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“Be careful not to crush the petals, Luke.” Anakin reminded his son. Luke carefully uprooted the dandelion plant, brushing off excess dirt and wrapping it carefully in cloth, setting it in his satchel. Anakin nodded approvingly.
“Good, now. What's next on our list?”
Luke thought for a long moment.
“Mustard seed and…” he trailed off, glancing up at his father for help.
Anakin just smiled patiently.
“Fairy dust?” he guessed.
His father nodded, leading the way. “Good, Luke,” he said softly as they walked. “We have mustard seed at home, so we're heading towards the forest. Remember to stay close.”
It was a good several-hour journey by foot to the enchanted forest, faster by broom, but his father insisted they walk.
“All this for a simple potion?” Luke grumbled during their walk.
Anakin laughed softly. “To make your own potions, you’ll need to learn where ingredients are, my son. Instead of raiding my stores each time you suddenly get creative at three in the morning.”
Luke flushed, grumbling as he stalked forward in his embarrassment. Anakin chuckled, sticking close to his son. They walked through fields of tall waving grass, around the nearby village, and across Teeter’s bridge to the woodlands where the enchanted forest stretched for miles.
“Remember, fairies sometimes–”
“Steal from you and play tricks.” Luke rolled his eyes, to which Anakin rolled his fondly.
“I know, Dad,” he huffed. “You’ve told me for years now. I know. Let's go before it gets dark.”
Anakin snorted, grabbing the hood of Luke's cloak. The teen stumbled and glowered up at his father. The father tutted, the green fabric still bunched in his grasp.
“Fairies also can be dangerous, son. Remember, not all fairies are good ones. Stick close to me. Or you'll be washing your grandfather's robes for a month.”
Luke’s face twisted in horror at the mere image of him being forced to wash their coven’s leaders' robes. The old man was always so particular in how he liked things, and he couldn't imagine a worse punishment. His eyes narrowed.
“Fine,” he huffed, and Anakin exhaled, releasing the emerald fabric.
“Good,” he murmured and began leading the wall, dark red and black robes swishing in the wind. Luke followed behind, trying not to trample over roots and vines. The sun's light overhead dulled considerably as they entered the dense forest.
Multicolored flowers and mushrooms glowed, lighting their way. Lightning bugs flurried around them as they made their way deeper into the enchanted forest. The faint sound of buzzing and chirping drifted from all directions.
Anakin paused at the trunk of a thick dark tree, bigger than the others, and his fingertips brushed the bark. “We’re close,” he murmured and began walking again. The father led his son straight to the path of the fairies, signaling to crouch low.
Ahead of them were the flapping on tiny wings and small glowing creatures. Most glowed a brilliant golden light and twinkled beautifully. Luke was in awe at the small fairies.
“These are Ve’Hinla. The good kind, but they’re still mischievous. Keep a hold of your socks.” Anakin shot him a smirk and slowly stood, approaching. The fairies turned in his direction. Most scattered at the sight of humans, while some hovered curiously.
Anakin bowed his head slightly. “Pardon us,” he began. “We come in peace. I am teaching my son potions. We need some of your dust for his first real attempt.”
“May I?” he asked, producing a small purple leather pouch.
A few fairies fluttered closer, then twisted, flying in circles as fairy dust gently floated down into the open pouch.
“Thank you,” Anakin murmured, and the fairies fluttered past him towards Luke, who was stunned. They fluttered around him, scoping the young wizard, one booping his nose, leaving a speck of golden powder on the tip of his nose. He sneezed, and the fairies chuckled before fluttering away.
“They like you.” Anakin secured the pouch and tossed it to Luke, who fumbled but caught it. He huffed, shoving the pouch into his satchel. They walked home, making it back to the cottage before sundown. The scent of simmering stew over a fire wafts in the air.
Luke's stomach grumbled, and Anakin ruffled his hair as he waved a large hand, allowing them to pass through the protective barriers to their property. Protection charms, for what lay beyond their haven.
The door swung open, and the leader of their coven stood in brilliant white robes, squinting at them. A reddish peppered gray-haired man stood looking mildly annoyed.
“Anakin.” Obi-Wan greeted flatly.
“Father.” Anakin flashed him a grin.
“You two were to be back well before sundown. I take it you took the long way again?” Obi-Wan ushered them inside, landing a hand on Luke's shoulder and giving a gentle squeeze.
“Let me see what you have,” the old wizard murmured. The teen produced the purple leather pouch and several wrapped plants. He inspected them as the father and son kicked off their boots and washed up for their evening meal.
The teen took his place at the table while Anakin served bowls of hot stew and fresh rolls. Obi-Wan took his seat at the head of the table.
“Good work, Luke," he praised quietly, and the teen perked slightly. The grandfather chuckled under his breath, and they ate in peaceful silence. He was looking forward to passing down decades of knowledge.
Luke discovered his missing left sock an hour after supper.