Mari walks up

“I think pretty much all of us can talk to animals, except for my dad, he didn’t grow up at the cottage. But none of us can read. Reading is stupid and pointless, at least that’s what my mom says.”

Saige thinks for a moment.

“Yeah, I don’t think I should go out there. They’d probably make me stay if I tell them about all the crazy things that have happened. Especially the almost dying part. Basil would never let me leave again.”

Her eyes go wide with realization, before saying, “yeah no, I definitely shouldn’t go. Nope.”

She chuckles nervously, glancing around the room, trying to find something to focus on.

Walking by, Astra continues on her way back to the Mage’s Guild, holding a woven basket of straw full of herbs. She looks up at The Guild of Light, pondering something before noticing the mass amount of animals. She notes the horse, gingerly walking up to it before recognizing it.

“Ah, Fred was it? Good to see your in good shape after the orcs.”

She looks around for a moment, before tapping her fist into an open palm. ”Mari must’ve returned. I should ask her about where I could locate some peppermint leaves and basil.”

Dusting herself off and adjusting her favor, Astra walks up to the door, giving it a firm knock, ”Good afternoon! I noticed all the animals around, is Mari in there by any chance?”

Miquella ponders for a moment, “I will have to see. If I cannot then I will go and get assistance with that. So we can get a message out pretty quick.” He turns to think for a second.

"ok yeah, then you can just ask a bird or someone to deliver a message about the orcs to your family. You don't have to go and they don't have to know you almost died! That's easy."

She smiles to Saige, then turns to Miquella. "Sounds good to me. I know nothing about fancy magic notes, so I'll leave that up to you."

At the mention of her name she stands up and looks out the door, looking at the woman questioningly. "I'm Mari. Can I help you?"

”Hello again Miss Mari! Perhaps you may not remember me, I am Astra. I invited you and the others to the tavern the other night, but you excused yourself due to Max’s presence.”

She give a warm smile, her woven basket hanging in her hand, by her side. ”I promise I won’t take too much of your time, I was just wondering if you knew where I could find some peppermint leaves and some basil. Just some general directions, if its not too much, as I’m out gathering nettle, feverfew, and some cinnamon.”

Looking at Mari, her eyes drift to the room in the background, seeing Miquella and Saige, holding water and tea leaves in stone cups. She waves, as if to catch their attention.

”Ah, my apologies. I didn’t know I was interrupting something! Hello Miquella! Hi Saige! Have you told Miss Mari about the orcs yet?”

Saige returns Astra's wave while saying, "We were just telling Mari about the orcs! And the drake!"

She settles back onto the couch, getting comfortable again.

"You know, it kind of surprised me that they were so mean. I kind of wanted to be their friends! They like living in the woods, I like living in the woods. They like rocks, I like rocks. We have so much in common, it makes me sad that I could not be their friend. Maybe they just need a hug!"