Eleanor: The Path of a Novice

[sugarandspice]

A Revelation

"I can't say I understand that one...he seems rather crazy and complex for me" I whispered to Raymond while my eyes glanced over the man with the greenish hair. "He is just misunderstood I think" he reassured, squeezing my hand and placed a kiss to my cheek. "Oh get a room!" the woman who had yesterday wondered what the taste of my she-bear would be like, was at it again, making snide comments. "Oh we will, later" Raymond responded with a grin. It seems the woman is not enamoured of people showing affection in public...most odd. But no..I won't let her get my back up, I am far too happy.

A hunt of the gnolls and orcs, led to Ray displaying more of his growing animalistic side which also led to me wretching and heaving as the smells of the blood and the guts turned my stomach, even as bear!...I just can't seem to keep anything down of late and then find myself extremely hungry at other times. We bumped into another woodsman, a newcomer to the area, a darkskinned man named Atkos, we made his acquaintance and saw him make a good shot with his bow against the gnolls when we took him to see the evils of their stronghold and temple therein.

In the Inn later that eve, I finally revealed the good news to my love, watched him look momentarily stunned, told him of the message of my lady, gave thanks to him again for the potion that restored my fertility. Then with bodies and hearts, we shared of the joy, the presence of the beginnings of a babe in my womb, my greatest desire, bonding us ever closer.

[sugarandspice]

*notices are left in the following locations: at the druid grove, the Elfensong Taven, the Burning Wizard, the Inn at Candlekeep and one is also pinned to a wagon at the camp by the bridge near the farmlands. Another couple are left at the statues of Mielikki and Silvanus*

Summer Solstice "Light of the Shore" Ceremony

To druids, wardens, rangers and wellwishers

I call upon anyone who wishes to join in the ceremony to welcome in the new sun to meet in the woods north of Beregost at midnight before the breaking of dawn on the eve of the solstice. ((EDITED in RL: Saturday 20th June, GMT+1 7pm gather for 8pm Ceremony))

A vigil will be held through the night and a there will be a Dawn Ceremony marking the time of the sun's rising on this most powerful day followed by a feasting.

I bid any interested woodsmen, wardens and rangers of the area who are skillful to assist with escort for those less able to get safely to the area and to also act as guardians to the ceremony.

I also call upon any Elder, brother or sister who would like to assist me in performing this ritual.

*the notices are signed simply with an elegant flourish*

Eleanor
Novice druid and member of the Circle

((http://www.bgtscc.com/forum/viewtopic.p ... 7&start=10))

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"I need more help" she mumbles to herself as she sploshes her bare feet through the pools in the druid grove

"There is food and drink to be organised, a bonfire to gather and build, campfires will need tending...oh and not forgetting some bards to seek out for the music, song and dancing at the feasting...hmmm, and folks to gather and escort to the place of ceremony..much work to do, much to do" the dryads and sylphs that usually floated and fluttered about were unsually absent as soon as she started to mention 'work''"

"I need more help" her expression was wry as she caught the flutter of sylph wing making its escape past the corner and away from her.

She pinned another note to each of the locations as her last, tacking it below

Summer Solstice Ceremony ((RL Saturday 20th June, gathering at GMT +1 7pm for 8pm Ceremony))

This event is open to all wellwishers, townsfolk, farmers and their families who wish to celebrate and welcome in the new sun. I seek assistance from afew who can attend and would aid me in organising. Please seek me out or leave message.

Rangers and wardens (see earlier notice)
Bards, muscians
Cooks and assistants
General help in acquiring resources to support the festivities

Eleanor
Novice druid and member of the Circle

[sugarandspice]

Happenings

So much is happening of late I feel all at 'sixes and sevens'.

Firstly I have secured a little help from a brother, another young nervous druid named Lanargis who has agreed to assist me a little with the ritual. I spent a little time discussing what I think was needed and then I asked him his opinion of the best location in the woods, then showed him two sites I had in mind. As we were agreeing on one of the sites, a young elven adventurer approached the cave entrance nearby only to be besieged by a swarm of goblins exiting the cave and attacking. Naturally we went to assist and when the hoard was brought down, we entered to talk to the halfling Burrow's brothers to find out what was happening to make the goblins react so.

My concern was for the peace of Solstice ceremony, it would not do to have such a hoard sweep through the throng next week. This had to be sorted. However, the brothers could not tell us much more but we promised to investigate. The young elven girl, Azalia was able to scout ahead a little and made good use of her bow while Lanargis and I brought our animal companions Lancoln and Decha as additional force and backup. The goblins we met were frightened or angry about something, attacking at will. After dealing with them we finally ventured into the deeper rooms to find imps ransacking the place and a large deep dark hole that appeared to be a rift in the floor to the Underdark. With little spell to assist, it was Azalia who was able to fire an explosive arrow into the hole, sending clouds of dust and tremors throughout the room and managed to seal it for now. However, the imps did not stop coming. In another room we also found a bloody circle, a summoning circle and with forethought, before too many more imps arrived, Lanargis broke up the markings of the circle. All was quiet again.

We returned to the Burrows, informed them of our findings and asked them to watch out for signs of any more activity, we were uncertain whether our efforts would hold. I suppose we should inform someone in authority at the nearby towns, my concern is that this is close to the grove....and with few rangers and druids around....yes...a little too close for comfort. Hopefully, we have stablised the situation for now.

And then later that eve, in the quiet of the Sharp Teeth woods, as I was collecting mushrooms for myself and some for the cook in Beregost Inn, I felt a cool wind, heard a deep voice and found myself cricking neck upwards to face a giant tree...with its slow rumbling voice and manner, I knew I was in the presence of something powerful and sacred...an ancient one. His words brought me no comfort, the Elders being far away dealing with personal matters, the certainty of bad times ahead. I just stood there nodding with trembling knees as I listened to his onimous message and heard him name me Protector before the great spirit of the woods retreated from the bows of the oak.

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Preparations

"I do not know what to expect given that this is the first ever ritual I will have performed, barely remember any of it from my grandmama.....but...and this is important Raymond...I hope there is no trouble, and certainly there must not be bloodshed. This is a celebration, it must be a peaceful event...people must leave their enmity and animosity behind"

"For the good of the farmers and folks, this ceremony will take place, for the cycle of life to continue as it needs to....any trouble makers need to be dealt with calmly but firmly...get help from other rangers attending or other friends we have...I can deal with heckling if I must, I can ignore it easily. Tie any trouble makers to a tree and gag them if need be, no doubt the townsfolk and farmers who need this ritual would then show their displeasure by throwing overripe fruit at them......but this ceremony will go ahead."

[sugarandspice]

Names and Acquaintances

I met with an elf called Zolf. Apparently, he knows the archdruid and wants to make contact again with the Circle. His manner was direct, serious and he wore a strange mask that he was none to keen to remove. Didn't know what to make of him but told him for now he needed to deal through myself and Galen. Left a note in the inner grove.

Sel was with me when I met with Miss Iceheart. After our trade, she made comments about the upcoming Solstice ceremony that got me a little suspicious of malintent...and Sel too. Sel has been acting oddly also lately, I've received an odd note and a gift now, both I am sure are from him...and then he goes and points out a location and tells me to remember it carefully. He also got me more than a little peed off by being overly concerned and calling Ray a fool for "letting me" keep on training in the mountains..he'd overheard me tell another that I was pregnant and was getting too protective when he has no right to be. Men! I am stronger than I look and will carry on training now while I still can move about with relative ease...though I am trying not to take unnecessary risks.

The two other most notable meetings brought me both joy and...concern. The joy came from spending some time with Galen'ael, my peer at the grove and during our conversations it was evident that he has more years on me (obviously being an elf) and a lot more experience. I will heed his advice and warnings as he knows more of the land and ways of a druid circle than I just now.

The concern came from an unexpected direction. It seems my past may be catching up with me...the man I met was familiar to me, although I did not remember him and yet he seemed to know alot about me...recounted a poem once sent anonymously to me at the manor and described a lady Eleanor he once knew from Athkatla. But twas when he spoke my husbands surname, my last name...I knew that he had known me for sure. I told him that to speak it again could bring curse upon me again and begged him not to reveal. He seemed amenable to so doing..I had to hope he would keep his word.

[sugarandspice]

The Summer Solstice "Light of the Shore" Ceremony

Upon the shore of the river there were a number of flat stones, upon which had been laid an abundance of offerings and items for the feast: including summer fruits, fresh vegetables, dried meats and a barrel of mead. She stood in front of one larger stone upon which a bowlful of yellow flower heads lay. To the west a little way from the shore on the grass lay a pile of wood and dried branches, a large bonfire, waiting to be lit.

She welcomed the crowd with a smile.

We gather here to give respect and reverence for this place of holy ritual where the real and the spirit world might meet and to welcome in the new sun.

I chose this place for the ritual as one where the three realms of Earth, Sea..or in this case, river that will soon meet the sea, and Sky meet. There is great power in places such as these...can you not all feel it?

This coming morn will see the dawning of the the greatest light when the Sun God is crowned. This is part of the turning seasons and the cycle of life, death and rebirth.

This ritual will begin with the call for peace for, as I have been taught Without peace can no work be

She turned to look towards the north, raised her hands, open palmed May there be peace in the north..
A quarter turn and she faced the east May there be peace in the east...
Another quarter turn, arms and hands still outstretched May there be peace in the south...
Her last turn has her facing the west May there be peace in the west.

"We swear by peace and love to stand,
Heart to heart, and hand in hand,
Mark, 0h Spirit, and hear us now,
Confirming this, our Sacred Vow."

The Sacred circle is now cast and I call upon the Spirits of the four directions and of those gathered here to help us welcome in the new sun.

I call upon the wardens to keep the campfires lit and help light the bonfire now.

She reached for the bowl of golden star-shaped flowers, scoops a handful

The essence of this blessed plant, St John's Wort, will bring peace and prosperity to the house, health to the animals and a bountiful harvest. This magical plant is filled with the energy of the sun at its peak.

She casts her handful of the flowers upon the bonfire, their essence enflamed immediately.

Let the new sun be crowned, let the light of the shore be all that we hope for. We bid you welcome! She lifted up her face and arms once again to the dawning sun, her own body becoming aflamed with the suns rays

The light of the new sun rose and a strong sunbeam cast itself across the water of the river. The light of the early sun soon overpowered that created by the bonfire, which continued to burn

Now....Let the revelry and feasting begin!

Help yourselves to food andn drink now and don't be shy...feel free to dance around the bonfire or make song! She chuckled, smiling at them all

[sugarandspice]

Ritual and Revelry

Lanargis helped me in my preparations and also helped me to keep the bonfires lit with nature's fire and he stood at my side while I performed the ritual. Dennis had brought the barrel of mead, the grove fey keepers had magically helped with the foods. The two rangers Raymond and Valer, together with Dennis helped gather and lead the throng to the waterfall, keeping goblins at bay. There was a slight commotion from one direction during the ceremony, Miss Icehart challenged to interrupt the occasion, but the wardens managed to stifle her storm and threats and I was able to keep focus on completing the ritual. At one point, after the new sun had been welcomed in, I threatened her that the winter solstice would not be carried out if she persisted, but my threats fell on deaf ears. Besides, all the seasons and solstices needed to be observed for nature to be in balance and it was unlikely I would carry out such a threat in the end, but she was not to know that. Dennis and Raymond saw that she disturbed no further.

There was opportunity to make acquaintance with new elven rangers a brother and sister Breyer and a monk of the Balanced Oak who all were interested in the Circle. I made note of their names to inform the circle members later. The feasting and frivololities continued well into the day. I noted someone, Siomir I think, managed to get my fuzzball drunk on whiskey. I noted the faces of Gumli and Isenduil around one campfire, Effelin and his cat at another, a cowled one arrived then too, introducing himself as 'Shadow', despite the strange appearance, no trouble occurred, all were welcome to join in the festivities. Some of us dived into the river then to swim and cool off after dancing. Slowly, the revelry quietened to a light buzz and folks headed away, some drunk, some in search of more party and women..the dwarf I think. All in all, it was a good Ceremony.

[sugarandspice]

Frustration

I was warned not to let this turn into a spiral of revenge upon revenge.

I am going to be a mother and I will not risk harming the baby, nor our future together.

But I saw him beaten, hurt, tired to his bones, armour in tatters and falling off of him and it took all of my healing and restorative ability to care for him this time...and all the while I quietly tended, soothed and massaged the fatigue and wounds away...I seethed inside.

But my fingers itch and burn with the fire I want to throw at that icey face for hurting one of my own...the Aurilites will not have him, will not take him from me.

There is little I can do myself in reality. The Ice Priestess is too strong and I am but a novice. But for my own sanity, to allow myself to again find my serenity and to ease my sheer frustration... there is something I needed to do.

I ignored Dennis' pleas, nearly came to blows with Raymond as I stomped off in a temper at the bloody-mindedness of men that allows them to go risk all without seeking the help and support I can give even if only from my novice's ability...to be left only to patch and tend the aftermath..is...frustrating...when I can give and do so much more.

I thanked the Sharpe's for their kind blessing to the small bump now that is the babe growing within and headed south with determination. Raymond agreed to go with me. I think he has an idea of what I need to do to get this out of my system...I won't do battle with her but I will ease the itching, the burning, the frustration.

[sugarandspice]

Fire and Ice

Her hands clenched around the shaft of her spear. Small flames sparked from her fingers.

"This hall has more statues of her....mind you my dearest....you are aware that you are casting your....fate along mine? Aurils fury..."

"I've always had my fate cast along with yours...since I first saw you in that ..wheat field..." she smiled and focused on the statue

"Stand back Raymond"

Lowering his cowl, his face expressed pride as he watched her.

With one spell she burned like the sun, with a shift she glowed, her flame hot, searing, started to melt the ice of the statue. She stood at the bottom, breathing her flame high up towards the icey face, the likeness of Irini Iceheart's.

Its visage becomes blurred, the bowl of offering melted as then did much of the rest of the statue until it is rendered to a low pile of watery ice.

"Behold, frost maiden....the flame of passion on your doorstep.....you will never extinguish it" He said.

"There...tis done....a small gesture it might be..but...I feel better for it" she nodded satisfied, her frustration eased. "Right.....I am done "

"Proud is the heart within me....for having a woman like you by my side."

"You don't think I am ...silly then? Just..." she placed her palm then to her belly "..all I felt I should do...this is just a token of what I'd like to do.."

"My love....my.....heart..... of course you are not silly to me. I understood quite well..but.....sometimes...a man has got to point out and make a stand....once I knew you and the little one growing inside of you would not be in danger"

"But one day Ray, I stand by your side against her..should it be needed..I can help.....and dont' give me that 'man' thing....it is not much different for a woman...just ...as a mother to be...and to become..I have to think differently..still getting used to that..now...shall we out of here?"

They'd nearly left it too late. He sensed a presence nearing, they both felt a shivering coldness of her approach. They ran swiftly to the exit, fought winter wolf and one frost giant on their escape, conscious of her trailing behind them.

"Run!" He commanded, she had not seen Irini approaching ever closer on their tail as she finished the frost giant off but he had, hence his command. She shifted to bear to be able to run faster, Decha following closely at their side, they legged it at full pelt down the mountain as shards of glacier blasted at their feet thrown from that Ice Priestess's hand as she chased them down off the mountain.

[sugarandspice]

Lyraa

I felt the coldness of her presence the other day...Lyraa...although I cannot see or hear her. But we get on, I think, as much as an elven spirit of a girl and a human druid can do in the circumstances.

Raymond and I talked of names to call our child. If a girl...and I hope it is a girl...I had two names in mind. The first being that of my late grandmother: 'Arianna'. The other being 'Lyraa'..but I was not sure that would be too...odd. Would a spirit present and very much attached to Raymond mind our daughter being called by her name?..or would that be too confusing?. Something to think about anyway.

And something else to consider, what if the child is a boy?

I quietly revealed my past names to Raymond then in confidence...my maiden and my married name. Only two know now, my love and...that man from my past...best keep it only to them, it must go no further.

[sugarandspice]

Alliances and Tests

So...Galen'ael met with Raymond and his tests have begun. Ray did not go into any detail but by his edgy state, they must be challenging. Given his countenance and the way he looked at me, I have to admit to some curiosity to know what these tests are...but...I will leave it up to either of them to tell me...if they so choose. I have to trust that Galen knows what he is doing.

I also met and had conversation with Jonas...we both wish to ensure strong alliance against the evils in this land and I think much can come of our working together. I like him....hells, even Raymond likes that 'tin can'.. although there are few knightly types that he does get on with.

When I look at Jonas I am reminded of times past. If I had met someone honorable like him during those bleak times back in Athkatla when things really started to turn sour...my life might have gone very differently for me...but then...I would never have met Raymond, nor be carrying his child now...and that would have been tragic.

[sugarandspice]

The Fuzzball

So how did an and ex-lady of a manor and ex-slave girl actually come about having that lazy ball of furriness for a companion?

Not many question how I came across such a beast although many might wonder why I still put up with him.

I'd arrived on the mainland not far from Baldur's Gate. My slave collar had recently been removed and with little to my name but the clothes I stood in and a fear of recapture or more 'favour' demanded from me by that thayan mage, once leaving the ship I'd made my escape away from the docks, along the roads and into the nearest woods to hide. I was pretty hopeless at fending for myself in the wilds but managed eventually to find a fruit tree and a few berry bushes and a stream for my most basic and immediate needs. A sturdy, broad branched tree offered the most safest form of accommodation for that night..if I could get up there. I made it only to a second level branch, but with legs either side of the branch, the bark not too rough on my skin, the leaves hiding me from a casual glance from the ground, it bode well.

The early morning saw me awake suddenly as I heard a heavy thud and the tree shook wildly. I cast my eyes down to see a great golden brown beast pushing and shouldering the trunk, firstly to scratch then, eyes upon something high in the branches, it thumped again, its purpose to shake the tree. At first, terrified, I thought twas for me. But following the direction of its gaze I spotted the hive on a branch to the opposite of the one upon which I lay. Twas early morn and the bees were starting to leave the hive on their days foraging. I looked at the bear, he sighted me and growled, then turned back to his quest. Thump...thump...scratch...scratch...thump. But the hive did not fall and the bear did not seem to want to try to climb the tree...and eventually with a disgruntled snort and a sniff in the hive's direction he then simply lay down at the foot of the tree seemingly to wait it out.

The minutes turned to hours and I needed to do my business. Was getting desperate in fact. Did the bear want only the hive honey....or would it try for me should I descend? Rational, wise or not, my thought was..that if I got the honey from the hive for the bear, it would be suitably distracted for me to climb down and escape. I proceeded to clamber across the branches to reach the hive and, deciding to risk afew stings in preference to a mauling by bear, I reached a hand inside to attempt to remove a honey comb. Grimacing at the sticky and ticklish feel of comb and bees my fingers broke off a large piece and I slowly began to withdraw my hand.

Thump!

Unbalanced by the bear's renewed attempts at toppling the hive from its perch, my hand knocked the hive wildly sending the bees into panic mode. I winced at the first of the stings but had little time to concern myself over that hurt as I lost grip of the branch and plummeted towards the forest floor.

Ouff!

The breath was knocked out of me but I'd landed on something that broke my fall, preventing broken bones....a hefty grunt followed as I rolled from the furry ball to end up lying on the ground staring up at a large snout, wet black nose and a pair of brown eyes set back in a tufty golden-brown face. I froze.....

And that is when he started to lick me. A long deeply pink tongue traced a path across my hand, arms and even my cheek where the honey had spread and was oozing. With a whimper I lay there and let him. So much for distracting it...I was now the plate being vigorously licked clean of the meal...and this plate...might be deemed in a bear's mind...an edible one.

But..he only seemed to want of the honey. And after feasting, just lay down next to me, licking his chops, brown eyes blinking and regarding me with ..what?....lazy friendship....as if I'd provided the manna from heaven he'd been seeking and I was now his mama. It took a while for my heart beat to settle to a normal pace but..I did then move, stand up and make to the stream to wash the remnants of stickiness away and do my business. The bear....just bumbled after me...in a slow lazy fashion...and..would not leave.

Days followed and we bonded...there in the forest. Since I'd helped to give him a honey dessert, he shared of his fish supper. I ate raw at first until I managed finally to make a fire to cook with. And..there began our...companionship, that lazy bum of a fuzzball and I. When I felt comfortable enough to head towards the City after a couple of weeks he stayed close by in the surrounding woods.

Few know that behind my annoyance of his lazy ways and my nagging of him, I love him to pieces. The goddess knows why but I ended up naming him Decha.

[sugarandspice]

A Bard's Way

I am pregnant and in love with a gorgeous man...and despite that, how is it that a flirting bard can still attract and make me want to tease and flirt back? Tis the way of life I suppose and I am only human. Yes, I rolled my eyes at his bragging but in the end, each to his own and I should not judge too harshly...just think myself lucky that he has 'some' morals and does not go too far with me, nor try to tempt further...not his type thankfully, nor him mine, too superficial and false, I am too wise to be duped for long by that kind of behaviour.....but if one such as he leaves trail of broken hearts and unwanted babes on his path, I would be less forgiving.

He wanted to know the secret of how it was that a druidess like I did not end up having a litter of bear cubs. Interesting....so I made him a deal..a trade...a druid secret for a bardish one and with some amusement I told him that I was naturally human as was the man I choose to lay with and hence it was my belief that the babe would be too....but then I had to confess with a coy grin that this was my first child and....who was to say it would not become bear cub...perish the thought...but how do I know for sure? I've not lived amongst druids and had little training...instincts and feel tell me the child can only be human....goddess...I hope so!

In exchange, I asked for a spontaneous song, flicked at his hat dangerously and was warned off from that gesture and also that while he does sing, he is not that sort of a bard and does not perform in 'that' way on demand...for shame, I was disappointed but I did not wish to see or experience any other kind of performance of his expertise.... so, neither trade was properly satisfied really. No wise answer, no song received. Ah well.

It was not long after that Ray felt he needed to mark territory and draw line, a mark that this flirt of a bard should not step across with regard to my being. Instinctively, I inwardly purred cat-like half-pleased at feeling this possessive display...but my rational side prevented me from showing it to him...lest my supposed need for freedom be shown as a lie. I am not ready for that move yet.

[sugarandspice]

A Social Occasion

"In my new home...." I answered with a happy smile in response to Natalie's and Thomas' queries on where I intended to give birth. Twas some months away yet but I already felt bloated and larger than I thought I should at this stage. "Twins..." he is convinced there is more than one...wishful thinking or male intuition ? pfft...better than my own? Now I am worried.

We sat around the campfire talking to the Sharpes and the man called Pledge. I sent them note by sparrow that I'd like to meet them to tell them of a letter I'd recieved from Jonas and we eventually gathered together at the campsite by the cliff.

It was a lovely afternoon and evening, the most pleasant social occasion I'd spent in company for a time in fact. With the promise of a new friendship with Natalie, oddly I felt a little shy at one point but on the subject of marriage and children with her love Dennis, I vowed to help her...my suggestion was received warmly. We ended up hugging before she left to attend to her prayers and that was a precious moment.

Indeed over the meal that Raymond prepared and the conversation, the little I learned about the Sharpes leads me to think that they and Jonas will deal well together and I look forward to getting to know them better.

The only slight marr on the evening was, that smelling the fish in Pledge's pocket from his dousing in the river earlier, Decha bounded up out of the blue and surprised us all. I'd not seen his laziness in a few days but had found out from Ray that he was helping him heave logs for our new home..not such a lazy lump after all then. He must have been hanging around and about but the temptation of a free fishy meal was too much. His sudden presence scared our companions a little...and I forget that others are not as used to the animals of the wild as Ray or I. I would have changed to my bear form to ease their discomfort and get them more used to this way...but Ray advised me to take 'one step at a time'. If there was one thing I didn't want to do, that was to scare Natalie off and away from a friendship with me with any sudden animal moves.

Pledge took a while to recover from his shocks, after soothing massage of his locked jaw from me and a herbal remedy from Raymond, he seemed to recover again.

Ray and I ended up sleeping at the campsite, under the stars, curled up together by the dying embers. It is such a beautiful spot there...t'will be there we shall sing that duet to the moon...that is a promise.