The next morning after a hearty breakfast provided by Brigor and his wife, the party headed into the forest. Each of them carried their weapons and other tools along with small satchels containing water and an extra pair of clothes should something happen and they take longer than expected. They walked past the ground were the broken and bent axes lay scattered on the ground. Cyril briefly stopped and grabbed two shards of a broken axe blade.
“Come on now! Why are you stopping, Cyril?” Anthony said with an edge of frustration, “Our destination is in the forest.”
“Just picking up a sample for study. The edges of these blades emanate with mana. Probably left over from when it struck the trees,” Cyril said as he pocketed a shard and continuing with his companions.
“Yes, We’ve already established that something mystical is going on. Why dwell on it?” He snapped back.
“By studying the mana signature, We could locate who preformed the spell and find them easier,” Mikhaela replied as Cyril walked up to her and gave her the other shard.
Melon Flower flew from Cyril’s shoulder and spoke to Prince Anthony directly, “Who put a weed in your flower bed? You seem very upset. Is this about that ring you lost?”
“It is not simply a ring, Melon Flower. It is an heirloom of my house, the Ring of Callister’s Prince, passed down from king to prince, from father to son. It’s a symbol of my lineage and my royal status,” Prince Anthony explained.
“And you lost it,” Melon Flower said flatly.
“I did not lose it. Probably some thief stole it in the night,” Prince Anthony affirmed and claimed.
“Don’t look at me. I was stuck in a cage all night while Ms. Massive Boobs hogged Cyril all to herself,” Melon Flower said.
“Keep quiet and keep your eyes open,” Levine said, “Forests like this one are filled with beasts and we could be getting into one of their territories. Plus we don’t know if our enemy is alive or dead.”
The group remained fairly quiet save for some short exchanges and Prince Anthony grumbling about his missing ring. As they went deeper into Magra Forest, it seemed to become denser and thicker with trees and plants. Soon, Wildan seemed distant and detached from the forest. The forest almost felt like another world as it’s natural beauty was breathtaking with it’s foliage and the sounds of life all around them. The group kept their eyes and ears open as they looked around when they heard sounds of creatures rustling in the plants and calling of birds in the trees. However, many of them were a bit distracted.
“What a beautiful forest. I do hope Mr. Matrin won’t tear this whole place down,” Uahna said.
“I don’t know, my lady. I will admit the forest is very lovely and it reminds me of something,” Levine said.
“Of what?” Uahna asked.
Levine didn’t seem to respond as she looked around the area and her keen eyes noticed something on the trees. A marking cut into the base of one of the trees and a scent which hung in the air. Uahna noticed the scent as well, grasping her nose in disgust.
“Oh by the holy mother, what is that stench?” Uahna said.
“We should keep moving forward and get out of this area as fast as we can,” Levine advised to the whole group.
“Why’s that?” Cyril asked.
Immediately after asking, something was sprung as most of the party found themselves snatched up by the ankles, pulled off their feet, and hung upside down in the air seven feet off the ground. Melon Flower herself simply fell off Cyril’s shoulder as he was strung up with the others.
“Well, this is great,” Cyril said.
“You’re not the one who has to deal with the effects of Gravity,” Mikhaela said with a slight muffle to her voice.
Mikhaela was in a rather peculiar position. Given her oversized endowments and the fact that she was now upside down, Mikhaela’s breasts covered her face and obscured her vision. Uahna was having a similar problem with gravity but in her case, she was simply fighting to make sure her breasts didn’t fall out of her top. Melon Flower couldn’t help but laugh uproariously at Mikhaela and Uahna’s predicament.
“Stop laughing, you pixie prostitute and help us down,” Uahna said.
“G-give me a minute! Ahahaha!” Melon Flower guffawed and rolled on the ground for a minute before her laughter started to die down.
“I’ll free you guys after one other thing,” Melon Flower said transforming to about human size and flying up to Cyril. The young mage looked at her confused.
“Melon Flower, what are you-hey!” He said as Melon Flower went to his pants and pulled them up to release his flaccid prick.
“Hmm, not fully awake yet. Well, I’ll fix that,” Melon Flower said as she started lick and stroke the young man’s prick.
Cyril was about to protest but it was put aside as Melon Flower’s oral skills started to get him fairly aroused and pleased. The others of the party were not as pleased with this.
“You’re going to give Cyril head before you free us?” Uahna asked stupefied.
“Yeah, what about me?” Prince Anthony asked.
Levine glared at him, “If I could reach you, I would hurt you so badly.”
“What?!? What’s Melon Flower doing to Cyril?” Mikhaela asked as her breasts still covered her face.
Melon Flower licked and stroked Cyril’s cock with the member starting to get hard from her skilled tongue and mouth. Cyril could almost feel himself starting get close to cumming and Melon Flower was looking forward to it. However, before she could finish off the mage, Melon Flower felt something wrap around her waist and bring her to the ground.
“What the hell? I was just getting to the go-Augh!” Melon Flower felt a metal ring put around her neck and her mana was cancelled out. She grumbled to herself, “Cold Iron. Dammit.”
“You’re an odd bunch,” said a male voice, “Your companions are in snares and you decide to give one of them oral service.”
The voice came from a quartet of elves dressed in various shades of green, yellow, and brown. More specifically, the voice came from the one in the lead, a tall male elf with a muscular build. Like his compatriots, his outfit had various shades of green with leather armor tinted green decorated by a leaf or tree theme to it. His black hair tied in a pony tail at the back. Cyril, despite feeling embarrassed at this situation, started to chuckle a little.
“What on Asnorit are you laughing at?” Prince Anthony asked.
“Mistress, we were right,” Cyril said.
“We were?” Mikhaela said.
One of the members of the elves, a more svelte young man with several pouches on his belt and teal hair blushed at the sight of Mikhaela.
“Karys, d-did those breasts just talk?” the young elf asked addressing their leader.
“Cyril, what are you talking about?” Asked Levine.
“I noticed a pattern between all of the phenomenon. Each of them was a powerful plant elemental spell. The grasping tree branches, a spell known as Limbs of the Forest which grants mobility and minor amount of sentience to a tree with branches grabbing anything that’s near them or potentially harming them,” Cyril said continuing to elaborate, “ The wooden axe handles becoming trees was a spell called Remembered Life, which reverts any carved or chopped wood to it’s original state. The trees with bark like armor, the spell Skin of the Ancient which makes trees or their bark as hard as stone or steel. Finally this snare, Tanglevine, a spell which magically turns vines or weeds on the ground into snares. All of them plant spells which were created by wood elvish druids and rangers.”
“And continued to be practiced by us,” said a female member of the elvish party with purple hair.
The leader, Karys, eyed Cyril curiously, “You seem to know of our history, at least the history of our people’s spell craft but we do not know of you. Who are you and what are you doing here?”
“My apologies, sir. My name is Cyril and these are my friends. We were sent to investigate the strange things going on in this forest,” Cyril explained rather politely.
“Sent by whom?”
“Saul Matrin of Wildan,” Cyril said.
Karys’ eyes widened slightly and turned to the purple haired elvish lass.
“Levoti, let them down,” Karys said while gesturing to the other two members.
Levoti nodded and raised her hands. Her hands glowed with a green aura causing the vines to lower the travelers. After getting stood up, Cyril’s group began to stand up and rub loose leaves off themselves. Cyril turned to Karys.
“Thank you very much for letting us down-,” Cyril was cut off by that of Karys pointing a sword at his face.
Karys’ companions pulled their own weapons; the teal haired elf drew a bow and arrow, Levoti grasped a pair of short swords, and the fourth member of their party a large dark skinned elf bared a spear at the group.
“You said you were sent by Matrin. Why did he send you? Does he plan to weed us out or try to offer us another bargain?” Karys interrogated.
“We had no idea you were here,” Mikhaela said.
Levine and Levoti noticed something move out of the corner of their eyes while their companions argued.
“Hmph, a lie no doubt. Either that or Matrin sent you here as fools to be killed for some scheme,” Karys said in disbelief.
“Karys, I’m not sure it’s a good time for this,” Levoti advised her leader.
“What are you talking about?” Karys said.
“Guys, we really should get out of here,” Levine warned simultaneously.
“Levine, we can already see the ranger party in front of us,” Cyril said, “In fact, how did you spot their tanglevine snare?”
“That’s not what I was trying to warn you about,” Levine said nervously.
Cyril froze, “What were you trying to warn us about?”
Cyril received his answer in the form of a roar and the sound of something rushing towards them. Leaping into the grove was a common drake who gnashed its teeth and swung its claws at the groups. Most of the two groups panicked and attempted to dodge the beast’s attacks.
“ A Drake!” Cyril exclaimed at the sight of the beast.
“Rangers, take heed and defend yourselves,” Karys said to his men.
Members of the group attempted to either hide behind trees while others attempted to defend themselves. All except Melon Flower who was still bound by the cold iron choker that cancelled out her fairy magic.
“Hey! Would one of you guys release me from this stupid ring? I’m defenseless here!” Melon Flower said as the Drake turned towards her. The Drake approached the defense fairy until someone stepped in.
“Away from her, you wyrm!” Anthony said before slashing the blade across the drake’s face.
Unfortunately, the prince’s rapier barely left a mark on the dragon’s scaly hide and only served to anger it. Prince Anthony quickly regretted his move and turned tail as the drake turned its focus on him. Cyril and Mikhaela quickly performed a spell together to push the beast back deterring its pursuit of the prince. The Drake was pushed back and continued to be annoyed by its foiled attempts at attacking when a spear head flew passed the drake’s head. It turned to see the dark skinned elf who attempted to stab at the drake again but missed as the drake dodged and raked it’s claws against the dark skinned elf’s side.
“Augh!” The large ranger cried as he was brought down by the dragon that turned to attack the wounded prey. The Beast got on top of the elf but was raised by the elf defending himself with his spear, only with the wyrm snapping its jaws to get at the elf’s head which was just out of reach.
“Dolaendin!” cried the teal haired ranger who loosed an arrow or two which drew the drake’s attention as one bounced off its scales and one dug into its shoulder. Furious at these elves, the drake turned to the teal haired ranger and the lead ranger standing next to him.
“I will not lose one of my brothers to you, drake!” Said Karys who prepared to charge the dragon when Levine intervened.
“STOP!” She yelled causing the drake and the lead ranger to freeze.
Levine then turned her attention to the drake. She raised her hands and started to lower down to one knee. The Drake eyed her carefully and released a low guttural growl.
“Easy. Easy. We didn’t mean to harm you,” Levine spoke softly to the drake.
The Drake roared back but Levine remained unmoving.
“Yes. yes, I know we’re in your territory. I’m sorry,” Levine said.
The Drake growled in rebuttal.
“I realize that but you startled us. Please forgive us and we’ll leave your territory. I promise,” Levine said.
The others looked at the whole situation surprised and mystified. The Drake seemed to eye the group then look back at Levine. After a few moments, it released a grunt and began to walk off. Levine smiled.
“Thank you,” Levine said.
She turned back to the groups who looked back at her stupefied.
“Levine, how did you do that?” Cyril asked.
The elven bodyguard quickly became embarrassed and a little nervous.
“Well, you know, sometimes fighting a beast isn’t the best course of action. Sometimes, you gotta show them respect. Besides, we were in his territory,” Levine said.
“Whatcha mean?” Cyril asked.
“Those markings on the trees, they’re claw marks made by drakes to mark their territory along with something else. A particular scent,” Levine said.
“Oh gods. That’s what that smell is,” Uahna said, “It’s drake piss. Ewww!”
The noble elf grasped her nose in disgust.
“Indeed. Good eye and nose for one of the light folk,” Karys said curiously.
“Karys, Dolaendin is wounded pretty badly,” Said the teal haired elf.
Karys quickly joined his comrade at the side of Dolaendin, who groaned in agony.
“What’s the problem, Tiplu?” Karys asked.
“That drake left some deep gashes to his side. I’m not sure my herbal treatments can help him heal well enough,” Tiplu diagnosed.
“May I see?” Uahna asked as she approached.
“What can you do?” Karys asked.
“I am a cleric of the god Lumos and goddess Meloa. My healing magic may be faster and more powerful than your natural remedies,” Uahna explained.
Karys looked at her curiously but nodded and allowed her to see Dolaendin’s wound. Uahna examined the deep gash to the muscular elf’s side. Dolaendin looked at the pale skinned elven beauty as she placed her hands upon his side. She closed her eyes and uttered this prayer.
“Oh gods of light who guide us and fill us with life, I ask thee to lend your strength to this humble servant to mend the wound of this great and noble warrior.”
Upon saying this, Uahna’s hands glowed with a brilliant aura of yellow, white, and blue which enveloped Dolaendin as well. The others watched in amazement at the beautiful sight as the light mended the scar from the drake and when the light died down, Dolaendin’s side was unmarred leaving only tears in his tunic. Dolaendin was amazed as well.
“My lady, thank you. How may I repay you?” Dolaendin asked.
Uahna paused, taking in the athletic build of the tall, handsome elven ranger whom she just restored, and whispered in his ear, “We can discuss that later...in private.”
Karys looked at Uahna and her companions with a pondering and contemplatively look as the Light Elf Cleric and his ranger brother returned to their respective groups.
“Alright, I must ask again what are you doing here?”
“Like I said we came here to investigate the happenings in this forest,” Cyril explained, “But we know nothing of any bargain or weeding anyone out. We wish to understand more.”
“We would be willing to reveal these things to you,” Karys said when Levoti came up behind him.
“Are you sure about that?” Levoti asked concerned.
“Yes,” Karys said before turning towards the group of newcomers, “However, I must request that you relinquish your weapons and tools as a sign of trust and safety. Your fairy must also wear the cold iron link.”
Cyril and the others thought about it before the young mage offered his sword and his staff to the elven ranger. The other members of the company offering their tools to Karys as well. Melon Flower groaned exasperated.
“Aaugh! Well, can I at least return to my normal cute size rather than this?” Melon Flower asked.
Karys nodded and Levoti removed the ring from Melon Flower for her to revert to her normal fairy form only to have the ring placed around her waist. She then went over to Cyril and sat on his shoulder.
“So Karys?” Cyril said.
“I am Karys Laphmeil, and I will show you the truth,” Karys stated, “Follow us.”
Karys and the ranger party turned towards the deeper part of the forest and our heroes soon followed them. After trudging through the forest into the early hours of the afternoon, our heroes beheld a wondrous sight. They entered into a village, a place that seemed to be organically manifested huts and simple structures from plants and trees where people thrived. Elves and a few fair folk walking around casually and comfortably. Our heroes looked around astonished by the place.
“This reminds me of home,” Uahna said, “But greener.”
“Where are we?” Prince Anthony asked.
“You are in a place that few outsiders have seen. The Wood Elf Settlement of Grenlan,” Levoti said.
Prince Anthony regarded Levoti as they had travelled through the forest. The purple haired elven ranger was clad in a full body clothing and leather armor like her male counterparts but seemed more form fitting and hinted at a curvy form with a nice large pair of breasts.
“So you wished to show us your home?” Cyril asked.
“Yes and no,” Karys said, “We did bring you here but we mainly did it to bring you to the council chambers where it will be decided what is to be done with you.”
Cyril and company suddenly felt less concerned about the settlement and more about their lives.
Back in Wildan, Aristedes Icarnus was begrudgingly walking into the office of Mayor Matrin. He had been informed by the mayor’s page that his presence was requested on an urgent matter. He was persistent, Icarnus would give Matrin that much. He walked up to the desk and looked at the mayor with a dull and bored expression.
“What is it that you request my presence for, Mr. Matrin?” Icarnus asked.
“I have something that might interest you and your guild, Mr. Icarnus,” Matrin replied.
“Really what is that?”
“This,” Matrin said presenting a decorated silver ring with a blue gemstone.
Icarnus’ eyes opened wide at the sight of it, “The Ring of Callister’s Heir? How came you by it?”
“My Page discovered this after venturing into Magra Forest to investigate any of the phenomenon,” Matrin said, “Prince Anthony of Callister came to my office yesterday with traveling companions, offering to investigate the forest. They left this morning and have yet to return. My page bravely went into the forest to see if he could find them, only finding this ring.”
Icarnus examined the ring carefully. The craftsmanship, the markings, the fine jewel, and the traces of human energy. It was definitely the real ring.
“This is not a good sign,” Icarnus said.
“Indeed. No doubt someone or something hiding in the forest has captured the prince. Certainly this would require someone of your guild’s talent and attention,” Matrin said.
Icarnus sighed and nodded, “Yes, it does. I shall send a message to headquarters and we shall deal with whatever is in that forest and find Prince Anthony before it is too late.”
Icarnus took the ring and looked at it concerned. He knew he was something felt wrong. As he left the office, Saul Matrin gained a smug satisfied smile.
Meanwhile in Grenlan, Our heroes were guided into a large organic building which was most likely the council chamber. Cyril and his companions found themselves in what appeared to be a meeting hall where several residents of the community stood or sat in chairs before a table where about five older looking elves dressed in robes sat. The Elves turned to the group of rangers and outsiders and began to murmur things between each other. Stares and glares were given to the unrecognized beings. One of the elders spoke.
“Order in the council chamber! Karys, why did you bring these outsiders into our settlement?” Asked the elder.
“My ranger party discovered this group on the fringes of our territory,” Karys said, “They said they were sent to investigate happenings in the forest by Saul Matrin.”
Murmurs for the audience grew louder.
“Matrin sent them? They cannot be trusted,” Said one of the elders.
“But they arrive unarmed. Surely, Matrin would have sent enforcers of some sort,” another reasoned.
“They could be playing at some kind of deceit. We should dispose of them!” Cried another elder.
“Quiet!” yelled another elder causing many people to be silent. The elder elf, one with pale yellow hair and a mustache that stretched into two long stands, turned to Karys, “Karys, as one of our finest rangers and the chieftain of the settlement, I do not believe you would bring people this far into our home without reason. What is that reason?”
“Yes, Elder Aukram. I have my reasons. These travelers though sent by Matrin, fought along side me and my men against a drake and one of them healed one of my strongest soldiers,” Karys explained, “ They even relinquished their weapons when they could’ve attacked us. I do not believe them to be our enemies.”
“I see,” Elder Aukram said turning to the group of travelers, “Which one of you is willing to speak for the group.”
Cyril stepped forward, “I will, sir.”
“Who are you and why have you come to our forest?” Asked the elderly elf.
“I am Cyril Oakmead, a traveling sorcerer and these are my companions,” Cyril said gesturing to his comrades as he spoke of them, “Ms. Mikhaela, my teacher, Anthony, the prince of Callister, Melon Flower, a fairy, and two elves from the City of Aguila, Uahna Anaqua and Levine Autuslaph.”
When Cyril gestured to Levine, Elder Aukram noticed something about her. Something different from an ordinary light elf.
“We were traveling across Ranell when we came upon Wildan and heard tales of hauntings or enchantments going on in this forest. We wished to help the people of Wildan and My mistress and I felt there was more to the story,” Cyril explained, “However, Matrin seemed unaware of anyone living in this forest yet you seem to know of him personally.”
“Yes, we know of Saul Matrin and it appears you were played for fools,” Aukram said.
Elder Aukram turned to his fellow council members and exchanged looks with them, “This council with the testimony provided by Chieftain Karys and others has decided that the outsiders shall be here as our guests and return tomorrow.”
Though some of the audience grumbled about the decision, most people acknowledged the council’s decision and the audience departed. With the choice, Karys’s party returned the group’s tools. Though Cyril’s group was glad they weren’t going to be killed but there was so much they didn’t know.
“Karys, Elder Aukram, could you tell us about your settlement?” Mikhaela asked, “How did this settlement begin and why have you kept it a secret?”
Elder Aukram got up from his chair and grasped a walking stick next to it, “I am willing to tell for those who are willing to listen.”
The party nodded in agreement as they were overcome by their curiosity. The only one who seemed a little reserved was Levine, though she nodded as well. Aukram smiled and led the group out of the council chamber, explaining things as they walked through the settlement.
“Many years ago, our people had to leave their home when it was attacked by marauders. It occurred when my father Calien Aukram was young and he lead them into a nomadic life in the hope of finding a better home for them. Eventually, they came upon Magra Forest. Even back then, the forest was mysterious and my father still guided us into the forest, discovering something amazing.”
Elder Aukram and the Party arrived at a much larger building at the center of the settlement and built around a circle of thirteen trees. Armored Rangers circled the structure in formations. As Our Heroes, Karys’ party, and Aukram arrived at the entrance, they were stopped by an elf carrying a smaller creature on their shoulders. The person in question was a brownie, a type of fairy known for their diminutive stature and a brown shade of skin. This female brownie certainly lived up to her people’s reputation being no larger than two feet in height and each part of her visible biology was a shade of brown. The brownie was dressed in a sleeveless blouse and pants in autumnal shades of orange and yellow.
“Aukram, why would you bring these outsiders to the sanctuary?” the Brownie asked.
“They are our guests, friends, and seekers of knowledge. I wished to show them the greatest amount of trust,” Aukram replied, “You need not worry, Poinsettia. If something happens, we will fix it.”
Poinsettia looked at the outsiders, back to Aukram before releasing a relenting sigh, and welcoming them.
“Alright, follow me,” She said leaping down to the ground and pulling out a small circular box with balm inside, “First though, the men must take some of this balm and rub it under their noses and on their lips.”
Anthony and Cyril were somewhat curious about this but did so. After Karys and his male rangers did the same, Poinsettia led the group inside. The ‘sanctuary’ was not too different from other buildings in Grenlan, seeming to be a mix of a built structure and organic while decorated with a nature theme to place. After passing through a short corridor, Cyril and his companions were amazed at what they saw. At center of the structure and within the circle of trees was a vast garden filled with beautiful wild flowers and exotic plants. Though he’d only read about such places or seen paintings, Cyril knew what this was. Aukram reaffirmed his answer.
“Yes, we discovered this. A Fae Grove, a patch of land where fair folk are born, grow, and thrive. However, this grove is even more special because of the majority of it’s inhabitants,” Aukram said pointing with his staff towards a part of the grove.
Coming into view for the group were several beings with green skin, long hair, pointed ears, and markings on their bodies like vines. Even Anthony with his sheltered life and limited knowledge knew what these creatures were.
“Dryads,” He said excitedly.
He was of course excited as many of the female dryads were naked and had rather curvaceous forms which helped give him quite a stiffy in his trousers. Uahna and Melon Flower noticed the male dryads were equally nude and well endowed in the proper places. Cyril, Mikhaela and Levine were still the only members of the group that were focused on the mystery still.
“So you discovered this grove? Then what happened?” Mikhaela asked.
“When the elves arrived here, they were met by my ancestors who were guardians of this grove,” Poinsettia explained, “You see Dryad personalities and intelligence can differ. Some dryads are none too different intellectually from average mortal races while other dryads are as simple as beasts. The Dryads of Grenlan are the simple kind, as docile as lambs. So my people have protected them along with the grove itself. The Dryads’ presence enhances many of the plants in this area, causing exotic and rare plants to bloom or grow which can be used as herbs with magical properties.”
“When our ancestors met, they made a pact with the natives of Magra to protect this grove as long as we could live with them. Thus has been our people’s purpose to protect this sacred grove from those who would abuse it. In return, our people have also used the herbs from the grove to heal those of our injured or ill to miraculous effect,” Aukram said, “We have maintained such a mysterious reputation due to Wildan being established. We hid our identities as elves and warned their ancestors two centuries ago not to venture too far into the forest. Whenever someone has entered, we’ve either preformed a forgetting charm on them and sent them back, placed an illusion to scare them away, or teleported them to the farthest end of the forest.”
“What does this have to do with Matrin?” Cyril asked.
“Martin. Several months ago after he became mayor of Wildan, Matrin came to us saying that he deduced our existence and wanted no trouble. We explained things to him but when we revealed the grove, he said we were sitting on a gold mine,” Aukram recollected, “We had no desire for profit but he did. He attempted to extort us for the herbs and we turned him away. Short of a month ago, he returned demanding we supply him with the herbs. We denied him again and he threatened to tear down the forest around us. When we caught wind of his expansion project, we retaliated as it was clearly a way to flush us out.”
“So the expansion project is mostly a front,” Mikhaela said, “Still, Matrin does have a point.”
“What do you mean?”Aukram said astounded at Mikhaela’s comment.
“I’m not saying he was in the right by attempting to extort you but the herbs you have access to could be of great help to many people,” Mikhaela said explaining her rational, “Additionally, the people of Wildan need this expansion. You could negotiate with Matrin, make a trade agreement for things you may need perhaps even gaining extra assistance in guarding the grove.”
“Matrin will not listen to us,” Karys said, “He will ignore your suggestion.”
“Not if we blackmailed him,” Cyril said causing the others to look towards him, “We could return to town and present an arrangement in exchange for keeping silent about his attempt to extort you. If he tries to ignore us, we remind him we have the Prince of Callister who could strip of his title and have another person take over as mayor. It’s not entirely honest but sometimes you need to be a bit underhanded with people like Matrin.”
Aukram listened to Cyril’s suggestion and comtemplated it.
“Indeed. Karys and I will present your idea to the other elders. With their consensus, we could send an envoy on the morrow to discuss with Matrin,” Aukram said, “We could be looking upon a new age for our two towns by tomorrow’s end thanks to you.”
“You’re too kind, Elder Aukram,” Mikhaela said as she and the others bowed their heads in respect.
“As thanks, I invite you to feast with us here at the grove tonight,” Karys said, “It’s a special occasion this evening. It is the Dry`Auta and I’m sure many of you would enjoy it.”
While the others smiled and nodded, Levine’s ears twitched at the mentioning of Dry`Auta.
“It is not until sundown though. So please explore. Tiplu, Levoti, and Dolaendin will guide you around the settlement, and also will have you dressed for the occasion,” Karys said, looking to his ranger party, “Give them a good tour of the settlement.”
“Yes, Chief,” The three rangers said in unison.
As Karys and Aukram left, Anthony looked back to the grove and noticed an enormous flower with a stem as large as a tree trunk and a bud of pink petals.
“Levoti, what is that large flower called?” Anthony asked curiously.
Levoti looked at it and smirked, “You will find out at the Dry`Auta.”
With that, they spent the next few hours exploring the settlement from the healing huts where Uahna, Cyril and Mikhaela learned something about the herbs found in the drove and how they were used, to a hall of records with paintings of their history, to the bathhouses where Prince Anthony attempted to enter the female area.
No comments:
Post a Comment