Essence and Echo
The narrow facing of the Essence and Echo is, of course, white plaster. What makes it unique amongst the various shops in Amberlane is the fact that it has not a single window. Even the plain blue door has but a tiny peep hole. Being flanked on either side by other shops, that leaves no entry point for natural light, meaning that every time one enters, the soft shadows of candlelight always accompanies the anise-like scent that seems to cling to the air. Sunlight is, of course, bad for perfumes, or so Elira will tell a visitor as the browse the sparse shelves of the shop, unique looking but tiny bottles with small placards their only contents. Anise, Elira believes, is the perfect palate cleanser.
Once the nose is clear, then one can proceed to the cramped, cedar-lined closet in the back corner and sample the store's wares in what she calls the "scenting room." All of the scents are lovely, of course and Elira will eloquently explain why one particular scent is perfect for a particular person and occasion over another one. Just remember to bring a heavy purse. The cost of her concoctions has surprised many a customer, from wealthy merchant to minor noble.
The Interior of Essence and Echo
The structure continues up to a second level which has a small apartment that Elira calls home. Above that, the floors from neighboring buildings are connected in a modest housing project where apprentices to the weavers, tailors, cobblers, and other fine tradesmen dorm. The shop also continues down, past a triple locked door into an immaculately clean basement laboratory where Elira works her olfactory magic. A slate table sits at the center of the room . Shelves containing copper stills, glass vials, and ledgers written in cipher line one wall and boxes of ingredients the other. Rumors of the components that she stockpiles range from the usual to the exotic, including, what one rat catcher swears, is a eight foot long venomous serpent. Elira might laugh at how people talk, should she hear such a rumor, waving her hand as if to wave away the rumor. "Though," she might add quietly, "I don't think I've seen that rat catcher around town recently."