A Tale of Magic and Mischief: Larry Spicewood

Chapter 11: Willow Winterborn

Back at Borlan's Stall

When you arrive, you find Borlan tending to a few customers, but the crowd has thinned out a bit, giving you some time to restock your basket. You quickly whip up another batch of Giggle Puddings, Stew Tarts, and Energizing Granola Bars, making sure you've got enough to keep both Borlan's stall and Gideon's stocked.

As you work, you also count up the additional sales from the time you were away. Between Borlan's hearty stew and your magical snacks, the earnings have continued to grow steadily:

Additional Sales: 1 gold piece and 50 copper pieces

Your total funds now sit at 4 gold pieces and 21 copper pieces, giving you a decent amount to work with as you head off in search of Frostmint.

Setting Out for the Frostmint

With your basket full and your coins safely tucked away, you thank Borlan for holding down the fort and set off to find the traveling apothecary, Willow Winterborn, who Gideon mentioned might have the Frostmint you need. Willow is known to be a bit eccentric, but if she has Frostmint in her stock, it's worth seeking her out.

You navigate through the bustling market, making your way toward the area where the more specialized vendors set up shop. As you walk, you keep an eye out for any signs of Willow's cart—a distinctive, colorful affair adorned with dried herbs, flowers, and small jars hanging from its sides.

After a bit of searching, you finally spot her cart near a cluster of other herbalists and potion sellers. The cart is indeed a sight to behold, with bright, swirling patterns painted on the wood and an assortment of strange and wonderful plants hanging from the canopy.

Behind the cart, you see Willow Winterborn herself—a middle-aged woman with wild, curly hair that seems to have a life of its own. She's wearing a patchwork cloak made from various fabrics and patterns, and her bright, curious eyes are darting around, taking in everything happening in the market.

You decide to take a moment to browse Willow's cart before directly asking about the Frostmint. The array of herbs and plants on display is truly impressive, with each item carefully labeled in a flowing script that speaks of an experienced hand. There are jars filled with dried petals, bundles of fragrant herbs, and small bottles of various tinctures and oils. Some of the labels catch your eye immediately:

Moonblossom Petals: Said to be gathered only under the full moon, these petals are known for their calming properties and are often used in sleep draughts. Fireleaf: A bright red, spiky plant that's often used in potions for warmth or even mild fire resistance. Glowshroom Caps: Luminescent mushroom caps that glow faintly in the dark, often used in alchemical concoctions for night vision or low-light enhancement. Whispering Fern: A plant with leaves that are rumored to whisper secrets to those who listen closely enough.

As you continue browsing, your eyes fall upon a small jar nestled among the others, labeled Frostmint. The leaves inside are a vibrant icy blue, with a slight shimmer that suggests they're still full of magical energy. This must be the ingredient you're looking for.

Before you reach out to take a closer look, you decide to make a friendly gesture to start the conversation. You pull out one of your Giggle Puddings and approach Willow with a warm smile.

"Good afternoon," you say, holding up the pudding. "I'm Larry, a chef here in the market. I've been making magical snacks, and I thought you might like to try one—on the house. This is Giggle Pudding; it's been a hit with folks around here, and I think you'll enjoy it."