These first weeks of fall have been full of surprises, dear reader. On Hallinox, when I was out in the early morning mist, I saw a wolf! I had just circled the trunk of a quiet maple when a large shape tensed in the glade before me. We were both frozen, eyes locked. It was quite a striking creature, twice as big as Flame, with thick fur in shades of bark brown and rich earth. After a moment that felt like an age —my heart in my throat as I held my breath— it turned and ran, tail tucked low. Goodness, I let out a sigh, but realized in astonishment that it had probably been just as scared as I was!
The memory of the wolf lingered with me throughout the day, and I was reminded of it again later that evening, for at the Hallinox festival, Elise and I saw the most lovely red cloak. It was just like the faery tale! You know, the one with the wolf and little girl in the red riding hood. Goodness, I gazed at the cloak with more longing than I care to admit and imagined how beautiful it would be for fall, and winter too. The air was already growing chill; a cloak would keep me warm on my wanderings, and the hooded cape’s deep crimson color was as stunning as an autumn leaf. Elise must have seen how I admired it, since she pushed me forward to speak with the tailor… I was quite reluctant at first. I’d never had anything so, well, bold. People were bound to take notice of one wearing a garment such as this. They already took notice of my green skin, but my awe won out in the end, and after giving over seven gold coins and the promise of a Joy remedy at the next market day, I was holding the beautiful cloak in my arms!
I almost put it on then and there, but I saw Lorenz approaching and shyly tucked it away. As he greeted us, Elise asked in astonishment why I did not put it on, and of course Lorenz asked “What do you mean? Put what on?” She pointed to the cloak, and I stammered something about wanting to add embroidery to it first. I think Elise noticed my jumpiness and must have figured out why. Glancing between me and Lorenz, a sly smile crossed her face. “Ah,” she exclaimed, “Well, Sonya, you shall have to show us when you’re done. We… your friends, want to see how you shine in it!” Oh goodness! Green as I am, I think my face must have turned red as the cloak in that moment. Lorenz did say he’d like to see me wear it when I had finished, but added quite curiously, “That is only if you wish to show me.” I think I tried to murmur something, but goodness I’m not even sure words came out. That night, as I lay in my bed looking at the cloak by the light of the Long Night Lantern, I tried to imagine myself wearing it. Perhaps at the next market day, I would be finished and could show it to Elise, and Davy, and… Lorenz. I felt my face grow hot again, so I closed my eyes and dreamed of thread, and stitching, and silken embroidery.
I’ve had little time to think of the cloak since then, dear reader. You see, when I woke the next day I saw what I’d been waiting for: a thin stream of smoke over the forest. Dorothy had returned! I quickly brushed my hair, and pulled on my boots. I was eager to see her again and ask about lessons, but when I knocked on the heavy door of her stone cottage I was greeted by a hoarse little voice asking who it was. I thought it was strange, but called back “It’s me, Sonya”. I heard an “Oh!” followed by coughing. Goodness, was Dorothy ill? In my concern, I decided to open the door, and there in the big bed was not Dorothy, but a little girl with dark brown hair. Upon seeing me, her eyes grew wide and she pulled the covers up over her head. I had frightened the poor child! “Sonya?” I heard a familiar voice from behind me and turned around. There was Dorothy, Tibbs at her feet and a basket full of berries on her arm. She gave me a hug and brought me inside.
Dorothy started preparing a hearty breakfast for all of us and introduced her little guest. Her name was Luna. Her parents had brought her last night, for she had caught a terrible cold, and they hoped something might be done to help. Dorothy brought down the fever, but hadn’t had the strength needed to heal the child completely. Her parents needed to return to their other children and said they would come back in a few weeks. This meant Luna would be in Dorothy’s care for the time being.
Luna shuffled over to the breakfast table, draped in a fuzzy woolen blanket, hugging Tibbs close. Goodness, she looked so sweet and shy I thought she was just like a little lamb. I saw her whisper something to Dorothy as she sat down, and Dorothy answered “Yes, dear. Sonya is green like the forest.” I couldn’t help but smile and I saw her grinning too, even as she hid her face behind Tibbs. We finished our meal of porridge and berries, which Luna ate with a ferocious appetite.
Dorothy said this was a good sign and wished her own strength would return as quickly. I swallowed, and taking the moment to summon my courage, I ask Dorothy what was on my mind. “Would you be willing to teach me healing magic? Perhaps I could help with Luna if you did…” She gave me a cunning grin and her bright eyes looked me over; we had our first lesson on healing magic right there at the table! Dorothy placed my leafy hand atop Luna’s little one, then put her own skilled, aged hand over both of ours. She told me about the flow of life, how it runs through bodies like a river and how, given the attention and will, it could be directed into another. Then I felt her energy, strong and steady, as it moved through my hand and into Luna’s.
And so, dear reader, the rest of my week has been spent learning from Dorothy and studying as she demonstrates her art. Thanks to her, Luna’s cold is completely gone. The little girl is still rather quiet and shy, but I’ve caught her smiling at me from around the corner as Dorothy explains her magic. She seems curious, and I can’t help but smile back. I feel a bit of a kindred spirit, being rather shy myself at times... Goodness, like with the red cloak! I have begun the embroidery, dear reader, but now I wonder if I’ll be brave enough to wear it front of my friends once I’ve finished. It’s beautiful, I just wonder if it’s too much, too bold… I don’t know… Anyway many an unexpected thing seems to be happening lately. Maybe I’ll end up surprising myself.