#18 - The Other Side

It didn't take Xavier long to spot the red caps sticking out amongst the dark mud. The only problem was that he'd have to trek deeper into it to reach them. His shoes were already muddy enough and he shrugged -- it was worth it right? Bracing himself but determined he stepped out into the mud. His shoes sinking even deeper, and at one point fully submerged to his ankles. It felt really sticky, and wet, but he ignored it best he could as he reached the two viable-looking Mud Toadstools.

Reaching down he carefully plucked one from it's grassy mud patch. It gave way easily enough and he safely tucked it away into his robes for safe keeping. He decided to leave the other for someone else, as he would need to find five different ingredients anyway. One was enough.

Turning to return to the shore Xavier realized he...couldn't move. "Huh?" he mumbled confused. Then realized his shoes were literally stuck in the mud. Of course, his luck! Grabbing his pantleg he tugged as hard as he could. With a squishy popping sound his right foot was released from the mud. Though this caused him to lose his balance. With flailing arms he tried his best to keep himself upright. Though to his dismay his other foot suddenly dislodged with the movement and down he went. Hard.

Face first. Into the mud.

Crawling his way back up to the shore he wiped the mud from his face and robes best he could. It smelled horrible and felt even worse. He was glad no one was around to see. He didn't even want to think of what he looked like right now! He had managed to collect one ingredient, which was something. Was it worth getting this dirty? Perhaps not, but one down and four to go.

Nose scrunched and shoes squishing as he walked, Xavier peered around to see if he could spot another ingredient. There were supposed to be mushrooms growing in the grassy areas around here, so he approached the most grass-filled area. Parting the grass with his hands he tried his best to find something. Although he would be fine leaving with just the mud toadstool, with how much he went through it would be nice to find something else! 

Xavier dug though the grass a bit longer. It was quite thick and lush -- finally glad to be rid of the snow he supposed. Though as hard as he looked there were no mushrooms to be found. Glancing around he noticed the tree nearby. Mushrooms like growing my trees didn't they? Supposing it wouldn't hurt to try he headed over to the base of the tree.

Leaning down and searching as thoroughly as he could. The sun was starting to get lower in the sky and he knew he'd have to leave soon if he wanted to get back on time. Especially with how long of a trek it would take to get back to the castle.