The druids clan pt3
Cailu, Jeon-e, Mer, and Valentine padded quietly as they entered once again the forest where the Oracle was located, their paws barely making a sound on the grassy ground. They had been here yesterday, and had left with Auris to sleep with the Druids' clan, and now they were returning, summoned by them for something they had not told them about.
"Do you think the Oracle still needs help?" Jeon-e asked, her voice a whisper. Her eyes flickered with curiosity, trying to keep in mind the path they were taking while following the haedian that was bringing them to the Oracle tree today.
"Maybe," Cailu replied, his tone measured and calm. "The druids wouldn’t call us back if it wasn’t important."
Mer trotted near them. "I hope we didn't do anything to hurt the tree yesterday. I cannot imagine we did, since it was only water, but you never know."
Valentine, trailing behind, spoke softly, "I don't know, if it was just helping out we wouldn't be summoned like this, i think"
Jeon-e nodded, her pace steady but deliberate. "Valentine is right, we're being summoned with secrecy, but it isn't a bad thing or we would be escorted heavily."
The pack emerged into the clearing in front of the Oracle, where they saw a impressive amount of haedians had gathered. Auris stood in the middle of them, his fur shining with the glow of the runes from the Oracle, brighter than before. His presence was commanding, and all druids' haedians were paying attention to him.
"Cailu, Jeon-e, Mer, Valentine," Auris greeted them, his voice resonant and calm. "Welcome."
The reos stopped in front of Auris, their gazes fixed on him. After a while of him not saying anything, Jeon-e asked "You called for us, Auris? Can we help with anything?"
Auris smiled, his eyes warm. "What we needed has already been done, don't worry. We wanted to call you to offer you something, if you'll accept it."
Mer tilted his head. "Offer us something?"
"As thanks," Auris said simply, his gaze sweeping over the four reos. "For taking care of the Oracle."
Valentine’s brow furrowed slightly. "We only watered the roots."
Auris’ lips curved into a faint smile. "And that was enough. Enough to prove to us that you're kind spirits, just like the plants you met on your way here, just like the Oracle had predicted that you would be, when we asked. Your actions cemented you in our eyes as kind reos, and we want to thank you."
Jeon-e stepped forward. "It was the right thing to do, the Oracle is an important part of the life underground, from what you explained. We didn’t expect anything in return" She paused, "Please don't feel the need to repay us."
"It is not repayment." Auris said, his tone soft "But it's something i hope you'll appreciate nonetheless."
The druids murmured quietly among themselves, their voices blending together. Auris turned back and went closer to the Oracle, and then four haedian stepped forward, each carrying a small pouch woven from vine and silk. From within the pouches, they withdrew tiny seeds, each glowing faintly with a pale green light.
"These," Auris began, "are the seeds of the Oracle. Rare and precious beyond measure. Each of you will take one."
Mer’s jaw dropped. "You… you want us to plant new Oracle trees?"
Auris nodded. "In time, yes. The Oracle you helped water is healthy, it has stood for centuries, but even the Oracle is not eternal. Should the day come when it can no longer stand, these seeds will be a legacy. And you will be the ones to ensure a new Oracle can be born."
Everyone held its breath. Jeon-e stepped closer, her voice measured. "You’re trusting us with this? With something so sacred to your clan?"
"Not just me, we all are," Auris said. "The forest chose you, as did we, when it bathed you in light from the runes. Not for your strength, though you are strong. But for your hearts, which are bound to the Oracle in ways you may not yet fully understand. You will become Guardians of the wood, and will vow to protect the Oracle with your life, or continue it's legacy shall that not be possible"
Jeon-e nodded solemnly. "We are thankful, it would be an honor for us."
One by one, the druids approached the reos, placing a seed before each of them. The glow of the seeds reflected in their eyes as they lowered their heads to observe them, and then they took them gently in their jaws and tucked them back into the pouches the Druids' had left near the seeds.
When the final seed was bestowed, Auris started talking again. "You are now guardians of the wood. Protect these seeds. Protect this forest. When the time comes, you will know where to plant them."
Jeon-e’s voice was soft but resolute. "We won’t fail you."
"There is one more thing," Auris said, his voice quieter now. "The seeds are connected to the Oracle. While it stands, they will remain dormant. Should it fall, the runes will start glowing stronger. Only one seed can be planted at the time. Shall you separate and one of you planted the seed, the other seeds will let you know."
Cailu’s eyes met Auris’. "We understand."
Cailu and Auris kept their eyes locked, a understanding passing through them as both haedians.
He would protect the Oracle, and plant the seed deeper underground should it fall.
919 words
https://www.deviantart.com/reos-empire/art/S-T2-Auris-16562-1018002135
https://www.deviantart.com/reos-empire/art/S-T1-Cailu-16558-1018001366
https://www.deviantart.com/reos-empire/art/Jeon-e-17263-1119400196
https://www.deviantart.com/reos-empire/art/Valentine-17284-1125665856
https://www.deviantart.com/reos-empire/art/Mer-17277-1123141798
Submitted By Nora
Submitted: 1 month ago ・
Last Updated: 1 month ago
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