Fear No Evil

A Growing Juniper

Juniper Raindrop was restless. She had had enough with schooling. It was time for something completely different, and although the city of Vainhonor provided much urban decadence she grew bored with it. Tiring of her parent's business ventures and attitude toward outsiders, she felt it was time to set off on her own-- to befriend new people, to engage in exciting, yet dangerous adventures-- and perhaps become a hero in the process. She always had high hopes and too easily convinced her parents to leave on the next ship for the country of Beauxclair.

   From Ennorum Port Juniper traveled to Nature's Village within the Ithorn Forest delivering a message from her father to the elven leadership, the Council of Xylem and Phloem. The letter, Jun assumed had something to do with her parent's textile enterprise headquartered on the island of Lemirn. When she arrived she was invited into the high redwood trees for an introductory meeting. The Wood Elf, Himirror had been in charge of the council for many years and always wore around his neck a magical pendant of the wolf. "Fair Juniper, the Council welcomes you."

   "Thank you, venerable and mighty Himirror." She hoped she didn't sound as nervous as she felt.

   "I understand you have a letter for me." His long silver hair shined even under the shady canopy.

   "I do, yes." She dug the letter from one of her leather bags and handed it to him gracefully. It was sealed.

   He looked it over and said, "I know your father is resourceful so I'm curious as to why he sent you here personally."

   "I requested this journey myself partly to excise myself from him and school." He read as she talked.

   The Council of Xylem and Phloem sat quietly as he finished. He raised his head and said, "You haven't read this?"

   "No, of course not. It's some boring business transaction, I'm sure."

   Himirror chuckled. "I guess one could say that." He passed the missive to another member.

   "Merchant Raindrop has offered a sizeable amount for our services." The council glanced around at each other. "Juniper, we have been employed to train you in the art of the hunt. This includes the tracking and trapping of big game animals, fishing, archery, and other skills of survival." So her father did have an ulterior motive when he sent her away.

   "And what if I decline this offer?" Slim chance she thought privately.

   "That's your prerogative if you wish to burn that bridge, but you would be missing an invaluable opportunity and your parents would not be pleased." He added sardonically, "I'm sure."

   "Well then, I accept. When do we start?" She was eager to learn something different besides her parent's inane shipping routes and marketing strategies.

   "I suppose you could start tomorrow at the crack of dawn if you're so willing."

   "I am!" It was difficult to contain her excitement, but she kept her cool nevertheless. At last, her lonely days living as a petulant, spoiled child were over. This break from Lemirn's monotony would afford her a new lease on life and she would not waste it. She would accept it wholeheartedly and be content. At least for the next fifty years.

   When her training ended she had a choice to go anywhere she pleased, however, she felt right at home in the forest and decided to stay put. She learned how to hunt, kill, and skin everything from the smallest rodent to the biggest bear. For decades everything was idyllic, tranquil, and for lack of a better word, lovely-- a utopia for all Elvenkind.