News hadnt slipped past the trio of friends who had a few more shared adventures under their belt so far and whilst Tyrians were now more widespread the reports of the recent strange happenings in Vitalus hadnt only reached Maples ears but also been brought to the attention of their friends.
Yet the enclosed space below ground still felt strange, moreso to Maple than their two vayron companions, who was used to flying through the air, now confined to snaking through tunnels. At least their friends presence soothed their mind as did the swaying lantern held by a ring from which the lantern hung from in their guides maw. The Haedian, Cailu had agreed to help them find their way around through the tunnels which the three were quite thankful for as it would have been easy for them to get lost without any guidance.
Having advanced further into the tunnel system Katholes paused to ask.
„How much further to that clan you mentioned? You said they are called the Druids right and their leader…“ Cailu finished Katholes sentence quickly, speech a bit impeded as they tried not to drop the lantern that was lighting the way in front of them. „Auris.“
Varos eyes in particular lit up as he recalled what Cailu had told the three about the druid clan perviously.
„They sound like really nice haedians! But Im unsure what to expect when we actually get there…“
at that Cailu stopped walking ahead of the trio to put the lantern down on the ground.
„The Druids are a nice bunch. If youd like you can help tend to plants or similar ways to preserve nature. Youll like them Im sure.“ Cailu smiles at Varos trying to reassure them.
As the four continued their journey through the crystallaiden caves more and more vegetation started to crop up until Varos, Maple and Katholes had to take a moment to remind themselves that they were indeed underground- allowing usually surfacedwelling plants to survive underground must certainly be the druids work with Cailu confirming as much.
Soon they breached the clans habitat. Stone pillars had greeted the four reoseans which had been entangled by exotic looking plants that all emitted a soft light thanks to bioluminescence.
Yet contrary to the other clans whose curious members had normally greeted the three the moment they stepped foot into their territory, the experience was quite the opposite for the druids. It almost seemed as if they preferred to watch them from afar.
Cailu turned to Varos.
"Hey- are you good with animals or plants?" to which the small chaser startled a bit and barked back a "I am a chef! I know how to prepare them but thats about it!" which made a frown appear on Cailus face as they thought hard.
"Alright- I think the druids are living up to their reclusive nature- we probably need to try and bridge the gap by showing them that we value the same things that they do." responded their haedian guide with an awkward smile which netted him a raised eyebrow from Katholes.
Maple crept closer to Cailu and pointed underhandedly at Katholes as she said "They arent the best with animals either I think so- its you and me, right?" to which Cailu promptly shook his arms as if to wave away even the mere thought- "whatever I touch withers. And animals- Im- haha. no." they said which meant the task fell on Maple.
"Right-" said the tyrian with a forced smile before turning to their imagined crowd. "Well I am from a place above ground that others call Warrenfall. Its a land full of lush grass, plenty of wildlife and expansive forests to get lost in." she started hesitantly, yet what she told of her home set her mind more at ease making her retelling feel more and more natural.
"Its been really exciting to get to explore the tunnels and meet so many different Haedians down here- I never could have imagined how this journey could have gone."
she paused scanning the surroundings- finally able to spot curious haedian faces hidden amongst foliage or observing her from within their huts.
"I love plants and animals- really I do. and uhm- If I could help out to show you lot that I mean it then Id really appreciate it." at that last part they felt the voice of an unknown haedian reach the back of their mind- unheard yet still heard. No doubt one of those special magical abilities the druid clan possessed.
"Fine- show that your intentions are true. The young ones are tending to an injured fox at the moment, proceed. Help them and we shall see you."
a shiver ran down Maples back before she turned around and relayed the information to their companions though she discovered she didnt need to as both Katholes and Varos had also heard the disembodied voice right within their skulls.
"Spooky- I didnt really like that." remarked Varos looking uncomfortable about, but not intending to dwell on it they looked to Cailu to once again guide them deeper within the druids territory.
The three followed the white, orange and black blotched haedian soon coming upon the scene described to them. An injured fox laid in a patch of grass surrounded by young haedians that seemed to meditate. Maple was a bit perplexed at first by the display but then Cailus explanations once again came to the tyrians mind where these were probably young druids trying to harness the magic within them to speed up the foxes healing process.
"Alright-" said the redcoated puller having walked a bit closer to examine the fox more closely. "Looks like it injured its hind leg due to some sort of sharp implement." remarked Katholes. Varos only glanced nervously between Maple and the fox, not adding anything else.
Maple sighed and then moved over. She knew first aid and just hoped that her herbalism skills were enough to patch the small fox up again- seeing as mentalist magic, or what the young haedians were trying to do wasnt something that came naturally to the tyrian.
"Lets see here-" she said, carefully scooping the fox into her arms to better assess its injuries.
