19 min read
Generations
January 23, 2018
◈ WHO: Sam, Mary Ann, Ryder, & Reuben (Byagane319 & Skyeforge)
◈ WHEN: Mid-morning on January 23, 2018
◈ WHERE: The Mystic Herb & Rothmore Estate
◈ WEATHER: Cold.
◈ WHEN: Mid-morning on January 23, 2018
◈ WHERE: The Mystic Herb & Rothmore Estate
◈ WEATHER: Cold.
"Are you sure, dear?"
"Yes, he will be fine with you meeting him."
"I just don't want to be pushy. It is his child."
"He..HE is his child. Ryder is a male....or identifies as one. And has male upper physical features. Then again mushrooms aren't gendered are they?"
"No dear, they are self fertilizing and spreading."
"Huh....well I suppose we'll just wait until he has a lower body."
"Just a moment, why doesn't he have a lower body?"
The conversation continued between the two women as the red head drove into town. They couldn't look more different. The vibrant red head with a strong physical build and bright green eyes. Sam just smiled as the woman asked more and more questions about the child she was about to meet. The blonde woman in her mid 50s was Sam's mother, Mary Ann. With deep tan skin Annie definitely spent a large amount of time out in the sun, a pattern of brown sun freckles dotted her nose. Piercing blue eyes looked to her daughter, even if a pair of black glasses hung on her neck from a hand beaded necklace. She was slender, built like a willow, but she could still hike a mountain or wade through waist deep water in the jungle with ease.
"And they are called what again, dear?"
"Raevans. Created using the soul of something and an essence of....something. Each essence is different."
"And you will be acquiring one? Like an adoption?"
"Yes mom, why are you so worried?"
"You are more experienced caring for sick snakes, not a child dear. Children are a big responsibility. Especially if it will be as wild as you were."
"Mom! I know what I'm doing mom! But I...I really want to do this."
"And this...Raevan...you are taking me to see, you say I will be quite interested in?"
"Oh yes, I think you will adore him."
Pulling the truck up to the shop she put it in park and hopped out. The blonde woman exited, showing herself to be taller than Sam. They both walked to the door, Sam entering first then holding the door for her mother. "Reuben! You around?" she called out.
Annie walked over to a shelf with dried herbs, picking up some and examining them. "I should pick up some more peppermint as well as a few other things for your father's tea."
"Please don't tell me he's still LICKING the rocks as part of the litmus test?"
"Yes, he will be fine with you meeting him."
"I just don't want to be pushy. It is his child."
"He..HE is his child. Ryder is a male....or identifies as one. And has male upper physical features. Then again mushrooms aren't gendered are they?"
"No dear, they are self fertilizing and spreading."
"Huh....well I suppose we'll just wait until he has a lower body."
"Just a moment, why doesn't he have a lower body?"
The conversation continued between the two women as the red head drove into town. They couldn't look more different. The vibrant red head with a strong physical build and bright green eyes. Sam just smiled as the woman asked more and more questions about the child she was about to meet. The blonde woman in her mid 50s was Sam's mother, Mary Ann. With deep tan skin Annie definitely spent a large amount of time out in the sun, a pattern of brown sun freckles dotted her nose. Piercing blue eyes looked to her daughter, even if a pair of black glasses hung on her neck from a hand beaded necklace. She was slender, built like a willow, but she could still hike a mountain or wade through waist deep water in the jungle with ease.
"And they are called what again, dear?"
"Raevans. Created using the soul of something and an essence of....something. Each essence is different."
"And you will be acquiring one? Like an adoption?"
"Yes mom, why are you so worried?"
"You are more experienced caring for sick snakes, not a child dear. Children are a big responsibility. Especially if it will be as wild as you were."
"Mom! I know what I'm doing mom! But I...I really want to do this."
"And this...Raevan...you are taking me to see, you say I will be quite interested in?"
"Oh yes, I think you will adore him."
Pulling the truck up to the shop she put it in park and hopped out. The blonde woman exited, showing herself to be taller than Sam. They both walked to the door, Sam entering first then holding the door for her mother. "Reuben! You around?" she called out.
Annie walked over to a shelf with dried herbs, picking up some and examining them. "I should pick up some more peppermint as well as a few other things for your father's tea."
"Please don't tell me he's still LICKING the rocks as part of the litmus test?"
Reuben was working diligently in his office when suddenly, he heard a familiar voice call for him from the front lobby of his shop. A smile grew upon his face as he knew who called. He was about to meet a supposedly amazing woman he had been waiting to meet for over a year now. Ever since their weekend getaway camping trip, Reuben had been wanting to meet with Annie.
The tarotist picked up his work quickly and called from the office, “One second!”
Within moments, he found himself waltzing into the lobby with the brightest smile on his face. “Hey there, Sam! And you must be Annie?” He questioned, an eager smile on his face as he held out a hand to the woman.
“I know you want to meet Ryder as well. But he’s in the house right now. We can go over there if you’d like to meet him, but if you’d also like to look around, feel free,” he began, walking around the shop quickly to sort of show it off.
“I don’t mean to be too forward, but I have heard a lot about you, and I have to say I am so eager to learn what wisdom you have, Annie. All of your wisdom of herbs, I want to learn all I can,” Reuben finished, a smile plastered on his face.
The tarotist picked up his work quickly and called from the office, “One second!”
Within moments, he found himself waltzing into the lobby with the brightest smile on his face. “Hey there, Sam! And you must be Annie?” He questioned, an eager smile on his face as he held out a hand to the woman.
“I know you want to meet Ryder as well. But he’s in the house right now. We can go over there if you’d like to meet him, but if you’d also like to look around, feel free,” he began, walking around the shop quickly to sort of show it off.
“I don’t mean to be too forward, but I have heard a lot about you, and I have to say I am so eager to learn what wisdom you have, Annie. All of your wisdom of herbs, I want to learn all I can,” Reuben finished, a smile plastered on his face.
Sam smiled when she heard him call out, glad to see her friend again. She'd be busy at the zoo with the weather change, the reptiles were far more sensitive to it so she'd been constantly checking on them for any sign of ill health. She'd been delighted to hear her mother was coming for a visit, spending time with her while the elder woman attended a conference. "Good to see you, Reuben!" she smiled and hugged him before turning to her mother.
Annie had a warm glow about her, a glow of life and vigor for a woman of her years. Her stance showed confidence, a woman who did not let the hardships of the world get her down. She wore a simple button up brown shirt, a white tank top underneath, some stained cargo pants, and well worn boots. Her blonde hair was tied back with a leather strip. She carried a small knapsack over one shoulder, it looked very well traveled given the repairs and patches it held. She took Rueben's hand into both of hers, smiling brightly, "It's lovely to meet you Reuben! What a lovely shop you have here! So many fresh things! Yes I am the Amazing Annie, as my husband always liked to introduce me as. And yes I would like to look over your wares a moment. I need some things to take back with me when I return to Celanro. Hard to get things there when your husband things he has to taste everything."
Sam groaned, face palming. "I swear why does dad do that?"
"He says its because you and I deal with living things that produce poison and venom. His happy rocks just give him the runnies."
Sam groaned again.
Annie chuckled and looked a little giggly when Reuben complimented her. "You hear that Sammy? Wisdom of herbs!"
"Don't give her a bigger head than she already has."
"Oh don't mind her. She still hates it when I send her some cold medicine."
"It tastes like dirt."
"That's because there's dirt in it dear."
It was obvious Sam and her mother bickered in good fun, as both were smiling as the spoke. However Annie was more than happy to answer any question Reuben had about herbs and medicinal plants. She took a notebook from her knapsack, showing Reuben some of the drawings of different plants in the jungles and savannas she'd found. All kinds of medicines made by local village doctors or witch doctors for the indigenous tribes of the areas. She even gave him a list of herbs with more magical and mystical properties, also explained to her by the village shamens. Sam spent most of the time looking at a few oils that might be good for the fur of some of her animals.
"Well I suppose I've prattled on far too long. I don't want to keep you but I am quite curious about these....Raevans?" she looked to Sam who nodded, "that Sammy has spoken about. A mother worries about what her child is stepping into."
Annie had a warm glow about her, a glow of life and vigor for a woman of her years. Her stance showed confidence, a woman who did not let the hardships of the world get her down. She wore a simple button up brown shirt, a white tank top underneath, some stained cargo pants, and well worn boots. Her blonde hair was tied back with a leather strip. She carried a small knapsack over one shoulder, it looked very well traveled given the repairs and patches it held. She took Rueben's hand into both of hers, smiling brightly, "It's lovely to meet you Reuben! What a lovely shop you have here! So many fresh things! Yes I am the Amazing Annie, as my husband always liked to introduce me as. And yes I would like to look over your wares a moment. I need some things to take back with me when I return to Celanro. Hard to get things there when your husband things he has to taste everything."
Sam groaned, face palming. "I swear why does dad do that?"
"He says its because you and I deal with living things that produce poison and venom. His happy rocks just give him the runnies."
Sam groaned again.
Annie chuckled and looked a little giggly when Reuben complimented her. "You hear that Sammy? Wisdom of herbs!"
"Don't give her a bigger head than she already has."
"Oh don't mind her. She still hates it when I send her some cold medicine."
"It tastes like dirt."
"That's because there's dirt in it dear."
It was obvious Sam and her mother bickered in good fun, as both were smiling as the spoke. However Annie was more than happy to answer any question Reuben had about herbs and medicinal plants. She took a notebook from her knapsack, showing Reuben some of the drawings of different plants in the jungles and savannas she'd found. All kinds of medicines made by local village doctors or witch doctors for the indigenous tribes of the areas. She even gave him a list of herbs with more magical and mystical properties, also explained to her by the village shamens. Sam spent most of the time looking at a few oils that might be good for the fur of some of her animals.
"Well I suppose I've prattled on far too long. I don't want to keep you but I am quite curious about these....Raevans?" she looked to Sam who nodded, "that Sammy has spoken about. A mother worries about what her child is stepping into."
Reuben gave Sam a hug and went into the handshake with a bright smile, listening attentively to what Annie had to say, chuckling when she made comment about being the “Amazing Annie”, a cute woman.
The exchange between mother and daughter was a sweet sight to see. He could only attempt to place himself in such a light with his family. His mother and father would never have such a close relationship with him. It saddened him, but at the same time he was happy to see Sam enjoying her mother’s company.
As they got to talking, time got away from them, but he was certainly ready to move this party to the house where she could meet Ryder. “Oh of course. Let me tell you that the raevan program is an amazing and magical experience. Let’s go meet Ryder,” he said with a smile, leading them out the front door and around the small corner to his house, which was conveniently situated on the same property.
He took the key to the large lock and opened the front door and entered, holding the door for the ladies. “Ryder! We’re here!” Reuben called from the doorway, only to close it once the women entered.
Within a few minutes time, Ryder came floating from the hallway into the living room. He was wearing a large fungus print T-shirt and looked as if he had just gotten out of bed. His hair was matted and his eyes looked as though he had just woken up. Sleep very apparent in them.
He was a bit shy, as he knew he wouldn’t be meeting any fellow frei, but it was just going to be humans. It wasn’t that the toadstool had an issue with humans, but meeting a fellow raevan was always a much more fun experience for him.
“Ryder?” Reuben questioned almost embarrassed that his frei hadn’t cleaned up or anything.
“H-hello,” he began, voicing it to the women in the living room. Then he turned his attention to Reuben, “I’m so sorry, Reuben. I laid down and fell asleep. It wasn’t until I heard the door open that I remembered you guys were still going to come over here.”
Reuben had a look of slight disappointment and slight embarrassment on his face. But he got over it quickly, trying to keep his annoyances to himself. “It’s fine. This is Sam and Annie, they’ve been looking forward to meeting you for a while now.”
“It’s nice to meet you in person, Sam. And Annie,” he said with as lively a smile as he could muster.
The exchange between mother and daughter was a sweet sight to see. He could only attempt to place himself in such a light with his family. His mother and father would never have such a close relationship with him. It saddened him, but at the same time he was happy to see Sam enjoying her mother’s company.
As they got to talking, time got away from them, but he was certainly ready to move this party to the house where she could meet Ryder. “Oh of course. Let me tell you that the raevan program is an amazing and magical experience. Let’s go meet Ryder,” he said with a smile, leading them out the front door and around the small corner to his house, which was conveniently situated on the same property.
He took the key to the large lock and opened the front door and entered, holding the door for the ladies. “Ryder! We’re here!” Reuben called from the doorway, only to close it once the women entered.
Within a few minutes time, Ryder came floating from the hallway into the living room. He was wearing a large fungus print T-shirt and looked as if he had just gotten out of bed. His hair was matted and his eyes looked as though he had just woken up. Sleep very apparent in them.
He was a bit shy, as he knew he wouldn’t be meeting any fellow frei, but it was just going to be humans. It wasn’t that the toadstool had an issue with humans, but meeting a fellow raevan was always a much more fun experience for him.
“Ryder?” Reuben questioned almost embarrassed that his frei hadn’t cleaned up or anything.
“H-hello,” he began, voicing it to the women in the living room. Then he turned his attention to Reuben, “I’m so sorry, Reuben. I laid down and fell asleep. It wasn’t until I heard the door open that I remembered you guys were still going to come over here.”
Reuben had a look of slight disappointment and slight embarrassment on his face. But he got over it quickly, trying to keep his annoyances to himself. “It’s fine. This is Sam and Annie, they’ve been looking forward to meeting you for a while now.”
“It’s nice to meet you in person, Sam. And Annie,” he said with as lively a smile as he could muster.
Sam always enjoyed Reuben's excitement about his Raevan. The few times they'd talked since Ryder was born he'd always seemed so dedicated. She only wondered if she'd be like that when hers was born. She'd briefly met Ryder at the beach party but hadn't had any time to interact with him. The red head was also quite glad Rueben could ease her mother's worries about the Raevan program with his own perspective.
"Well you certainly seem quite happy with the results, Reuben. So I can hope for similar happiness for Sammy," Mary Ann smiled and followed the man with her daughter at her side. The woman looked around as they were let into the man's home, noting it's lovely natural feel and setting. It felt nice given her usual outdoors lifestyle. The elder woman looked over as the rumpled Frei floated into view and blinked for a moment. He seemed more adult than a child, perhaps a teenager style of growth.
"Oh my," she said softly while her daughter just smirked. The woman shook her head and smiled, "Now now, Ryder is it? Not to worry. I have looked far worse after spending the night in a hammock during a tropical storm." Her eyes looked over him in wonder and......adoration. His rainbow freckles and rumpled hair seemed unusual but normal, but his wings......"Are those....mushrooms on your back dear?"
"Yes mom," Sam spoke giving Ryder a wink, "Ryder has the soul of a mushroom."
"How amazing! Oh mushrooms are the most wonderful things! Nature's hardest workers they are! Without them the world would be quite barren and lifeless" she beamed, doing her best not to get into one of her long speeches about the importance of fungi. She wanted to look him over but her work with local tribes taught her better than to assume touching was allowed. "I study fungi and parasitic plants as my specialty," she looked to Reuben, "Your son is quite handsome! You must be so proud!"
"Well you certainly seem quite happy with the results, Reuben. So I can hope for similar happiness for Sammy," Mary Ann smiled and followed the man with her daughter at her side. The woman looked around as they were let into the man's home, noting it's lovely natural feel and setting. It felt nice given her usual outdoors lifestyle. The elder woman looked over as the rumpled Frei floated into view and blinked for a moment. He seemed more adult than a child, perhaps a teenager style of growth.
"Oh my," she said softly while her daughter just smirked. The woman shook her head and smiled, "Now now, Ryder is it? Not to worry. I have looked far worse after spending the night in a hammock during a tropical storm." Her eyes looked over him in wonder and......adoration. His rainbow freckles and rumpled hair seemed unusual but normal, but his wings......"Are those....mushrooms on your back dear?"
"Yes mom," Sam spoke giving Ryder a wink, "Ryder has the soul of a mushroom."
"How amazing! Oh mushrooms are the most wonderful things! Nature's hardest workers they are! Without them the world would be quite barren and lifeless" she beamed, doing her best not to get into one of her long speeches about the importance of fungi. She wanted to look him over but her work with local tribes taught her better than to assume touching was allowed. "I study fungi and parasitic plants as my specialty," she looked to Reuben, "Your son is quite handsome! You must be so proud!"
Ryder’s face fell as Annie began to look him over. Was he just another spectacle? A crooked smile appeared on his face as he felt ashamed that he looked such a mess. Just waking up with matted, messy hair was just the start. The sleep was quite apparent in his eyes yet.
As the woman spoke his name and continued to speak to him, his mood lightened up a bit. It made him feel a bit better knowing that she wasn’t necessarily judging him, but instead astonished at the creature before her. Ryder nodded when she questioned his name. He also quickly tried to picture the scene she explained. A tropical storm in a hammock, it sounded like an episode of Lost (something he’d recently gotten into).
When questioned about his wings, he opened his mouth but Sam spoke up before he could. Instead of speaking aloud, he simply nodded in agreement.
Annie’s enthusiasm for mushrooms definitely furthered Ryder’s thoughts of this woman. And she was a fungi specialist?! That was quite amazing! His interest in her increased exponentially as soon as she finished her sentence. “Y-you study fungi?! Can you tell me about some of your favorites?” He spoke, passing over the compliment with ease. That wasn’t the interesting part.
Reuben, meanwhile, was sitting back listening with a bright smile on his face. “Thank you, Annie. I agree wholeheartedly and I am the proudest guardian around,” he stated with a chuckle.
As the woman spoke his name and continued to speak to him, his mood lightened up a bit. It made him feel a bit better knowing that she wasn’t necessarily judging him, but instead astonished at the creature before her. Ryder nodded when she questioned his name. He also quickly tried to picture the scene she explained. A tropical storm in a hammock, it sounded like an episode of Lost (something he’d recently gotten into).
When questioned about his wings, he opened his mouth but Sam spoke up before he could. Instead of speaking aloud, he simply nodded in agreement.
Annie’s enthusiasm for mushrooms definitely furthered Ryder’s thoughts of this woman. And she was a fungi specialist?! That was quite amazing! His interest in her increased exponentially as soon as she finished her sentence. “Y-you study fungi?! Can you tell me about some of your favorites?” He spoke, passing over the compliment with ease. That wasn’t the interesting part.
Reuben, meanwhile, was sitting back listening with a bright smile on his face. “Thank you, Annie. I agree wholeheartedly and I am the proudest guardian around,” he stated with a chuckle.
Sam smiled as the Frei seemed to get excited about her mother's knowledge of fungi. Frankly her mother liked the plants no one seemed to care about or wished to kill, the kind that did more for the environment that people knew. She stood next to Reuben, a grin on her face. "I think Ryder may have a new penpal when Mom goes back on the road," she chuckled.
Annie was more than happy to talk about fungi, reaching into her bag to pull out a different notebook. In it she had a great deal of notes as well as Polaroid pictures of different mushrooms. "Oh I have many favorites but some are quite lovely, like this one," she showed him a bright blue mushroom picture, "This is called the Blue Milk Mushroom or Lactarius indigo. A beautiful species that is prized for it's color and flavor." She flipped to another page where the picture was obviously taken at night. "This is one is Bitter Oyster, a luminesent mushroom found growing on the fallen trunks of trees. It is highly regarded because it can glow."
Annie was more than happy to talk about fungi, reaching into her bag to pull out a different notebook. In it she had a great deal of notes as well as Polaroid pictures of different mushrooms. "Oh I have many favorites but some are quite lovely, like this one," she showed him a bright blue mushroom picture, "This is called the Blue Milk Mushroom or Lactarius indigo. A beautiful species that is prized for it's color and flavor." She flipped to another page where the picture was obviously taken at night. "This is one is Bitter Oyster, a luminesent mushroom found growing on the fallen trunks of trees. It is highly regarded because it can glow."
Annie went on showing Ryder more fungi species from her travels, telling him how some were poisonous or others revered as the sign of the gods. Each culture had their own take on the use and meaning of the plant. Sam finally cleared her throat and broke the study spell, "Oh! Goodness I've been prattling along for quite a bit. I'd come to see you, Ryder, because my Sammy is getting a Raevan too and a mother worries. So I wanted to meet one. And if you are any example of a Raevan then all my worries are quite squashed. You are a real.....fun guy..."
Sam groaned and face palmed.
Sam groaned and face palmed.
Reuben chuckled at Sam's observation. "I do think you're right. But I'm happy for him. I haven't seen him this...interested in something, in months," he stated, a growing smile upon his countenance. "Maybe this will kick him out of whatever funk he's been in lately. Who knows?"
Ryder couldn't help but fall madly in love with this notebook. He wished he could have kept it! He intently paid attention to this woman's voice. It was so soothing and so intelligent. Something he had never known he'd miss. When she came to a point where she felt as though she had prattled on too long, he shook his head, almost in disappointment that their conversation was coming to an end. "It's q-quite alright. I...really loved your notebook. But, I see. Yes, us raevan are quite...umm...fun?" he questioned as it seemed obvious he was unsure how to respond. "I'm glad you have less to worry about now," he stated, continuously eyeing that notebook.
"M-may I ask you a favor?" the frei softly asked, his voice cracking a bit towards the end. After taking a moment to clear his throat, he spoke again, "C-can you send me pictures of fascinating fungi you meet in your travels? I'd love to learn more about my species...or...my family? Whatever you'd consider them to me," he stated, tapping his fingers together quickly, nervous to hear the woman's response. Had it been a no, he'd be fine with it, albeit disappointed; but he had to try!
Ryder couldn't help but fall madly in love with this notebook. He wished he could have kept it! He intently paid attention to this woman's voice. It was so soothing and so intelligent. Something he had never known he'd miss. When she came to a point where she felt as though she had prattled on too long, he shook his head, almost in disappointment that their conversation was coming to an end. "It's q-quite alright. I...really loved your notebook. But, I see. Yes, us raevan are quite...umm...fun?" he questioned as it seemed obvious he was unsure how to respond. "I'm glad you have less to worry about now," he stated, continuously eyeing that notebook.
"M-may I ask you a favor?" the frei softly asked, his voice cracking a bit towards the end. After taking a moment to clear his throat, he spoke again, "C-can you send me pictures of fascinating fungi you meet in your travels? I'd love to learn more about my species...or...my family? Whatever you'd consider them to me," he stated, tapping his fingers together quickly, nervous to hear the woman's response. Had it been a no, he'd be fine with it, albeit disappointed; but he had to try!
"I'm sorry he hasn't been feeling well. I hope you are right that this will help, Mom will be more than happy to feed his knowledge," she smiled, looking back at the pair. It made her think of her own essence and soul, still brewing at the main lab. She wondered if her Raevan would be so curious.
Annie loved how interested and dedicated the young boy seemed to be, how he looked at her notebook like a tome of knowledge rather than a hand made, hand written book of notes and pictures. She talked to him like she'd always talked to Sam when she was young, keeping her voice soft and leaving openings for the boy ask questions. He kept looking at it even after she stopped, making her smile. Taking the picture of the Blue Milk Mushroom she quick wrote, in lovingly neat handwriting its proper scientific name, common name, and what countries it was located in.
"Here Ryder, I have quite a few pictures of this mushroom so I can alwys put in a new one. Consider it the start of your collection," she grinned and put her notebook back in her bag. "I would be more than happy to send you pictures of any mushrooms I find! I'll send the to Sammy and she can deliver them. I'll be heading back out to join my husband in the Jungles of Aplosi the day after tomorrow so there should be plenty of things to take pictures of. Though it may take me awhile to get to a proper post office."
His comment about family made her stop for a moment, her eyes showing some old wisdom. "My dear little boy, family is not who or what we are related to. Sam can tell you there are many small tribes who consider us family. Some still ask if Sammy has taken a proper husband yet, then offer their sons," she giggled.
Sam facepalmed again.
"Family are those who love us no matter what. Family are those who care about our well being. Family are those who tell us the truth, even if it hurts. And from what I see you have a very loving family," she looked to Reuben, "And I will do my best to be the mad old granny who sends you strange things in the mail!"
Sam giggled and looked to Reuben, "Care packages are gonna get weird for you. I can guarantee."
The two women talked with them for a bit more before Sam reminded her mother she had to prepare for the meeting tomorrow with other botanists. "Ryder, it was a joy to meet you. I hope to see pictures as you grow into a handsome young man. Reuben, I might send Sammy with some orders for herbs if need be. But you will both be hearing from me when I can," she smiled and shook Reuben's hand.
Annie loved how interested and dedicated the young boy seemed to be, how he looked at her notebook like a tome of knowledge rather than a hand made, hand written book of notes and pictures. She talked to him like she'd always talked to Sam when she was young, keeping her voice soft and leaving openings for the boy ask questions. He kept looking at it even after she stopped, making her smile. Taking the picture of the Blue Milk Mushroom she quick wrote, in lovingly neat handwriting its proper scientific name, common name, and what countries it was located in.
"Here Ryder, I have quite a few pictures of this mushroom so I can alwys put in a new one. Consider it the start of your collection," she grinned and put her notebook back in her bag. "I would be more than happy to send you pictures of any mushrooms I find! I'll send the to Sammy and she can deliver them. I'll be heading back out to join my husband in the Jungles of Aplosi the day after tomorrow so there should be plenty of things to take pictures of. Though it may take me awhile to get to a proper post office."
His comment about family made her stop for a moment, her eyes showing some old wisdom. "My dear little boy, family is not who or what we are related to. Sam can tell you there are many small tribes who consider us family. Some still ask if Sammy has taken a proper husband yet, then offer their sons," she giggled.
Sam facepalmed again.
"Family are those who love us no matter what. Family are those who care about our well being. Family are those who tell us the truth, even if it hurts. And from what I see you have a very loving family," she looked to Reuben, "And I will do my best to be the mad old granny who sends you strange things in the mail!"
Sam giggled and looked to Reuben, "Care packages are gonna get weird for you. I can guarantee."
The two women talked with them for a bit more before Sam reminded her mother she had to prepare for the meeting tomorrow with other botanists. "Ryder, it was a joy to meet you. I hope to see pictures as you grow into a handsome young man. Reuben, I might send Sammy with some orders for herbs if need be. But you will both be hearing from me when I can," she smiled and shook Reuben's hand.
Reuben straightened with a nod whilst crossing his arms, never taking his eye off his charge. "I'm sure it will. Your mother seems to be a sort of light for him, at least in the moment," he stated, a smile ever growing on his countenance. He loved seeing Ryder beam with excitement, even if it was short lived.
Ryder's eyes did nothing but widen at the gift so graciously bestowed upon him by Annie. He took the photograph in his hand and held it as carefully as he could as to not smear any of the writings or place his fingerprints upon the photo itself. The Blue Milk Mushroom. The start of his new, ever to grow collection. He couldn't wait. The frei beamed with joy. "Thank you! Thank you so much! I...I cannot wait to see where else you go and whatever else you come across!" he exclaimed with much excitement in his voice.
As the woman began to speak about family, he nodded. Yes, it didn't matter who or what they were. Family were those who proved they care. A truth he had yet to fully realize.
Reuben chuckled when Annie and Sam spoke of care packages. "Well I do have to say, thank you in advance. I'm sure Ryder will enjoy anything and everything from 'granny Annie'," he stated before walking the pair to the door and shaking Annie's hand. "You're more than welcome to request herbs at any time. I, too, will likely send care packages home with Sam each and every time we meet," Reuben started, before being cut off by Ryder.
"Th-thanks again, Annie. It...was most enlightening."
With that, the frei retired to his bedroom with a bright smile on his face.
Reuben watched as his charge floated down the hallway. He hadn't seen him that happy in quite some time. Annie's visit was most definitely a welcome one, no matter when. "Take care, Annie. We always look forward to hearing from you. And I'm sure Sam will keep us all up to date on your adventures, which Ryder and I are already waiting to hear about. Sam, thanks for bringing her by, it's always nice to see you."
Ryder's eyes did nothing but widen at the gift so graciously bestowed upon him by Annie. He took the photograph in his hand and held it as carefully as he could as to not smear any of the writings or place his fingerprints upon the photo itself. The Blue Milk Mushroom. The start of his new, ever to grow collection. He couldn't wait. The frei beamed with joy. "Thank you! Thank you so much! I...I cannot wait to see where else you go and whatever else you come across!" he exclaimed with much excitement in his voice.
As the woman began to speak about family, he nodded. Yes, it didn't matter who or what they were. Family were those who proved they care. A truth he had yet to fully realize.
Reuben chuckled when Annie and Sam spoke of care packages. "Well I do have to say, thank you in advance. I'm sure Ryder will enjoy anything and everything from 'granny Annie'," he stated before walking the pair to the door and shaking Annie's hand. "You're more than welcome to request herbs at any time. I, too, will likely send care packages home with Sam each and every time we meet," Reuben started, before being cut off by Ryder.
"Th-thanks again, Annie. It...was most enlightening."
With that, the frei retired to his bedroom with a bright smile on his face.
Reuben watched as his charge floated down the hallway. He hadn't seen him that happy in quite some time. Annie's visit was most definitely a welcome one, no matter when. "Take care, Annie. We always look forward to hearing from you. And I'm sure Sam will keep us all up to date on your adventures, which Ryder and I are already waiting to hear about. Sam, thanks for bringing her by, it's always nice to see you."