Bear With Me Here - The Druids

B: The druids were a welcome continuation to the journey, and the forests they lived in almost made Noka feel homesick. She and Antlia followed Auris as he showed the two around the sanctuary of wildlife, explaining about their ways of growing and tending to every living being. Animals explored freely here, seeming much more accustomed to the Haedians than elsewhere. They scarcely ran away when the two Vayrons went by. They eyed the two from a distance, but went about their little lives without much care.
“Oh, this is lovely, Auris.” Noka smiled. “I can feel the life so vibrant and healthy here.”
“We do our best to tend to all life, and protect those weaker than ourselves. Each life has a place here, and what we are given, we give in kind. Every critter, every root, they all have a voice here and we do our best to listen.” Auris explained, his gaze following the vines on the trees and the flying birds that passed by. Noka shared a look of excitement with Antlia. They both had a place here, to learn and tend to the life with the Druids. There would be much to write about for Antlia, and Noka’s magic would have much use in connecting with the life here. The Druids say to listen to the earth, and that’s something Noka is very familiar with. Perhaps she can learn new ways of doing so.

A: Antlia listened as the two talked, her eyes wide with wonder and amazement as the critters barely paid attention to them. A few glances here and there, a hop or two away as they walked, but nothing other than that. She wondered how long it took the clan to even get close with the animals, if they had to work for long or if the animals had approached them without much difficulty. 

Auris continued to explain that they were all connected, and Antlia looked at Noka as soon as the puller looked at her, shared expressions on their faces. They could learn so much and they didn’t have to steal or fight to prove themselves. These Haedians would understand, it seemed they shared their energy with the nature around them, as well as gaining energy back. It made her feel good, like she could feel the energy flowing through the air between them and the life around them.

Her paws were itching to get started on her writings but she didn’t want to feel like she was rushing anyone. “We’re excited to exchange information and learn more about you!”

B: The rest of the afternoon (or at least they believed it was afternoon) went by so quickly with all the help and learning. Noka was eager to help with any crop troubles the Druids may have had, and though they had a very good grasp on their plants, she did get a light swell of pride in her heart when she got to talk about her gift and how it could help the Haedians understand the plants around them even more. She had a small flock of Haedians around her, as she spoke about the energies she felt and the life that hummed like a melody in every root around her. The blossoms around her paws bloomed in vibrant colors, climbing the trees, unraveling the many colorful plants budding there.
In all her enjoyment, Noka hoped Antlia could find much to write and study here. The runner had rolls and rolls of parchment written with the Tranquil, and now a new treasure trove of learning sat on their path ahead. What luck they must have, and this feeling made Noka hopeful this would continue.

A: Antlia watched with awe as Noka conversed with the Druids about their plantlife and what they could do to better understand that life. The colorful plants are what drew the runner in, she never believed that plants could be so vibrant without flowers. Though she was here for the clan, Antlia scribbled a few pictures and notes down in her scrolls. The puller had fascinated her over and over again, maybe by the end of this she could call her a friend.

Though lost in thought, she was pulled out of it by none other than Auris himself. He seemed slightly worried and a little on edge. Apparently a bear had shown up only moments before, seemingly hurt. There were no visible injuries but he was limping and seemed to want help/ Antlia had the Haedian lead the way and they arrived shortly after. The bear was sitting with a pout on his face, holding his front paw in the air towards her. She moved closer to him, inspecting his limb carefully before noticing a little splinter in one of his toes. 

The runner grabbed onto it with her teeth, making eye contact with the bear before gently pulling out the splinter. He pulled back in shock but then realized the pain was no longer there and set his paw down carefully. He smiled as well as a bear could smile and took off back in the direction he came.