“Hello there. I come in peace.” Kathleen walked forward until she was almost at the edge of a tree line and said. “Oh, no need for your bow. I am friendly. I live here. Have you come for a visit?”
Lowering her bow to her waist the woman answered, “No, I am traveling north. I hear there are places where a warrior can get work.”
“Hmm, I have not heard of any. I do know there are places farther up north than where I have been. I am Kathleen, protector of the woodlands. I take care of the animals and plants. Mind if I sit next to you and have something to eat too. I am hungry.”
“It is nice to meet you Kathleen. My name is Jules. Please come over.” She pushed some dried leaves away with her foot and continued, “It is nice to have someone to talk to. This is my pet wolverine named Wolf. He won’t hurt you unless you attack me,” she mentioned with a half laugh but still looking at Kathleen. Wolf stared at Kathleen and Jules commanded, “Leave it.” The wolverine laid back down but kept eye contact. “Good boy Wolf,” she rewarded him by tossing a treat at the ground in front of him. For a moment he turned his head and seemed to smile at his owner then gulped down the treat.
“He listens well. I can tell you two have a strong bond.”
“I respect him and all animals. We have that in common,” said Jules.
Kathleen grinned at her and the warrior smiled back. They both sat down as one looked up into the trees at a falcon and the other placed her bow next to her leg. “Why do you protect these woods?” she asked.
“Another warrior named Sharon and I make sure poachers don’t take the animals and plants from here in order to sell them at markets.”
“Like that cute rat over there?” Jules said pointing.
Kathleen looked at the rat who resembled a tiny capybara. His nose sniffed the air as he slowly climbed out of the burrow followed by five more. “Yes, the blue river rats need to be saved because they are social creatures and will die if taken from their families. See those tiny crystal plants by that black oak tree.
Leaning slightly right she answered, “Wow, they are beautiful.”
“Unfortunately those are one of the plants that are stolen.” Kathleen replied. “Sounds like you and you and Sharon have a rewarding job.”
“We do! It is enjoyable to see these animals and plants everyday. It is an honor to protect them. In fact we took an oath given by the brown hats. I see the rune of Saturn on your backpack. Where did you do your warrior training?”
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Cleaning up her meal Jules mentioned “I did my warrior training at honor mountain but left to go on adventures. Now I am tired of traveling around and would like a job and a place to call home. How did you get this job?”
“It’s a long story. Why is it a job you would consider?” ask Kathleen.
“Maybe? I like all things in nature and I am against poaching. Seems like what you and Sharon do is important. Is there an opening?”
“No but how about you come back with me? You can hang out with the two of us for a couple of days. We are called the Jadeites.”
“Why Jadeites?”
“Because jade is found in several places in the Emerald Forest. We are strong and sturdy like rock…like jade.”
“Why is it called the Emerald Forest then and not the Jade Forest? Are there emeralds here?” asked Jules.
“No emeralds, only jade. There is a story passed down for decades that two kobolds brothers visited the town of Almanac. They said the forest is the same color as emeralds, which was their favorite gem. They started calling it the Emerald Forest. No one corrected them and the name stuck. No one remembers what it used to be called.”
Jules laughed, “You wouldn’t believe the strange names I have encountered as I traveled. There’s a creek called Woman Hollering and a town called Upnorth.”
“Those are funny names.” she said and pointed to the right, “The path over there is called Iota Path because the people south of here that started the town of Almanac named it. It was said they didn’t care one iota if you traveled down it and never came back. In reality the town folk are very kind and it’s a fun place to visit.” Standing up Kathleen asked, “I need to go. What do you think? Do you want to come back with me and meet my partner? We could have a bow and arrow competition. Loser cooks dinner.”
Standing up and holding out her hand Jules said, “Well warrior Kathleen Protector of the Emerald Forest I would like that very much. I will definitely beat you later which will be good for you because I can’t cook.”
The two women head down the Iota Path with Wolf following behind. Above Kez kept a watchful eye.
Three years later Jules was still with the Jadeites as well as several other warriors. All have the same tattoo and took the same oath.
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