Blog Post

Blog Post 43: The Adventure Shop: Part 10

2/13/2023

Dahlia could not believe all that she had seen… heard… tasted… Experienced! 

It was so different from using her magic to travel. By using magic to travel, she only experienced such a small part of what was all there. Adventuring to places she never been this way, could give a new sense of curiosity at every turn. If you looked at any place the right way really, a different perspective, it could have been in her own backyard and she had not seen it.

Dahlia’s hands played with the scarf Aster gave her. Her hands manifesting the physical sensation of feeling nervous as they made their way to meet the other adventurers. A sense of curiosity and wonder slowly turned into a sense of anxiety and dread. It felt different being with the others; they all had skills or magic that helped them survive out in the woods on an adventure. Dahlia had skills that were suited to preparing for journeys, usually used at home. What did she have to contribute to the adventurers at this leg? But that would not matter. There were enough experienced adventurers that she most likely would not be needed. She wondered to herself why she was so insistent she come. 

Aster and Dahlia joined the group as Borg began addressing the collective.

“We will spend the night in the forest. The place we scouted is not too far and we will be able to start with freshwater tomorrow with a creek nearby. Stay close and alert. I would bet my best hammer that at least four of the town’s thieves noticed our journey and connections. If you see anyone following, you know what to do.” He paused as everyone nodded and Dahlia wondered what it was they knew. 

“Now let’s move out! Keep the company close and your belongings closer!” 

Dahlia wondered what he meant as she paused thinking, and once she began again, fell instep by two people she had not yet said one word to. They were familiar, often coming into the shop together. One never without the other, as much as Dahlia could surmise. 

Killian, a Fae, had large beautiful wings that fit his striking warrior features. He was tall, slender, and had lean muscle. He carried more weapons than Dahlia thought someone of his build could carry. But she knew they were fae weaponry, known for being light and easy to wield. She had always wished to ask to inspect them, but it seemed rude for the sake of mere curiosity. Dahlia knew in the hands of the skilled fae the weapons would move faster than most could comprehend. 

It would be interesting to see him fight.

His counterpart, Marianna, was beautiful with sharp features that made it obvious she was a Nymph. Her lavender eyes were a stark contrast to her dark green skin. Dahlia knew she was a healer from the books, potions, and various objects she bought. But other than her bag at her side, she bore no weapons. Most likely nature was her weapon and her protector, but as Dahlia had never seen nor asked about the ability, she could only assume. For both individuals it would be interesting, observing them and learning more. 

“It is nice to see you out here with us,” Marianna smiled as if to read the very thoughts Dahlia had stirring inside her head.

“It is nice to be out. Though a bit overwhelming.” She slightly laughed to play off the truth of that statement.

“Overwhelming is a bit of understatement. Especially for any first time adventurer. It sounds fun when you hear stories and start out, but no one tells you how many dangers there are,” Killian affirmed as he seemed to remember his first journey with a far off gaze in his eyes. One mixed with amusement and slight horror. 

“I remember feeling horribly useless on my first adventure. I tried to use a bow and arrow, with a few throwing knives. It was a disaster. And they took them away partially through, so I did not really have a way to help the others,” Marianna admitted, blushing slightly from the memory.

“Yes, we like to call her lethal, not accurate,” Killian joked, making Dahlia laugh.

“Do you have to bring that up?” Marianna asked playfully, smacking Killian’s arm. “I was naive and didn’t know what I was suited for.” 

Marianna looked at Dahlia with admiration. “It was actually thanks to you that I found my new talents. Unlike other shops where they expect every adventure to be the same metal-toting, lethal weapon, you took time to help me. You took time to look at what I could be, how I could learn and grow. I would not be the healer and druid I am without you. My connection to nature and knowledge of healing has made me such a strong adventurer.” 

“I am glad. I believe everyone has gifts or talents that we have starting out that we gravitate to, and then others we decide to develop on our own over time. You could still learn how to shoot or throw knives,” Dahlia encouraged. 

“If you do decide to pick that up again, I will be visiting her shop for armor that covers me from head to toe,” Killian laughed.

“I shot you in the back of the knee once! And I already apologized over a hundred times by now,” Marianna said, looking slightly annoyed. 

“It still hurts on rainy days,” Killian complained, trying to point at it.

“You both are funny,” Dahlia interrupted as they both turned to her, “how long have you been adventuring together?” 

“We met on our first adventure and we usually join parties together, but occasionally take a few jobs separately, if we are interested in the journey,” Killian explained. 

Dahlia noticed the others slowly stopping at a site, and started to get their tents and supplies out of their packs. 

“Dahlia, will you come with me?” Hazel called to her. 

Oh! Dahlia wondered why she was calling, but of course she would help Hazel. Turning to Killian and Marianna, Dahlia said, “It was fun walking with you! I would love to talk more later!” 

“That would be great!” Marianna waved as Dahlia started walking away. “Sounds great!” Killian called after her.

Dahlia walked toward Hazel who had a basket. “What are we doing?” 

“You are coming with me to collect some herbs for healing. One of the healers from town recommended this area for some of the herbs I need for my potions. I know you are well-versed in herbs, which will make this project take less time,” Hazel explained as Dahlia followed her further away from camp. 

Once they reached a secluded spot, Hazel and Dahlia got to work. Hazel’s mind plagued her with questions as her real intention pressed her conscience to be voiced.

Hazel sighed and looked at the girl dedicated to her task. “Dahlia, do you know who tied you to the moonstone at your birth?” 

“No, I know they told my parents it was necessary for health if I was to live past the winter. But they were banished from the kingdom soon after for experiments of illegal magic. Many healers tried to untie me from my moonstone, but they could not. I learned to live with it as I grew up, but the amount of power in my moonstone made it dangerous to stay with my family. I am sorry; you knew all that before.” Dahlia felt silly as she realized she said nothing and gave away a lot of information at the same time.

“Yes, of course. What would you say to the person who created the process if you could speak with them?” Hazel asked with grief on her heart for past mistakes she could never undo.

Dahlia thought for a moment before answering. “At first I was angry. It felt like something that took away every good thing in my life. But at one point I realized that the creator of the moonstone’s method did not intend for it to be used to hurt others. That she truly did want to save others with her brilliant idea. It was others’ greed that ruined what she created. I do not blame her, only the one who tried to harm me with the creator’s method.”

Though Dahlia felt uncertain of her future, she knew what she said was true, but she could not deny the fear she had. Her hand touched the piece of the moonstone around her neck. 

“I am afraid though. My life is hanging around my neck. And now I have none of my magic to use because it is all being used to keep me alive. I don’t know what I can offer to others. I am worried about what may happen in the future,” she admitted.

Hazel sat on the ground and prompted Dahlia to come sit beside her. “Be still one moment. And listen.” 

Dahlia looked around at the sun’s rays pouring through the trees. The slight breeze over her skin and the feel of the grass and solid beneath her. The slight mix of silence and noise from the wildlife. It felt peaceful and wild at the same time.

“You are in this moment. What you experience in this moment is what is real, what is tangible. Your future, anyone’s future, is unknown. Full of fear, expectations, dreams, anxieties. But there is nothing you can do about it because it is not where you are at. Where you are at right now is here, with me, using your knowledge to help me collect herbs for potions that could protect our friends. And your next moments will be you deciding something and experiencing something else. In those present moments is when you decide how to affect your future. You can plan, worry, stress, and fear the future, but it will come. If that is all you will do, then you will not have changed the outcome, and what you fear most will most likely come true.”

Hazel waved her hands. “In this moment we are resting, grounding to the moment we are in. You must decide to use each moment, what you can control. And let the rest go when you can. It is not worth the energy it takes to carry it.”

Dahlia contemplated what Hazel said; she could not control the future. But for now she was alive.  She could decide how to learn to make herself useful. There were so many talented and experienced people around her that she could learn from, if she just got over the fear of being inexperienced. 

“Thank you for the lesson Hazel. I have been so afraid of what others thought that I did not ask for help when I could have and have been carrying all of this by myself. Thank you for taking time to teach me and listen. You have been such a source of wisdom in my life. I am glad that you walked into my shop.” 

Dahlia decided to take her moments and make the most of each one. Starting with her friend now, and later asking for help to grow in her abilities–or lack thereof. 

“Hazel, you have always listened and been such a great friend to me. Is there anything that is weighing on you or anything I can do to help you?” 

“You have in a sense given me a peace of mind. One I may tell you one day, but for now, I feel like I can continue this journey without the fear I was holding onto myself. Talking with you now, I realized I was doing the same thing that you were, just in a slightly different manner. I focused on the past, but I cannot dwell on it if I wish to move forward.”

“Well then maybe we can go forward, teaching each other?” 

“Let’s do it. Now help me up, will you?” Hazel lifted her hand as Dahlia stood and helped her up. 

Hazel knew one day she would talk with Dahlia about her creation. But knowing that Dahlia did not hold the creator of the moonstone at fault made her feel reassured. 

Hazel once again made it steadfast in her heart to find all those who used the moonstones as a tool for harm and ensure they were stopped. Her vow and the reason for her adventurers no one knew, but with Dahlia’s journey she could keep her word.

She would find this abuser of her magic and, one way or another, their misdeeds would come to an end.