Druids - Prompt 1

“Well, if we thought the Tranquil were boring, this might be even harder.” Hestia grimaced when faced with the task of befriending the Druids. They were clearly a shy bunch, and her size alone seemed to intimidate them further.

The tyrian had no magic yet to speak of, no affinity for plants, and she had never tilled the soil a day in her life. Sure there were a few potted plants back home, but something told her that the mere idea of a plant in the confines of a pot would offend these haedians.

“Please tell me you have some sort of idea? Or I don’t know, some sort of knowledge about plants? I am extremely uncomfortable with my lack of knowledge on the subject.” She really hoped Denver would be able to step up here, otherwise the pair might be moving on without any approval from here at all.

This whole situation was just shitty and she grumbled. Why bother sending her down here when she was only great in political situations against a known party, not trying to appease every stranger they ran across? At least Denver seemed to be having more fun. He was far more upbeat most of the time and was about the only reason she was even still down here. 

***

Denver gulped, tending for plants and caring for animals was also not quite his forte. He hunted animals for food, not mending their wounds or caring for them while sickly, or kept as pets or protection. He also hadn’t unlocked any of his own magic yet, but he doubted it had anything to do with nature. “I think we may be out of luck.. Unless..?” Denver turned his head, the druids were kind enough to send a guide, though they probably had the Tranquil to thank for possibly putting in a good word for them.

Their guide was petite in size, still a tad larger than Denver but no where near the size of most of the Brutes they saw. Perhaps they could show them their ways, and in doing so maybe open up a bit like the Tranquil did. They couldn’t expect everyone to be an expert now, could they? The guide motioned with his head and a slight flick of the wing that it was time to head out, and the pair followed in stride.

While they were walking, Denver looked up to Hestia. “I think we will be okay as long as we show some sort of interest, and willingness to learn.. Much like the Tranquil. They showed us also a bit of how they care for their herbs, so perhaps we can also apply that here?” He shrugged while walking, it didn’t take them very long until they reached the druid enclave. 

It was large but compact in a way, he could tell Hestia may have some issues navigating the multiple tunnels that seemed to sprout from all over. He also noticed a change in his sight.. It was somehow.. Brighter? It took a moment until he noticed the multiple pinholes of light that were punched through a few of the cavern ceilings, it was incredibly faint but it was also the first light that he had seen since starting this journey. Maybe he would enjoy his time here after all.

Once they had been instructed to drop their belongings, the haedian guide led them to one of their many crop fields. “Do you have any experience with tending either animals or plants?” The guide asked timidly, understanding that their job was to teach and give knowledge to the newcomers from what was gathered by speaking to the Tranquil. She watched as they both shook their heads a bit sheepishly. “No matter,” She said with a shy smile. “That’s what you’re here for after all, isn’t it? I’m sure a lot of the flora down here would be very new to you regardless.” 

Denver followed as the haedian led them through one of the smaller fields, careful to stay between the neat rows of seedlings that had just begun to sprout. Nearby he heard the trickle of water, it seems the Druids had carved out small aqueducts into the stone to usher water to the harder to reach areas, keeping up the humidity as well. Even with the faintness of the sun, the Druids home was notably warmer than the prior areas he had explored. He nearly bumped into their guide as she stopped infront of a small patch of turned soil without anything seemingly planted. “O-oh! Sorry!” He exclaimed as he backed up a step to give her some space.

She bowed her head in thanks but was rather reserved and quiet when she needed to be. “You’ll start by planting some seeds.” She motioned her hand over the soil, and then to a small pouch which contained seeds that were about the size of peanuts. “These are one of our staple foods down here, and we don’t keep it all to ourselves either. A lot of this gets traded to the other clans for other items we need, so please take care to follow my instructions carefully,” She said softly, before showing the pair the correct depth to dig, and then covering the seed carefully with the well fertilized soil.