Botanists of the Beneath - The Druids: Part 3

Botanists of the Beneath
The Druids: Part 3

   The three topsiders, together with the clan’s head Auris, stood still on the big roots of the absolutely massive tree known as the Oracle. In addition to its remarkable size, the Oracle had numerous glowing sigils in its bark, which now were pulsating and glowing stronger as the tree had connected with Meline, Aethone and Hesfe, finding all three pure of heart. In a way, this was Auris’ plan to let the Oracle test them as the behemoth could truly tell their intentions and much to Auris’ joy, they had passed. Currently he allowed them to have a moment to process the experience they had after touching one of the tree’s sigils, so he patiently sat down and looked up towards the branches.

   Meline gasped softly, which got Aethone’s and Hesfe’s attention. The Empyrian was looking up, mouth slightly open and her feline pupils widened into perfect circles. When the Pullers followed her example, they now also saw how the tree had opened its countless white glowing blossoms, making this already magical scene even more dreamy.

“The Oracle has accepted you, topsiders. You’re now one of the Druid clan.”

   Auris announced with a soft yet proud voice. Aethone turned to Auris and made a slight bow as thanks, while Meline and Hesfe couldn’t take their eyes off the mystical tree’s gorgeous blooms above their heads, which were gently dancing in the soft breeze, though it was also the tree’s magic that allowed it to move by itself.

   Meline squinted her eyes at different kind of movement between the leaves and blossoms. There were a few dots that grew bigger, and soon Hesfe also noticed it.

“Auris?”

   Hesfe got his attention. Auris’ eyes widened as he went past them, going only a few steps further up the roots. He sat down, supporting himself with his hind legs and tail as he heaved the upper body off the ground, forearms reached up to catch the unknown items the tree had dropped. Hesfe, Aethone and Meline watched as three pods with elegant white “parachutes” attached to them floated closer to the ground. Given their size, they should’ve reached their destinations within a second, but they took their time, gliding and swinging in the air towards Auris. Hypnotized by the sight, they just observed how the pods landed perfectly into Auris’ hands. He gently placed them down on the bark and smiled widely at the visitors.

“This is slightly unexpected, but the Oracle deems you worthy of the title “Guardian of the Wood”. This is the highest honor a Druid can receive!”

   None of the three expected something like this either. They took a moment for the info to reach their consciousness. Meline was first to clear her throat and speak up with a slightly shivering voice.

“Wh-what exactly does it mean? Am I obliged or bound to something now?”

   Meline’s concern was justified as there was still so very little they knew about the Haedians, let alone the rules and customs of the elusive Druids. Receiving such an honor was definitely an achievement to be proud of, but if the title came with responsibilities they probably couldn’t fulfill (as they intended to go back home at some point after all) then they were probably forced to refuse from the proposal, most likely deeply offending the Druids. Fortunately for them, Auris shook his head and remained cheerful.

“Oh no, nothing like that at all. This only gives you the freedom to approach the Oracle without escort whenever you please as you have its full trust.”

   He then gently tapped at the pods he caught, to which the pods opened, revealing a seed in each. The seeds themselves were perfectly round, with some sigils decorating their shells. Unlike the tree, the symbols on the seeds didn’t glow, which probably meant the seed was dormant. Hearing the details from the clan leader, they calmed down and nodded to each other as an agreement to accept the honorable role. Auris gathered the seeds and then gestured to the others to come closer. On this large root, Meline, Aethone and Hesfe could easily line up before Auris, all three bending their right forelimb to lower their upper body down on a grateful bow, snouts almost touching the bark, and eyes closed. Quite many Druids had followed them to the Oracle to see how the topsiders interact with it and were now perching on the roots around them, witnessing the sacred ceremony that Auris was about to lead.

   Auris cleared his throat and held a lovely speech to the clan and the three visitors, his words packed with pride and eyes filled with happiness. He then called out their names, asking them to rise up. Having done so, Auris gifted them the dormant seeds, one by one. When Meline received hers first, the seed’s sigils brightened up for a moment before fading out again. The same happened with the seeds Aethone and Hesfe received, to which the members of the clan cheered and applauded to. Auris stepped back, eyes on the topsiders before him, and gave them an approving nod while the sincere smile never left his face.

   Meline, Aethone and Hesfe were overjoyed, while Meline and Hesfe didn’t bother to hide it much. Aethone remained more reserved but Meline could tell that her companion was truly happy for having achieved something so great. Among the crowd was Cailu, who had trouble holding back tears as he was so glad the people from above received another warm welcome from the people of the Beneath.