Eleanor: The Path of a Novice

[sugarandspice]

Various Meetings

Nadia Swift had asked once for her signature to a scroll of application to become some member of some order of nobles, she couldn't remember it all exactly. She had quite happily written "Eleanor" on the parchment but when Nadia said that she would need her last name also she had hesitated and made to scratch her signature out...this she would not give. To support Nadia's goal however, and she did want to, being another associate of the Cloakwood Company, Nadia needed her name to paper. In the end, to distinguish her from other "Eleanor's" in the land, she had written the bear's name next to hers. "Eleanor Decha" she scrawled in a neat rightward sloping hand. That would have to do. Nadia accepted it.

On the Lions Way she bumped into the knight Jonas Rokranon and on exchanging pleasanties she learned that he was from her own home city of Amn, that his family still resided there although the pass across the mountain was blocked to travel there easily. This had made her somewhat nervous for she did not wish to be recognised as either the lady she had once been in case connection was made and the murderous slavers caught wind of her escape and freedom. Although this knight seemed kindly and she did not recognise him nor him her other than from a brief meeting a week before in Baldurs Gate, she did not wish to risk any tenuous link to her past jeopardise the freedom she finally now enjoyed.

A funny little gnome entered the grove, enquired as to why she and Raymond were there, introduced himself as Azrael and indicated that he was member of the local circle and personally knew an Elder. He took them to the inner sanctum hidden behind a rock wall and talked of the circle. Another of her kind...not human...but what did that matter? Tired from earlier exertions and battles they did not talk long but there was promise to meet again with potential for joining the circle, she had questions, as she was sure...so would they of her. On the way out there appeared another, silent...an Elder taking shapes to impress...and she was impressed. She shifted herself to her simple bear form in respect and pleasure before the two of them bumbled out of the grove cavern leaving the circle members to their business.

[sugarandspice]

Eight-leggeds and Lightning

"Click...click...clickety click"

Decha and I were surrounded, Raymond had gone on ahead. We had tried to sneak around by the edge of the river but I had seen Decha pause to sniff at an interesting flower and I hung back with him. Suddenly, the clicking was upon us and I looked up to see three ginormous eight-leggeds scuttle closer.

"EEEEKKKKK, RAY!" I screamed, but he was too far ahead to hear. It was not the first time I'd been this deep into Cloakwood forest, but it was the first time I'd found myself alone, just the fuzzball for company, surrounded by these giant arachnids.

The bear was already facing off one spider, mauling and biting its legs, trying to steer clear of those venomous mandibles. I managed to keep one other at bay with the end of my spear holding it off, but the other was coming close, its hairy legs brushing up against my boots, trying to trip me up. With violent shudder I wondered if this was going to be my end, death-by-spider-bite did not appeal and some instinct within me had me closing my eyes briefly and calling upon the power within.

A loud dry crackle could be heard in the air and I felt the energies boiling over my head and in a suite of electrical charge, the sky seemed to rip apart and six lightning bolts shot down in succession from the sky, two into each beast. The first spider was flipped to its back, smouldering, legs curled up to its body and very much dead. The second smoked, but still crawled towards us but with one swipe of heavy claw, Decha rendered it lifeless. The last, took only afew pokes and thrusts of my flaming spear that pierced its bulbous body to see it to its end.

It could only have been seconds apart in reality when, Raymond realising we were no longer following, ran back to see the prone, lifeless, frazzled bodies of the eight-leggeds, a guilty looking bear and my bemused and speechless self. I staggered against the fuzzball, who bumped against me to keep me upright, so stunned was I at the success of our efforts and the call of the lightning. This magic, this natural magic, this wild and untamed magic was...incredible...powerful...wonderous...and I only hoped that I could learn to harness it carefully.

Instinctive but dangerous if not controlled but it was good to know I was not completely defenseless or useless. I am not just a healer, no longer the simple novice that I was. Slowly but surely I progress.

[sugarandspice]

A Personal Conflict

"I would not wish those days as noblewoman back for all the wealth in the land ..."

There are moments now when I wash in a stream, make a bed of moss or lie in haystack or wince when I tend to the wounds gained from a fight with an orc or spider and feel this constant struggle to train and improve to survive, that I wish for an easier life and I dream of those comforts I once had. Is it wrong of me to think back to those days?

But what is comfort? Comfort to body or comfort to mind? I'd like to aspire to both. I'd like to think I could attain a future that is safe, free from worry, where I can persue the natural arts that my grandmother passed on to me and go further, where I can bring up a daughter and teach her the same path secure in the knowledge that she will be free and safe and...be more sure of herself than I ever was or indeed am at this moment.

I don't miss the riches, not exactly, it is not that precisely. But I cannot help but wish on occasion for just afew of those personal comforts, afew of the finer things...the feather bed, the feel of silken clothes, the occasional taste of a treat, delicacy or sweetmeat for the simple enjoyment. Then I look to the bear or I look to him and I feel shame at such thoughts.

This life I have now is by far an improvement on being slave...no question about that. And the friends I am making and this glow in my heart and body for one in particular 'should' indeed put those hankerings and worries to rest. And yet....

Emotionally, I am richer and stronger now than I ever have been. I was so naive back then, thinking that with marriage came safety and security. What a sham and a lie that is. I relish my independence and freedom and yet here I am, finding myself turning again to a man for help and protection...am I not just falling into the same trap that I did at seventeen whether there is a band of gold on my finger this time or not?

Am I fickle? Why am I still not contented? Is it a question of 'the more you have, the more you want'? Will I ever achieve that serenity of mind and contentment of soul? Oh grandmama, how I miss your words of wisdom sometimes....I miss you dearly.

[sugarandspice]

A House and a Circle

I guess....I had not really thought that far ahead...to the practicalities, only to my desires. But he was right to think ahead, to plan and take precautions with both his money and our future. For when it is just we two, the woods are fine to camp in with the occasion treat of a feather bed at the Inn. But if, nay 'when'...for I have to keep thinking positively on that dream...a child comes along, that nomadic existence would not be ideal.

I worry that the poisons I took that last year have stunted my fertility irreparably. Ironic really, that in the first six years of having to bow to a husband's will for an heir, there was no progeny...but I have to believe twas him impotent not I. I will try that herbal solution that Raymond promises combined with effective frequency and timing and pray to the gods that the poisons have passed on and not left lasting damage.

The talk of him building a house in the woods fit for a family will be all for nought if there is no family.

We pushed on with more training. Tested ourselves within the old mines in Cloakwood forest going down deeper until we came across odd armoured enormous roach-like beasts that attempted to turn our minds. Despite protecting him with all I had, mid-battle he got caught and started slashing at me instead and it was all I could do to hold him off, kill the last remaining beast until this state of confusion passed. No...sorry...I would not run away from him and let him fend for himself should his eyes 'turn' as he put it if I thought I could cope. I judged it right in this instance and we pulled through.

We parted on exiting the mine and on the Trade Way I met up with the gnome Azrael again. I asked him once more of the Circle of druids and rangers of the grove and wondered if I might be accepted to their numbers. We spoke at some length, he satisfied my curiosity and then he took me back again to the forest to challenge and test my resolve and abilities. The test took the form of a....hmm...discussion and question....about the forest area and the folks within and what as 'druid' was my 'take' on the matter. I told him at length, without knowing much of the history, of my opinion, standing firm on the commonsense approach that my grandmother had always instilled into me and when he asked

"Is that your final answer?" my heart dropped as his tone was neutral but those words suggested to me that I had failed but I would not, could not believe differently and I responded with..

"I am afraid so..."

"Excellent, you have passed the test" he smiled then and proceeded to inform me more of the history of the place, the old treaties and the position of the Elders with the current situation.

I was given a pass to the inner sanctum of the grove and informed that a gathering would take place of members in the near future. Another had approached our position, quietly, hidden, but on revealing himself, Azrael did not appear startled or worried and introduced the masked elf as Te'alis whom I found out was also a ranger. I enjoyed some conversation and banter with these two before once again heading onwards to find out where Decha had gone. With Raymond elsewhere, I was seeking a warm body to snuggle up to that evening, and the bear, despite me having to put up with the odd smells of fish or muck, would usually oblige.

[sugarandspice]

The Hawk and The Message

She flew high, across the mountains seeking the traveller, the dark one with the wolf. On seeing one soul and a fourlegged, passing carefully by giants, she swoops, wingspan wide, to drop slowly, circling down and down until she was but a few metres above his head.

She opened her beak and made a cry before dropping those last feet and seeing his hand outstretched to shield from the sun, opened her claws and dropped the parchment. It twirled in the breeze and fell to his feet.

My love,

I miss you. Decha and I have taken to the woods and forests for a few days to run as bear companions so I can experience the sights and smells like he does. I know you travel also, I send this with the hawk, Lurue guides her to you. Keep safe my dear wolf man, until we can be together again.

Eleanor

[sugarandspice]

If you go down to the woods today....

((OOC - forum additions added to Eleanor story related to this other thread, cos I want to

http://www.bgtscc.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=17&t=780 ))

Strolling between the trees as bear with the fuzzball in tow, Eleanor comes across the weird and lifeless grotesque statues. She is both fascinated and horrified at the unnatural objects, studies each one in turn, recognising but a few, snuffling at the material and nudging a hand or two with her black nose. Decha keeps a safe disinterested distance and as they do not smell of anything fishy or honey-like and therefore does not approach.

She bumbles away, shaking her heavy head, shudders and shakes fur the once, relieved that her likeness is not amongst this spectacle that marrs the beauty of the woods.

She then heads to the grove to leave message with the dryaads to the Circle Elders letting them know of her thoughts and feelings of these unnatural statues in the woods.

Eleanor leaves a message with the dryaad keepers for the Elders.

Elders,

I've just noticed an abomination of odd statues in the woods close to the camp, past the farmlands. My fingers itched to burn them with strike of flame they so marred the natural beauty of that forest area. They had odd and grotesque poses, most unnatural and made of wax I think. I left them for now, please advise.

Eleanor

[sugarandspice]

Back to Basics

I understood the point he was trying to make...it was an unusual meeting with a man known as Sel, who first came across simpering and weak....that magic should only be used as last resort, that I should train more using only my spear and no magic, no shifting to beast.

Nonsense! how arrogant to assume all are like he is that we possess good fighting skill, stealth and good weapon at its most basic. If I do not train with my natural magic to hand or shift to beast when I wish to run or the need arises, 'my' weapon, how will I ever learn to control and harness its power and call on it properly, have it to hand when it is needed.

I agree with him on one point, that I should conserve the magic and power whereever possible, but I will not leave it alone ...that would be foolish in the extreme and might bring certain death to myself and those that choose to travel with me.

Mostly it is protective of myself 'and' of others and I am very weak without, have always been weak, will always be weak...I am no fighter...I am healer... I am druid and 'all' that that entails...to the degree that I can be animal, will be elemental in time...as was my grandmother and her mother before her.

I was wanting to push on into the mines lower levels to gather that ore, knowing I and the bear alone could handle the creatures lying below that 'with' my magic and my mind I was strong enough to cope with it, carefully, even should the bear get confused. However, this man Sel was an unknown quantity and after some mild scared behaviour of his own, his strong words of caution I eventually heeded and we did not stay in those lower levels long...I did not want his blade in my back...I did not trust him..did not really know his strength or capability should he turn against me.

Once reaching the fresh air again, I was subjected to a 'lesson', a demonstration of his skill. Fine...I watched...and when I was able, I relinquished that basic spear and shifted to bear form, called on the wild instinct within, chased and mauled on one of the lizardfolk who dared to attack, ripping flesh and bone with teeth and claw. When twas done, I shifted back and we stood regarding each other, face to face.

"Disgusting" he said, watching me wiping my mouth free of the traces of blood, the taste vile to me as human that as bear I did not apparently mind. Perhaps it is disgusting in the eyes of others....but this is me...it is what it is...I am what I am...and I will not feel shame for that...it is to be explored, enjoyed, relished...I will no longer be put down again whatever form I might take...not as human, not as animal...nor will I suppress what begins to feel natural to me anymore for the sake of anothers ideals or ways. I shrugged his comment off. "It is not disgusting, it is what it is"..this was my 'basic' as his stealth and blade were to him.

His parting words to me before vanishing were "Value what you have"...'oh believe me I do' I thought, as I watched him slide stealthily into the shadows of the forest.

[sugarandspice]

Evolution

I have....evolved. That is all I can say to describe these changes.

Larger, hairier, bulkier, musclier, longer fanged, scruff of neck spikier, coarser ...stronger....faster....tougher. A she-bear to be reckoned with...unfortunately, this she-bear tends to drool and slobber more too...its because of the larger fangs. Oh gods, will he still love me and want to lay with me knowing I can be like this?

Phase spiders....poisoness eight-leggeds like no other. Harder...nastier...much more dangerous than the previous ones we encountered. With careful approach, Decha and I managed to keep them off our backs and although I was immune to the evil of their poisoness bite, Decha's fur was no match. Lightening and fire, thrust and pierce, bite and claw we drove them back, split their group. Decha fell once, poor bear, defending me with his all until I stood back to the cliff edge, my last offensive spell done, the protective spells waning...no healing left, wounded and bleeding.

"I will not give in!" I cried and with last breath I closed my eyes and shifted, tired as I was, I did not concentrate and instead of taking bear form....the next I knew I became tall, immensely tall, wooden and sturdy and with swing of massive branches I struck the spider from the top, beating and bashing its body from on high. Mangled it lay, legs curled up and with slow stride I moved away from the edge of the cliff and stretched as the battle was finally over. The wind rustled the leaves to my ...hmm...arms? those branches...weird sensation. I am not sure what others would make of this either. Decha awoke then and came snuffling at the base of my trunk somewhat confused, and not from umberhulk this time. I let him take his time, spoke a little druidic to reassure...he eased and withdrew a claw from my bark, realising the piney smell was now me.

But this leaves me with a question in my mind ....how else will others know that this....tree-thing and whatever other shape I may take....is me?

[sugarandspice]

Escort against Evil

I met up once more with the generous and kind paladin, that sweet gentleman I had met the first day I arrived at Baldur's Gate..dear man...Brane...friend and strong companion. Decha recognised him by smell first, for he was heavily armoured and wore helm, and in truth, it had been a long while, afew months by my reckoning since I had last seen him. I had shifted back to human form and rested well before he saw me..just as well. I am still not sure that showing a man a tree-thing that I can become is quite the thing to do....yet.

He sought help to fight the evil, pointing to the mansion atop the hill so we joined him. The first thing I noticed of the house was how very much like my old home it was, full of rich fabrics, spacious...and yet empty. But after afew paces inside they seemed to come out of the walls. Horrific helmed fighters with flaming sword rushed at us as if we were the evil intruders and they were guarding...something. What seemed like hours of fighting must only have been minutes and we were driven back, managing to slam the great door on the hoard within. We stood there panting and sweaty, groaning from the beating we had taken. There appeared a mage, to scorn our attempt as futile..that it would be better to take the building down brick by brick than to try to beat back the evil within with just sword and spear. Perhaps he was right.

I travelled with Brane after that. I had asked if he knew the path to the mountains to the south. Raymond had been gone so long and I was missing him dreadfully...and something told me that this was the path he had taken. Brane was happy to provide escort to perhaps find his trail. We skirted wyvern, passed the burnt out village and luckily only had one encounter with a giant that saw its end not ours before picking up the trail to the high mountain pass.

Cold...so cold. And neither of us was well equipped for this climate. I had not prepared appropriate spells of protection nor had we thick enough cloak to keep warm. It would have been madness to continue. We paused by an abandoned camp made fire to warm ourselves quickly before heading back when we heard the howling and it was not the cold wind.

It came padding towards us, white fur against a white background ...magnificient beast...beautiful beast...but the growl called deep, gutteral, angry...and it charged, teeth bared. Brane reacted quickly, unsheathing sword and with combined thrust of my spear it eventually fell, its blood flowing bright red upon the snowy floor. We gave up the trail then, no sight of my lover, we retreated from that sad sight, hurried back down the trail and Brane escorted me safely back to Beregost before parting ways. But that first sight of the winter wolf, red on white would stay with me.

[sugarandspice]

Reunion

I drank deep of the tea-like liquid and passed the half-full tankard to him with a smile to watch him quaff the rest, hope shining from both our pairs of eyes.

I showed him the she-bear I could become, slobbered even over his cuff and it did not phase him.

I watched his new fighting technique with love and pride and heard the growling sing of his new blade.

I heard of his tale in the mountains to retrieve the herbs to make the mixture and told him of mine, including mention of those horrendous statues in the woods and of the winter wolf I had helped slay.

I ran and fought alongside him, Sasha and the bear dancing around our feet, barking and growling as we struck out at goblin, gnoll, lizard then spider as we journeyed from Beregost back deep into the forests.

I made love with him by the waters edge, thankful for his safe return.

[sugarandspice]

Friendship

"But we're your friends" Earindil said to me in a persuasive confident tone. Well yes, that is as may be but Raymond comes first and this is his call not mine. I think I know the Sharrian contact he proposed to meet with but for personal reasons, I was not going to give either Earindil or Dennis that persons name, nor clue, only that it was not the two names Earindil mentioned.

We all want to help Dennis, he is hurting badly just now, trying to hide it by giving of his usual banter and trying to be his jovial self but I, with womanly intuition, I can tell it is forced. This 'bard-of-the-night', this night-singer who steals people away, usually women, who is rumoured to torture them, has stolen his love, one Natalie Sharpe. I can only pray that her mind is strong for her to overcome what is happening to her. Rumour has it that the ladies are eventually returned, but in what state, I do not know. The mind can bear through what ever pain is administered on the body.... I know this from experience. Gods give her a strong mind....and Dennis too.

As for myself, I pleaded with the two to tell me how I could be of help. I have grown stronger, have a large repertoire of natural spells (though as novice they are still limited to some extent) to call upon to best strong evil magics. I can summon my elementals: Flamer, Mudface, Puddle and Windy who can join forces with my physical friends against whatever might face us. But no....Earindil was not convinced..."Just go train some more Eleanor" and I felt like I had been dismissed like a child from even trying. "Fine" I answered and thought, let the damned males, be it human, tiefling or elf with their egos and their pride handle it all and I ran off with the fuzzball north towards the forest going deeper and deeper and alone but for the bear and my elemental friends.

The days recently had been frought, perhaps I was overreacting but I cared not. I had been yelled at by one man calling me "Demon from the nine hells" on seeing me shift to bear form, and nearly had my black nose sliced open by his axe in the process - a closed mind and ignorance being the cause which will not prove easy to overcome and I might need to watch my back. Another meeting with Sel, had got me in a temper, losing the serenity and calmness I seek and left me still disliking his dominant attitude and arrogance against my ways and I do not know if that will ease... we are so very different. I had been scared by my changing feelings towards my relationship with Raymond, recently finding it hard to think of my desire for freedom when I am with him and that had shaken me. I had seen the impact of the night singer on my friends and felt myself frightened on two accounts: firstly, that I felt useless to help, secondly, that selfishly I was also frightened for myself should that evil choose to try to enslave me...would I survive being slave for a second time round? That pink mark of the collar still burned around my throat a constant reminder of that time and that fear.

[sugarandspice]

Useless

"I quit..I am done with the company" I told Earindil after he told me I was 'useless' and I ran off, leaving the three males behind, shifted to bear and growling at any person that happened to get in my way, once again to head deep into the forest. Dennis need only ask and he would get my help, but I would not 'serve' Earindil in his 'Company' again. I was used to 'giving' but if my meagre help is not wanted or needed, then there is no forcing it. Let him seek out those with tried and tested expert skills, my novice ones are not required.

Once again I felt the conflict of my desire for freedom meet head on with my wish to belong. This time, freedom won.

The great bear tore through the group of monstrous spiders, wrenching leg from body and piercing the arachnid skin with sharp teeth and claw, mauling and biting. She left a trail of their upturned bodies as she moved her great hulking mass between the trees, over the stream moving ever further into the thick trees and between the rock formations. Her companions both physical and elemental were not called upon, this time..this time...she would prove to herself that she alone could take on the scuttling foe.

Deeper and deeper she lumbered only to be halted by a gathering of phase spiders. They surrounded her..mandibles threatening and pinching at her fur, taking chunks of her flesh in the process, she growled ever more ferociously at the pain, making her fight back harder. This...was now a question of survival. In her fury and hurt, she called upon the elements of lightning and fire, calling on her last reserves of strength and endurance until after what seemed like hours, finally she stood alone in the midst of their dead. She dragged herself towards the cliff edge and shifted back, breathing heavy, sweaty and bleeding.

It was there he found her, seeing him deeply wounded himself, ignoring her own state and his protests, automatically she tended him first in silence.

[sugarandspice]

A Return, A Request and A Run

I received message from Raymond that Natalie had been returned and that a small gathering of friends were attending her in a room in the Blaze and Saddles, so I made my way there. The Innkeeper quietly informed me of the room and I knocked quietly and was let in. The room was a glow with light, both magical, divine and also from a multitude of candles. Natalie was lying on the bed, awake, with her brother and Dennis by her side, soothing and talking quietly. I asked if they had need for my healing but received a shake of head and a smile. It seemed that light and rest was all she needed now and the good company of her loved ones.

I kept to the back of the room and made quiet conversation with a new acquaintance of Raymond's, a girl called Amy and found out she was new to the area and a bard no less. We swapped some pleasantries and she showed me a little flute she had crafted, a sweet simple piece that had me thinking she should play it and show me her talent some time. It was then I had an idea and in quiet whisper, mindful of Raymond nearby who was studying the books at the back of the room, I made my request of her...if she would do...could do this for me...I would pay her handsomely with the few coins I had saved.

"Is it a deal?" I asked her and she responded with a nod and a smile and said she might try, looking carefully at Raymond. I touched a finger tip to my lips and grinned "Ssshh not a word now" and we shook hands on it.

I had need to run, stretch my legs, the confines of that room and even the town were leaving a toll on me and I asked if Raymond would accompany me. After giving of my own gift of light to brighten that room for Natalie, we departed. On the way we stopped in afew places and obtained some tasks: one to find and deliver a wyvern's egg to some wizard, another to find and return a stolen necklace to a lady. And then, past the edge of the farmlands, my nose twitched, my legs were itching and with a quick shift I changed to bear form. We ran at full pelt, growling, laughing and racing southwards.

After despatching the wyverns that lay guard to a nest, we retrieved that egg and continued our run ever more south. Together with Sasha, Decha and an elemental friend or two we raced across the hills past the burnt out village slashing, piercing and flaming at giants that stood in our path. What an adventure, what a run.

[sugarandspice]

A Blessing after Curses

"I want to skin that bear"
"It would sure make a nice rug"
"Only the strong survive"
"You are useless"
"Demon from the Nine Hells!"
"Don't you DARE walk away and think to handle things alone."
"I don't fight with wimps"
"Filthy Aurilite bitch"

The strong words and emotions I had heard, said and felt over the last few days washed through my dreams, disturbing them and with a groan I awoke. I calmed my breathing, stilled my body and listened to the sounds of our breathing in that darkened room. The occasional soft growl escaped his lips, his face was buried in my hair as he slept, his arm draped around my waist. The dawn was along way from beaking but restlessly, with a kiss to his temple, I slipped from his embrace, swiftly and quietly dressed. I could have sworn I heard a light soft voice nearby and before creeping out I whispered into the room

"Lyraa...ssshh....if you hear me child, if you are here...don't let him wake, I will not be gone long"

She smiled at the dryaads and waved to the sylphs as she passed by them in the grove and headed into the inner chamber. Her naked feet waded through the soothing pools and the calmness she felt there in circle helped to ease the remnants of her troubled dreams. Finding no others of her circle there, disappointed, she returned to bathe in the waterfall outside, the moon, a crescent curve that shined its light upon her uplifted face.

"My goddess...what is happening to me? Where once I feared to tread, took the diplomatic route, kept all conflict at bay, toed the line just to survive...just lately I've find myself frequently in a temper, rising to challenge, angry and heated, upset and ...."

She didn't expect an answer, not from a goddess, not to her, she had never before been the recipient of any celestial message despite all her pleading prayers that time as a slave...but there in the calm and peace near the grove she felt a warm presence, a comforting glow around her shoulders, like a hand it touched her cheeks, caressing across her breasts lower to mold her belly.

"Child of nature, sister of the bear, daughter of the elements...this is not unusual for one in your condition..."

Her mouth dropped as she felt the touch, heard and realised the meaning of the words or were they just thoughts?

"..while it is early days, this new journey of yours is not without difficulty...live it well, live it to the full, live it with laughter and flair. Shrug off those that would upset you...you have to be strong now, not just for yourself. I give you my blessing child...you serve me well"

On a breeze, the words faded, the presence retreated, the moon seemed to shine ever brighter and she felt renewed and revigorated by what she believed had been the touch and gift of her goddess.

[sugarandspice]

The Woodsman

The amulet was interesting and..unusual..and he refrained from using his blade on me as she-bear when I made no threatening movement. Indeed, I could see his confusion, his expectation of a fight, for my great hulk to charge and bear teeth and claw against him. But I did not.

Hells, I was hungry, I seem always to be hungry these days and when he took out a piece of dried meat, the saliva started running and my black nose twitched, sniffing towards his hand instinctively. I stepped forward cautiously, mindful of the sneers of the woman nearby whose words would have this man run his sword through my belly. I growled at her angrily, protectively, but tried to keep a non-threatening countenance towards the man. There was some crazy man nearby as well but I paid him scant attention, my focus was on the meat...it smelled delicious.

After waffling down the morsel with no sign of more to follow, feeling a little more happier that I could trust the man further, I gave up my shape and stepped forward as woman to speak with him properly, trying to hide my still rumbling stomach. He was a follower of Malar, a hunter and woodsman and interested in meeting those of the local Circle...he was seeking something or was it someone and hoped that the Elders and members of the circle might help.

I was honest with him, informing him that the Elders were rarely seen, that as novice and member of the Circle I would help him where I could but could not grant him access to the inner sanctum of the grove Circle, that the Elders test their prospective members before allowing them within. He seemed interested and keen to join and I would surely put in a good word should I see an Elder..I would not hold the fact he is hunter of animal against him. In my delight for company, I decided to show him the grove and requested that he respect the secrecy of the place. Raymond came upon us in the grove cavern and in our conversation, he told me that in recent times a sect of evil druids had had their grove wrecked for their sins. Secrecy was important, lest others mistake our grove Circle for such as that sect.

Raymond too showed interest to join, blanched at mention of the test..I had to chuckle...but I know he would pass with flying colours, so skilled is he. More wardens are needed, there is much work to be done and the woodsman questioned why the spirits of the wood are not enough when I said so. It is my feeling that the spirits of the woods are dwindling in numbers although I cannot prove it and that is why I feel the need for more wardens to help the spirits to preserve the natural balance.

I will leave note to the Elders here in the grove of their names and of that ranger of Mielikki whose note I saw against the goddess' statue and hope that they will pass by soon to meet with these men.

I penned a note and left it in the inner sanctum of the grove

Elders of the Circle

I have three names interested in joining and being tested to become wardens of our Circle

Valer
Raymond
Elohir (who has already once met and started the tests, his note to you I found at the foot of Mielikki's statue)

Please, I beseech you, help me bring these good men into our fold.

Eleanor