After the Peanut Butter tasting, we walked for three days to get back to Oliver’s Village. Despite the pain in my feet, those three days were some of the best days on this whole journey. I got to learn about the Rang Rang Trees. They were the only trees that grew in the Forest of Ainthe and they were called Ranga Trees for short. This was because of the simple fact that their leaves stayed vibrant shades of red and orange, all year round. I also learnt that the Forest if Ainthe was also called the Forest of Fire for obvious reasons.
We got into Oliver’s village early morning after walking all night. When we got there I followed Oliver, Robby and Arthur. Walking through the town was interesting. There was a blacksmiths, and tailor and a barber. Kids ran around playing with dogs and playing tag. I got some weird looks due to the fact that I was still dressed in my school uniform. We reached a small house that looked like something out of a childrens book. The front of the house was covered in flowers of all colours.
“Ooooh Hello there dearies. I was so worried when you didn't come back yesterday,” She said in a high pitched voice giving the three a hug and a kiss of the cheek. She gestured us all inside and we sat down around a large wooden table.
“So. Who’s this then?” She asked.
“My name is Pandora. Nice to meet you,” I said with a shy smile.
“My name is Anne. Wonderful to meet you too Pandora,” She said, moving around the kitchen, pulling out some wooden cups and a metal jug of water. Oliver poured me a drink and Anne sat down next to him.
“She’s pretty isn’t she Oliver?” Whispered Anne, leaning over to Oliver. We all heard her and I went very red. If I went red then Oliver when a lovely shade of purple.
“Grandmar..” he hissed. Arthur laughed his loud, hearty laugh.
“Mum would you mind terribly if Pandora stayed with you for a while? She’s not really from here that’s all,” Arthur queried.
“Oh of course she can!” Anne cooed, “I’ll take good care of her here. Now you boys must be tired, get out of here and get some rest!” The boys all nodded. Seemed like no one messed with Granny Annie. They shuffled out the front door waving quick goodbyes. After they left Anne showed me my room and gave me a long dress that I was meant to wear to bed. She left me to strip and cover myself in a towel as she got the bath ready. My room was small and situated in one the corners was an old wooden bed. I got undressed and wrapped my towel around my body. Thank god the towel was big enough, because when I walked out to the kitchen, Oliver ran back into the house.
“Sorry Gran, just forgot my swo-,” He stopped talking when he saw me. I squealed and wrapped my arms around myself.
Umm I’m so so-sorry P-Pandora,” Oliver stammered, head down. He quickly walked out of the house, leaving his sword. Anne came in and notice his sword on the table.
“He’ll be back for it,” She commented, “This was deary, I’ve gotten your bath ready. Its nice and warm.”
After my bath, Anne pulled out my underwear and bra.
“Now I’ve cleaned these but your dress and socks are still drying. Get dressed in your gown and have a little lie down. You sleep for as long as you like little missy. You looked exhausted,” Anne chortled. She walked out of my room, closing the door. I didn’t bother wearing my bra and I pulled on my underwear and slipped on the silky night gown. By this time the sun was high in the sky and I guessed that it was midday. I crawled into bed and slept.
It was the next morning when I woke from a deep slumber. My legs screamed at me when I moved and my shoulders were sore from carrying my school bag full of books. I sat up in bed and looked to the wooden chair in the corner. There were some clothes and a set of boots. I walked over, the wooden floorboards cold on my feet and read the note that was on top of the clothes.
I hope that these clothes fit you alright sweetie.
Anne. xx
I hardly even knew this old woman, yet I felt so close to her already, as if she was my real grandmar. I unfolded the clothe and got dressed. I wore a long sleeved tunic and tight brown horse riding pants. I tucked the oversized tunic into my pants and slipped on the boots and red leather vest. I braided my hair down the right side and sprayed on some perfume, courtesy of Anne. It smelt like honey and lavender. I hoped that I looked okay and bravely entered the kitchen. Oliver, Arthur and Anne were seated around the wooden table as they were yesterday.
“Well that’s a nice fit isn’t it dear?” Anne clucked. She held my cheeks and patted my braid, marveling it.
“Come sit down Pandora,” Oliver proposed, pulling a chair out for me. I went and sat in the chair and helped myself to a mug of warm tea.
“Now hurry up Pandora. Arthur reckons he wants to take you to the blacksmiths before you go do some training,” Anne ordered.
“Training?” I speculated.
“Yeah. Me and dad…I mean Arthur, are going to teach you how to use those fire powers of yours,” Oliver answered. I nodded, gulping down my tea burning my tongue.
“We should get going now if you don’t mind Mum,” Arthur said, walking over and kissing Anne on the head. Olive did the same and I thanked her for letting me stay with her.
“Come here, give me a hug,” she nagged, standing up from her chair. Sh was wearing her night gown still and she was wearing her glasses. Her grey hair was sticking up in the air. I walked over and embraced her. I had to choke back a tear when I realised that she smelt just like my grandma.
Never had I wanted to be back home more than in that moment.
