ARRIVAL (ERA 1)

8 | Kemper Square

Walking through Kemper Square, the Square to locals, helps to develop my knowledge of the town's blueprints. The hospital, municipal building, and Briar Wood are in center square. Off to an angle on the side there is the Post and the First Banking Co., both of which are on the same dirt road as the Cedar Lodge and Mill Pub.

Beyond that, there is the gravel lane that leads to the Ash House. On the other side, behind the lodge and set back a few hundred yards, there is Browning Blacksmiths and Wallace's Woodshop.

            Behind Wood, a narrow entryway leads to a wide-open lane and a manicured courtyard. Its lawn is vibrant green, with rich soil and blooming bushes. Petite cottonwood saplings are planted down the center of the lawn, which separates the two sides of the plaza.

            William walks alongside me as we cross the flagstone path. The plaza is perfectly whimsical. The promenade, stretching about 100 yards long, is lined on either side with crooked shops.

            At the center of the lawn there is a cascading fountain with a porcelain ivory basin. A tiny picket sign is planted in the courtyard garden: Bramble Court.

            "It is only going to get better, I promise. Wait until you see this place at Christmastime." His eyes light up.

            "It's exquisite now," I say.

            "It is."

            I crane my neck in every direction. On our right I see a miniature wooden cottage with a cobblestone face. Only, half of the building is hidden, devoured by drapes of thick ivy and tiny white blossoms. As we inch closer, I peer into the hazy window.

            The walls are piled high with herbs, spices, plant-like specimens, flowers, and more. Cylindrical jars, glass tubes that resemble the ones in the Ash House, stone mortars and pestles, ceramic bowls, and wooden canisters of all shapes and sizes are on display, each one filled with contents more curious than the next.

            Center front are two sleek glass bottles with cork stoppers –neatly scribbled labels read Vanilla Extract and Lavender Essence.

            A bell jingles inside as an old woman enters the shop. Sweet aromas flow out with the breeze –it's intoxicating. Every scent you could imagine. I step back and glance up. A similar sign hangs on a swinging plank above the door: I & V Apothecary.

            We walk farther down and on the left there is a modern, polished bungalow with clothing hanging in the window display. We also pass a bookstore, Test of Time, and a cozy little jewelry shop with handcrafted beads and ornaments.

            "Almost there." William stares at me sideways.

            We loop around at the far side of the promenade and make our way up the other side.

            We come to a stop in front of a shop directly across from the apothecary and just as alluring. Only instead of earthy essence pouring out the doors, a sweet sugar engulfs the two of us, beckoning us inside.

            The Confectionary is a fanciful wooden cottage, chiseled to perfection. A stone chimney towers in the back, peeking above the shop. The entire front-facing wall is glass from the ground up –like a giant, never-ending window. A table of little sweets and pastries sits behind the window, enticing passersby.

            "Come on." William pulls my hand.

The space is warm and welcoming. Against the far wall there is a crystal counter concealing treats and delicacies, bottles and mugs, and everything else –you name it. I catch a faint whiff of honeyed toffee and freshly squeezed lemons.