The Anathema of the Woods

The Monster Research Council was an eccentric branch of the Hyrulean knowledge seekers whose subject was, of course, monsters. Their world was full of every manner of beast, and ways to approach and further utilize them to their advantage would be called into question.

The facility that made the branch was a long, three-tiered room, with six different separate sections where the researchers did their work on flat tables, covered in various instruments, monster parts, and implements. On the first tier concerned the Blin Family and the Deku Baba floristry, the second was of the Stahl-kin and the bestial-Fos, and the third was for Chu Jelly alchemy and Dinosauri explorations.

Among the various implements of her study, Phoebe Arkwright, the Tourmaline of the MRC stood with a Dodongo tooth beneath a microscope of sorts, along with her journal and a quill pen. She was quite engrossed in her study when she heard a familiar voice directly address her.

"Tourmaline, are you busy?"

The rookie turned and reclined her head back to look to her mentor, Dr. Kedari Babani, the Baba Florist, a tall Gerudo woman of sophisticated flair.

With a smile, Phoebe turned herself fully to address her properly, "Not anymore, Ms. Babani. Is there something you need?"

The woman nodded, "I have a small request for you concerning Faron Woods. I am in need of soil samples from various parts of the outer forest region, and if you're up for it, a few samples of the deeper woods."

"Oh? Is this for your Baba plants?"
"Mmm, somewhat. There have been some unusual growth patterns on my recent plants, all of which were from soil imported from around the Faron province. They are quite aggressive, too, unlike my previous batch."
"Oh, dear. Were you hurt at all?"
"No, no, I have precautionary measures for such things. Since I am sending you into potentially dangerous territory, I've arranged for a soldier to accompany you."
"Eh, is it Sir Dragelion again?"
"Not this time. His name is Yvon Baumhaur. Do you recognize it?"
"Hrm... I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with him."
"That's fine. His commanding officer tells me he is a good man."

Phoebe’s nose scrunched a little, "Ah, uh-huh, 'a good man,' so says a man of another man."

Dr. Babani giggled lightly, "Now, now, little vai. I know the officer and his word is often good. Do show him some grace.”
“Very well, doctor. I do have one question, though...”
"And what is that?"

"Can I please have a carriage booked?"
"Hah, I'll see what we can work with."

---

Faron Woods was a beautiful place to be this time of year. Orange-tinted leaves fell listlessly to from the trees, rendering them bare and quite scraggly, except for the evergreens that stood from time immemorial. A donkey-drawn carriage trailed down the hill, driven by an older fellow who chewed on a piece of wheat. There was a menagerie of covered goods on the transport intended to be shipped to Ordon itself, but sitting on the very edge of the carriage and upon a jutting step was Phoebe. She kicked her legs around as she drew little pictures inside her journal.

“Hoho.”

---

Yvon Baumhaur