The Sandalwood Mortar

I plodded past the open doorway of the apothecary to explore the cool shade inside. Beneath a low wooden drying bench, a shallow, thick-lipped mortar carved from pale sandalwood rested upside down on the flagstones. I paused completely, keeping all four paws rooted while taking in its smooth rounded bottom. After a patient silence, I took two deliberate steps and pressed my blunt snout against the curved wood. It gave a dry, soft rumble across the stone, releasing a faint spicy fragrance into the air. Tilting my head, I murmured quietly and settled my front paws atop the warm, solid dome.