Aromatic Ignition

I crossed the granite counter to investigate an open cylindrical copper tin containing whole dried cloves and star anise pods. Bracing my boots against the ridged metal rim, I reached inside and selected a single star anise fragment with clean, symmetrical points. I laid the pod flat on a nearby ceramic trivet. Dropping into a low, balanced crouch, I brought the translucent flame around my left wrist within a half-inch of the dried seed pod. Within seconds, the concentrated ambient heat released a sharp, peppery resin that beaded along the brittle husk, filling the surrounding airspace with a crisp, concentrated fragrance. Reaction monitored and contained.