[Forge Solo PRP] All in a Day's Work (Morrow)

[Kyaishi]

It seemed like the word had spread of his search, because no sooner had he gotten over the kindness of the deer that had brought him gifts, a family of rabbits approached from the shadows with another three mushrooms to offer for his task. Morrow smiled gratefully, warm with affection for the creatures under his charge and nuzzled the smallest one thankfully as his kodama friends slid them into the now finally heavy sack.

Mushrooms: 11  

[Kyaishi]

He was expecting, this time, when he heard a crash in the brush, the animal that darted out from the shadows and snatched one of the mushrooms offered up by the rabbit family- Morrow moved to protect the smaller creature just in case, but the raccoon that had thieved its prize simply bounded off again without acknowledgement. The little rabbit looked upset, but he offered a gentle smile and assured it that all was well, they would find more, and he was grateful still for the effort put in.

The kodama rattled unhappily at the theft, but they quieted again at a soothing croon from him as they bid the rabbit family farewell.

Mushrooms: 10  

[Kyaishi]

He had only just started on his way again when the missing third kodama- the one who had disappeared when he had fallen ill with the second batch of slimy mushrooms- came running out of the brush, rattling excitedly and pointing to something behind it. Intrigued, Morrow allowed it to lead him beyond several more trees and into another clearing where he scented... another large patch of mushrooms. He beamed at his little spirit friend, who was chittering happily to the other kodama on his back until they slid down and ran over to help gather the large find and carry it up into his pouch.

This was a startling run of luck- he hoped it would hold until their task was complete.

Mushrooms: 15  

[Kyaishi]

Even though he knew of the kindness of the woodland creatures that lived in his forest, Morrow still felt himself humbled by their helpfulness and giving nature in situations. As a family of crows descended from the branches above with more mushroom gifts, he was reminded that his care and protection was always returned tenfold, and he was so grateful to know the loving hearts of the creatures who lived here.

Smiling gratefully again as the kodama collected the gifts from their feathered friends, he thanked them profusely and watched as they fluttered off back to their homes, his sack nearly full with their added help.

Mushrooms: 18  

[Kyaishi]

Setting off again with his forest spirit friends, although more tired than before, Morrow was beginning to feel grateful that Evie had pressed him to take on this task.

Mushrooms: 18  

[Kyaishi]

He had no doubt that he had gotten overly excited with the prospect of finishing this task and wasn't paying attention... or at least that's what he would claim when he found himself waking up again, after consuming some questionable mushrooms that his kodama friends had found... these didn't even smell off, in his defense. In any case... they still had a fairly heavy pouch, even if they had lost a few, so hopefully there was only a bit more to go.

Mushrooms: 15  

[Kyaishi]

While slightly disheartened he wasn't able to complete his goal without more issues, Morrow was still endlessly grateful when the same rabbit family from before approached him again with more mushroom gifts, and he offered them grateful words and smiles again as they bounded back off into the brush. His kodama friends collected the gifts and he thanked Evie in his head again for reminding him to remain witness to the kindness of his forest friends and be grateful for what he had.

Mushrooms: 18  

[Kyaishi]

When one of the kodama on his back slid down his leg again and ran off into the brush, Morrow paused to wait for it a moment, assuming that there was a reason for the sudden excitement- and it seemed he was right. A few seconds later, the little forest spirit came skittering back through the dense brush with another mushroom in hand, clacking happily and holding it up above its head in victory as the others rattled in shared enthusiasm. The tall stallion smiled, dipping his head and allowing the creature to grab onto his long mane and climb up again to deposit the find in his cloth pouch.

They were so close now... only one to go, if their luck held.

Mushrooms: 19  

[Kyaishi]

When the brush rustled again, this time Morrow was unsurprised when two raccoons darted out, one seemingly trying to divert his attention while the other pilfered his sack for the newly-acquired mushroom- they must have seen his kodama friend take off with it, he guessed. In any case, he made no effort to stop them as they took off with the single mushroom, but sighed in exasperation anyway. Every creature needed to eat, he supposed. Why mushrooms were suddenly so popular, though, he would never know.

Mushrooms: 18  

[Kyaishi]

When the brush rustled again mere moments after the raccoon thieves had disappeared, Morrow was immediately suspicious, even as he considered that it might be easier just to hand over a mushroom or two and spare them the trouble. Instead of more thieves, however, some aggrieved-looking squirrels emerged with three more mushrooms. It didn't seem that they were offering them out of kindness like the others, though- the annoyed demeanors suggested he was intruding in a place he wasn't wanted, but he wasn't about to complain as they offered him the last of what he needed to complete his task in order to cease the ruckus that was most likely disrupting their sleep.

Regretful and grateful, he lowered his head and thanked them quietly, only receiving some chittering in return as they left their gifts at his feet and scampered back off into the branches. The three kodama on his back slid down excitedly to gather up the mushrooms and tuck them into his pouch, and he confirmed that it was the last of what he needed.

Finally. Although this trek was certainly a headache, he still felt grateful that Evie had gotten him to reconsider what he was seeing around him, even if she remained oblivious to exactly how she had helped. The kindness and beauty of his forest was something to behold, and although some creatures could be selfish and dishonest, the great majority of them were giving, generous beings that sought to better the world around them instead of destroy. He never forgot that, of course, but it was nice to be reminded, and he always appreciated their presence, no matter what their intentions were.

Especially the kodama. Speaking of... "I am eternally grateful for your help, little friends," he intoned softly, offering a gentle smile as they rattled back at him in askance. "Yes, the task is done. I'll be taking these back to my friend now." They nodded their own confirmation and, one by one, slid down his bent leg and skittered off into the brush with their own waves goodbye as he turned to make the trek back to where his small, bright friend would undoubtedly be waiting. Supposedly, this 'Forgemaster' she spoke of would have use for them, but he knew little of what for.

In any case, it was a task he would not soon forget.

Final Mushroom Count: 21