Trigger-Happy Potioneer

I love Winter!

I entered the apothecary I had just left about an in-game month before. Herbs and plants that I now recognize cover the display table near the counter, and herbs and plants that I do not recognize whatsoever line the shelves on the walls. The fact I don't recognize most of what's in the first town apothecary both scares and excites me. Both due to the same question: "How much did I miss when I was in Ilidas?"

"So you just came from Ilidas, missy? Well, I'll admit, the selection in there is pretty big, but not as vast as what's really out there."

I didn't realize I asked my question out loud. I swung my head towards the counter.

A broad-shouldered man with silvery gray hair stood with his arms crossed on the surface of the wooden counter. His skin was a light tan color, and sideburns that were slightly whiter than his hair outlined his angled chin and rugged features. He looked to be wearing some kind of robe, one of rough leather and... is that Dark Bear fur? Despite being a Guardian of Ilidas Forest, I felt a strange respect for a man who somehow got his hands on the most powerful (and invasive) species that Ilidas Forest has to offer. I remember Loeta once complaining that one of my jobs was to control their population since they weren't native to the ecosystem.

His jade-green eyes were still staring right at me, and an amused grin flickered across his mouth.

"You seem well-versed in the herbs around here. And by the way, I'm a guy." I answered politely.

He let out a laugh. "I know, just messin' with ya. And thank you, boy. No one 'round here truly respects the value of nature, except you, looks like. So what're you here for? Something to pique your interests?"

I immediately concluded that this guy is amazing, and I want to be friends with him. Yes, I know he's an NPC, but it seems they're much better company than the players around, excluding a few. "I'm here for a cauldron. My last one was destroyed when some girl blew it up because she didn't like my potion." I asked as I approached the counter.

He laughed again. "That's hilarious." He then leaned over and raised an eyebrow at me. "So you're an herbalist, are you? Well, color me pink. It's a rarity to meet another man whose curiosity matches mine. Name's Arwin. Call me Winter." He put out his hand.

"Well met, Winter." I shook his hand, which felt rough and worn with age.

"Ah yes, I smell herbs and concoctions on you. Have you any now? I'd like a look at them."

"Of course! What would you like to see? I've got some-" A squeaking sound interrupted my sentence. Almost immediately after, a small grey rat quickly darted past my foot and made a beeline for the wide open exit, since no door was there to stop it. Some herb was hanging from its clamped jaws.

"Gordarnit, get back here, ya little thief!" Winter exploded and ran around the counter, chasing the rat. Seeing him now, I realized he was short - even shorter than me. He looks like a typical dwarf.

"Hey, kid, could ya help me out?" Winter yelled as he threw books in the way of the little rascal. I quickly pulled my bow out and nocked an arrow, focusing on the rat's fat grey body. "<Homing Arrow>!" I yelled as I released the arrow. The arrow flew from the bowstring, floated for a moment or two in the air, then dive-bombed into the corner. I heard a satisfying thunk and the following death-squeak of the rat. Winter leaned down and picked up whatever the rat had stolen.

"Thank you, boy. That was some mighty fine shootin' right there. I'm sorry about the arrow, though-"

"It's fine, sir. I can make more later."

"Oh, a crafter as well? You'll be friends with every owner on the street, at this rate." he chuckled as he got back behind the counter. He looked at the plant with a grimace. "Rat's already taken out the stem and leaves. Can't use this any more."

"Why are there rats back there?" I asked.

"I've been a rat infestation fer the past week by now. They keep takin' the good samples and chew 'em up, or try to steal them to eat later, as ya saw just now. I've been tryin' to make a poison to kill the pesky vermin, but I just can't get the proportions right. Too weak, and they'll bounce right back. Too strong kills the plants in the storage. If I could only git my hands on a sample o' rat poison..." He began to mutter to himself as a game window opened up in front of me.

Winter's Pesky Problem

Winter, Illios' herbalist, has been having issues with rats in his storage. He's willing to do a favor for anyone who could exterminate the rats for him or provide him a sample of rat poison.

Requirements: Exterminate the rats in the storage.

Reward: Winter's favor

Accept?

Two buttons, red and blue, presented itself below the window. I'm a poison specialist at this point; what's the trouble? I press the blue button. "Y'know, Winter, I think I've got just the solution for you."