Thanks for the comments, you guys!

Since this chapter was mainly a brain dump to get the story out there, I've taken a bit of a step back and have reverted into my research mode again. The more I read, the more I'm finding inspiration! I'm also debating whether or not to change the scene to something more "fantastical" (nothing too out there, but slightly different than what's already described).

fairywaif: I've been trying to find some stuff on the more traditional methods (stuff like pre-Victorian era). If you know of anywhere I might have luck finding stuff, I'd be very appreciative! :3
And originally the woman wasn't going to return, but the longer I knew her the more I realized I wanted her to stay.

Crowfeather: The symbol actually has a name, but because of what it represents I feel like it would be too much of a spoiler to say what it actually is. If you were feeling adventurous you'd probably have some luck finding it online somewhere... haha.