Northstar Vale Therapévo

It was misleading that the berries would look so bright and delicious and cause harm. Antigone eyed them warily, wondering what a larger dose might cause. Did Meadow think that they might kill someone? The thought that plants could poison and heal had settled strangely in the young boy’s belly. There must have been others that could cause harm. How might Antigone know which would hurt him or others?

Before he could ask, the healer inquired about his interests. She said it was rather fun to explore the options available, settling after trying an array. It was complicated, he felt. Meadow seemed as though she would be easy to confide in. The red-hooded boy glanced up at her, mouth set in a thin straight line.

My father is a fighter. Antigone had not missed the gleam in Arsenio’s eye when they discussed the boy’s future. I think he would like for me to learn that, too. And he did want to please his father and mother. They had raised him lovingly and had built a home for their family in a beautiful place. I don’t like fighting.

Antigone looked at her intensely.

I like when my mom teaches me how to clean. I like the water. I like plants.