The Listener of Derwen
Once upon a time, in a quaint little town named Derwen, there lived a reputable apothecary named Gregory. Gregory was renowned for his knowledge of herbs and their medicinal values. However, his real gift was not his knowledge; it was his extraordinary ability to listen.
Established off the primary square, Gregory's shop was a sanctuary for the townspeople—a haven where anyone could share their joys and sorrows, fears and hopes. As he prepared remedies, Gregory would listen, his calm presence an assurance that everything would be alright. Over the years, he healed more than physical ailments; he mended hearts and minds.
Everything changed one frosty midwinter morning when Gregory found a baby girl on his shop's doorstep. Swaddled in a sky-blue blanket, the child lay peacefully. With no note in sight nor a soul nearby, Gregory decided to adopt the child as his own and named her Seraphina.
Seraphina grew up as a radiant young girl, graceful and kind-hearted. Like her father, she developed a love for nature and its finest details— especially for acquiring the healing properties of plants. However, what she truly inherited from Gregory was his ability to listen. Despite her tender age, she was trusted and sought after and loved unconditionally by the townsfolk.
Unbeknownst to Derwen's people, the enchanting forest surrounding their town was home to the old spirit Ayla. Ayla was intrigued by the love and respect the townsfolk had for these human healers. Watching from the shadows, she saw the magic these two emanated. Not a magic of spells and potions, but of empathy and understanding.
One day, Ayla decided to test them, appearing as an old woman, frail and weak. Upon seeing her, Seraphina rushed over to help. The disguised Ayla narrated a tale of a rare disease and an even rarer cure—a potion made from the bloom of the elusive Midnight Iris that blooms only under the moonlight at the top of Mount Derwen, far away from the town.
Challenged and spurred by the chance to help, Seraphina took upon the journey. Climbing treacherous paths, braving biting cold and dangerous beasts, she remained undeterred. Her determination led her to the peak, where under the shimmering moonlight, the Midnight Iris gleamed, radiant and ethereal. With reverence in her heart, she plucked it, whispering a gratitude prayer to the universe.
On her return, she found a crowd awaiting her in apprehension. Seraphina’s safe homecoming was celebrated with cheers. She brewed the rare potion using the Midnight Iris and rushed to the 'old woman'. As Seraphina handed over the remedy, Ayla revealed her true form, stunning everyone.
In gratitude and awe of their service, Ayla bestowed upon Seraphina a gift. A touch of her essence which tuned Seraphina to the language of nature. She could now listen to the quiet whispers of the world around her, heal more effectively and efficiently, and pass down her gifts through generations. Forever ensuring the people of Derwen found solace and wisdom in the presence of their apothecary.
And so, Derwen became a land of stories—tales of the empathetic apothecaries or of the mystical Ayla. But the most beloved were of the gentle Seraphina, the listener of Derwen—an ordinary girl with an extraordinary gift.