Conquest of the Horde

Ripples surf across the blank lake as naked feet are slowly dipped into the shoreline of the cove. Toes wriggle around just beneath the surface and cause the waters to glint and glimmer as the moonlight hits it. With his robe held at his knees, the elf unties his evergreen mane to shakes it out, like the wind shakes leafy crowns. A streak of midnight black prowl about the gnarled roots of the vale with it's luminescent eyes set on the elf bathing his feet. As the sleek darkness softly crouches along the last treetrunk it suddenly stops in it's tracks with a yelp. The patch of nightsky fades away to become the slender form a of an elven maiden with her hair caught in a tangle of vines and moss, the other elf can only smile at the sight.

- What is the verdant realm of Ysera like, shan'do? she asks.
- It is nature, my child. Untamed. Untouched. Unrestrained wilderness.
With a wave of his hand the growth retracts, freeing the young druid. She strides over to him and falls down on her knees in silent anticipation.
- Even though it is this place it is also a world on it's own. With life, death and all inbetween, he says while burrowing one feet into the mud. Denizens of the Dream can smell what does not belong. Attacks to restore balance. Even us.
- Why would they do that? Don't they kno-, is all she can say before interupted.
- Calm down, young one. Our duty does not make us belong. We tread with care and know when to bow. And when to hide.

- But the Nightmare changes things, the elder druid says after several moments in silence. The female elf takes a breath and begins to part her lips as if to speak, but decides not to. Life in the Verdant Realm attacks itself. Some influence clouds minds. Twists dreams.
- There has been odd occurances here too. Druids who have become entrapped within the dream, 'unwaking' some call them.
Very slowly the other druid turns towards her, a cruious look on his face with one brow-tip dipping low.
- I've overheard one of the dreamwardens speaking about manifestations of the Nightmare, right here in the Burrows! And there are rumors that the whole Fang-circle has disappeared, she blurts out in a loudly pausing with a relieved sigh.
- Speak no more of this now child. Lean back. Look at the stars.

Bovel