First Light in Shadowglen, First Lessons
Betas wakes beneath Teldrassil's boughs, thins the saber and boar herds, reads a sigil, and learns the Mark of the Wild. He also still thinks about snacks.
The Road
I came to Shadowglen in the late afternoon, when the light slants gold through the branches and the whole glen seems to be holding its breath. The place was named for me, or I for it, or perhaps the moon arranged it. I stood a good while and took in the view. I am nearly sure that one particular patch of moonlight was meant just for me.
From there my feet carried me to Aldrassil, the great tree itself, and back down to the glen, and up again. I walked that road three times at least. I am not lost. I am thorough.
Battles
The glen's beasts were many, and I thinned them as I was asked: seven Young Nightsabers and five Young Thistle Boars, plus one full-grown Thistle Boar who had not been consulted about the plan. One lone Grellkin also met the end of my staff. I did not enjoy it. I said a small word of thanks to each, which the boar seemed not to appreciate.
I took no great hurt that I will admit to. Fourteen in all, and not one of them as dramatic as the entrance I had rehearsed.
Deeds
Conservator Ilthalaine greeted me with "Ah, the beauty of Shadowglen never ceases to delight my senses!" I felt precisely the same, and was relieved to be understood. She asked me to thin the nightsabers and boars so that nature's harmony would hold. Shadowglen, she said, can only feed so many mouths. I sympathized deeply with the mouths. When I returned, she told me I had performed my duties well. Then, being a thorough soul, she asked for more: seven mangy nightsabers and seven thistle boars, in the name of balance. That task still waits.
In Aldrassil, Melithar Staghelm told me that the forest spirits had whispered of Tarindrella, the woodland protector, returned to Shadowglen after years away. I found her southwest of the great tree. She said Melithar was wise to send me, though I had "much to learn," and offered me a book to further my education. I took this very personally and very gratefully. She then spoke of the Gnarlpine, once peaceful furbolgs, now twisted, and of Fel Moss that may be at fault. She asked me to gather eight pieces of it. I have not yet done so.
Her second request I did finish: four Gnarlpine Totems from their abandoned camps, and she read the engravings. They told of furbolgs who dreamed of being wiped out by a great shadow, whose fear became rage, and whose rage found their old elven friends. "To be aware of your own mind slipping away from you..." she said. I did not speak for a while. The wind in the leaves seemed quieter.
Conservator Ilthalaine also gave me a Verdant Sigil from the druid trainer Mardant, who wished to speak with me. I read it, and brought it to him in Aldrassil. Mardant said he would be my mentor and guide, and teach me to read the spirits and the secrets of the Emerald Dream.
Last, Dirania Silvershine asked me to look for her friend Iverron, who is hours late and was last known to spend time by the cave to the north. She said it is dangerous, with spiders everywhere. I said I would look. I did not say I was excited about the spiders.
Growth
Somewhere between the sabers and the boars, I felt it. A new strength settled into my limbs like warm sap rising in spring. I stood very still, in case Elune wished to say something. She did not, but the moon seemed to approve. My Defense and my Staves both sharpened as well.
I also learned Tanning and Skinning, so that nothing the forest gives up need be wasted. Terunne Bearshaper asked if I cared to learn how to gather leather from slain beasts, and I most certainly did.
Mardant taught me the Mark of the Wild. It is a blessing of the growing world, and I felt it settle on me. He spoke too of the day the call of the Emerald Dream will take hold, when I shall hibernate for many years and walk amongst the purest of forms. I nodded gravely. Privately I wondered whether there will be snacks.