[???; Wedi Forest clearing]

{Day 14}

Being alone for two weeks in a body that is (practically) unable to move has at least one upside, I’ve finally sorted through the information I’ve accumulated since my rebirth. The fact I apparently have potential that rivals that of the gods still terrifies me, however. I can’t help but worry that I’ll lose my humanity, becoming something purely logical, with no regard for feelings so long as they do not interfere with my plans. Already I’ve noted that my emotions have been muted recently, though that is hopefully an effect of my damaged soul rather than a premonition of things to come. However, wouldn’t I be in a much worse state mentally if I still had my full emotions? The longing I feel for my previous family is already uncomfortable, and I shudder to think how bad it would be if that were true.

Now that that’s done with, I think I should determine my long-term goals. Obviously, reuniting with my family is a must. But before that, I need a way to communicate with others. Finding out exactly where I am from the locals would be the first step to finding my family, after all. I know there are humans around, seeing as I had visitors less than a week ago, but that also leaves the possibility of a language barrier between us, not to mention that I may be seen as a monster and attacked on sight. And I have the feeling that even an avatar would be unable to get too far from my base. Ugh, why does this have to be so complicated? Is being able to spend time with my family too much to ask at the moment?!?

…Moving on. What should I do about humanity anyway? I hope they’ll leaf me alone, but knowing what they’re really like, I’ll need a contingency plan. First, I should avoid them until I understand my capabilities. Then, I need to approach in a non-threatening manner, hopefully in a humanoid avatar. Third, I’ll need to build trust between us so I can easily maneuver around without raising suspicion. Only after they’ve come to trust me will I dare ask anything sensitive. One of the best-case scenarios for me I can think of involves me having healing powers that a nearby village has need of, making steps two and especially three much easier.

And if they attack me? I guess… I may… have to… kill them. I feel bile rising up my nonexistent throat at not just how easily the thought came, but also about the implications of doing so. One of the few benefits of not having a digestive system is an inability to throw up, I guess. Even if I find myself unable to deal the final blow, the same cannot be guaranteed of my assailants. For self-defense, some sort of trapping ability would be ideal given my unwillingness to take a human life. But I still need to be able to kill should the need arise, and here I thought myself resolved to do anything.

For what I plan to do once all that’s taken care of, I’ll likely do something aligned with what my interests were when I was still a human, aka plants like me. I also need to prepare for whatever’s coming, but until I have more information on what exactly will happen, there’s little I can do about it. My life, along with countless others rests on my shoulders? Branches? Whatever, no pressure whatsoever. Man, I wish I could meet these supposed “companions” of mine soon.

It just dawned on me the impact of me not having a name. Even should I regain memory of my human name, I am a different person now, with different values. Using a flower for my name would likely work best, one that is both beautiful and dangerous, as I have no doubts about the splendor of my final form. Rose, the first thing to come to mind, is a standard human name. I need something exotic, something that represents just how unique an existence I am.

Daisy? Sounds like the name of a pet, or a princess. Magnolia? Lacking in danger. Dahlia? Something tells me that would be tricky to deal with. Dandelion? That’s not even a flower, just a weed! After dozens of flowers, one finally sticks out to me. It is beautiful and poisonous in equal measure, and sounds mysterious to boot! I’ve decided. My name will be…

[Ellie; Llygredd area]

There’s no denying it, I’m lost. I should have arrived already, yet I still haven’t found the target. I can’t just go back to my mistress, though. My pride as one of the spiritfolk demands I follow through with my mission. Perhaps I should find some mortals to eavesdrop on, find out exactly where I am in relation to my destination. In fact, here come some now! I’ll follow them until evening, then listen in on whatever they talk about once they make camp. Why don’t I just show myself, you may ask? Well, the thing is, anyone without an affinity for spirits is unable to see us in the first place. I didn’t question this before, but I guess whoever I’m being sent to has that affinity, else there would be little reason to send me in the first place.

After nightfall, they talk about various topics as I expected. Many of which are of little interest to me, but one conversation sticks out to me, one between two lightly armored men.

“So, you planning to get anything at the bazaar? It’s not like we're needed for security until it’s time to head back, anyway.”

“Actually, yes. I heard rumors of a rather skilled apothecary living in a village nearby. I was hoping to get some of their salves for my nephew, seeing as he’s constantly getting all kinds of scrapes and bruises.”

“Oh yeah, little Timmy, right? I saw quite a bit of scabbing on him when you introduced us. He was so energetic and friendly when we met him despite that, though.”

“I know, but I can’t help but worry about him anyway, since he’s family and all.”

Sounds like the upcoming bazaar will be the perfect opportunity to gather information about where I am and where I need to go, so I’ll be tailing these guys until we get there. It’s not like whomever I’m supposed to help is in any immediate danger, so I guess they’ll have to wait just a bit longer. After all, ‘haste makes waste’ or whatever it is. Everything will end up fine for them in the end.