En Dharahsa Everae — A Guardian's Watch
With much of the elven population having departed, Anarion takes it upon himself to maintain a regular watch over En Dharahsa Everae and the surrounding woodland.
Each day, he ventures beyond the settlement, following the paths and natural approaches through the Misty Forest. He examines the ground for unfamiliar tracks, disturbed vegetation, broken branches, and other signs that might suggest the passage of strangers or potential threats.
Drawing upon his knowledge of nature, Anarion pays particular attention to the behavior of the local wildlife. He approaches the forest's creatures peacefully, attempting to communicate with them through his druidic understanding and seeking any indications of unusual activity in their surroundings.
At times, he assumes the form of a wolf to patrol the woodland trails, relying upon its keen senses to investigate suspicious scents and tracks. On other occasions, he takes the shape of a powerful animal or elemental to explore areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
Through spells such as Camouflage, he moves discreetly among the trees, avoiding unnecessary disturbance while observing the approaches leading toward the settlement.
Anarion also pays particular attention to the routes taken by his departing elven kin. Having previously watched over their journeys, he now retraces the paths leading away from En Dharahsa Everae, carefully working to conceal any evidence that might allow hostile pursuers to follow them or trace their movements back to the settlement.
Where wagon wheels have left impressions, he attempts to smooth the disturbed earth. Where branches have been broken or vegetation trampled, he carefully restores the natural appearance of the woodland as best he can. Using his knowledge of the forest, he seeks to obscure footprints, eliminate obvious signs of passage, and make the routes taken by the refugees as difficult to follow as possible, without harming the surrounding ecosystem.
His patrols also extend to the surroundings of Moonshea Tavern, Haven Place, the Battle Center, and the site of the developing sacred grove, ensuring that these important locations receive particular attention.
Whenever he encounters peaceful travelers or forest inhabitants, Anarion offers assistance where needed, remaining mindful that his responsibility is to protect the forest and those who dwell within it, not to treat every unfamiliar presence as an enemy.
Before returning to En Dharahsa Everae, he makes one final circuit of the nearby woodland, watching and listening for anything unusual.
Though the settlement has grown quieter, Anarion's resolve remains unchanged.
"The forest never truly sleeps, and neither shall its guardians forget their duty. Those who have departed deserve to travel without fear, and those who remain deserve to live in peace. Both are my people, and both remain under my protection."
And so Anarion continues his daily vigil, awaiting the opportunity to establish more lasting defences while ensuring that En Dharahsa Everae is not left without a watchful protector.
