Parsley

Parsley has always loved brewing and serving tea. She has a way with herbs and hot water that is unparalleled. She serves her tea in a small teahouse, just off the clan’s borders, where you can sit and relax. Enjoy a cup of tea and read a good book or have a good conversation. The teahouse is Parsley’s pride and joy. And all her customers love it too.

And then, one day, a strange dragon walks into her house. They sit down on one of the cushions close to Parsley’s counter, so she goes up to them quickly, asking them what they would like to drink. They stay silent for an unnervingly long time, before answering: “You finest tea, please.” Parsley knows exactly what that is, so she goes to work. Her golden tea, made of dried golden apples, is a hit all across the clan and far beyond. Surely, this new customer will like it too! So she brews the tea with care and with precision. And serves it piping hot to the customer. Who drinks it, pays her, and leaves without saying anything. Parsley finds it odd, but who knows? The dragon might just be a little introverted. Nothing out of the ordinary.

But the atmosphere in the teahouse has changed. Customers are all quieter. There’s less warmth, less happiness. Parsley tries her best to change things, to spur on conversations, to recommend great books… Nothing helps. She even tries brewing new teas! When the original silent customer returns, Parsley can hardly hide her frustration as she asks them what they want to drink. This time though, they don’t stay quiet. They look up at her, lamenting. “I’m sorry that things are falling apart, your tea really is wonderful.”, they reply. “I tried saving the clan, but they don’t want my help.” They hand her a bottle, filled with an unknown powder. “I know you won’t run from this place, so please keep yourself safe with this.” They then bow his head solemnly to Parsley, before leaving again. Parsley looks at the bottle.

Keep her safe from what?