Oliver and Fern raced after the thieving Stonebark Boar, ducking under low-hanging branches and pushing through thick ferns as they entered the Flower Woods — a gentle, vibrant part of the Woodland Leaf region. Petals drifted in the breeze like snow, and the ground was a patchwork of wildflowers: bluebells, firemoss blossoms, and star-crowned lilies.
They followed the boar's hoofprints etched in the soft dirt, weaving through meadows and brush.
But it wasn't long before they ran into complications.
---
Just past a slope of daffodil-like Windblossoms, a massive Wild Ox stood in their path, horns wide and nostrils flaring.
Fern stopped, raising a hand. "Careful. They don't attack unless provoked. Let it pass."
The ox snorted, staring them down for a few tense seconds, before trotting off slowly into the tall grass, uninterested.
Oliver exhaled. "Didn't know oversized beef came with this route."
They pressed on. Hoofprints continued ahead.
---
Moments later, a flock of Stonebark Sheep appeared—big, fuzzy creatures with moss-colored wool and hardened bark plates along their backs. They were grazing peacefully, but the trail cut straight through them.
Fern whispered, "Walk slowly. If one bolts, they all will."
As they weaved through the sheep, Oliver noticed several of them staring at Fern's pack—probably smelling the flower herbs. One began nibbling on her cloak, and she scowled but said nothing.
They finally made it past without incident—just more wool stuck to Fern's clothes.
---
Beyond the sheep clearing was a broad field lined with tree-sized tulips. There, a group of wild horses grazed, their coats shimmering faintly in the morning dew. One lifted its head at Oliver's approach, then galloped past with a powerful thrum of hooves.
That's when Fern pointed. "There."
Across the meadow, caught between some thick violet orchids, was the Stonebark Boar—still chewing on the precious cabbage.
"Looks like it's trying to bury it," Oliver said, squinting.
Fern narrowed her eyes. "Not on my watch."
---
She pulled out a small pouch of powdered vineblossom—a mild sleep agent for animals.
"Distract it," she said to Oliver. "I'll get close."
Oliver shrugged. "Why do I always get the hard part?"
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> Mini Encounter Activated: "Boar Distraction"
• Objective: Allow Fern to recover the cabbage safely.
• Method: Distract or disorient the boar without harming it.
Oliver stepped into the clearing, picked up a stick, and threw it. The stick bonked the dirt just beside the boar's snout.
The boar jolted, snorted, and charged toward the noise. Meanwhile, Fern silently closed in from behind, powder in hand.
Oliver waved his arms. "Hey piggy, over here! You want more cabbage, don't you?!"
Fwoosh—! Fern tossed the powder in a gust of wind. The boar stumbled, eyes blinking heavily.
Within seconds, it slowed down... and flopped over, asleep in a bed of flowers.
Fern calmly picked up the cabbage, dusted it off, and stared at Oliver.
"You distracted it well," she said flatly.
Oliver smirked. "I've been told I'm annoying."
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> ✅ Quest Completed: Royal Cabbage Retrieval
• Dwarven Reputation: +3
• Gained: [Suncrisp Verdantheart Cabbage]
• Fern Approval: Slightly Up
They began their return toward the trade routes, the cabbage safely back in Fern's bag. The horses whinnied in the distance. The sun shone gently through the canopies.
Oliver turned to Fern, "So... how many cabbages do the dwarves want?"
Fern replied calmly, "Seventeen."
Oliver groaned. "Oh, good. Only sixteen more to go..."
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