First Meeting:

Ah, hello there. Are you the one asking who lives here? Well, I’m happy to say I do, Mr. Shirley Tims, Keeper and Composer of the Maps of the Great Realms, at your service.

A wonderful little spot isn’t it? Don’t you love how the great roots keep groping forward? They grow about two feet every year. It’s widely rumored in Fawnwood that my tree house has the best roots in the forest. They’re perfect for storing my favorite ale and other valuables I’d rather not mention.

How long have I lived here did you ask? Oh, about 200 years now. Wonderful neighborhood. Not much changes around here, except for the leaves on my roof.

I hate to dash off in the middle of our conversation. You seem like the perfect conversationalist but my dear nephew, Simpson, is on his way. He and his friends are off on a merry adventure to search for The Fountain of Fair Fortune. And I have the map he requires getting there.

Drop by anytime. I enjoy company. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find that map before he arrives.

Second Meeting:

Good day to you. I believe we’ve met before, but in case you’ve forgotten, I’m Mr. Shirley Tims, Keeper and Composer of the Maps of the Great Realms. I’m afraid you’ve caught me out of sorts. Everyone in the neighborhood is on edge because of the great number of crimes sweeping across the Enchanted Forest.

Since we last spoke, there have been robberies, home invasions, and violent attacks. I’m sure you know magical folk are temperamental at times, but this latest string of misconduct is…well, it’s downright alarming.

Fortunately, Fawnwood has been spared these disturbing deeds but for how much longer? Law enforcement is investigating the claims but they’re not equipped to handle the mounting lawlessness. I believe they need resources and help from every able-bodied fawn.

In my younger days, I was an investigative reporter for The Enchanted Press, EP for short. My attention to detail earned me a few notable credentials and the High Queen’s favor. Earlier today, her majesty asked me to abandon retirement and interview the victims of these aforementioned crimes. She’s hoping I’ll find a common thread connecting the incidents. As a patriot and a loyal subject, I agreed at once.

My first assignment is to question a family a few forests over. It seems someone broke into their house, ate their food, and ransacked the place. Apparently, they’ve locked their door and refuse to open it to anyone. If not for a hapless frog wandering by, the authorities would never have known of the crime. The Queen hopes my interpersonal skills will persuade a report from victims. I told her I would accomplish the task set before me. I’ve always loved a good challenge. Now I must be off. Look for my detailed report in The EP.