Preparations

It was early summer in the forest, and Yens was tending to the strawberries on the garden patch behind his house.

"I'm leaving soon, Spinny," said Yens, turning to a furry little spider lying in the sunny spot on the garden wooden table. "You will need to stay with Helga for the rest of the summer."

Spinny sighed with disappointment and turned away from Yens.

"I would gladly stay if I could," Yens shrugged. "But I already explained to you that I can't. This needs to be done, and the forest needs it."

And he continued to cut strawberry runners.

It was sunny and warm, and the light breeze felt fresh and nice. Yens enjoyed these last days in his garden before the long trip. He didn't want to go anywhere, especially now when the garden was finally lush and the strawberries were almost ready to harvest. But it was his duty as a forest Dream-Keeper to set off on a big journey every summer. This year was a little different; Spinny was around, and Yens didn't want to leave him behind. However, the trip was long and difficult, and Spinny was... well, Spinny. It would be better for everyone if he stayed with Helga the Owl, the forest innkeeper, and a kind, loving grandma to everyone who needed it. (This year, he had Spinny to worry about too. Spinny was a mischievous spider, and Yens was unsure if he would be able to handle the long and dangerous journey.)

Spinny didn't want to be left behind either. The trip promised to be exciting, and he didn't want to miss it. He liked everything exciting. But Yens didn't invite him, so probably there was nothing that could be done about it.

And so Yens prepared the garden for his long absence, went to the attic to fetch his travel gear, spent some time in his study den arranging all the jars, labels, and flasks, and was ready to set off.