Dread Mage

With their cups empty and Boscage’s words in the air, Vell and Sonder exchanged glances and left his cottage.

“You’ll need a guide, or guides, as the Celadon is a maze with those who are not familiar with it.” He said. “Copse and Coppice will lead you until you find your way, not further than that.”

The sun filtered through the trees, casting playful shadows on the forest floor as they prepared to embark on their journey.

“Ready?” Vell asked, mirroring the words he said a few days before, when they left the city.

She nodded though she wondered what he was going to do.

This Mellea, whoever they were, didn't seem to be on Vell's list of allies.

As they followed the wolf and fox to wherever the druids were, she asked, “What are we doing to?”

“Just as you'd approach any stranger. We'll introduce ourselves, perhaps offer a gift, and then strive to form a connection and get to know each other,” Vell responded.

“Is it that simple?” Sonder raised an eyebrow, skepticism lacing her voice. “What if they don’t want to get to know us?”

Vell shrugged, his expression a blend of confidence and lack of regard. “Then we show them we mean no harm. A well-placed gift can work wonders. Moreover, calling me a friend has its benefits. If they fail to see that, well, they must be aware, as we are, that nature can be quite combustible.”

As they walked, Coppice, the wolf, led the way, while Copse, the fox, darted playfully between the trees, occasionally looking back to make sure they were keeping up. There were many sounds in the forests but none that made them alert—like the rustling of leaves, the distant call of birds, or the soft crunch of twigs underfoot.

Sonder couldn’t shake a feeling of unease. “What kind of gifts do druids appreciate?” she wondered aloud. “We don’t really know anything about Mellea, do we?”

“Something related to nature,” Vell replied, pondering. “They’re still seemingly guardians of the forest. Something symbolic, perhaps. A token that represents our intentions—respect, friendship, a desire to learn. I’ll have to think about it some more.”

“What about flowers?” she suggested, glancing around at the vibrant blooms of colors peeking through the underbrush.

Vell chuckled lightly, “Sonder, flowers are commonplace here.”

As they delved deeper into the Celadon Forest, the trail grew more obscure, devoured by the verdant foliage.