Chapter 22: The start of the adventure

Today was the day. I was going to bring Emma to the forest. Last time, she chased me in there while I was crying, but today would be different. Today I would bring her properly, into my forest, and show her its wonders.

I stood in the foyer by the entrance, checking my outfit in the mirror one last time. I had already changed twice, but I was finally satisfied. I wore a soft green tunic over a white undershirt, cinched at the waist with a woven belt. Dark brown leggings disappeared into sturdy green boots laced all the way up my calves. Over my shoulders rested a lightweight hooded cloak. Everything was snug, familiar, and forest-ready.

“Olypop, we’re leaving!”

I rushed out the door, nearly tripping over a root as I went.

My parents were waiting by the carriage, and my brother was loading their suitcases into the back. The carriage itself was built for forest roads rather than city streets. Its dark wood had been polished smooth by years of use, reinforced with iron bands at the corners. The wide wheels sat high enough to clear roots and uneven ground, their rims scarred from past trips. A canvas top, treated against rain and leaf-fall, was dyed a muted green that blended easily into the treeline. It was sturdy, reliable, and very much ours.

I ran ahead to the front to see the carrier beast.

At first glance, it looked like nothing more than a small mound of dirt. That was all anyone else would see if they did not know what they were looking at. But I did.

Two small, round ears poked out of the soil, each about the size of my fist. I slipped between the harness and dropped to my knees in front of where her head should be, waiting. When she finally raised it, I laughed and started tickling the smooth, oily skin just behind her ears. They began to wiggle like mad, and a low hum rose up from her chest, vibrating through mine like a landslide.

Mom wore a lovely dress that looked like ashes falling from the sky, paired with very tall heels that made her seem taller than Dad. He, for his part, wore simple traveling clothes, his sword strapped at his waist.

My brother tossed the last suitcase into the carriage.

“We’ll be back in a few days,” Dad was telling him. “If we aren’t back in two days, then you and your sister need to cast a wide-ranging growth spell.” He paused, then added, “And keep an eye on your sister.”

“I am more than capable of handling myself,” I said, putting on my best pout. “Remember, I’m a demonslayer,” I added, clutching my hands together and giving him my best puppy-dog face.

“Of course you are,” Dad said, pulling me into a one-armed hug.

Mom kissed Olivander on the cheek. When she kissed me, she whispered, “Call your brother if you need any help.”

I knew she had noticed how long I took getting ready. Thankfully, she did not comment.

We waved goodbye as they climbed into the carriage and rode off toward Stillwater.

***

I was waiting for Emma at the entrance to the village, two small notebooks tucked into my satchel. The town had just begun to stir. Merchants hawked their wares, Mira and Dain darted through the streets, and the sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone paths. I kept shifting from foot to foot, unable to contain my excited, nervous energy. Eventually, I crouched to gather some nearby wildflowers. Technically weeds, but pretty nonetheless. I picked blue, yellow, and white blossoms and wove them into alternating rows, shaping them into a makeshift crown.

Just as I started to fidget again, she approached.

She wore a cream-colored robe that reached just past her knees, cross-tied with a braided cord. The sleeves were long and narrow, embroidered at the wrists with faint silver thread in a pattern I did not recognize. Probably something sacred. Soft leather gloves were tucked into her belt, and she wore simple sandals with thick woolen socks, worn and patched in places. A small wooden prayer disk bounced gently against her hip with every step.

I told her to wear something practical for the woods. I did not realize she would end up looking that cute.

“Umm, hi,” I said. An idiotic greeting. Why did I not think this part through!

“Good morning,” she replied, her voice as soft as the breeze that stirred our hair.

“That outfit is… perfect for today. Good job.” Ugh. Why was I having such a hard time talking now? Yesterday had been fine.

“Thanks. You look great too.” Her gaze warmed me despite the cold morning.

I tried to laugh it off. “Thanks. Though I am not sure if the flowers are too much.” I gestured vaguely at my head. “I would not want to offend any forest fairies.”

“Not at all. You look lovely,” she said, smiling gently.

“We should get going. Lots to do.” I turned on my heel and hurried out of town, my face burning.

I pulled up my hood as she caught up.

She jogged a little to pass me, turning her head to peer up under the edge of the hood. “What is the plan?”

I glanced down so the hood would hide my face better and noticed my satchel. I pulled out one of the notebooks and checked the cover.

Property of Olive.

I shoved it back too quickly and nearly dropped the other one as I fumbled for it instead.

“Right. Here.”

She took it, smiling as she looked down at the cover. The original words had been crossed out, the ink scratched through hard enough to score the leather.

Property of Olive Emma’s Adventure Book!

“It… it’s empty?” she asked, flipping it open.

“I thought it might be fun for us to keep track. You know, a logbook. Like real adventurers,” I said, trying to sound confident as I straightened.

“That sounds like a great idea.” Her smile widened, and my heart nearly burst out of my chest. “Thank you. I will… I will treasure it.”

“Then let us begin our adventure!” I shouted to hide my reaction as I took the first step toward the trees. “I shall show you the wonders of the forest!”