First Light in Shadowglen, Fourteen Beasts Later

The Road

I came into Shadowglen in the late afternoon, when the light slants gold through the branches and the whole glen seems to be holding its breath. I stopped. I had to. Some places ask you to stand still, and this one asked politely. I stood there with my mouth slightly open for what I am told was a respectable length of time.

Then I went up into Aldrassil, the great tree itself, and down again, and up again. By evening I had walked between the glen and the tree so often that I think the tree and I are now on familiar terms. I greeted it by name each time. It did not answer, but it did not not answer, and I choose to find that encouraging.

Battles

Fourteen creatures fell to me today, and I took no joy in it, though I did take a small, private satisfaction in my aim. Seven young nightsabers, five young thistle boars, and one full-grown thistle boar, who I feel was making a point of it. There was also one grellkin, the only foe that was not simply too plentiful. I felt its wrongness in the air.

The work is a necessary sorrow, as Conservator Ilthalaine says. I said a quiet word to each beast. Some of those words were sorry and some were hold still, which I fear undermines the solemnity.

Deeds

Conservator Ilthalaine greeted me with delight at the beauty of Shadowglen, and I nearly wept to find someone who understood. She asked me to thin the young nightsabers and thistle boars, for the spring rains were heavy and the forest could not feed so many. I did so, and when I returned she said I had "performed my duties well." I have decided to have that carved on something. She then asked me to thin the mangy nightsabers and thistle boars as well, and I have not yet begun. She also gave me a Verdant Sigil from Mardant, my druid trainer, who wished to speak with me. I read it and carried it up to him.

Melithar Staghelm, in Aldrassil, had heard through the whisperings of the forest spirits that the dryad Tarindrella had returned to Shadowglen, and he feared something was amiss. I found her to the southwest, and she said I still had much to learn, which was fair, and gave me a book to further my education, which was kind. She asked me to gather Fel Moss from the grells and grellkin, and I still carry that task. Then she asked me to search for Gnarlpine totems. The engravings told of furbolgs who dreamed of being wiped out by a great shadow, until their fear turned to rage and the shadow took the face of their elven friends. Tarindrella said it was worse than she had thought. I felt the hush of the glen change around me as she read.

Last, Dirania Silvershine told me her friend Iverron had not come by at his usual hour, and she was worried. He often walks by the cave to the north, where the spiders are. I said I would keep watch. I said it very gravely. I then did not go, because it was nearly night, but the intention was grave.

Fellowship

I spoke with no companions today, but I was not alone. Conservator Ilthalaine, Melithar, Tarindrella, Terunne Bearshaper, Mardant and Dirania each had a word for me, and each treated me as though I mattered to the glen. It is a new sensation. I am keeping it somewhere safe, near the snacks.

Spoils & Craft

Tarindrella gave me a book to further my education, and I held it as though it might bloom. I also learned Tanning and Skinning, the humble arts of the leather-worker. Terunne Bearshaper asked whether I cared to gather leather from slain beasts, or needed new tools. I did, and I do. I cannot say how much coin I earned, because I did not count it. Counting coin feels unlike a druid, though I suspect I will have to learn.

Growth

Strength came to me quietly in the middle of the day, like warmth spreading through a cold hand. I was stronger, steadier, and my defense and my skill with the staff each rose a little. I stood a long while looking at the glen after that, as if it had changed, though it was only I.

Then Mardant Strongoak welcomed me as a brother and taught me Mark of the Wild. He spoke of the day the Emerald Dream will call and I will sleep for many years and walk among the purest of forms. He promised to be my mentor and guide until then, and told me to return as often as I liked. I mean to. I will probably arrive with a dramatic entrance. He will pretend not to have noticed.