>>96912069 (OP)
Daily tea ritual which hides self-medication behaviour. Her specific morning blend (boiling water three times, three leaves, pinch of smoked root, citrus petal)
In Stimulants: Highly concentrated infusions of known adaptogens or mild stimulants (like fantasy-analogue caffeine or kola nut) hidden in her tea/water to combat sleep deprivation (3–5 hours of sleep).
In Sedatives: Low-dose, non-addictive calmers (like fantasy-analogue chamomile or valerian) used to break the screaming nightmares or prevent a FREEZE response after a major trigger.
Clean, Boiled Water: She learned the cost of disease tending camps and due her background. She beliefs it repeals demons in water.
Controlled Pain/Release. If she drinks, it must be something strong, taken in very small, measured amounts—never enough to impair judgment, but enough to feel the burn. This mirrors her choice of self-inflicted pain.
Fermented Milk Drinks (Analogue Ayran/Kefir): Cultural Anchor/Childhood Comfort. A sharp, cold, cultured milk drink offers a faint, bittersweet connection to the stability of her early years. It is familiar, nourishing, and not decadent.
A secret, low-key purchase made after a particularly taxing social performance, serving as a silent, internalized hug from her past.
She actively avoids drinks that represent sloth, carelessness, or lack of control:
Sweet, Sugary Wines/Liqueurs: Too close to decadence and sloppiness.
Warm, heavily spiced ales or beers: Associated with the "drunken guard" incident and the smells of "spilled ale".
Anything that requires prolonged, boisterous consumption: She is not a "pub drinker" and avoids any situation that diminishes her vigilance.
