Shadowglen, Sabers, and a Sigil from Mardant

The Road

I came to Shadowglen in the late afternoon, when the light slants through the branches like something poured from a silver pitcher. I stopped and simply stood there, which I am told is called "taking in the view" and which I call "reverent standing." The glen was hushed and enormous, and I felt very small and very chosen at the same time. The moon had not yet risen, but I nodded in its direction anyway, in case it was watching.

Then I went up into Aldrassil, the great tree itself, and discovered it. I walked inside the world-tree. I will be thinking about that for weeks. I went back and forth between the tree and the glen all day, and by evening my legs had opinions.

Battles

Fourteen creatures fell to me today, and I took no joy in any of them, only duty, and perhaps a little joy. Seven were young nightsabers and five were young thistle boars. One was a thistle boar already grown, and one was a grellkin. I whispered a word of thanks to each before moving on, which slowed me down, but a druid should be proper about these things.

I came away unbroken. I did not fall into darkness today, and I would like Elune to note that.

Deeds

Conservator Ilthalaine greeted me with "the beauty of Shadowglen never ceases to delight my senses!" and I agreed so enthusiastically that it was briefly awkward. She asked me to thin the young nightsabers and thistle boars, because the spring rains were heavy and the beasts had flourished past what the glen could feed. When I returned she said I had "performed my duties well." I will treasure that sentence forever, or at least until tomorrow. She then asked for more: mangy nightsabers and thistle boars, seven of each, "in the name of balance." It is not finished yet.

In Aldrassil, Melithar Staghelm told me that the forest spirits had whispered of the dryad Tarindrella's return to Shadowglen, and that something must be amiss. I found her southwest of the tree, as the Sentinels had said. She told me Melithar was wise to send me, but that I had "much to learn." Fair. She also asked me to gather eight Fel Moss from the grells and grellkin, who may be caught in its wicked enchantment. I have not finished that task yet.

She then sent me for Gnarlpine totems, four of them, from the abandoned furbolg camps along the glen's western edge. I brought them back, and she read the engravings with a heavy face. The Gnarlpine had dreamed of being wiped out by a great shadow, and their fear turned to rage, and the shadow took the shape of their old elven friends. To be aware of your own mind slipping away from you. I stood very quietly after that. Even I had nothing dorky to say.

Ilthalaine also gave me a Verdant Sigil from the druid trainer, Mardant, and I carried it to him in Aldrassil. He said he would be my mentor and guide, to teach me what the spirits say and the secrets of the Emerald Dream. He spoke of a day when its call would take hold of me and I would hibernate for many years. I nodded gravely. I was also wondering if there would be a snack before that.

Last, Dirania Silvershine asked me to look for her friend Iverron, who is hours late and was last known to visit the cave to the north. She said it is full of spiders. I have taken up the search but not begun it.

Spoils & Craft

Tarindrella offered me one of her books to further my education, since she understands my kind enjoys them. I am not sure what to make of this except that I am thrilled. No coin or treasure to speak of today, only the books and the lessons.

Growth

Somewhere between the sabers and the boars I felt a new strength settle into my limbs, like a branch thickening by a ring. My defense and my skill with the staff both sharpened a little as well.

I learned Tanning and Skinning, so that nothing I take from the forest need be wasted. Terunne Bearshaper asked whether I cared to learn how to gather leather from slain beasts, and I did.

Mardant taught me the Mark of the Wild. I felt it settle over me like a warm hand on the shoulder.