Open Afternoon Delight

[Somna Fern]

She could feel the knots in his back starting to ease, and began to move upward. The mint oil was returned to her belt and exchanged for an oil derived from White Willow Bark. A small amount would be drizzled over Daedalus' back and then worked in with a gentler touch than his lower back. Her small, smooth fingers and palms moved in an almost sensual motion across his sore, tender muscles. She knew that the oil had come with her tools for massage, and that it helped to mend the hurt in his back, even if she didn't know why.

In truth, it worked because the bark contained oils that absorbed into the flesh to relieve inflamed muscle, reduce fever, and ease the pain in muscles and joints similar to a doctor's pain blocking medicines. As an oil, it tended to last longer than teas derived from the same ingredients, though it took longer to begin it's effect.

"Goodness. You must be very strong."