Folksburywoods Story Blog

Early one morning, Asrek felt a compelling need to stroll in the wildwood. Following no particular path, the elfling wandered hither and yon through the dense woods.

“Guid mornin Asrek, what brings a wee one out at this time of the day?” said the Wise Woman.

“Geepers Ursala, ya scared the willies right out of me,” replied Asrek with a start.

“Oh, sorry, love, begging my pardon. I’m off to talk to the Oracle. I have worries I cannot seem to chase away, so I thought a talk with her would help,” said Ursala.

“Mind if I join you? It seems I, too, have unfinished business that needs sorting out,” asked the elfling.

The two friends talked as they enjoyed the morning air’s crisp bite and bird song on their way to the Oracle. “I have never gone to the Oracle. Is there anything special I need to do?” asked Asrek.

“No pet, just be yourself, and she’ll do the rest,” replied the Wise Woman.

Arriving, the two climbed the stone stairs and stood before the carvings that covered the Oracle’s altar. Ursala bowed deep in prayer while Asrek squatted off to the side.

“Why have you called me here, and what would you have me do? ” the elfling asked in a low tone. He waited, and nothing came to mind, so he watched as Ursala went through her prayer ritual.

When she finished, Asrek asked, “Does the Oracle speak directly, or is it more of a feeling thing?”

“Not quite sure how to answer that, Asrek. She has done both and neither,” answered the Wise Woman.

“Oh, I see. Well, knowing what to expect or not to expect is good. Perhaps the best is to go with the flow, as Edmond Moose always tells me,” said Asrek.

“Perhaps,” replied Ursala with a wry smile.

The two remained at the altar until the sun had risen high overhead. “Time we were off pet. We both have duties that can’t wait,” remarked the Wise Woman.

“Yes, I need to get the apples to market, and I am sure Angus is pacing a hole in your doorstep waiting for his tonic,” said Arsek with a wink.

The two remained silent on the way out of the forest, preferring to use the time to reflect on their experience with the Oracle.

“I’m wishing you wellness and good fortune,” said Ursala as she turned down the path to her house, where Angus was pacing back and forth at her door.

“Wellness to you. I hope you find what you were looking for,” said Asrek, continuing down the path. Later, as he unloaded the apples at Jessup’s market stall, Asrek smiled and chuckled loudly.

“What’s the joke, Asrek?” asked the vendor.

“Oh, nothing, Jessup. It’s just that sometimes being there to help a friend is a fine way to start the day,” answered the elfling.

“I couldn’t agree more,” said Jessup with a smile and nod of approval.

That evening, Asrek sat near the fireplace and wondered if the message the Oracle showed us was the one we already knew but were too blind to see.

“I think I’ll take walks in the forest a bit more; it seems to suit me well,” said Asrek as he rose and headed for bed.