okay, wait

are you telling this story or am I?

Fiadh has a problem.

Or rather, her boat has a problem.

She's been making her reputation throughout the Greatwood as a swindler, a liar and a troublemaker promising young merchant, selling incredible wares and rare finds from her beautiful tugboat that sails effortlessly through the Stone Symphony and beyond. Only now, apparently, that isn't happening.

A not-so-glancing blow off one of the hulking rocks in the Symphony has damaged the back of the vessel, and she desperately needs a carpenter to measure up and replace some of the damaged boards. Funny story, though - none of the carpenters in the Greatwood actually want anything to do with her right now.

And so with a very heavily embellished letter to the Greatwood and the Hollowed Grounds (whereby she promises riches and wishes granted to anyone who might come to help), she waits on the riverbank at the appointed time to see if anyone will show up. Here's hoping, because these shenanigans won't happen themselves.

Fiadh

Ester

The Myrtle of the Land

At the necessity of her people's needs, Ester had set out for the Greatwood in search of some native flora. Ester generally preferred to stay in her shop and on the farms, but abled bodied and willing people were few when it came to long travels. With a rucksack on her back carrying some survival tools and rations, arrived to the Greatwood and resting, amongst some of the other traveler she'd found. Amongst them was an individual going to and fro travelers, seeming to present a letter before them. Once they'd reach Ester it had become clear- she was needed.

A person in need couldn't be ignored, nevermind the fact that she could desperately use the wealth the person offered. A local would no doubt be helpful as well, as she had heard the Greatwood could be quite confusing.

Going off of directions of the letter, Ester appeared at the riverbank that was mentioned. Looking down the river, Ester noted a person seemingly waiting, and headed off in their direction. As she approached, weary from her travels, she greeted them with a smile, "Hello, were you needing help?"

_

are you telling this story or am I?

Having been frowning at the damage on her boat as if that might make it spontaneously repair itself, Fiadh is interrupted by the cheerful - if not weary - greeting of an approaching traveller, and she tosses her head (and her wild mane of hair, as it happens) to appraise them. "Aye, well ye'd think a whole tribe've people'd come to help, wouldn't ye?" she says, speaking very quickly and animatedly for someone who is apparently in need of some assistance.

Looking Ester up and down, Fiadh seems to like what she sees, at least, and she jerks her head towards the damage done to the back end of her little boat. "Ain't gonna be able to do shit fer the good people of th'Greatwood until this is sorted out," she explains. "Took a tumble 'gainst one of the rocks on th'Symphony. Think ye can fix her?"

Fiadh

Ester

The Myrtle of the Land

With the stranger's sudden shift from staring towards the water to a burst of energy towards Ester, she was a bit surprised by the red headed woman. Not seemingly far from her own age, Ester noted the woman's height, and then turned towards the object motioned to.

It was a modest, used wooden boat. Clearly no longer in working condition as there it were, partially sunk into the river with a gap in it's rear hull. Taking a closer look and kneeling, putting a hand to the splintered remains, "We'll need to make cuts to make an appropriately fitting repair to the hull, but it is a simple task to do." Removing a jagged knife from her bag, she began to cut away, creating smooth lines in hull to prepare for replacements.

Turning back to the woman Ester pondered, "As for the actual repair, I can name a few types of wood that would be standard, but I am unfamiliar with the Greatwood; we need something that will not rot quickly, and preferably, is easy to cut." Standing up from her kneel, Ester approached the woman, studying her face, "My name is Ester, by the way," She said, as the pair had skipped past introductions.

_

If you ended up a little too close to the water, you’ll see some encantados in the distance – who, of course, are curious little things, and simply can’t help themselves! And so they dash over, eager to make your acquaintance –

And splash you, full force.

They’re not sorry.

---

You’ve encountered an Encantado. This counts as an uncommon creature encounter for the purposes of levelling, but does not count as a Random Event for levelling or MP. There will be no further admin/re intervention. If you choose to follow this creature, you do so at your own risk, however, just having it in this thread is enough to satisfy your levelling requirements.

Encantados (uncommon): A bright pink species of dolphin that are as mischevious as they are helpful. With water magic and the ability to both create and soothe storms, these blush-coloured creatures can help or hinder on a whim.

are you telling this story or am I?

We'll need to make cuts has Fiadh wincing automatically, the redhead lingering beside the carpenter in a way that is entirely unhelpful and likely blocks some of the light from Ester's appraisal, but she can't help herself. Her boat is her baby. "Oh?" She brightens, at least, to hear that it will be simple to repair, flashing a wide, white grin to the other woman. "That's a relief t'know."

Crouching as well to gaze over the hole in her hull, at least the merchant knows wood, given where she lives. Straightening and sticking her hand out in an offer to shake, her smile turns as welcoming as it is crooked. "Name's Fiadh," she introduces, the melodic (read: Irish) lilt of her voice melting the syllables together somewhat; Feeeeya.

"Good to meet'cha," she says, nodding over her shoulder. "Wildwood's our best bet. Most boats are made from those trees I'd reckon. Cedar and pine, but some oak too. An'... other things." But she'd rather not have her tugboat made from the trunk of a Wicker Woman, thanks. (Or maybe it could be fun, who knew).

"Would that wor-- augh!" Interrupted by being unceremoniously splashed by a curious Encantado, the redhead is left soaking and hopping back from the riverbank. "Aye, ye menace!" she calls out to the obnoxious pod of pink dolphins.

Fiadh