Note: I know berries are usually measured by weight, not by individual berries. However, as having the owners weigh the berries would slow down the chapter, I picked an easier way to say how many berries are needed.
I hope the orchard's open, Arkayna thought as she looked at the night sky. While she would be willing to steal the Laris berries if it meant saving her sister, she would much prefer a more diplomatic way of getting the berries. She made sure she was prepared for a diplomatic solution as well, ensuring she had 50 gold as payment for the berries.
Landing at the orchard, she made sure she was in her Mysticon uniform. While the entire realm knew of the Mysticon's true identities, her mother always told her that looking the part is important, and she thought that her Mysticon form would help show how serious the situation is.
She couldn't get a good look of the orchard. It was fairly dark, and no lights were on in the yard, which Arkayna guessed that meant no one worked on it during the day. She could make out a fence with a gate that she could climb if needed. However, given her desire to approach this with diplomacy, she decided to see if anyone's at the small blue house in front of the orchard.
She went up to the front door, and noticed a sign with the word "closed" written in bright red letters. "No," Arkayna muttered to herself as she pulled on the door, which didn't budge.
She looked at the building. While most of the lights were off, she saw one light on through a second-story window. Realizing that someone was still inside the building. Just as Arkayna was trying to decide the best way to get the person's attention, she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. Remembering that Nova Terron mentioned the orchard having multiple owners, she guessed that one of them was in the house, and the other one was in the yard. After taking one more look at the window, Arkayna decided that it would be easier to grab the attention of the person in the yard, and jumped over the gate.
"Hello?" Arkayna called out, "My name is Mysticon Dragon Mage, and I need your Laris berries." She hoped that someone replied. Not only was she desperate to find a way to save Zarya, but the darkness made the trees look eerie, despite Arkayna knowing that they were simple berry trees.
As Arkayna continued walking through the orchard, she felt something wrap around her ankle before pulling her off the ground until she was hanging upside-down, her red hair almost reaching the ground.
"What kind of orchard is this?" Arkayna muttered to herself as she summoned her staff. She shot an energy beam from it, breaking the rope. Arkayna landed on the ground with a thud. She stood up and wiped the dirt from her clothes as she looked at the broken rope. So much for diplomacy, she thought.
"So, you're the thief stealing our berries," a male voice beside her said, Arkayna turned around, and saw a half-elf with dark hair crossing his arms. The half-elf appeared to be around twenty, and had dark, shoulder-length hair. "I admit, I didn't expect someone who's supposed to be a hero."
"I didn't mean to steal anything," Arkayna said, raising her hands in protest. "I came here asking for your help, then I saw someone moving in the yard and decided to investigate."
The half-elf scoffed. "What, is there some kind of berry emergency?"
"Mysticon Ranger was cursed," Arkayna explained. "We need the Laris berries to make a potion to save her."
"The Laris berries are very difficult to grow," the half-elf said as he crossed his arms. "This orchard is the only place that grows them. Do you honestly expect me to risk the berries growing extinct?"
"Darlos?" A voice called out. "Who's there?"
"No one, Xal," The half-elf said. "Just someone trying to get out hands on our Laris berries."
Arkayna saw a figure approach, and a short elf with light hair appeared. Arkayna figured Xal was around Piper's age, maybe slightly older. As soon as he saw Arkayna, he looked down and bit his lip. Arkayna knew that expression well. It was one that many people gave while having an audience with the royal family right before they nervously said whatever they planned to say.
Smiling, Arkayna looked at Xal. "You can call me Arkayna, if you want."
"W...Why do you want our berries?" Xal asked.
"Mysticon Ranger's affected by a life-drain spell," Arkayna said, "We need the berries to make a potion to save her."
Xal looked at Darlos. "We have to help them."
Darlos looked at Xal, and then at Arkayna. "My stepdad is on a mission to find our mom, who disappeared during a hike. Until they come back, my brother and I promised to take care of the berries."
"Our parents worked with berries for years," Xal added. "They plan on saving Laris berries from extinction, as well as protecting all sorts of rare berries that are used in very strong potions." Xal frowned slightly. "That's also why they're all endangered."
So that's why they had a trap, Arkayna thought. Now that she knew that the orchard contained all sorts of rare berries, the extra protection made sense.
"I know how you feel," Arkayna said. "I made a similar promise to protect the Dragon Disk."
"So you know why I can't give you the berries," Darlos said.
Arkayna decided to try a different approach. "You seem pretty family oriented."
"Our whole family is," Xal said with a shrug.
"Then I'm sure your parents would understand using the berries to help a family," Arkayna said.
"Still, I'm not sure," Darlos said.
Arkayna felt herself begin to shake. "Please, you have to help me. I was separated from her for most of my life, and I can't lose her now."
Xal looked at Darlos. "Wouldn't you do anything to save me?"
Darlos sighed, "How much do you need?"
Arkayna checked the list Proxima sent her. "Ten berries."
Darlos grabbed the basket Arkayna was holding and climbed up the tree. After picking enough berries, he climbed back down and gave the basket to Arkayna,
Arkayna grabbed 50 gold from her pocket and gave it to Darlos. "I know this doesn't replace the berries, but I hope this helps with your orchard."
Darlos was about to reply when he seemed to notice something behind Arkayna and took off running, with Xal following closely behind. Arkayna followed, and her eyes widened when she saw Tazma on the orchard's fence, a large bag over her shoulder.
"Tazma," Arkayna said.
"Fancy meeting you here," Tazma said. "I just went to pick some berries, but thanks for letting me know about Zarya." With that, Tazma disappeared into the shadows.
Arkayna couldn't believe it. Tazma knew where the stronghold was, thanks to their decision to imprison her in the stronghold. There was no doubt that Tazma was on her way there, where Zarya was already weak from the curse. And considering Tazma was the one who did this, she didn't want Tazma around her family.
"I have to go," Arkayna said as she ran to her dragon.