In Search of Enchanted Wood (Pala, Private)

[Fish Stick]

The trip was long, and tedius, but in the end, the finally arrived by carriage at the gates of Vers. Within the carraige was Granny Jen, whom had packed a variety of herbs, and made the carraige her own little home. Also with her was Palacrisis, a man whom had come looking for the old woman's help in finding the enchanted wood that he needed for his Staff of Arcana. The guards looked at Granny Jen's credentials, and waved her through the gates.

Looking out the window of the carraige, the old wrinkled woman turned to Palacrisis, and then said, "We are finally here... first stop should be an Inn to get a point to stay i believe. I've had enough living in this cramped carraige," she said, letting out a bit of a laugh as she watched the man and waited for any signs he was listening, or going to respond. "Then i believe a trip to the Imaden School of Arcana is in order, so that we might talk to a Master Druid about any enchanted groves that might present themselves around this mystical city..."

[Palacrisis D Jones]

3rd cycle of Kalendryas ~ Winter Era XIV


following the events of a cycle earlier

It might have been a tedious journey north to Vers in the depths of winter but Pala did not find it so. He was not what anyone had ever called educated, he might have got to the rank of Imperial Consul but the bare fact was that he had never had a lesson in the art of politicking in his life. Thus he had great respect for those who were experts in their field, he had gently cajoled the old lady to talk of plants and herbs as they travelled the bumpy roads. His brain taking in facts and stories like a sponge to water. Most people likes to talk at length on the subject they were best qualified to lecture on and Palacrisis knew this fact well. It was one of the ways he got under peoples skin and managed to get some semblance of an education for himself.

However there is only so much herbology that any man can take and with some great relief after passing through the gates of Vers, he leaned out of the carriage window and asked his driver to find them the best in in town .

Good Lady Jen I agree with you some food and maybe a soak in a hot tub will ease the ache out of my muscles. I think I shall need to at most alert if we are to meet a master druid in the morrow!

[Fish Stick]

"That sounds like a great idea Palacrisis..." she began, and then thought for a moment. "A hot bath would be nice, as well as something good to eat, then we can rest for the night, and meet with this Master Druid tomorrow..." As she said this, the carriage continued through the busy streets of Vers. They could hear people speaking, and everyone was in a good mood from the sound of some of the conversations that were going on.

When the carraige finally came to a stop, they were infront of one of the best Inns in town, The Red Mullet Inn and Tavern. The carraige steerman got out of his seat, and opened the door of the carraige. They could feel a cool breeze blowing into the carraige as it opened up to let them out. "Thank you sir," said Granny Jen as the man held a hand up to help the old woman out of the carraige. She wrapped her forest green shaw around her a bit to protect her from the cold. Looking up towards Palacrisis, she said, "Well, shall we go in, and see if they have two rooms available? I can pay for them if they are a decent price..." After saying that, she turned, and the doorman opened the door for her. The carraige steerman began to unload her and Palacrisis's luggage, as well as preparing to carry it into the tavern.

Upon entering, they would immediately head to the desk, and Granny Jen would ask the receptionist, "What are your prices on two rooms?” she asked. The owner, whom was standing there awaiting a customer, smiled broadly and said, ”Two hundred crowns for a basic room, three hundred for a room with a bath, and four hundred for a room with a bath, and room service… What shall it be mam?” After he asked her, she turned to look at Palacrisis and said, ”I’ll pay for it, don’t you worry, just focus on the task at hand here… We’ll take two rooms with a bath and room service…” The last part of her sentence was directed towards the bartender…

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Having a lady of uncertain maturity treating him was a new experience but he reasoned he was not going to argue if it gave Lady Jen pleasure who was he to spoil the moment.

The Red Mullet Inn and Tavern proved to be most acceptable , the water was hot the food delicious and the bed soft if a bit lonely but that was not something he was entirely unused too. J’lyara would be curled up in their bed back at the Kallimeyra Estate and she would not be alone , the old black cat that accompanied Palacrisis over his travels around the empire would be a curled up sleepy companion.

He lay back on the bed his hands behind his head a large nightcap of whiskey at his side and simply reflected on his task.

Assuming that they were pointed in the right direction by this druid chappy and that this miraculous enchanted glade was discovered , what was next ? Hmmm somehow he had to persuade the tree to let him have one of its branches or a twig or a pole. Thus there had to be some form technique he could employ ……..if this was an enchanted glade then Arcana was present in its purest form and therefore that meant the trees themselves were vessels of magic. So how to detach a branch from a magic tree?

He swung himself off the bed and clutching his glass of scotch began to pace up and down the chintzy room.

The problem was he decided that until he actually found this glade then he had no idea what actually constituted an enchantment. It was simply a matter of slipping into clara and then studying his surroundings carefully.

Satisfied that he had thought enough about his problem he yawned like an old lion stretched his arms up wards and resumed his rest on the soft bed. The next brightening could take care of its self and unless any one needed him later on that darkening he was ready for some well earned shut eye.

[Fish Stick]

Morning came early as a loud bang could be heard upon Palacrisis's door. Granny jen was outside, and boy, did she have a strong arm for an older lady. The noise was sure to awaken the slumbering Palacrisis. "Palacrisis? Are you awake? I managed to get us an interview with one of the Master Druids at the college. Her name is Monai, and she is a Master druidess and journeyman in herbs and roots. If anyone would know the closest enchanted Glade, it would certainly be her..." she said, and then awaited a response from the now awoken man...

[Palacrisis D Jones]

He had woken early eager to get on with the brightenings events fortified by several cups of hot tea and a huge piece of fresh baked bread and several slices of bacon he was ready to get started . Thus the knock on the door was both expected and well received. He flung open the door and bowed to his guide


Serale Lady Jen and a splendid brightening it is too. Master Monai, eh well lets not keep her waiting .You certainly have been busy and I thank you for it

Following his guide out of the Inn in to the early sunshine of a perfect winters morning Pala felt ready for anything gallantly offering his older companion his arm they made their way towards their appointment.

Another herb enthusiast eh this mistress Monai , you know Lady Jen I am moderately well connected within the empire .If there was ever something rare or difficult to obtain in Sheria in the plant line possibly I could call in a few favours from around the empire for you.

Which was true having worked in the far west and northern east . Centripax and goodness knows where else it should be possible to make enquiries for the good lady should she ever need his help.

[Fish Stick]

"Yes, let us not keep the good mistress Monai waiting, i'm sure that she is a busy woman..." said Granny Jen. As they began to make haste to the carraige awaiting outside, Granny Jen answered what Palacrisis had said. "Yes, she is quite the herb enthusiast, one of my friends students actually, but druidism got the best of her, so now she spends all of her time making the plants grow instead of studying them... you've certainly fallen into a group of tree lovers... hehehe, that's what we are..." When he spoke of being able to gain favours for her, she got so excited she almost fell over. "If you could obtain rare herbs for me, i'd be greatly appreciative. I love to study almost any herb that i can, especially if it's in sheria!"

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Pala assisted Lady Jen as he insisted on calling the lady herbologist into the carriage and as they set off through the streets of Vers he posed a question.

“It is my nature to be curious and a little cautious Lady Jen. This mistress Monai what is she like? I know she has reached the rank of master and deserves respect for that achievement , I know she shares your passion for plants and their properties but what is she like as a person? I have found that going into uncharted territory it is wise to know something of the people that inhabit that environ in case an innocent remark might cause offence.”

It was that curious nature that forced his eyes to observe his surroundings . Vers had a certain reputation for individualism, was there not an incident some patterns ago where the very fabric of the town was transported to a different place a wonderful exercise in power magic but odd nevertheless,. But that demonstrated thee was real power here…..hmmm

You seem to know this place very well Lady Jen he remarked Magic seems to be in its very bones yet for all that the town and its people are highly independent and dare I say in the past have been a thorn in the political establishment of the province. Can you shed any light on its people and its attitudes. You know dear lady that come the spring there will be war with the Orcs your talents as a healer will be needed sadly but I wonder if this much vaunted independence will only allow Vers and its mages to remain neutral ?

Perhaps the old herbologist was not the person to consult on matters of such importance but Pala had learned to value opinions from many different sources over the eras.

[Fish Stick]

"The Mistress Monai is a kind and gentle woman," began Granny Jen, whom let a wrinkled smile cross her face. "She in always looking to help her students, and teach anyone anything she can. She's not one to not help anyone seeking it, if that's what you are wondering. She definitely had a strict streak, but at the same time if someone asks for help, she won't deny it to them..." After she finished speaking about Lady Monai, and listening to what Palacrisis had to say about Vers, she again began to speak.

"As Vers has been a thorn in politics sides, i see no reason for them to change. It's how they are, and one has to deal with how people happen to be. I speak of this from personal experience with people, in my old age that is. I doubt that Vers will do anything but remain nuetral, for if something happens, the mages will shield this city, and it's students, and let the war remain outside of the city. How they'll do that, I haven't the faintest, but, they'll accomplish not bringing the war within city walls..." she said, and then awaited a response from Palacrisis as the carraige took off...

[Palacrisis D Jones]

Jens thoughts conformed his own impressions of Vers, apparently the neutrality stance was deeply ingrained and whilst they were perfectly capable of defending themselves they had no plans to enter the war.

He smiled softly to his companion

Thank you for your insight Lady Jen your views confirm my own suspicions I have no power in this province no authority I am just a simple citizen at the moment but … and he chuckled old habits die hard I am afraid. I cannot help but sticking the old beaky nose into matters that do not concern me. Still it occurs to me that there is more than one type of neutrality. If the Orcs invade from the northern passes of the mountains they will sweep south and even if Vers cannot be taken. They will burn and destroy the surrounding farms and villages. Vers might be safe but I suspect it will be a hungry safety unless Vers can find a way to extend its neutrally to its environs…Still as I say I have no authority to interfere so really my opinion counts for nothing!

He digested the character reference from Jen and filed her opinion of the Druidess away for later. Apart from the matter in hand it was important that he impressed the master druid for J’lyara’s sake . She had a[*] task to perform in Taralon and a master druid would be exactly the person to ask for help. But that was for another time now it was a matter of an enchanted glade.

OOC[*] a small bunny but just for background information.

[Fish Stick]

As they chatted a bit more, the carraige rode down a path through the Imaden school. If Palacrisis chose to look out the window, he would see the carriage riding under a bridge from building to building, which students were walking over, and studying on. In front of the carraige was a dome, that looked like it was made of pure glass, but had an entrance wide enough for a carraige to fit into. As they entered the dome, it was almost like a forest erupted around them. "This is where the druids study, and take care of their plants..." commented Granny Jen.

After a few more minutes, the carraige slowed to a halt, and when the carraigeman opened the door for them, they could see a woman, with brown wavy hair covering her shoulders, and adorn in a green tunic, awaiting them. As the carraigeman helped Granny Jen out, she went over, and gave the other woman a hug. "It is good to see you once again Mistress Monai..." she said. "And you too Lady Jen," replied Mistress Monai. "This is Palacrisis, the man I was telling you about..." said Granny Jen, introducing Palacrisis to Mistress Monai...

[Palacrisis D Jones]

As always Pala was fascinated by new sights and the Imaden school was certainly a new sight. A glass dome large enough to take a carriage , big enough to grow plants inside what ever will they think of next he mused with a chuckle of admiration escaping his lips. The master druid was waiting for them and as they two women separated he bowed to the Druidess.

Serale Mistress Monai it is a pleasure to meet you. My lady Jen has spoke of your expertise and it is that knowledge I would beg leave to speak to you about. Jen I expect has informed you that I search for an enchanted glade in order to gain a Staff of Arcana . My lady guide has informed me that you are the expert on these matters and so I humbly ask for your advice.

Pala did not expect to get everything he needed for free whether there was a fee or donation to the school expected or some task to perform he was prepared to follow the directions of the Druidess wherever it took him.

[Fish Stick]

The Master Druidess stood there for a moment looking Palacrisis over, and debating on whether to help him in this matter or not. He seems sincere enough, so i guess i'll let him into out little secret. "Deep in the Optia Greenwood, directly north of Vers, there happens to be a small one. Not many know of it as it is one of the newer enchanted glades to be born. I, myself, have only been there once, and almost got killed several times heading there. Creatures of immense proportion guard it, to test you, and trial you before you can reach it. It will be a dangerous trek, but if you're willing enough to do it, you'll succeed..." she said...

[Palacrisis D Jones]

He sighed softly When he had thought about a task he had not envisaged “creatures of immense proportions” If a master Druidess had nearly got herself killed what hope was there for him?

His shoulders sagged for a moment as the gloomy thoughts passed through his mind but with typical resolve he straightened his back raised an eyebrow and smiled sadly at the mistress of druidism.


I see Mistress Monai, if something is to be valued it must be hard won .Well my life has been a long series of tests and tasks some I have succeeded at, sometimes I have failed but I must admit “creatures of immense proportions” is something outside my area of expertise. I assume that this task must be completed alone and that you are not prepared to give me more details of these creatures ….All part of the test of my resolve, eh?. I am not sure what my dear wife will say but I accept your challenge I am ready to set out this brightening!

He chuckled softly perhaps slightly nervously.

No point in hanging around brooding if I am going to be some critters Pracenda I might as well at least show some manners and not be late!

[Fish Stick]

"You are correct in the fact that there is no point in hanging around here. Not if you wish to complete these trials before pracenda. I would exit to the sound gate of the city, and then head around the right side. That will be the safest route to go so that you can make it to the trials without any prior episodes..." she said, smiling, a bright glow about her face. It was obvious that she was happy to be helping Palacrisis out, as he would have to prover his worth like the others.

"I will be able to sent a guide with you, but you'll have to go through the trials. He has already gone through them with me, so he'll be of some use to you. Ssss'tak, come here!" she called over to a saurid sitting by a small plant. The plant had a green glow about it, and suddenly it shot upwards towards the sky, and grew into a small tree. Standing up, the saurid then walked over towards Palacrisis, and Mistress Monai said, "This is Ssss'tak, he's a capable adept, and will be good help. Ssss'tak, this is Palacrisis, i want you to help him get to the enchanted glade that we just recently found..." The saurid nodded, and then said, "It will be my pleasssssure to help you out in thisssss endeavor, Palacrissssissss..."