present it to Lady Sarantha, but tonight, she allowed herself a moment to savor the joy of creation.

Ashryn Elabella (Craft (Alchemy)): 31 = 1d20 [9] + 17 + 5 custom modifier — Crafter's Fortune

Ashryn sat at her workbench, the soft glow of a lantern casting flickering shadows across the room. With her journal open before her, she dipped her quill into a small inkwell and began to write, her script neat and deliberate.

"Today has been a day of triumph and new beginnings," she penned, her green eyes reflecting the flickering light as she paused to gather her thoughts. "The Queen herself has placed her trust in me, not only for the perfume but for an entire line of products to complement it. This is the opportunity of a lifetime, yet it also carries immense responsibility. I must prove that her faith in me is well-founded, and to do so, I must secure the tools and space necessary to meet her expectations."

She let the ink dry for a moment before continuing, "The Starbloom Whisper is the pinnacle of my craft thus far, but it is only the beginning. With the right resources, I can create products worthy of the Royal Household, products that will establish the Aromatic Infusion as a name synonymous with quality and elegance."

Satisfied with her reflection, Ashryn closed her journal and pulled a fresh sheet of parchment from the stack beside her. She straightened her spectacles and began drafting the proposal, her quill gliding across the page with precision.

"Proposal for an Expanded Laboratory and Resource Allocation," she titled it, underlining the words for emphasis. The parchment quickly filled with detailed lists: additional workspace requirements, upgraded equipment specifications, and an inventory of rare ingredients to sustain production at a royal scale. She added notes about the benefits of efficiency, quality, and the potential for long-term partnerships between her shop and the Crown.

By the time she set her quill down, the proposal was complete—meticulous, thorough, and filled with the quiet determination that defined her. Ashryn leaned back in her chair, rubbing her tired eyes but allowing herself a small smile of satisfaction. Tomorrow, she would present this to Lady Sarantha, confident that it would pave the way for the next chapter of her journey.