The Adventures of Miss Ivie: Anthology of a Collector

The Young Collector.

"Hello Miss Ivie!"

Eleanor could see the excited wave of the young man she had met only a few days before. Nastas was his name, a new recruit among the ranks of the most peculiar sort of people. Right away she sensed his gentle soul, knowing that he would fit in easily.

However, she did see that his friend was with him. A young woman, maybe eighteen, stood scowling behind him with her bow strapped to her chest. Eleanor tried not to laugh, for her stance and expressions reminded her of someone very dear to her.

Nastas vibrant energy was infectious, Eleanor soon was smiling and waving in return as she approached Madam Nazar's famed red wagon. Halting her golden mare, she gave her hard working companion a gentle pat on the neck.

"Good afternoon, Nastas." She greeted him warmly as she dismounted her horse. "I am happy to see you have returned so soon."

"Thank you! Oh, do you remember my friend Miakoda?" Nastas gestured to his friend behind him.

Eleanor smiled. "Hello again, Miakoda."

The young woman gave a curt nod but said nothing else, Eleanor did not wish to pressure the young girl further and turned her attention back to Nastas.

"Are you turning in something to Madam Nazar?"

"Oh! No, not yet." Nastas rubbed the back of his head. "I just wanted to ask her something and she gave me a map!"

"That is very kind of her." Eleanor coyly looked in Madam Nazar's direction, who continued to read. But she could see the ghost of a smirk on her employers lips. Sly woman.

"At least she gave it to you for free." Miakoda muttered, kicking a rock with the tip of her boot.

Eleanor stifled a giggle as Nastas gave a defeated sigh. As she recalled from her last meeting, Miakoda was incredibly apprehensive, Eleanor understood. This kind of work seemed almost too fantastical, most people didn't really believe that she did this work either.

"Well, good luck on your first collector's journey, Nastas." Eleanor gave a friendly pat on the shoulder. "I am sure you will do well."

"Running off again?" Nastas asked with a grin.

"Yes. I must speak with Madam Nazar first before Brigid and I take the train down to New Austin." Eleanor leaned in close as if she were to whisper a dangerous secret. "There are still many lost treasures to be found."

"Good bye Miss Ivie, next time we meet, I'll show you what I have found."

"I certainly look forward to it."

As the young pair of friends began to leave, Nastas looking intently at his map. Eleanor stopped and looked over her shoulder. She could hear them begin to quietly bicker at each other.

"Take care." Eleanor whispered to them like a prayer. Despite only having just met, she wished them all the best.