In a few short weeks it will be Hallinox, thus marking the beginning of the fall season. I love the fall; I love its gentle changes: the crisp air and misty mornings, the smell of the earth as you crunch dead leaves underfoot. And Hallinox holds such an aura of mystery, with the darkness of the night and its ancient tales of ghosts and goblins. I so look forward to this season and the challenges it will offer.
Already I have a new task ahead of me; Mrs. Hume has asked me to make her a remedy of Friendship. We were talking, yesterday after market, of the fall and of a certain witch who we both hope to see again. She sighed and lamented that it was difficult to have so many of her friends far away for much of the year, but she also said how grateful she was to have such good friends at all. That was when she was struck with the idea of a remedy and a look of excitement came into her eyes. How wonderful it would be to have a bottled Impression to share with her friends, one to keep close, even when they were far away. I thought it was a delightful idea, and I agreed to apply my craft to the best of my ability. In return she has offered to carry my remedies in the general store –she thought it might save me the trouble of having to come into town every week. And as well as that, she will have a wooden sign carved for my cottage! It will show to all that I am the village apothecary, and she said “It would help those passing through town to find your services”. Mrs. Hume has already done so much for me. I told her she needn’t do anything at all, but she insisted; she’s as stubborn as Auntie Ember. So we had an agreement… though in my mind, it really just seems like gifts given between friends.
Friendship… what a new thing it really is to me. Before moving to Greenwood the only friend I had was my sister, Lettie. I often spent much of my time alone, and I did feel at ease in my own company. Moments of quiet contentment can be found in solitude, following one’s own whims and fancies. But life in its constant changes is full of surprises. Now I find myself having so many new friends: Mr. and Mrs. Hume, Mary Colson, Elise and Davy, even Alexander. And of course I can’t forget my sweet little fire fox, Flame. There is a certain comfort in knowing there are people who care for you. It makes me feel safe, and it warms my heart to have found such acceptance. I am very grateful.
Speaking of friends, I am to spend the next afternoon of market day with Elise. I have not forgotten my promise to make paper flowers with her. She says things have been very busy at the inn. Fall seems to be a season for travel with the fine weather and dry roads; I understand that all too well. But she says she has finally found a little time to herself so I can come by and show her how to make those flowers.
Oh, the night is beginning to set in now. It is so beautiful to watch Flame begin glowing as the sunlight fades. He is curled up in front of the fire, his new favorite spot it seems. Mr. Leland came by a few days ago. He hoped to discuss the forest more, but goodness when he saw Flame… well, as reserved a gentleman as he tries to be, he could hardly contain his excitement and wonder upon seeing my fox friend for the first time. When I explained how I had met Flame, he was amazed and kept posing questions to himself, like “Could this be a new breed of fox?” or “Has something in the forest altered a common red fox?” He used words like “luminous” and “phosphoresce” which I had never heard. But simply put, he said they meant to glow. Though by what means this little fox glows, he knew not. I was a little embarrassed; Flame was acting particularly squirrely that evening and kept running around Mr. Leland and between his legs, as though he wanted to play. Goodness, he almost knocked him over, but Mr. Leland only laughed and said it was no trouble; it reminded him of his aunt’s dogs. I was glad he was not bothered.
We have not yet had the chance to go out into the forest together. Mr. Leland is still settling in at the manor house and into his new position as Alexander’s tutor. After that he said we can arrange a time to go exploring. I think the first thing I will show him is the stone giant. It is sure to still be there, whereas most other things in the forest tend to come and go, like Dorothy and Tibbs, but …it makes me wonder, will they appear again this fall? And if so, will the forest see fit to introduce Mr. Leland to the old witch and her cat? He appears open minded, and Dorothy is certainly not like the witches in the stories. She seems much more like an old granny to me, but I know not everyone would see things that way… well… I suppose if they are meant to meet then the forest will arrange it. It certainly has its ways, and I’ll not spoil the secret.
Oh dear reader, what an interesting fall this is already turning out to be. I do hope it will be one where I can spend time with a few old friends, and who knows, maybe some new ones too.