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Page #14: "Playing at Adventuring"
Dear Diary, it's been a strange morning at the Nine Ivies. I was picking flowers for Miss Lilia (I've decided I'll gift her with some of my favourites I found out here, the Bellflower Beardtongue, Golden Poppies, Red Poppies and the Bellflower Lilies) when I heard a woman call for aid of an adventurer. Of course this peeked my curiosity and I approached her in greeting. I immediately found her quite blunt and direct, almost rude even, as she likened me to a prostitute for my lacking of a coat. Fortunately I had my pack strapped over Steelbane my travelling steed, and so had a change of clothes to satisfy my would-be client. She asked me of my experiences in such things like fighting and killing, and honestly, the thought brought me near to tears. I did not find the expectation to kill for this woman at all appealing.
She lost interest in me as I looked upset, but I pressed on, my concern for the Nine Ivies growing. I beseeched her to explain her quest, for whatever must be done for the good of the Twelveswood, would be my duty. She seemed to think me young and naive, even compared me to a sister of hers who had suffered paralysing injuries due to being unprepared on a dangerous adventure. I chose to look past this insult and offered her consolation for her sister's plight. We journeyed through the Nine Ivies together, I as her guard, while she picked rare herbs in the forests. It was quite exciting. I was to look out for rampaging beasts, which I hoped to soothe if one should be encountered. Should it be a bear or other, I would offer her my meatball sandwich and give thanks to the elementals.
Ms Lockwood, that was her name, had little faith in this plan and once at our destination, she released me of my duties. Of course I declined payment, for I serve the will of the forest. I made note to highlight that I had been right in that no harm would befall us, for the Twelveswood were at peace this day. Alas, as though to question my point, we came under attack by hurled knives. At first I panicked, but Ms Lockwood's safety was still my primary concern. I urged her to find cover behind a tree, and I did the same. At first, I suspected poachers, there to take the peacefully grazing stags. As I hurled wind spells in the direction of the thrown knives, I felt a sharp prick upon my back, followed by a voice.
"There are always dangers in the woods, girl, always be prepared, let this be your lesson this day"
Or something along those lines. I was all too busy panicking to properly register her words. I held up my hands in surrender and made sure not to make any sudden movements, fearing for my life. In the event, Ms Lockwood had gained advantageous position and so ran at the knife-pelting woman, aiming to tackle her down. I looked over my shoulder and saw her instead be struck in the stomach, winding her briefly. What followed was a scuffle of swinging arms and knives, the two arguing as though they were familiar. I ran back and yelled for help. I noticed we were not too far from the Quarrymill of Silent Arbor and quick as my windborne feet could flutter, I sprinted to the encampment and reported the crimes to the Wood Wailers on post. Returning with officials to the scene of the attack, both victim and assailant were gone. I don't quite know what to take from it all, except perhaps this; it is not beast that endangers our woods, but the greed and violence of outsiders.
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Sunflower's Blossom (Tumblr link)
