Fennel spent a few more months in the grove as her body adapted to its new heart and she recovered. The guardian taught her friends to be stronger, wiser, and more educated, and, when she was deemed strong enough, allowed to go with the guardian's blessing. To Bastion, they stated, "Remember, love is a rare flower, nurture it well." Then looked to Geesh. "Remember, not all treasures are the kind you can sell." To Halestaff, "Take care of this new little sapling, being connected to a plant takes time to get used to." -- Anon Guest
[AN: Harkens back to @internutter/challenge-04661-l277-heart-of-hope Please remember to include any referral links in your prompts. Thankyou]
Spring warmed into summer, and Fennel continued to not be evil. She could walk further each day, do more without needing to catch her breath. Though she still needed her friends to restrain her from overstepping her limits.
"The more you go too far," cautioned Halestaff, "the longer it takes to heal."
"You must go carefully. New heart needs time," added Greesh. "Don't bust it."
Bastion simply scooped her up from wherever she was exerting herself and marched her smartly back to her sickbed. She did not protest too much.
It took her months, but she was finally better than she had ever been. Healthy enough by far to leave the Guarded Grove. The not-Elf barred their way out instead of in.
"I have charges for each of you, not in coin but in deeds. First and foremost, Fennel. Your new heart and your lease on life are precious. You must treat it with the respect it deserves. Do not overlook yourself in the service of others."
"That, I swear to uphold," said Fennel.
"Halestaff the Druid. Though Fennel is well, she must still become accustomed to her new heart. The seedling will grow stronger, but it is still vulnerable. Take care of her, and the seedling of her heart."
"That, I easily vow," said Halestaff.
"Greesh the Thief. Not every treasure is valued for its money. You must learn this ere your life will be in peril."
"I'm a Kobold," said Greesh. "My life's in peril anyway. But I can promise I'll try."
The not-Elf sighed. It was, they supposed, the best they could hope for out of Greesh. "Bastion the Fighter. Love is a rare flower, and must be nurtured well. Never take it for granted, or it will wither."
"There has never been an easier oath," said Bastion.
After getting a trinket back off of Greesh, the not-Elf let them pass. Out to their next adventure.
With the blessings of a Dragon.
[Photo by Jametlene Reskp on Unsplash]
If you like my stories, please Check out my blog and Follow me. Or share them with your friends! Or visit my hub site to see what else I'm up to.
Send me a prompt [39 remaining prompts!]