Maddie arranges the firm red apples into neat rows across the kitchen table, sorting them by size. Sunlight warms their polished skins beside the wicker basket.
She turns to the shelves and gathers dried herbs, clean cloth, and several small jars, setting each item beside the apples with practiced care.
Maddie
These need packing for a traveling herbalist who’ll be leaving for Lavendara soon, dearie.
Beyond the open doorway, the stubborn goat gives a curious bleat from the yard, but he remains by the pen while Maddie measures herbs into the smallest jar.
Maddie
The work is simple enough: carry the supplies carefully, keep the jars upright, and help with the delivery. I thought you might make a fine assistant.
She folds the clean cloth around the jars and ties the bundle with twine. Lavendara is only a name on the road for now, yet it lies beyond every path Fiona has traveled from Cressdale.
Maddie
If you’re willing, we can ask the herbalist about accompanying the wagon. Your help would be useful, and you’d see a little more of the world.
✓ Quest Accepted
Reach Lavendara
“Me? In a big city like Lavendara? Gee, Granny.... Do you really think I could do it?”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +1)
Fiona Deerbrush
Me? In a big city like Lavendara? Gee, Granny... do you really think I could do it?
The word city stretches in Fiona’s mind into a maze of streets, unfamiliar signs, and complicated directions she might read too slowly. Yet a green tendril slips from the herb bundle, tightening its twine neatly beneath her fingers, a small reassurance from nature’s gift.
Maddie
I do, dearie. You won’t need to understand every sign at once, and you needn’t face strangers alone. The traveling herbalist knows the road and will guide you.
Fiona studies the jars, trusting Maddie’s certainty more readily than her own. If the herbalist is kind enough to accept her help, she imagines, then Lavendara’s people may be kind too.
Maddie
Yes, sweetheart. You can do it. You’ll carry the supplies, help with the delivery, and reach Lavendara safely with Elian Voss. I’ll tell him you’re coming.
The answer settles plainly between them: Fiona can accompany the herbalist to Lavendara. Maddie draws the bundle closer, already treating her granddaughter as a capable traveling assistant.
✓ Quest Accepted
Deliver the herbal supplies
“Fiona accepts the package as carefully as she can manage and places it into the wicker basket for safekeeping.”
SUCCESS (Great Athletics, rolled +0)
Fiona accepts the wrapped herbs with both hands, concentrating on each jar and the twine around them. Maddie’s instructions are simple, but “safekeeping” makes Fiona pause, wondering whether the bundle needs guarding as well as carrying.
She settles the bundle into the wicker basket instead of balancing it against her hip. The basket’s broad, sturdy weave supports the weight and leaves her hands free to guide the jars upright.
Fiona checks the package twice, following the order literally: basket first, bundle inside, jars standing, cloth tucked around them. Her careful farm-strength grip keeps everything steady as she adjusts the padding.
Maddie
That’s just right, dearie. Safe in the basket, upright and snug. You’re taking excellent care of those herbs.
The wicker sides hold the bundle securely, and the tied cloth remains neat. Nothing tips, spills, or rolls as Fiona lifts the basket’s handle for a cautious test.
Maddie
There we are. Elian will be pleased to see such a careful assistant waiting for him.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure Elian Voss's agreement to take Fiona to Lavendara
+ New Item Acquired
Wrapped herb bundle
“Fiona grips the basket tightly for fear that she might spill its contents and heads off the farm and into the village proper. She passes by her friend's bakery along the way, getting distracted by the smell of baked goods.”
SUCCESS (Great Agility, rolled -1)