21 On the Hill (2/2)

”Fine, Mr. Bush What do you want from this lady.” She harrumphs folding her arms under her chest causing the peaks to bounce. John laughs to himself if he was still human he would be putty in such a well-proportion woman's hands.

”Since you've already promised to abandon your evil plot to steal the treasure here. I figured we should assist each other in the future.” John shrugged with his branches.

”OH, and how can a demonic beast and a bush help little old me?” She asked coquettishly slightly covering her mouth with a blush.

”Hmph, no one here will fall for your acting. You've already made friends with that little ball of fluff down there. So there is no reason to put on airs.” John lectured the fairy before him.

Elanor frowns glancing over at the bull only to see him rolling his eyes at the show. ”Fine, I'm listening. But don't think I've forgotten the liberties you took with me last time. Stop acting mysterious.” She responds annoyed.

Snickering as he swings his branches at the ground.”I won't beat around the bush then.” John pauses for the laughter but found himself disappointed. Joe, a demonic bull didn't understand the joke and the woman looked like she was about to burst a blood vessel from anger.

”Fine, it's clear that neither of you can understand my refined humor. Besides the fact that you can help your new friend by helping us. You will also gain such a great place to cultivate.” John rose up his branches making himself look more dignified.

Elanor plopped down on her butt inelegantly. Leaning back letting her peeks rise towards the sun as she relaxed casually. ”I have a place to cultivate equal if not better then here. Also while I might want to help Laurel. I doubt that will have anything to do with what you want.”

”It doesn't matter what you say. When you became that girl's friend, your fate was sealed. The bush stated his leaves glowing a bit. Elanor frowns wondering if she was tricked in some way. John continues, ”There are no tricks. Even if I did nothing we would have this conversation sooner or later. There is no reason for you to be so on guard.” Shaking his branch as if to shake his head in disappointment. ”Look you only see what's here now. This is a place where only weeds grow. If you brought a few mystic herbs here and planted them the atmosphere would soar!”

”You think I have such treasures laying around?” She yelled as she took a clump of dirt and threw it at the bush. ”Even if I had them I wouldn't give them to you. Do you think I'm an idiot?”

”Please, no one said you need to bring some expensive mystic herb. Even if they are sickly as long as they are alive it's good enough. Once they are planted here they will thrive without issue.” John stated straightforwardly. ”As for the other thing, it's even easier than the previous request. Just teach Laurel how to cultivate.”

Elanor balked at the second request. ”I'm too young to take a disciple. Leave that to those graying old men who have used up all their potential.” She pursed her lips as if she ate something sour.

”I never said to make her a disciple. Just teach her a bit and while you're at it help that incompetent boy too.” He said waving his branch towards the boy. ”I can only do so much as a plant. Better for a human to give advice. Trust me you'll be glad you did later.”

Elanor sighed. ”I'll think about it. Don't get your hopes up.”

”Don't worry. If you are truly her friend you'll teach her. She won't last much longer without training.” John said mysteriously.

Elanor jumped up and glared at the plant, ”What does that mean?”

”I've been observing these people for a while now. There isn't much I don't know.” He waved his limbs playfully. ”She's such a lucky girl. Everyone will tell you that. It's no secret. Just keep an eye on her.”

Elanor frowned. Even though what this bush said seemed simple at face value he was definitely implying something. ”Fine, I'll keep a lookout and figure it out myself.” She then turned and began to float back to the village.

”The last thing I'll just let nature take its course for. So don't worry about it.” John laughed as he waved goodbye with a branch. The last comment causes Joe to snort angrily and turn away from the annoying plant.