No matter how scared I was to go to the forest, I was going to go again. I wanted to learn the language of the trees. What did trees talk about among themselves?
Cedar trees were long-lived creatures that could live for up to a thousand years. They might have seen many things that I didn't know at some point in their lives. I would try to learn their language and learn useful information from them.
My journey home went smoothly. I looked back occasionally as I walked along the path. I made sure nothing was following me and continued on my way.
When I got home, Arwa was waiting for me outside.
"My child, come here, let me look," Arwa said. I did as Arwa said and went to her.
"My child, have you lost your mind. The baskets in your hands come from the forest of calamity, right? Oh, I should have told you what calamities that evil forest would cause. According to the stories the villagers told me when I was a child, if a person steps into a spooky forest, they may never return, and if they do, they will emerge as a completely different person.
Oh, my child, even if it is the grace of the gods that you return safe and sound, don't go there again. There is nothing there but death. I was very curious about where you were. My heart was pounding that something would happen to you. My child, don't go somewhere without telling me again," he said in a serious tone, his voice tearful. He hugged me tightly without giving me time to put down my baskets. This was the first time I had seen Arwa this scared. What a nice feeling it was to have someone worry about me.
"Arwa, I'm sorry for worrying you. I don't think the forest is dangerous. I'll go there again and this topic is closed. Also, look at the things I've collected in the baskets I have in my hands. Some of the materials I've collected aren't even in your stock.
I'm giving you all the materials I've collected from the forest. You deserve better gifts, but these are all I can do right now. Besides, why shouldn't I go to the forest? Look, I came back safe and sound as you said. I agree that that place is mysterious, but that doesn't mean it's bad." I said while continuing to hug the woman in a friendly and sincere way.
"Is all of this mine? My dear, why did you bother? I'm an old woman, I can't afford more. I can't accept all of this," the woman said.
She stopped hugging me. She started examining the baskets in my hand. The things I'd collected were starting to interest her more and more. Her eyes were bulging and it was becoming comical in a way.
"Siri, can you take photo of Arwa? I want to immortalize this moment," I said.
"Transferring the saved photo to the gallery file... Transfer complete..." said Siri.
"Oh my gods, you have collected so many things. Some of these things you have collected are very rare. You have collected marjoram, tarragon, sumac, cilantro, rosemary, pennyroyal, thyme, basil, sage and bistek mushrooms. My child, I can tell that the talisman is on your side. I had seen marjoram when I was a child and I didn't think I would see it again.
This plant is called pure happiness. It makes the person who consumes it experience the happiest moments. Are you really willing to give these to me?" the old woman said happily as a child. I was caught up in her joy. I wanted to follow her. I nodded my head in approval.
"My child, you have a heart of gold. Thank you for your gifts," the woman said.
"It's okay Arwa, I want you to consider it as my thanks for your hospitality. Also, what did you do while I was gone today? Are you going to teach today?" I said. The woman was surprised when she heard what I said. It didn't take me long to understand why she was surprised.
"Ah, Alek, it completely slipped my mind. Please don't misunderstand this, I forgot about it due to my old age. I was going to milk the goats to make cheese, but these animals, who are as stubborn as their owner, got all worked up over their faces. Speaking of their owner, I've never seen such a man in my life.
He went to the city to drink again. I don't want to bother you by telling you all this. I'll be going to the village to see the sick in a moment. Even though you're knowledgeable about medicinal herbs, you still have a lot to learn. You should also learn how to diagnose patients. If you want to attend today's lesson, would you like to come to the village with me?" she said in a knowledgeable tone.
"I've been feeling really bored lately. That's why I went to the forest. As a healer's apprentice, I have a lot to learn. I'd be happy to go to the village with you. Also, there is a girl about your age in the village. If you want to get married, I can be your mediator. What do you think about that?" she said in a playful tone.
"Marriage or not, I'm too young. I think it's too early. I've been really bored lately. So I went to the forest. As a healer's apprentice, I have a lot to learn. I'd be happy to go to the village with you," I said.