The sun's light was cut by the large towering trees, its muted rays dancing on the forest floor to the tune of the swaying branches. The air was filled with the scent of wildflowers, pine, and rich earth. A gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it the distant sounds of the city, all of which faded away as the two women ventured further into the forest.
The temperate weather felt good even under the large trees. It allowed a taste of the forest to be held on the tongue—a combination of damp earth and pine. The forest floor was carpeted with a thick layer of moss and fallen leaves, soft underfoot and providing a stark contrast to the cobbled path that allowed them to quickly reach the forest just outside of the city.
Ravina's smile beamed as she marveled at the pure, uncorrupted beauty of nature. Its brilliant charm was broken only when Aurelia gave the girl a soft tap on her head.
“Pay attention,” she chided. “Remember why we are here.”
Ravina rubbed her head, “Right, under the guise of picking Lentiana herbs we will gather intelligence on the Mir forest and its surrounding area!~”
“Guise? What guise? The request is to collect herbs,” Aurelia sighed before continuing, “Getting familiar with the area will happen naturally as you complete the quest, however, because you are not familiar with the area you have to pay extra attention, land marks, and positioning are important. If I have to guide you out of the forest, I won't allow you to continue.”
The woman's words caused Ravina to straighten her spine. “Right. Got it,” she said, determination. Muttering to herself she looked at the forest entrance “Besides, this is my first time in the forest with the MC, so … something is guaranteed to happen while inside.” She smiled at her own cleverness.
“What are you mumbling over there,” Aurelia poked the girl's back, “right, quick test—what is a Lentiana herb?”
Ravina smiled, poking the side of her eye as if adjusting a pair of glasses before she explained. “The Lentiana herb is a plant that grows in warm areas in the shade, it has many medicinal applications. Most notably, it has anti-fever properties, and making tea from this herb before bedtime will help settle the body, allowing an easier time going to sleep. It also has The compound can also be used to repel common insects.”
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“Well… you did pay attention to the request, so that's good. Now what does it look like.”
Ravina brought her hands up as she expanded its description her index fingers dancing in the air as she tried to draw the item. “It's kind of like... wavy-ish ridges on its leaves that look like sharp... daggers? The tips are purplish, I remember that, and they are about a finger in length. They come in clumps of about five.”
“You don't remember?” Aurelia shook her head. There were many plants in the forest, some were beneficial but a lot more were deadly. There was little problem when turning them into the guild. Those were double-checked, but Aurelia wanted Ravina to start herb gathering for emergencies. As Ravina said Lentiana has anti-fever properties. Just chewing it would stop a fever just enough to survive.
“I remember what the drawing looked like!” Ravina complained. “It's just... describing it is a little…”
“I see…” Well, practice makes perfect. It would take some time but eventually, she should be able to pick out the herb easily. Aurelia smiled, it was kind of funny though, the plant she was trying to describe was already at her feet. It was called a herb but it was more like a weed. Despite needing strict conditions to grow domestically, it seemed to appear everywhere. It's why Aurelia chose it. It would make a good introduction to finding such plants.
“What's so funny?” Ravina asked, clearly frustrated.
“It's just cute,” Aurelia let loose a small cough in an attempt to hide her smile. “With the way your hands are running as you try and explain what the herb looks like.”
The girl folded her arms quickly. “Well, glad you're having fun.” puffing out her cheeks in annoyance she turned away.
“Then it may be better for you to find the herb and show it to me instead of trying to take a guess. We are on a time limit so hurry up.” with a clap Aurelia encouraged the girl.
“Yes ma’am!” Ravina called before spinning on her heel and stepping deeper into the forest, completely missing the plant that she was looking for.
“Ma’am?” Aurelia blinked, “I'm not that… that old?” Aurelia’s eyes narrowed as they shifted. “Yeah,” she nodded her head in confirmation, “at least not old enough to be called ma’am!”
However, Ravina was not there to hear that part, as she had already forged ahead, prompting Aurelia to quickly catch up to her.