A family gives Wraithvine a large pouch of catnip seeds for hir to grow the plant, not only as a medicinal tea, but a treat for Lilbit. -- Anon Guest
Gratitude comes in many shapes. Gifts as simple as a hug, or as complicated as an artefact that could prove useful in varied eventualities. This family could not spare much more than a small pouch of seeds. Of course they wished they could give more. Compared to how Wraithvine had changed their future, it was a small reward indeed.
"I never do these things for the reward," ze said. "You need what you have and this," he briefly juggled the little pouch, "will come to have a great use. Thank you."
Wraithvine left them to recover their footing in the world, and with instructions on how to find a Church of Kind Hands. There, they would be able to repay any felt debt to Wraithvine's help in the best possible way. By helping others who had a need. Never at their own detriment, of course. That would just create more need.
The Eternal Wizard tucked the little pouch away as ze searched for a road less traveled or an overlook previously unseen. Until detrimental weather forced hir to shelter in hir portable tower. There to examine what it contained.
Seeds for field balm.
Also known as catmint, or catnip. A useful remedy for nerves, coughs, asthma, and some digestive issues. Cats tended to enjoy it, too.
Wraithvine's tower had a herb garden, and ze could expand it to accommodate any extra herbs ze gathered. The portable tower bent to its Wizard's will, after all, and could therefore accommodate any Wizard's need. Right now, Wraithvine needed another garden bed, and a suitable cage to keep Lilbit off the infant plants while they matured.
The fluffy tabby oozed from her place by the tower's hearth. She wandered, tail high, to the garden and wove around Wraithvine's ankles.
"No, you can't have any. Not yet. These need to grow."
Lilbit meowed pitifully, a true thespian. As if she wasn't kept in the very lap of luxury and fed the very best food every day.
"I said no, you little greedy. You can have duck, you can have salmon, you can even have a little pork. These are a gift. You will respect them."
The cat stretched up against Wraithvine's knees like a begging tenant supplicating her cruel landlord. Wailing as if she were wasting away without her desired prize.
Wraithvine added wards to the new garden after ze planted the last seed. Ze picked up hir cat, scratching her ears on the way back to the cozy household. Lilbit could always be bribed with a bit of duck, or salmon. And thus the catnip would remain safe while it sprouted.
[Photo by Amber Ford on Unsplash]
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