Marmalade's Love Potion

Ch 7 - Crossing The Tears - Pt 1

Penelope passed the time staring out the cabin windows as Marmalade's boat coasted down the river, occasionally passing other merchant boats along the way.

Marmalade had given Penelope a thick wool coat, fleece gloves, a knitted scarf, and a pair of mushroom leather walking boots, as there was some distance to cover on foot to reach Marmalade's home in the woods. The shoes were narrower than was strictly comfortable, but otherwise fit reasonably well. Penelope felt more calm now she was properly dressed again.

Before long, the trees began to thin, and the dim green of the canopy above began to lighten.

"It should be safer now to go back up on deck," Marmalade said, scrutinising the landscape through a port side window.

The three emerged from the cabin into frigid air that smelled of damp earth and sweet greenery. Penelope stepped into the crude circle of warming stones laid out atop the deck. The cold vanished, but the rich scents of the Darkwood remained.

Further downstream the canopy seemed even more sparse, with small patches of the mauve evening sky showing through.

"We're almost at the Tears... Should we cut straight across?" Marmalade murmured to herself, checking her watch. "No, there should be time... safer to follow the shoreline around. Once we reach the Sweetwood River it shouldn't take us long to reach my tree."

Marmot chittered at Marmalade. "I know it will take longer along the shore, but we have snacks right here, you won't starve by teatime," Marmalade chided.

"Wait, we'll be sailing right by the mouth of Starwood's river that way!" Penelope said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "I know how to get home from there if you're able to let me off on shore?" Penelope tapped her chin, thinking. "It'll have to be the wrong side of the river to avoid the edge of the Darkwood... but I know where the bridge is... Yes, that could work! Could we do that?"

Marmalade thought for a moment. "Yes, we'll have time for a quick stop off by the shore. Though it's the middle of winter, and we're nearing on dusk. I'm not certain it's safe for you to go traipsing off through the Faewood on your own in the dark."

Penelope waved a hand, grinning with relief at the thought of getting back to the cottage. "Oh, I've been out collecting herbs for Sister Heely past midnight during snowfall before. If I can get clear of the Darkwood border quickly then the Faewood at night is no problem. Besides, I know a few paths that should have me home before the moon even fully rises. Though, if I may..." Penelope looked down at the circle of stones about their feet.

"You're welcome to take some warming stones, as many as you need," Marmalade said, nodding at the glowing crystals. After another moment's consideration, Marmalade relented. "Alright, we'll pull into shore near the mouth of the Starwood River, opposite bank to the Darkwood."

"Oh, thank you!" Penelope gathered up a few stones, placing them in her skirt pockets. "You're really very kind! I promise I'll find a way to get all your things back to you once I'm home."

"It's no bother at all," Marmalade smiled. "Though I think you ought to leave your fate token with me, just to be sure you won't run into unexpected trouble on your way. I can soothe its magic once I'm home."

"That would be for the best, thank you," Penelope agreed, huffing in relief.

As they spoke, Marmot's chittering and squeaking became more incessant, until finally he thumped his tail against the deck with an angry squeal.

Marmalade turned to glare at him, her face ashen. "You what?"

Marmot squeaked and clicked his teeth. "You've had muffins baking in your oven. Since dawn this morning. And you wanted to take them out by dusk." Marmalade said incredulously. "I'm sorry, my dear, but they'll be clumps of charcoal by now. You can start again when we get home." Marmalade sighed. "It's a good thing I made your oven fireproof," she muttered.