“You guys are really determined to embarrass me, aren’t you?” I asked Lily telepathically.

“Maybe,” Lily answered in the same way while giving me a smile. “But not really. It’s all just fun and games.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I replied before turning my attention back to the two women and gesturing to the counter. “As you can see, we’ve laid out several plants.”

Isabella’s eyes swept over the plants. “You want to see if I know what those are?”

“And what they’re used for,” I added. I pointed at the first yellow flower like plant.

“Is this really fair?” Gabriela asked.

“Aunt Gabby, it’s fine,” Isabella replied.

“I need to know what she knows so I know where to start if I’m to take her on as an apprentice,” I said.

“That’s a dandelion,” Izzy said pointing at the same plant I had. “I think some people eat them, but I have no idea what they’re used for.”

“Some people do use them in salads,” Gabriela said. “I’ve done so in fact.”

“Hush you,” Lily told Gabriela. “You’re not the one being tested.”

The merchant looked like she was going to retort before laughing after Lily stuck her tongue out at the older woman and winking at her. She then mimed zipping her lips.

“Dandelions have been used for several different ailments through the years,” I said. “But mostly as a mild laxative and to improve digestion.”

Izzy nodded her head and pointed at the next plant. “That’s alfalfa and it’s used as livestock feed. Aunt Gabby makes good money off trading it.”

Gabriela laughed. “I do.”

“I picked that one out for the test,” Lily stated.

“Alfalfa can be used for issues such as high blood pressure because it’s a natural diuretic, kidney stones, and treating arthritis,” I informed Izzy. “As you said, it’s used as livestock feed, but since alfalfa is packed with vitamins and nutrients, it’s good for us to eat as well.”

“Jase, you’re leaving out the best parts!” Lily said.

“What best part?” Gabriela asked before Isabella could.

“Alfalfa can also increase breast milk production and treat menopausal symptoms,” I muttered. Lily broke into a giggling fit as Izzy’s and Gabriela’s eyes widened in shock. They soon joined my familiar in laughing as did the other pixies.

“I don’t know why you’re embarrassed,” Gabriela said. “Those issues are part of life.”

“I didn’t mean to laugh,” Izzy said, “but Lily thinking that is the best part is too funny.”

“What’s the next one,” I asked pointing at a little cluster of long, narrow, green leaves and berries.”

“No idea,” Izzy replied as Gabriela shook her head.

“It’s allspice which is often used in cooking and as a pain reliever, I said. “It’s good for treating colds, sore muscles, toothaches, and upset stomachs.”

“Jase, you’re leaving out the best part again,” Lily said.

“It’s also good for menstrual cramps and flatulence…”

Lily and the other pixies laughed again.

“Did you choose it too?” Gabriela asked Lily. She nodded and smiled.

“The next one is Indian Hemp,” Isabella said without being prompted. “It’s used to make cordage such as rope and thread. I’ve never heard of any other use for it though.”

“It’s actually poisonous and can be fatal if ingested,” I replied. I pointed at a small cluster of tree leaves and berries. “Next.”

“Some kind of tree leaf is all I know,” Izzy said.

“That’s Black Gum,” I said. “You can eat the berries, but they along with the bark can also be used to make soap. The roots of the tree can be used for eye problems.”

“I’m starting to see I have a lot to learn,” Isabella said.

“If it makes you feel better, my Jase is still learning,” Lily said.

“It does,” Izzy replied smiling at Lily. “The next one is a flower, but I don’t know what kind or what it does.”

I frowned and sighed as Lily bounced up and down while the other pixies cheered.

“What’s wrong?” Gabriela asked after picking up on the pixies’ antics. “Is this one Lily picked?”

“Yep.”

“Cheer up, Jase!” the pixies shouted.

“That yellow flower is evening primrose and it’s used for digestive issues, sore throats…”

“And?” Lily prompted.

“Bruises.”

“And?” Lily prompted again.

“Hemorrhoids,” I replied.

“And?”

“Acne,” I smugly replied.

“You’re not getting off that easy,” Lily said. “And?”

“It can help with overall skin health,” I replied.

“Jase!”

“Evening primrose can help with breast pain, hot flashes, and other premenopausal symptoms,” I blurted out making the pixies and women laugh.

“The white flower with the yellow head is chamomile,” Izzy said letting me off the hook. “People use it as a tea.”

“Why?” I prompted.

“It’s relaxing and helps people sleep,” Izzy answered. I nodded in approval. “It’s also supposed to help with nausea.”

“Very good. Chamomile also helps with a lot of other health issues,” I said. Lily started making gimme gestures. “Including premenopausal symptoms.”

The pixies cheered.

“I see a pattern here,” Gabriela said.

“Me too,” Izzy replied.

“I’m not letting you help me if we ever do this sort of test again,” I muttered to Lily, prompting more laughter.

“Come on, Jase! You know this is fun,” Lily said. “There’s just one more plant to go.”

“That’s the one we just found a few days ago,” I replied.

“Yeppers,” Lily agreed. The plant in question had long thin leaves and just the remains of purple flowers on the example.

“I have no idea what that is,” Izzy said.

“It’s chasteberry,” I informed her. Gabriela laughed at the name while Isabella blushed a little. I just shook my head. “I didn’t name the plant.”

“What does it do?” Isabella asked.

“It has antifungal effects, helps with bone repair, helps with headaches, can be used as an insect repellent, and…”

“Helps with PMS!” Lily concluded for me. Laughter met her statement.

“Can you get more?” Gabriela asked. “That sounds like a very useful plant.”

“Not until next year,” I replied. “This sample was the best of what was left on the tree.”

“But now you know where it’s at,” the merchant replied. I nodded my head.

“I have an idea of where to start with you, Isabella,” I said.