The morning light filtered through the open windows as she sat before the small altar, the brass lamps already flickering with steady flames. Her saree was a deep red silk that clung to every curve, the pallu draped loosely over one shoulder. The magnolia flower tucked behind her ear released its sweet scent with every moveme nt of her head. She had bathed with sandal soap, her skin still carrying that clean, woody fragrance mixed with the jasmine and magnolia from her hair.