1: The Famous Ruby-haired woman of Trombouse
Today is such a great day. I got a chance to roam around the forest located at the boundary of Trombouse and Filan. Herbal plants and beautiful scenery can be spotted in the forest of Muscava. I never had a chance to roam freely like this in this area. That's why I'm kind of excited.
The lovely birds chirped happily at each other happily, the high-pitched voices bouncing back as the wind blew them gentle kisses, and made the tree leaves--- and my hair--- sashay with approval. The scent of fresh pine dew wafted around, and I could barely contain my own heart, which is hammering wildly in my chest. A sigh of contentment escaped my lips as I crouched low, searching for those rare herbs that I can use.
I grab a few herbs that I spotted on every path I'm taking. I put it on my basket and grab the encyclopedia of herbal medicines then search for new knowledge of each herb.
The moment I reached the cliff the people of Trombouse talking about. I put back the encyclopedia and started climbing the cliff. It's not that high and I think I can manage climbing up way to the top. I am not a woman with a skinny and weak system. I have grown up in the woods with my grandparents. I am very prone to this kind of thing.
I reached the top. I open my arms and feel the freshness of the wind. I look at the spectacular view that can be seen, very clearly from my location.
The boundary of Trombouse and Filan is clearly visible in front of me. Large rock walls dividing both kingdoms from each other. You can see each of their amazing features and treasured beauty. A very spectacular view indeed.
After mesmerizing the view. I started picking up the herbs that I will be needed for my Granny's antidote. It's not yet finished since she needs a few more ingredients and herbs that are rarely to be found in the woods where we living. That's why I also take this opportunity to grab a few of those herbs that she'll be needing.
My grandmother is a herbalist. She is the Herbal Doctor of Trombouse. She is quite famous even in the other kingdoms, her fame even reached the neighboring kingdoms and gallant nobles.
I got that talent from her. Ever since I was a kid, I watched her from doing antidotes and medicines for each kind of disease and bites. Her specialization we're poison bites, specifically snake bites. She got each antidote for each snake species. However, her skills have limits. She doesn't want to make an antidote to the other diseases, 'cause she believes that it's not her fortè. She doesn't want to be selfish when talking about skills. That's why she taught me to be like her, to be the herbalist who will follow her title.
But of course, I don't want just inherit her title. But make my own, that's why I started researching about the internal diseases that cannot be treated, or no medicine found yet. I am planning to make medicine and be the first herbalist to do that. When I accomplished that, I am sure my grandmother will be proud.
After picking some herbs. I climb down at the cliff carefully and started making my way back from my home. I look at the sky, different species of birds following me. I smiled and ran still not taking back my sight to them. I saw them flapping their wings faster and followed me. I laugh when I realized, I am so stupid for playing together with birds. I don't know, but I feel so fond of it.
I have so many forest animal friends. Like squirrels, rabbits, deers, and even more! It seems like I befriended all forest animals. Well, maybe it's understandable since I live in the woods, right?
I get back so easily where our house is. I saw granny outside the house, picking a few Chattou Seeds. I wonder if it is for food or other medicine she is making?
"Hi, Grandma!" I greet her and kiss her on her cheeks. She almost jumps in shock she put her hands on her chest like she doesn't expect me to come home too early.
"Christ! My dear Odette, you scared me! You must not repeat it again or else I might die due to heart attack!" I laugh.
"Come on, granny. Don't make fun of it. I'm sorry okay? Here, as my peace offering. I bought you some herbs I got in the forest of Muscava. You know I got a pretty hard work climbing onto the walls of the famous Muscava cliff for those. You should be proud." I said with a very proud tone. Well, not a usual woman do. I am so proud of myself I climbed those!
Granny laughs and hugged me.
"Oh thank you! I am so lucky to have you Odette. I am having a hard time finding those herbs. You know me, I am an old lady that can't climb those cliffs and mountains for herbs!"
Grandma took the herbs and make her way inside our small and wooden house. We may not be wealthy, but I am contented with this way of living. With my grandmother. And being a herbalist, even though not a real one.
To be an official herbalist, you need to take an examination to grab the title you are officially a herbalist. But due to lack of finance, I have no time to take the exam and be an official one. That's why I'm stuck on being like this, just a cheap herbalist.
However, this didn't change my perspective and dream. I want to be something, I want to make my dream come true. I want to help the people in need. I want to be a great herbalist that is knowledgeable on each branch of it.
I may be poor, but this doesn't mean to stop being what I wanna be.
"Odette! Would you like to give these medicines to the inn in the village? I am quite busy right now. I may finish this antidote today! If I just remember what formula I used last time... Oh! The medicines are inside the cabinet near the couch. You may leave but not that late, okay?"
I immediately find the medicines granny was talking about. The moment I saw it, I quickly grab it and my cape. I cover my hair that also hides my face.
"Yes, grandma! I'm going now!"
"Take care, my dear Odette! Be safe!"
The street of Trombouse is always busy. The workers really worked hard for their daily needs, each of them is working and that really makes me smile.
Trombouse is not that big, but this kingdom is quite influential. Trombouse is known for exporting different kinds of seafood. But since seafood is all around the world, only a few but big and influential guilds buy the seafood that is originally in the Trombouse.
Trombouse is quite famous. Not because of its good characteristics but because of the first prince, Rhion Schenezede, known as a coward and an idiotic prince of Trombouse. It is kind of negative, a prince should be a role model to his people. But by this character of Prince Rhion, definitely makes the background of Trombouse negatively.
"Good afternoon Ma'am Silva!" I greeted as I opened the door of the inn revealing few patients on the chairs while accommodated by healers. I saw Ma'am Silva accommodating a man with so many bruises, I think he got that while working since he mostly got bruises on his hands and arms.
"Odette, Good afternoon to you too. Did your grandmother send you here to bring the medicines?" I nodded and put the jars of medicines at the table.
"Yes, she's quite busy making another antidote. I grabbed her few herbs at the Forest of Muscava, no wonder she's very into it. I mean finishing the antidote since she got the herbs she needed." I heard her laugh.
"Well, you know the old woman. When she put her mind to it, she won't stop. You and her are very much similar do you know it?"
I smiled and nodded, "Yes, I remembered when I made my first jars of medicines. I didn't sleep for three straight nights just to finish and perfect it. She scolded me after that she did the same. How funny is that right?" We both laugh when I remembered it. How funny when your grandmother scolded you about something and yet they did the same on the other day.
"See? By the way, I heard there is another examination for being a herbalist this week. Why won't you make a try?" I bit my lower lip and look at her.
"I don't have money to take the exam, Ma'am Silva. You know that we lack money." Ma'am Silva tapped my back.
"Honey, this time it is free. You just need to prove that you're responsible enough for being a herbalist. There's nothing wrong if you try. I am sure your grandma will be happy if you try." She said that makes me thought of it.
Grandma never mentioned it to me. But I can feel she wants me to be an official herbalist. I remembered the time I told her I want to travel the whole world and find different kinds of herbs and make it as a medicine. But then she said that I need to be knowledgeable enough to know each type and standard of each herb. I need to learn every single detail of each herb. She once told me that being a herbalist is big work. When they come to you, there's a high expectation from them that you'll heal them. You must not break the trust of the peoples who come to you to heal them, instead, do everything you can do to save their lives.
"I'll think of it, Ma'am Silva. Thank you for informing me." I should really think about it. She smiled and nodded.
I said my goodbye and then leave the inn the moment I had the money. I stare at the plaza and when I spotted a few kids playing in the middle of the fountain. What a beautiful scene.
I sat down at the empty bench and opened my encyclopedia. I started thinking about what Ma'am Silva told me. What if I try taking the trial? No harm is done if I try. Besides, I may make this good news if I became an official herbalist. Granny will be proud of me.
But, If I take the trial, of course, I need to live inside the castle. And that means leaving grandma behind.
I don't think I like that idea.
On the second thought, this might be the pathway I need to walk closer to my dream. But--
Argh! This is so hard. I don't wanna think of it for now. It makes my brain ache.
"Look! It's the gem-haired lady!"
I looked up and saw the kids in front of me. Mesmerizing the color of my hair and their mouth gaped when they saw my sparkling emerald eyes.
"Wow! Her eyes is sparkling!" A girl with brown hair said. I smiled and tap her head.
"Yes, I have a very unusual hair and eye color," I said. The kids keep praising my looks. I am quite used to it, praising my looks. But when the kids say it. I can't help it but feel awkward about it. I remember my grandmother told me that kids don't lie.
"I wish I have that kind of hair," said the girl. One look by her eyes, you can see the eagerness. I carry her and sat her on my lap.
"You know what? Your hair is beautiful enough. Don't wish for more, instead, do everything to take care of it. Hair is one of the treasures of a woman." I said to her. The other girl grab my hand and cupped my cheek. She stared at my eyes, full of envy.
"I like your eyes, Miss. How did you get that?" I shrugged.
"I was born with it."
"Really? It's so green! Like a sparkling gem!" I laugh silently.
"She has ruby-hair and emerald-eyes. Is your blood also from the color of the gems? Sparkling and shining?"
I laugh at her statement. "Then I must be a living gem human then?"
The kids started fussing about me having gem blood. I laugh mentally and tapped their heads.
"Well, thank you so much for admiring my eyes, little ones."
I already left at the plaza, leaving those cute little girls. They told me that they will be going to take care of their hair and eyes. At first, they were confused about why but I told them that as a girl, hair and eyes are very important. It gives you more feminity and grace. Of course, as a woman, you wanna be acknowledged. But for me, I would be happy if they acknowledge me because of my skills. But your appearance must be taken care for.
Argh, what am I fighting for?
I reached our house. I stopped and stare for a while. Somethings not right.
The lights are opened, yes it is usually open but not many. I can see those three open lanterns on each corner. And a silhouette of a man. I am kind of nervous, but I am worried about what happened to grandma. What a stranger doing inside our house?
Even though I'm scared. My worry about my grandmother arisen. I need to know if she's alright if she's safe.
And at that moment. I entered the house and saw a man, sitting at the couch, with the crest of Trombouse Palace.
1: The ruby-haired woman of Trombouse