SaltQuest- Afoot
Wane continued to watch Ebb row the boat. He did this while sitting within the boat, a spare paddle by his side. Still, he had not laid even a hand or offered assistance to help. Ebb continued to row, making big strong strokes with her paddles.
“I would ask if you would assist me, but the conversation always ends up the same way.’ Ebb commented in between strokes.
Wane flashed her a grin, before floating alongside the smoothly moving vessel, which left a neat impression in the water behind it.
“Yep. It always ends up like that.” She shrugged slightly. “So, why do you need to see the cunning woman alongside me?”
“Well, I believe it is for the same reason as you. Why else would we, wish to see the Wych?”
“The Wych, the Wych, she fishes wishes for salt!” Ebb finished the rhyme, Wane singing alongside her joyfully.
“So, is there a certain spirit you’re trying to get rid of with more salt?” Ebb asked.
Wane turned onto his side, bobbing slowly alongside the moving boat. “Kiddo won’t stop dripping water everywhere. It’s ruining my porch.”
“Bushy hair, ears, has a striking resemblance to you?”
“Yeah. How’d you know?” Now Wane’s attention really was on Ebb.
“They’re one of the two who I keep seeing. The others some grumpy looking elf.”
The sound of the paddles was constant.
“Well, I’d like to stop the Kiddo. And make them less miserable looking.”
Ebb nodded. “Maybe Fauna can help us there then. Now give me some help. Sooner I’m there, sooner you get the salt.”
Wane would have rolled his eyes. If they were visible. He gave a toothy grin, settling into the space in the boat, and taking up the spare paddle. Soon the boat was smoothly gliding against the water again, as Ebb guided their direction towards a looming outcrop in the distance.
The water around them was a clear blue, making the reflection of the island stand out even more. The island was big, that is to say it fit a small oddly shaped wooden house, and an evergreen tree underneath of which was a hanging chair. By the standard of the islands Wane or Ebb called home, it was enormous.
A small pier jutted out of the island, another boat tied alongside it. Ebb guided her boat to stop alongside the Pier, tying a sturdy rope to the pier. While she climbed out, Wane floated gracefully to stand on the island. As soon as Ebb stepped foot on the pier, the door of the wooden house opened, revealing a short dumpy figure. Fauna’s large floral sunhat covered her head, obscuring her crop of curling brown hair, but calling attention to her pointed horns and dropping ears. Her cardigan was large and loose over her flared dress, and her hooves made a clopping sound as she tapped them once, twice on the wooden door frame. Her arms were currently salt granules.
“While I know you want salt, I have the favour I want in return for this lot.” She said matter-of-factly.
“You have a favour picked out?” Ebb questioned, dismay creeping into her voice. Wane turned to her and shrugged.
Fauna merely nodded in response. “Yes. Come in. There is much afoot.”