Catching Up With Maisy Glover

It had been a while since Samira had last seen the silly herbalist that she had met one day while doing a simple herb collecting job. That same herbalist had been the client. The job ended up being way more complex than they had originally thought it to be. In fact, to that very day, things still were not one hundred percent settled. There was much to figure out and do still. That wasn't why the summoner had chosen to visit the herbalist, however. As strange as it was, the two had become friends in a way. Closer than any other client Samira had dealt with in the past. Most jobs were completed and she would never hear from the client again. Taking jobs as a mage wasn't exactly meant to lead to long-lasting friendships. It was just a way to pay the bills and gain a little reputation along the way up the mage hierarchy ladder. This one was different. Perhaps because of how big the small simple job had become. Either way, Samira had set a day aside to spend time catching up with Maisy Glover, the best herbalist Samira knew. Probably the only one she knew actually, but she'd still label her as the best.

Everything was set when Samira departed. There would be no obligations for her to handle or contacts needing a word from her. She had delegated some of her more responsible spirits to handle that for her. Now, the Goddess of Ishgar would be free to spend the day without interruption. With the aid of Janus' power, the trip to Maisy's cottage was a quick one. The avatar of godly portals created a wormhole through time and space that connected the two places. Outside the village, of course. Glowing portals spontaneously appearing in the air was not good for anyone's hearts, especially those that had seen plenty of monsters come through them during one past event that would forever be remembered by the witnesses that experienced and survived through that tragedy.

The other event, the plague that had spread throughout the village and to the forest near it, had also almost become something for the history books. The cursed dark magic spell had waned with time and grew weaker. It was safe enough to return to the village itself. The forest past that still suffered through the effects. It was not safe to go exploring there or hunt. Returning permanently was still not a good idea. Still, a few of the villagers did not care for the warning and wanted nothing more than to return to their homes and try to go back to some type of normal. So they did. Maisy was one of them, but mainly so she could keep track of the effects of the plague and study the infected plants further. Plus, she wanted to make sure the villagers that did return were safe. If anyone would know when the danger had come back it would be her.

Wearing her usual outfit, Samira made her way into the village, obviously standing out just by her appearance and choice of wardrobe. True the villagers had seen her a few times by then, but that did not mean they could ever get over seeing a renowned mage walk around in heeled boots, or wear too many golden accessories than one should ever even own. They obviously lacked iLacs and everything else that would have connected them to the media to see the more outrageously dressed mages of Ishgar. The villagers would refrain from making comments of that nature. Instead, they would quickly rid themselves of the judgemental stares and put on warm smiles. They were the sort that remembered to be grateful and appreciate those that had helped them in the past. Samira returned the smile and nodded in greeting, never staying long enough to have a conversation with any of them. That could always be done later if she wished. For now, she only desired to reach her destination.

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Soon enough Samira reached the familiar cottage. Life had returned to it, now looking like it had before the plague had infected the plants and animals of the village. A variety of flowers had grown, surrounding the small home and thereby giving it a natural splash of color. The upkeep of the home was also much better than before. If Samira did not know any better she would have thought that the plague had not once touched the cottage at all. That it was completely immune to the corruption and provided a safe warm place of sunny happiness that could normally only be found in landscape paintings. Or perhaps overly hyperbolized children's storybooks.

Samira walked the dirt path, opening the small wooden gate that blocked her path and then walking up to the door. The summoner noted the flowery wreath that was hooked onto the door and attached to that was a string and nameplate that read "Maisy Glover's Apothecary and Potions" written in fancy cursive writing. Had Maisy opened a business since the last time they spoke? There was the recollection that Maisy had been studying more about that sort of thing, but she never imagined the quirky herbalist would go further and open an actual business. And in that village of all places! Very strange choice indeed. Samira made a mental note to ask about that, although the chance of Maisy excitedly telling her about it without prompting was high. For now, Samira would settle for the usual greetings that generally came first in a conversation. Or at least making sure Maisy was even in the cottage instead of doing something elsewhere around her property.

Samira raised her hand and gently tapped on the door with the knuckles of her fingers instead of a fist. The sound was soft but still loud enough that it should have been heard over the silence. Patiently she stood there and waited. Through the walls, she could hear the voice of Maisy. As cheerful as always, but also caught by surprise. The sounds of things clattering to the floor could also be heard. As clumsy as ever too. That was worth her smiling over in mild humor.

The door soon opened, revealing Maisy standing on the other side. She blinked her green eyes and adjusted her glasses. Again she stared at the other person standing there, taking in another look that lasted longer than the first glance. Her eyes squinted during her study. Samira stood there, also staring and now starting to wonder if Maisy had forgotten about the day they had set aside to hang out and chat. Maisy seemed to not want to believe her eyes that it was she who was standing at the doorway. Maybe Samira should have called first to remind Maisy.

"Oh!" Maisy stood up straight and smiled widely. "It is you! I thought it was the effects of the potion I was experimenting with!" The herbalist giggled and placed a hand on her hip while the other still held onto the knob of the door. "What brings you here?" After seeing the blank silent stare coming from Samira, Maisy thought a little bit and let the imaginary light bulb above her head light up. "Oh! Right! We were supposed to catch up. Was that today? Sorry! I've been super busy and the days just all blur together by this point!"

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Total so Far: 1234)

Samira just nodded, both in answer to the question and in understanding. Being busy was a good enough reason to forget a simple social get-together. Scheduled in advance or not. She wouldn't complain if it had to be set for another day. Her curiosity wouldn't let go just yet though. "Does that have to do with the sign on the door?" She asked, her tone showing no hint of irritation for the situation. As if an extra indicator was needed for what sign and door she was referring to, she pointed at the flowery wreath.

"A little, yeah. Also dealing with that whole cult business and all still." Maisy's cheerful expression was taken over by a dose of serious gloom. That cult really made a mess of things and they were still out there somewhere. Probably plotting on which village to ruin next and how. Before anything else could be said the gloom washed away. Another realization hit her and instantly filled her with excitement. "Oh! I never did tell you about starting my business here either, did I? Well, now we got a topic to cover for our chat! Come on in! I'll make us some tea and get some snacks together!" Maisy stepped aside and waved for Samira to come inside her home. Apparently, Maisy wasn't so busy that they needed to reschedule after all.

"Thank you," Samira said, showing appreciation that Maisy had allowed her inside instead of sending her away until another day. She walked inside and moved out of the way so Maisy could close the door. "Have a seat and make yourself at home!" Maisy motioned over towards the living area of the small home and then started to head towards the kitchen. "I'll be back with the tea and treats!" Her sing-song words faded slightly as Maisy left the room. Whatever else was being said Samira couldn't understand, but she could assume well enough that the other woman was talking to no one in particular. The words became more of a full melody, mixed in with the sounds of tea making, dishes, and Maisy going through her cabinets and cupboards.

Having little else to do, Samira took to walking around the room for a bit. She looked at the various pictures on the walls. Some were photographs in cheap frames. Others were paintings of various spring and summer landscapes. She browsed through the bookshelf a bit. Plenty of books on herbology and other scientific texts. There were some fictional works in there, but nothing that was to Samira's taste of literature. Copies of several issues of the Sorcerer's Magazine were at the very end. Other magazines were on one of the end tables by the shelf and more on the main table.

Flowers and plants were also all over the room as additional decor. Some in pots, many in vases, all of them filling the room with a fresh flowery scent. One thing Samira was very quick to notice was that everything was clean. Very clean. There wasn't a speck of dust anywhere that she could see. Since when was Maisy a good housekeeper?

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Total So Far: 1755)

The small tour of the room came to an end. Samira had browsed everything she considered to be interesting. Well, besides a notebook that looked to be either for research documentation or a diary. Her curious nature wasn't so strong that she'd snoop through it. Nor was she nosey enough to go look through the other rooms as a way to entertain herself. Taking a seat at the table would have to suffice. And so, after pulling her chair in and getting comfortable Samira began to play the waiting game. An activity she had to play often enough as it was and that apparently wouldn't be changing that day or anytime soon after.

A few quiet minutes later Maisy walked around the corner from the kitchen, carrying a white wooden tea tray in her hands. Upon it Samira could see a fancy white teapot and matching teacups and other containers that likely contained the sugar and cream. "Whew! I hope I made this right. It's a blend that was recommended to me back in town but I never really got the chance to make it. I just now remembered about it and thought we could try it together. Just don't blame me too badly if it tastes horrible!" Maisy put the tea tray on the table and skedaddled back into the kitchen while saying, "Be back in a pinch. Gotta get those snacks. You'll love them! And if not then that just means more for me!" Her voice turned into a small giggle that waned and faded as she left the room entirely. Samira shook her head. That woman had way too much perky energy.

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Total So Far: 2030)

1000 words for C rank Freeform
1000 words for C rank Freeform
30 words left for the next freeform's progress

A soft sigh escaped from the Goddess of Ishgar. Patience was something she valued and respected but the waiting game was starting to bore her. All she had left to entertain herself was the tea that Maisy had dropped off before rushing back into the kitchen. To say that Samira was a fan of tea would be not just an overstatement but an outright lie. It was not her beverage of choice by any means. She watched some of the steam leak from the teapot's spout. Its hypnotic movements did nothing to sway her to pour a cup before her friend returned. There was a slight aroma coming from the pot, but it was mild. She wouldn't be able to get its true scent until it was poured. As a way of passing the time Samira lifted the lid of the other containers to confirm what all was inside them. She had been correct with her earlier thoughts. Cream, sugar, milk, honey. A little too much just for a couple of friends sitting down to chat. Maisy might as well have been trying to throw an actual tea party with all of that.

There was a sound that broke Samira from her curiosity and investigation of the glass containers. The sound of wheels rolling over a wooden surface as well as a squeak here and there. She looked up and widened her eyes at the sight. If she didn't think Maisy was trying to throw an actual tea party before she sure thought so now. The brunette was now pushing a tea cart that had an assortment of snacks and treats on it. Too much for just two people. Unless Maisy was hinting that Samira could eat much more than her fair share. "Maisy... do you not think that is a little much?" She questioned with concern. Did the herbalist really expect her to eat all of that? Wasn't it just a little bit wasteful too? Now the summoner felt fear at the thought of having to down all of those sandwiches and treats. Being hungry hadn't even hit her yet. In fact, she was pretty certain that she could go a few hours more without her stomach throwing a tantrum for food.

Maisy scoffed comically and waved that nonsense away with a hand. "Don't be silly! This is not even close to being too much. Trust me. Allen is supposed to be here sometime soon too so he'll be taking some. He could probably eat all of this by himself. He's so thin though so it really makes me wonder where it all goes. I am starting to think he uses some kind of magic to keep the weight off." She rolled up the tea cart and parked it right next to the table. Now that she could get a closer look at the cart Samira's disbelief increased. The cart itself had two rows filled with a wide variety of edibles. Even if Allen was coming too there was still way too much for even her eyes to be comfortable, much less her stomach.

(Word Count: 515
Total So Far: 545)

Now that Maisy had mentioned Allen the scientist was on Samira's mind. She knew from previous jobs that Maisy and Allen had a friendship of sorts, but she didn't think that he paid frequent visits. There was never any indication that something like that was common or that they were that close of friends. In the past it seemed more work-related. After all, the only time Samira herself saw either of them was when an update regarding the plague required in-person discussion. In fact, her visit that day was the first time she was seeing Maisy just because she wanted to. When it came to Allen, well, she didn't know where he lived to even consider visiting him. Samira couldn't even recall the last time she spoke to him. Probably the time they all searched the dwelling of a cultist that was suspected to be behind the plague's origin.

"Allen is still around here? Has he taken up residence in the village for study as well or is it just a normal visit?" Samira casually inquired. It was an attempt to move the conversation to something else. Something that would distract her from all the tea and snacks that her silly friend expected her to consume. It was a poor attempt. The conversation was queued to move, but it hardly worked as a distraction. Maisy had already started moving everything from the cart to the table so it was all within easy reach and in plain view.

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Total So Far: 792)

Maisy's eyes widened a bit with the question. "Uhhh..." As if the question had caught her off guard she began to show a bit of a panic. She dropped a small plate of cookies onto the table awkwardly. The glass hit another plate and the cookies themselves jumped off and landed at various spots on the table and floor. "Oopsie daisy!" A nervous and embarrassed chuckle followed. She picked up an empty plate and started to pick up every cookie that had scattered. After kneeling down to get the cookies that had fallen onto the floor, Maisy rose and took her seat on the empty chair across from Samira. The plate was then set down back onto the cart and to the side away from everything else so it wouldn't get lost in the mix of treats. Fortunately, those other treats seemed to be forgotten about entirely since Maisy made no effort to continue filling the table with them. "I guess we won't be trying those cookies today!" Another small nervous laugh followed.

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Total So Far: 966)

"There is always next time, I suppose," Samira stated, arching a brow questioningly while staring at the herbalist. Maisy was often a quirky woman but she was hardly ever nervous out of the blue like that. A little thought was all it took for Samira to recall when the sudden change took place and the cause. The mention of Allen. Now she understood. That did explain why Maisy looked a little different as well. She was more fixed up. Nothing too fancy, but it was certainly different than the usual ordinary appearance that she liked in the past.

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Total So Far: 1064)

"So Allen is supposed to be here soon?" Samira asked. The answer she already knew. Her memory wasn't that bad and neither was her ability to comprehend what had just been told to her. Rather than wait for an answer she already knew to be a yes, Samira continued talking. A sly innocent smile was on her face as she reached towards the table, her aim going towards the teapot so she could pour herself some tea. Water was the true preference or even some kind of fruit juice. Tea was never something she much enjoyed. That continuing fact echoed in Samira's mind as she poured the hot steaming liquid into the teacup meant for herself, but Maisy seemed so ecstatic about sharing the special Joyan blend. Samira didn't have the heart to disappoint her. Having the heart to tease her friend over finding out her crush? Well that she did have. Or maybe it wasn't so much of a crush at all. Maybe she and Allen were official and Maisy was just embarrassed when talking about it or anything Allen-related in general. She'd find a way to ask in due time.

"Is that why you are a little more dressed up than usual? I mean no offense but I did not take you as the sort of person that wore makeup or took the time to style your hair." Maisy was the sort to barely brush her hair so neatly and makeup was definitely never in her possession. Even the rarest of plants in the herbalist's garden was more common. Yet there she was with her hair just as neatly brushed as her own and styled with delicate curly strands that bordered her face while the rest of the locks of hair were tied up behind her head in a fancier ponytail that could no longer be categorized as simply basic. The makeup wasn't heavy, but noticeable still, and with colors that suited her natural completion and outfit quite well. Definitely not Maisy's go-to daily getup. Unless the person standing in front of her and offering tea was an imposter. "There has to be a reason for you to change your habits and style so dramatically."

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Total So Far: 1431)

It was almost cute how the herbalist reacted to the teasing. Her face quickly turned bright red and the hands on her lap squeezed at the knees. "Nope! No reason!" Maisy's eyes shifted back and forth nervously. Her mind worked quickly to try and think of a topic change or distraction. Oh, why couldn't she just randomly faint right then and there when she needed it? That would have been an excellent way to get out of the conversation. The only other one she had was to run away and not come back until Samira was gone. That wasn't good at all though! She'd just run right into Allen. Or worse. Samira would question the man while she was absent! The embarrassment would be too much! It already was. "I just... um... wanted to try a different look. Yes, that's it. It was time for a change. With me expanding my horizons and career I decided that changing my physical appearance and... hygienic habits would be a good thing. That is completely and totally the only reason I have for taking better care of my appearance. Truly." Maisy gave a very unconvincing smile after that. Her pearly whites were even much brighter than before, Samira noticed. A shame the wide clenched teeth smile was just a tad on the creepy side.

"Oh, I see." Samira kept most of her thoughts to herself and didn't plan on saying too much more than that for now. She was enjoying herself. It had been quite a while since she had a conversation casual and friendly enough that she could tease and play ignorant. The Goddess of Ishgar would draw it out for a while longer. Some sugar was added to the tea and stirred until well blended. There was never going to be a chance for Samira to drink it plain. The woman doubted the tea would even taste pleasant with the sugar added in. It was going to be torture to try it and not immediately spit it out, but she supposed she was being provided adequate entertainment in exchange. "The new look is nice. When did you start this remodel of yourself? Has Allen seen- Are you alright?" Samira had brought her teacup to her lips with the intent to sip some of the tea within after finishing her question, but before she could do that she stopped herself and stared at Maisy with mild concern. Slowly, she blinked, astonished. The herbalist had stuffed her mouth full of cookies in rapid succession and was now choking on them.

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Total So Far: 1858)

Samira had considered asking one of her summons to pop in and do the Heimlich maneuver, after all, she did not quite know how to do so herself. She had the average idea on how to go about it, but it was best to get someone that actually knew what they were doing instead. Not that it was needed at all in either case. Maisy took care of the situation herself by grabbing the pitcher full of milk and drinking from it as if she was dying of thirst. Then the woman pounded her chest until eventually all was well. Maisy took a deep breath after and smiled as if she did not do something completely reckless and life-threatening. "Heh heh, whoopsie. I got a little bit carried away there. These sweets are just too good to eat one at a time like a normal person!"

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Total So Far: 2004)

Silence. That was all that came from the summoner that had wanted to playfully tease her friend. That plan was scrapped now. If she had expected Maisy to go a bit overboard with her reaction in the way that she had, well, perhaps the topic would have been avoided entirely. It was too late now, but there was something to be learned from that, and it wasn't the total number of cookies that Maisy could choke down before it became a lethal circumstance. Perhaps Samira would bring the topic around again when Allen arrived. For now, a change of topic would surely be much more beneficial for the herbalist's health.

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Samira cleared her mind of any statements that had come to her mind regarding Maisy's behavior and silly antics. With the intent to move on with the conversation, she cleared her throat and decided to ask about the business Maisy had apparently opened up since the last time they got together for work or a chat. After all, Maisy had mentioned that she'd go into the details about it earlier and had even been greatly excited about the topic when it had been brought up at the time. "You mentioned before that you had opened a small shop here?"

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By that point, Maisy had composed herself and was back to sitting in her chair properly without stuffing her mouth full of snacks one after the other. "Oh yeah! I did!" Smiling proudly, the herbalist placed her hands on her lap and continued. "I'm not just someone researching herbs as a hobby anymore. I decided to do a bit more with my background in the field and what I also learned from my alchemy lessons. You remember that I was studying that a bit too, right? I got pretty knowledgeable about the subject. It's not the magical variety, of course, but knowing the basic kind can be just as valuable and useful."

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"Income was getting kind of low with all of my studying though. I kind of lost my normal job because I got too carried away studying something else and helping out around here. I don't really charge the townspeople anything either. Just don't have the heart to when I feel like I owe them. So! I got the idea to open a shop! Allen even helped me set up and get started and spread the word. Now I have customers come from all over and it helps bring a little tourism to this town too! It's been great! I feel like this place is finally revived after well... you know..."

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A small silence took over the room when Maisy's sentence trailed off into nothing. Gloom had taken over Maisy's cheerful features, and Samira herself had become solemn. Yes. She did know. The herbalist had been referring to the plague that had taken over the forest nearby and quite nearly destroyed the town itself. They had all been very lucky that it was the wildlife and farm animals that had been direct victims of the plague. No actual person had been harmed. Although, to call it a plague at that point was incorrect. They both knew that it was a curse. One that had been started by a mysterious cult.

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Total So Far: 2544)

"It is hard to forget. That was one reason why I decided to come today. To see how things were improving in the village, I mean. I am glad to see that for the most part things have returned to normal. The cursed magic feels weaker even if still present in the nearby forest. It may fade altogether soon enough." That would indeed be a relief. That would mean the cult had moved on. Their focus was no longer on the poor residents that lived in the village. Then again, that also meant she had no idea what their new goals or targets were. She had already been unable to remove the curse there as it was. To have the same thing repeated elsewhere, but possibly even stronger, would be unfortunate.

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"Hmm, I don't think so." Maisy had a lot of doubts. Things were better now for sure. The curse was also much weaker as Samira had noted. For it to disappear entirely though? On its own? The herbalist had her doubts. It seemed... too easy? How often did the just wait-and-see approach work when against something as powerful as that curse?

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Total So Far: 2737)

There was more going on. Maisy had a suspicious feeling that something even worse than that curse was planned. Maybe she was just being negative though. Maybe she was just way too worried over nothing. Well maybe not nothing, but there was very little someone like herself could even do about it. But she couldn't just let it go, could she? Things were so much easier when she was just a simple herbalist studying herbs and nothing ever serious happened. There was a simple unsurprising routine with little worry. Now she thinking about cults and magic lurking right in her backyard!

"Samira, do you remember those books we found in that old shack a while back?"

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Ah, yes. Those books. Well, technically one was the journal of the hermit that once occupied that shack. It was interesting as far as journals went and had answered some questions regarding the plague and just who the man had been. But that's all it was. An interesting read. Nothing of great significance that really went into the grand details and mystery surrounding the ritual and cult. That was in the other book. Or so they had assumed. Neither of them could read the contents clearly. It had been in a code and/or language that none of them knew. Not even Samira's avatar spirits, as old and from a variety of cultures as they were, could make anything of it. Their little investigation had stopped there. Until the second book was translated there was not much to go on.

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"It is a bit hard to forget about them," Samira replied, though it didn't strike her as coming off as a form of being a smartass until after they had already been said. It was just a simple fact to her. The book that had been difficult to translate had been sent off elsewhere to people she trusted. Well, trusted for at least a translation job. She regularly received updates on the progress. Even they were having trouble with the task. Still, they were progressing much more than she had when she tried and that was satisfactory enough, even if it cost some jewels and a future favor.

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Total So Far: 3100)