Masina rummaged in a crate and a few moments later returned carrying some items cradled in the flounce of the belted, sleeveless tunic she wore above leather breeches.<br/><br/>She sat on the bench cross-legged and the objects sunk into the space between her knees. Glancing up at Mohini she flashed an amused grin.<br/><br/><strong>"Don't worry, little confused girl. I am going to help you be all that you can be."</strong><br/><br/>A smallish, oval brass funnel with a curved snout emerged from Masina's lap and was placed on the bench between her and Mohini.<br/><br/>Watching the growing anxiety etched into Mohini's features, Masina added,<strong> "We won't have to use this at all if you just do what your told. 'Course.. if you don't, that..." she poked at the funnel, "will be the least of your worries."</strong><br/><br/>Next emerged three burlap pouches tied with crude string. From two of them could be seen some sort of dried leaves sticking out of the closure at the top. Someone had over-filled the herb pouches. Then a mortar and pestle were placed along side. Finally, a small clay drinking bowl joined them.<br/><br/>Lifting one pouch, Masina explained to the increasingly frightened Mohini,<strong>"fenugreek seed.."</strong>the pouch was dropped and another lifted,<strong>"blessed thistle.."</strong><br/><br/>She discarded the second pouch, plucking up the third,<strong>"and some red raspberry leaf."</strong><br/><br/>Masina watched Mohini's reaction for recognition, then with a satisfied smile she began to mix the herbs in the mortar.<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/>