Once again Khalash Saton had employed the services of a certain nervous wreck. The old fellow needed someone who didn’t mind taking a little walk in the forest. Meanwhile, Mary was infinitely grateful that she didn’t have to deal with as many strangers as last time. For once she had a clear goal and plenty of time to mentally prepare. Taking the food supplies in a little picnic basket, she bid the shop owner farewell.

East Forest was such a lovely location, one of the jittery specter’s favorites. There were so many fascinating plants and adorable animals. And rarely any people. That was important. She chose a narrow path that snaked between the trees and occasionally crossed a small stream. Sure, there was an actual road just a little further, but she preferred this quiet one. Along the way, she hummed gently. Her haunting voice drifted through the shadows and gave the travelers on the main road chills.

Eventually the eerie woman found a large tree that sported a door on the side. Ah, this spot matched the description. But... When she went to knock, her hand refused to move. It stopped in the middle of the motion, as if paralyzed. It could’ve been a spell, or a rune, or or... Just anxiety making her stiffen up. Yeah, it was the last one. She was already imagining all the ways this could go wrong. What if the Old Hermit got scared? Of her? It... happened all too often... What if he refused to let her in? O-or what if he was taking a nap and she was disturbing him? All the what ifs spun around her head like tiny stars. Steeling herself, she finally managed to tap the door twice. Thrice.

However, when the door opened, Mary was welcomed with a warm smile. The old, wise hermit knew better than to judge by appearances. He invited the jittery woman to his home without a shred of worry. While she failed to return the friendly warmth, she at least managed to hand over the food parcel. In return, the kind man gave her the package of nature’s treasures. It had the faintest scent of dried herbs. As an additional thank you, he also gave her an odd, little root. ...And a pat on the back. Apparently she looked like she needed it, which was not entirely inaccurate. The root, he clarified, was licorice. A nice treat to chew on the way home.

After bidding the Old Hermit farewell, Mary headed back towards the city. It was getting dark, but she didn’t mind. Ghastly things dwelled in the darkness... Things just like her. It felt almost like a second home. While walking the lonely trail, she found herself filled with energy. The root tasted surprisingly nice. A small song bubbled within her. Birds and squirrels scattered in total panic as the ghostly woman wailed solemnly. Music made the walk feel all the quicker. She had barely gotten to the second verse when she already found herself back at the Magic Shop. Khalash was quick to get her the payment. ...On the grounds that she stopped singing. Some clients had the strangest requests. Oh well. Another job completed and with only minimal mental breakdowns.

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