It’s Just In Our Nature - The Druids: Part 3

It’s Just In Our Nature
The Druids: Part 3

   Eislynn was right - it was extremely difficult to put it into mere words what it felt like being connected to the Oracle, even if the connection was just a brief one. Now that all three topsiders had felt it, there was no need for words as there was mutual understanding between them. Auris stood up and approached them to confirm the Vayrons were doing alright.

“Oh, yes, we’re fine, just… it takes a bit of time to process such an experience.”

   Orvi assured Auris while Helda barely nodded her head, still holding onto the scraps of the previous sensation. Eislynn didn’t respond as she was still hugging the root, feeling connected to the Oracle even when she wasn’t touching the sigil. Seeing that they’re fine, Auris was back to his relaxed and chill self before he informed Helda, Orvi and Eislynn of the further plans.

“Well, in that case there’s one last thing to do - a little celebration is in order. Please wait here, I’ll be back shortly.”

   With that, Auris pushed himself off the entwined roots to glide down, disappearing somewhere between them. Only now did Orvi and Helda notice how their Runner companion was lost in her own bubble.

“Eislynn, dear, are you alright?”

   Helda’s motherly instincts kicked in as she leaned over her to listen to whether she was breathing. Obviously she was, and hearing her name made her slowly open her eyes, the already slight smile on her lips stretching wider.

“I’m better than alright, no need to worry about me.”

“That’s good to hear. What did the Oracle show you?”

   Helda attempted to initiate a conversation with the lady sunken in bliss while Orvi took a closer look at the sigils to try figuring out if they resembled something or perhaps had similarities with the written language he was aware of. Orvi couldn’t help but to listen to what the girls talked and discussed to pass the time, thanks to which it turned out how Eislynn had a bit different experience than the Puller pair as she was already naturally so much closer to nature.

   Time passed fast and Auris had already made it back to them, clearing his throat to get their attention. Other Druids had made their way up on the roots of the Oracle as well, forming a circle around their leader and the topsiders in anticipation of the ceremony that Auris was about to hold. One of the Haedians who had similarities with Auris sat next to him, holding a neatly decorated pouch that obviously held something of great importance within. Helda helped Eislynn up so she could sit politely in a row with the other two. She was a little dizzy, but fortunately this discomfort passed shortly after Auris cleared his throat to start his speech. He introduced the names of the guests to the rest of the clan members, then shared more information regarding what (or rather who) the Oracle was, what this tree meant to the Druids and to all other creatures, big and small, residing in these forests. He mentioned the importance of maintaining the sacred grove and the ecological balance around them as this was their role in all this. He then turned to the Oracle, raised his arms and enchanted something towards it in a language the topsiders couldn’t decipher no more. Some of the other elderly Druids mouthed along what Auris was saying while the younger ones listened carefully, our three adventurers among them. When the prayer or praise to the Oracle was completed, there was a moment of solemn silence before Auris turned his attention back to Orvi, Helda and Eislynn, looking at them with glistening eyes and hands placed on his heart as this ceremony obviously meant a lot to him.

“Eislynn, Heldanau and Orvillos of the Above. You have shown us that you’re more than worthy of walking among us and the Oracle has confirmed it. You are now part of our people and part of our grove. For your deeds and with the Oracle’s blessing, I bestow you the title “Guardian of the Wood” as you all have more than earned it.”

   The Druids cheered modestly while Helda and Orvi exchanged slightly worried looks. What exactly did this title mean? Will they have some additional duties to take care of now? Are they bound to the Below forever? At the same time, Eislynn felt no such anxiety while she even puffed out her chest a bit to show how happy and proud she was to receive such a grandiose recognition. While the Druids applauded, Auris reached for the fancy bag his assistant was holding to pull out three ball-shaped things. The Haedian held them in one hand as he approached the Vayrons, standing right in front of them. He started with Eislynn.

“Eislynn, do you accept this role?”

   Auris didn’t need to ask twice as Eislynn was capable of only nodding in response. She was about to break into happy tears but she did her best to hold it back. Having received an answer, Auris smiled widely before taking one of the orbs with his free hand and extending it to Eislynn. This strange ball had faintly glowing lines on its surface and Eislynn could sense Oracle’s presence inside of it. When she accepted it, there was a minor surge of magic running through her body, after which the glowing lines on the ball disappeared. Seeing how Auris saw it but didn’t react assured her that this was normal. 

   Next up was Heldanau. She was panicking internally as she had so many questions regarding this title but it was obviously horribly rude to refuse it. Hoping that she can sort it out afterwards, she also nodded to the clan leader’s question before receiving her token. The same thing happened with her - a gentle wave of magic entering her body, after which the glowing inscriptions on the orb faded away. Since the girls didn’t refuse their gifts, Orvi also nodded to Auris’ question and felt the magic flow in him.

   When Auris stepped away, the cheering and applauding grew louder. Not knowing what to do, they all just smiled at the Druids surrounding them before they came closer for congratulations. Having finished this part, Auris announced how everyone was expected to participate in the afterparty and with that, the majority of the Haedians turned around and started heading back to their main living area.

“Uhmm, Auris? I don’t mean to be rude or disrespectful but what are my duties as the Guardian and what is this magical item we received?”

   Orvi trotted next to Auris, looking quite uncomfortable for having to ask such things. Helda and Eislynn followed closeby to hear the answers, even though Eislynn already knew what the orb really was. Fortunately, Auris was an understanding fella, so he understood why the topsiders might ask questions about things that were obvious to the Druids. With a kind smile still not leaving his face, he kindly eased their worries as they headed back to the ground from the giant tree’s roots.

“This means you’re simply free to come and go to the Oracle as you please, you don’t need to be escorted or guarded. As for the small token - this is the Oracle’s seed, and as it imprinted its magic in you to confirm your new status it’s now dormant. That’s about it there is.”

   All Vayrons looked again at the orbs with a new point of view. It was a huge relief that they weren’t chained down here by this role, and this great relief reminded Helda and Orvi that they were actually hungry, meaning the celebrations were more than welcome. Eislynn was still floating in her own bubble as she hoped Auris would allow her to stay with his clan, as in here, in the forests of the sacred grove hidden deep underground, she felt truly at home.