Fiona carries the wicker basket along the farm lane toward Cressdale’s village green, its wrapped jars upright beneath the cloth. Maddie walks beside her, watching each careful step.
Near the green waits Elian Voss, his sun-browned face marked by a narrow scar beneath one eye, a lean middle-aged man in a weathered brown coat, with a gray-streaked beard and a rolled road map tucked beneath one arm. From the bakery, Peter Fellows hurries after them with a parcel of wrapped cakes.
Elian Voss
Maddie, I can carry the herbs, but taking an untested traveler changes the arrangement. Lavendara is a long road, and I need a capable assistant, not an extra burden.
Peter Fellows
She won’t be a burden! Fiona knows plants, animals, and remedies, and I brought cakes for the road. Properly wrapped ones, so they won’t crumble in the basket.
Peter thrusts the parcel forward, then nearly collides with the basket. He catches himself with a startled squeak, while Elian studies Fiona’s careful grip and the securely tied bundle.
Maddie
Elian, dearie, Fiona still needs your agreement before Lavendara is possible. She can help with the supplies, but the decision must be yours.
Elian Voss
Then let her tell me what she can do, and whether she understands the road will demand patience, steady hands, and obedience to practical instructions.
✓ Quest Accepted
Secure Elian Voss's agreement to take Fiona to Lavendara
“Oh, I won't be a bother! And I know I'm not very.... Educated? But I'm good with medicine and if you can show me how to do things, I can learn 'em real good.”
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +0)
Fiona Deerbrush
Oh, I won’t be a bother! I know I’m not very... educated, but I’m good with medicine. Show me how, and I can learn ’em real good.
Fiona hugs the wicker basket carefully against her skirt. A quick green tendril slips around the wrapped herb bundle, bracing its jars upright as she repeats the herbalist’s practical instructions in simpler pieces.
Peter Fellows
See? She understands perfectly! Medicine is practical, and I’ve read that herbalists need someone who notices small details.
Peter’s parcel of cakes wobbles toward the basket, but Fiona shifts her grip and keeps both parcels secure. She watches the herbalist openly, trusting his judgment to be fair.
Elian Voss
My name is Elian Voss. Medicine, careful packing, and following instructions are exactly what I need. You may come with me to Lavendara.
Maddie
There we are, dearie. I knew your steady hands and kind nature would speak for you.
Elian takes the road map from beneath his arm and opens it beside the basket. He points out the first stretch toward Lavendara, now treating Fiona as his willing assistant rather than an extra burden.
Quest Complete
Secure Elian Voss's agreement to take Fiona to Lavendara