[Flashback]The Woodsman

[Trovian]

23 Summer, 506 AV 'The way to identify this particular species is by the distinctive purple markings underneath, along the length of the leaf. You will do well to remember this one son, as one day it could come in useful and save your life.' Trovians father loved teaching him about the various plants in the woodland behind their home in The Syliras Region. He was very fond of doing so and would often spend a few hours a week doing so. Not least of all because he enjoyed spending time with his son, but also in order to educate him for the future, and so that if the time ever came, Trovian could put his knowledge to good use. Trovian enjoyed the lessons also. He found the whole process of learning exhilirating, and loved being outdoors with his father, being taught about the woodland and its contents. This is what he loved; nature, the outdoors, being in the wild and being capable of fending for himself. The information he learned from his father he hoped someday he could put to good use and educate others. The sound of his fathers voice quickly interrupted his train of thought as he explained the uses of this particular plant. 'The plant contains a liquid which can be used to clean infected wounds. Simply break it off from its stem and squeeze it tightly between your thumb and your index finger, like so.' At that he did as he had explained, and a whitish liquid ran from the bottom of the stem, and onto his fathers hands. He examined the liquid on his hands, and then proceeded to rub it into his hands until it was no longer visible. Trovian watched with anticipation and intrigue, excited to learn more about the properties and effects of this particular plant. 'It is also a very good moisturising agent. Remember this son, rough hands can be a pain. I often pick this variety and bottle up some of the juices for use back at the house. It helps.' He smiled at Trovian, a warm, fatherly smile that suggested he was very fond of Trovian, and enjoyed teaching him about the world. He loved how Trovian was intrigued and willing to learn. 'Here, now you have a go.' Looking down, Trovian saw a grouping of the plant in a small patch of dirt underneath an old Silver Birch, one of which his father had just previously picked. He picked out one which seemed to have good shape and broke it of, just above the dirt. Squeezing the stem, he soon found his left hand covered in the slimy liquid. Rubbing his hands together, he noticed that his skin now felt smoother and softer. He looked at his father, wide eyed, and then let out a cheeky grin. His father nodded his agreement to Trovian and then began to chuckle. 'It's amazing what one can learn in such a short space of time my son. Nature truly is wonderful. Now another use of the plant can be to help wounds heal quicker, or to pry thorns and splinters out more easily. Simply cover the affected area with the serum and there you have it, less pain and no risk of infections! Amazing isn't it?' He grinned sheepishly at Trovian, who smiled back admiringly. 'Well son, that concludes our lesson for today, we best be heading back before nightfall' At that, both he and Trovian rose and began to wander in the direction of home, conversing as they did so. The walk was a little over two miles, and they took it at a slow pace so as to spend longer basking in the warm evening sun and to spend more time talking; of the weather, the forest, plants and anything else that sprang to mind. As they neared their home, Trovian smiled gently, satisfied with the days learning, and looking forward to more to come. The sun was just beginning to disappear behind the treetops in the distance as Trovian reached the door, turning to admire the view. As the sun climbed lower, Trovian turned his back and entered the house, a days lessons were over, but what would tomorrow bring?