Forgotten Realms:

Angels and Demons

Part XXXI

Lorinda walked among the dead things, where the Orcs had made battle against the city. The ground cried out in pain, as most of the living plants had been trampled beyond repair. Even to nature the brutish porcine humanoids were death, which added to her Elvish hatred of Orcs. Grinding her teeth, she tried to hold in the feelings of hopelessness that came from seeing such destruction.

Nearby Kirann was meditating, something Lorinda wished came easier to her than it did. To be more accurate, that it brought her the peace it brought him. She had asked once about what it was like, because he always seemed so relaxed afterwards. He described it as seeing the patterns of life harmonizing with reality, but more like seeing everything from on high. This of course made no sense to her, and she told him as much. He laughed, but told her it made more sense as a state of mind, a way to see what was beyond normal sight.

She was a warden of nature, a caretaker that did Nature's will. The pain of the world was her pain. So, the damage done by the Orcs bit her hard. The only thing worse was her inability to heal that damage. Lorinda had tried to reach out to Nature, guide its healing powers back to the land around Altamar. Not to heal the land for farming, but to make the land whole again.

Nature responded, but she felt her grasp loosening it. With it came her feeling of failure, despite how hard she had fought. She was just a stalk of corn being buffeted by the winds that were Nature's power. Despite her willingness, the power to grasp ahold seemed beyond her. What she would do to have an archdruid around, they could conjure what was needed to heal the land.

"What is wrong?" Raven asked. Lorinda hadn't seen her come up.

It should haven't surprised her. The whole group had grown closer since the battle. Something about facing death together, and defying it strengthened bonds. Not necessarily what she would recommend for a team building exercise, but effective. Still, she wasn't sure if she wanted anyone to see how much she was failing here.

Lorinda put up her hand, "I'm fine. We need an arch druid, or this devastation will take generations to heal."

"Can't you heal it?" asked the Half-Elf Rogue, Val. She meant well and didn't deserve the irritation that rose in Lorinda's chest.

The druid threw up her hands, "We need someone stronger than me."

"This is your thing, what can we do to help?" Val chimed in again. "Maybe all you need is to see the problem from a different angle."

Part of her irritation burned through, "This isn't one of Kirann's mind puzzles. Damage like this can last even your lifetime."

Kirann walked up, and whispered something into Val's ear. The rogue happily walked off, only to start practicing with her weapons out of earshot. This left the monk, the bard and the druid alone. As he walked up to her, Lorinda knew she was instantly not going to want to hear what he had to say.

"It is okay to ask for help," he said gently. "We are here for you, and will do what we can to assist."

"Well I need an archdruid, so unless you're one of them," Lorinda growled, before instantly regretting it. "You don't understand."

Kirann said, "True enough. However, remember we are strong apart, stronger together."

"You're annoying, you know that right?" Lorinda sighed.

He laughed, before saying, "Try again, this time we will assist you."

Lorinda scowled, but went back to reaching out to the threads of Nature's power. She pulled them together around her like a living shroud. Breathing in and out, she felt the world pulsing, a living thing with a voice beyond any one person's reckoning. A low silent voice, more a whisper, flowed around her, filling the air with its sayings. She could focus on one, hear it, but she already knew what most said. They called to erase the stain of death, and replace it with the symphony of life.

While Lorinda focused, Kirann had Raven play her guitar. Low pulsing notes rose up, as did her gentle voice to the wind. The monk smiled as he sat down cross-legged onto the ground and meditated. He let Raven's song wash over him, as he sank deeper into the world, seeing the ki. Energy of life that coursed from the living, connecting them together in a great web of life. With Raven's playing, that energy changed, becoming charged with magical energy. This is what Kirann was hoping for, arcane, natural and life energy working together in harmony.

Using himself as a focus, he sent the energy to his druid friend. To Lorinda she felt her grasp fleeting on the healing magics she was holding, till a wave of pureness flowed over her. Instantly she was overcome, her eyes flew open with lightning bolts dancing around her irises. The whites of her eyes glowed with golden light, and her voice cried out in euphoria. Instantly she felt at one with nature, the world and every living thing within ten miles.

Taking the increased power, she poured it into the world around her. Transferring the energy into a healing and purifying force. The green wave washed over the trampled, dead areas and in their place lush vegetation sprouted up. Plants of all shapes and sizes grew, including massive trees that rose to piece the sky. Blackened ground was replaced with green, brown and other colors only found in lively nature.

Lorinda flew across the newly transformed landscape, her body left behind. What she saw was good. Lively lands where there had been death before, with years of work being done in a very short amount of time. How much time was what pulled her back into her body, with a great surge of pain and agony. As she came back to herself, she let out a piercing yell.

"I've got you," Val said as Lorinda fell back.

The druid felt herself fall, not far, but shocked at her weakened state. Everything felt like jelly and it was all she could do to keep her eyes open. She found breathing hard to do, a chore and all she wanted to do was sink into oblivion. Her mind was muddled, and why she should remain awake escaped her. Blissful rest awaited her, all she had to do was close her eyes.

Then came a jolt of electricity that woke her back up, with her body responding with great complaint. She groaned as she found herself being held by Val. Too tired to complain, Lorinda tried to look put out, only to look completely defenseless. Something that was very different for the strong druid. Lorinda normally projected a sense that she was anything but defenseless.

Raven though watched as Kirann floated in the air, still sitting cross-legged. With the job done, he floated down and set a foot down as he landed on the ground. Walking over to Lorinda, he had a broad smile on his face. She was too tired to really be aggravated, but found herself relax as a warmth spread over her. Like a blanket, the warmth covered her and she now found it hard to stay awake again.

"You were successful," Kirann said. "When you can, look at your ministrations."

"Together, stronger than apart," Lorinda managed to squeak out.

Kirann smiled, "Yes, stronger together."

That night in the inn, the heroes found gifts left by others. Raven found a new set of leather armor, and a beautiful guitar. The guitar she had been using, had been bought from a secondhand merchant. That had been fine while she had been training, but now that she was ready to go out again, a new one had been needed. The leather armor fit her perfectly. A note left on the presents told the giver, one Sunsoul Monk.

Leilani found a new cloth robes that allowed her more freedom of movement. Warm, but light, she could sense the magic that had been infused in the garments. Wearing the robes was like wearing a warm cloud. Her movements were with ease, and the garment felt more like a part of her. Its note said it was from a priest who had seen her fight for the city and the citizens inside.

To replace Kirann's destroyed robes, he had bought just a normal tunic and breeches. However, he found new ones waiting for him on his room's bed. These were specifically made for one like himself. They would compliment his abilities, while also looking distinctly unassuming. Ordered by Lord Wallace's wife, and infused with protective spells by the Wizard Bruce Robertson, these robes were unique. The note relayed that this was just a small "thank you" for keeping her husband safe.

The next day the Challengers were called to Lord Wallace's throne room. There a druid waited on the party. The druid brought an invitation for the druid responsible for the land's rebirth, to come before the nearby circle. Lorinda agreed, but only if everyone could come, as they were part of the miracle.

The other druid nodded, though surprised, "This is acceptable. We await your arrival."

As the druid left, Lord Wallace called for the Challengers to remain, "Altmar has need of you again. We must know of any more threats to the Alliance. I ask you to travel the land as is your want, and report back to me any threats that may endanger us."

"It will be done," Kirann said.

Behind him, Walton had already cast his armored hand to his chest. Due to the sentence already handed down, he was bound to this duty, even if the others refused. However, with the others coming at least he wouldn't be out there alone. Why they stuck with someone as vile as him, he had no idea.

Preparations were made to leave, and soon the Challengers were back out in their element. Traveling towards the druid circle, each one felt their spirits lift again. Even Walton, felt better the further he got away from Altamar. This was where they were meant to be, even if this wasn't always to be their place in the world.

Traveling to the circle was abstract, as Lorinda was leading them, and was taking them through the hidden paths. Kirann had faith in her abilities, though Walton and Val were increasingly uncomfortable the farther away from any discernable path. The others ranged between Kirann's laid back attitude and the jitters effecting Val and Walton. Lorinda tried to reassure them, it helped a little, but not much.

Gratefully, they made it to the druid circle, leaving the rogue and former paladin grateful. Now seeing something that looked more familiar, both were back to normal in just a few moments. That lasted until several druids appeared all around them, to which triggered the defensive instincts of the party.

"Peace, guests of Lorinda," an appearing archdruid said. "I am Gaelin Lars."

"I am Lorinda, of the area you know as Monk's Garden," Lorinda said. "These are my associates, Kirann the Sunsoul Monk, Raven the bard, Leilani sorceress of the arcane, Val master of the roguish arts, and Walton, warrior of Tyr. I greet you and ask how I may be of service."

The archdruid, Gaelin said, "I am well aware of your companions, and you, young druid. Much magic do I sense on some of your companions, but I welcome them as your guests. They have my hospitality, as do you."

"Appreciation honored elder," Lorinda fell into the role of student to teacher. "What may this humble druid do for you?"

Gaelin looked her over for a moment, raising her tension levels. Studying her, the archdruid only makes minor noises, mostly grunts and quizzical hums. Walking around her, he seemed to be keeping her in suspense for as long as possible. Despite his power, she felt herself becoming irritated by being inspected like a slab of beef.

"You do not have the mark of power to do what is claimed, yet I can see you have done this," Gaelin finally said. "One of my circle claims you single handedly rejuvenated an area destroyed by conflict. They tell me the area thrives now, as if there had never been any damage to the world there. Tell me how."

Lorinda swallowed, "I can't take credit for that alone. My companions aided me, though I do not understand how."

"Truly, I sense no nature magic amongst them," the archdruid said incredulously.

"There is none," Kirann interjected. "I think we can explain.

For the rest of the night, the druids and the party exchanged information. They couldn't believe that any energy called ki could exist, but the idea of bards increasing druid power was interesting. Some claimed they would have to look into this, though they were hesitant. Bringing in outsides brought with it dangers. Even these outsiders could cause issues, but the archdruid felt they were trustworthy enough.

By the morning the druids had heard enough and called for the Challengers from their rest. Once more the archdruid met them, but the others were gone. The party had been accepted as possible friends. Anything more would require much more work, but it was a starting point. For Lorinda, it was nice being amongst the druids, as was having her friends accepted.

"Lorinda, you are a powerful druid," the archdruid started. "I must relay to you the reason for your summons here. Out there something is draining the life out of whole swaths of nature, both civilized and wild. Whole sections of forests have been found shriveled up and dry. Animals discovered as dried husks, while those we have sent have come back scarred. Some have never recovered; they soon went to the great cycle of balance."

"You want us to check this out?" Lorinda asked.

The archdruid smirked, "One who can rejuvenate an area destroyed by combat, is just what we need here. You have focused life, now we need you to do again. This time to stop unchecked death from disharmonizing the Balance."

"I will do what I can," she said.

Kirann stepped forward, "We will assist her with this."

"This is good, for I think she will need it," Gaelin the archdruid said. "If successful, I will grant each of you a boon."