Celenia Longstem was starting to worry. It was well over the estimated time The Humble Titans were supposed to be away. She worried that something might have happened to them, they could be hurt, lost, captured… Or worse. There hadn’t been a day that Celenia woke up expecting to hear a full kitchen, or a night where she expected the front door of the mansion to swing open and everyone saunter in. Icarus keep telling her not to worry, that quests like theirs could take significantly longer than anticipated, but his care-free demeanor only caused her anxiety to flare.

Icarus is wrong, she thought, He was a part of Lester’s team. His definition of quests is completely different than what The Humble Titans should be taking.

Celenia had been staying in Lester’s, now Max’s, mansion alone. Icarus, at first, tried conversing with her, talking about this and that, but it became apparent that they were in separate worlds. Icarus wanted to talk about global events, political standing, powerful entities, and villains, Celenia would nod and agree with the points he made but would ultimately be lost. She thought herself unknowledgeable in subject such as these and found excuses to avoid Icarus. She had to study, she didn’t feel well, she had to run errands. She didn’t hate the owl, but she simply felt unequal. Something that, if he knew, Icarus would disagree with.

Icarus eventually took the hint and only greeted her or gave her small tidbits of advice when she was struggling with a particularly hard spell or concept. Icarus didn’t mind, however. He figured she was worried and that she wanted to be alone. He knew, more than anyone, about waiting for companions.

Sweat dripped off the ends of Celenia’s shoulder length hair, wetting her tunic and turning it a darker shade of brown. The sun was glowing an elongated red hue as it stretched behind the horizon. Small stems and bushes of flowers slowly fluttered into existence, stretching high and higher until they started to grow outwards. Streaks of colors sprouted into the sea of green, and with every passing moment, more and more petals were finding their maximum size.

Her spell ended with a kick of exhaustion and a look of admiration. The once barren and empty garden was now full of lush greenery and bountiful foliage. A small and quiet clap of reassurance sounded from behind Celenia. She twisted her body with a great smile. A golden-white glowing owl of pure light sat perched atop a similar glowing tree. He wore an expression of sly cunning, something that Celenia was only able to conclude after living with the owl for many weeks. His feathers ruffled as he gave her a hoot of amity.

The other, the one who was clapping, was none other than Celenia’s [Druid] teacher, [Druid] Dreamstem. She, like Celenia, was an Elf. A rather proud one at that. Dreamstem was quite guarded with her past but after spending most of her time with Dreamstem in the last month, Celenia had a few ideas. The most probably was that Lady Dreamstem was a member of the Royal Elven blood line. Her reasoning for thinking this was Dreamstem’s characteristic purple flared hair. Her hair moved in long black locks, ending with an eye-catching purple. Under the right light, Celenia could swear she could see, what she describes as stars, twinkling in the elder Elf’s pitch-black hair.

The second idea Celenia had about her master was that she was a runaway from the [Druid] order known as The Grove of Lentu. Celenia didn’t know much about the order but knew that they were very secretive of their members and their tasks. She did, however, know their symbol. A tree with a floral design guarded by a bear and a beast. Most of Nava would recognize the crest, and they would know not to anger any member.

However, neither of these ideas were correct. Dreamstem was simply a [Druid]. Her bloodline was nothing special. She was common born and common raised. She was a member of the order, but nothing more than an entry level recruit. Most [Druids] were a part of the order in one shape or another. The stories about the order were formed from only a select few incidents involving a few of the more eccentric members.

The order was secretive and Dreamstem hoped that Celenia would soon be initiated. World powers knew about the order, what they wanted, what they stood for. They were a powerful bunch that was directly sponsored by a major deity, something very few other associations had. They lived in the shadows of the very plants and trees they fought to protect. They moved with the wind and whispered along great vines. Dreamstem was, for all intents and purposes, the visible member of the order. Lesterwood had no less than six [Druids] of the order within the city walls at all times.

The clapping slowed and ended with a pointed downwards facing finger. Celenia followed the gesture. Her throat dropped into her stomach. Roots and grass had grown over master Dreamstem’s feet. Celenia fell to her knees. She was so sure she had it this time. She had practiced and practiced. Countless hours had been poured into her knowledge and understanding of nature and how mana interacts with its surroundings. She was disappointed with herself.

“Stand up child.” Dreamstem’s almost mystic voice calmed. “Look at me.”

Celenia slowly found her footing and looked up. Her master was giving her a great big grin. But why? She had failed. She had overgrown the garden. It was much easier to grow rather than regrow plants and bushes. She was going to speed hours fixing her mista-

“Child? Do you not see what you have done?” Dreamstem spoke quietly.

“I failed.” Celenia muttered.

“No. You did splendid. Better than I would have thought you to do.”

“What-?”

“Child, look around. The garden is lush with a multitude of plants and flowers. One overgrown patch of grass is sacrifice enough for such beatify.”

“But- But I-“

“Celenia. Listen to my closely.” Dreamstem leaned in and locked her eyes with Celenia. “Being a [Druid] is not about being precise. It is not about being accurate or standard. It is about dreaming and wonder, creation, imagination, and passion. I look around this garden and see a powerful [Druid] coming into their own. There will be mistakes, sure, but nothing as small as slightly long roots is anything to simmer about.”

Celenia opened and closed her mouth a few times. “Thank you.” She finally whispered.

Dreamstem turned to Icarus. “Thank you for hosting me.” She bowed. “I will be off. Good work Celenia, I mean it.”

Celenia barley managed to nod before Dreamstem sprouted large wings, a beak, and feathers. Her bones lightened and her sized changed. She druidshifted into her a great falcon, one that would only be found high in the Ire Mountains. With a few flaps of her wings, [Druid] Dreamstem was heading back to the city, gliding close to the water.

“I thought you did wonderful Celenia. You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to get a [Gardener] to come to the island. They mostly think my letters are fake and ignore them.”

A great knot untwisted from Celenia’s stomach, and she laughed.

“I guess I am a gardener, huh?”

It was late evening when Celenia finally found her way to the Hounds Harold. Ask any adventurer or mage and they would be able to point you in the direction of the Harold. It was, by far, the most popular tavern in all of Lesterwood for the rough and rumble fighting type. It served strong cheap alcohol, perfect for adventures and the like. The owner used to be a high-ranking adventurer himself and founded the perfect place for a relaxing night of drinking and eating.

Celenia looked past the close tables deep into the torch light taproom. Tables filled with scarred and bruised men and woman sang joyous fighter tunes as a small instrumental accompaniment played off to the side on a small stage. The crowd swayed together in drunken song, screeching about Dragons, Kings, and the Gods. The tone of the establishment was warm, much warmer than what Celenia had originally envisioned when she was invited here the first time.

Her scanning of the room eventually bore fruit and she found a waving Mel. It was hard to maintain a “regular” table in the Harold. Adventures come in go all the time in Lesterwood. Some, the rougher type, would fight the poor soul who took “their” spot. The few times Celenia had been to the Harold, she had witnessed many fights. Normally they would be broken up by the more sober companions of the fighters, but one particularly bad time the owner had to step in. Celenia remembered how the aura of the room seemed to change as he kicked out the door leading into his office. The band stopped playing, the fighting stopped, and everyone seemed to sober-up a notch. It wasn’t all bad however, the entire room was given a free round while the offending fighters were kicked out, quite literally.

“How’d it go?” Mel asked as Celenia slouched into a wooden chair.

“The garden looks nice…” Celenia started.

“But?”

“But I overgrew a patch of grass and roots.”

Mel glanced to the side where a drunk Goob wobbled to the up-beat music. Mel shook her head and returned to Celenia.

“That doesn’t sound that bad.”

“That’s why master Dreamstem and Icarus said, but I don’t know… It should have been perfect.”

“Celenia, you’ve been a student of a master [Druid] for what? A month? From the sound of it, you are progressing very well.” Mel raised her hand, signaling a round of drinks.

“Not progressing fast enough.” Celenia muttered after a moment of hesitation.

“Oh, not this again.” Mel rubbed the bridge of her eyes and nose.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Celenia scoffed.

“It means that you are doing great. No one can keep up with Max’s progress. He is simply a cheat.”

“Don’t call him that.”

“We both know it's true. He was given too many advantages.”

The barkeep dropped off two meads and one ale. All of which was spilling of the brim of the wooden mug, creating a pool of liquid on the table.

“That maybe, but he deserves to have them.”

“That’s right. Can’t imagine being in his situation.” Mel took a large gulp. “The point is, chasing him will bring you nothing but dread. Find your own way, and he will recognize you.”

“Its not him that I’m worried about recognizing me.” Celenia muttered quietly enough that Mel couldn’t hear over the loud atmosphere. She, in one deep chug, downed half of her ale. Mel raised an eye but didn’t say anything.

Celenia, since Max and the others left, had been throwing herself into training with [Druid] Dreamstem. She rarely went out to see Mel and Goob, although Celenia wasn’t even sure that Goob recognized her the few times she’d seen him. He is normally completely wasted by the time they all met up. Mel had come by the mansion a few times, but often left soon after her arrival. Either Celenia wasn’t home, busy with training, or asleep. Instead, they resorted to making plans to meet at the Harold at least one a week.

A loud yelp sounded from the far side of the tavern, causing the band to play louder as a isolated fist fight broke out. Shouts and cheers sounded from all arose the room. Bags of silver and gold were raised into the air and a black-eyed Demonkin walked around collecting bets. The fight ended with a powerful right hook to the jaw of one of the combatants. The winner showboated around before being jumped by the companions of the, now unconscious, loser. More cheers and more bets sounded as the Demonkin shuffled coin around to the winners and collected more for the new fighters.

Celenia never fancied herself much of a fighter. If ever apparent by how pitiful she fought in the ruins of Leafhall. She saw herself as a kindly and warm spirt. One of peace and equality. She didn’t turn even slightly to watch the ongoing fight in the far end of the tavern. She instead focused on her ale and waited for the band to slow. Mel, on the other hand, shouted words of praise and deep curses as blow after blow sounded. She eventually let out a silent cry as her bet lost this round of gambling. Mel grumbled as she saw the Demonkin handing out her silver.

Celenia found herself thinking about master Dreamstem’s words. Wonder, creative, imagination, and passion. She knew what they meant in definition, but not how to equate that to magic. She had known very little as a slave. Hardly the basics of magic and nowhere near the level of excellence she expected from herself. Over the past month, Celenia had seen master Dreamstem cast plenty of spells. They, to her, seemed unimaginative and weak. They were nothing more than growing a seed into a blooming flower or creating a link between her and an animal for druidshifting.

Celenia had never seen Dreamstem cast anything larger or more adventurous than the basics. But then again, Celenia was only at the basics level. How could she even understand the more complex and difficult spells without mastering the basics. She could hardly shift her bones and create feathers. She couldn’t talk to animals or trees; she couldn’t even read the wind.

“What’s the matter?” Mel asked while waving for another round.

“I don’t know how [Druids] are supposed to… to… be. Imaginative? Creative? Passion?”

For a moment both women looked to Goob who made a noise like he had something to say but turned back to each other when they realized he had just grunted.

“Ask.” Mel said with a shrug.

“Ask?” Celenia echoed.

“Sure, ask Dreamstem to give you examples or talk you through her thought process.”

Celenia thought for a moment before finally saying, “That may be a good idea.”

Mel snorted and the three -two really- had a fun night. They talked about what each of them had been doing lately. Mel and Goob had been talking a few collection and extermination quests in the area around Lesterwood. They were steadily making money while practicing team strategies and formations. Mel, again, assured Celenia that Goob is sober for outings into dangerous places.

Celenia talked about spell training and the weird almost spiritual techniques that Lady Dreamstem was teaching. Mel seemed the most interested about druidshifting. Celenia had to explain that it was the practice of transforming into an animal of some kind. The most common was a bird of some sort, a fox, and a large bear. Of course, there were outliers. If a [Druid] lived by the ocean, they might want a walrus or shark form. If they lived on a mountain, they may want a ram or goat form. Mel bombarded Celenia with questions.

“Do you get to choose what kind of animal you become? Can you transform into monsters? What about other people? Can you fly- ”

“You have to create a contract with a willing animal to transform into them. Most would jump at the idea of having a contract with a [Druid], the only issue is I still can’t talk to animals…” Celenia said.

“That means monsters are a no-go then. They would rather kill you than make a contract.”

Celenia quickly shook her head. “There are a few [Druids] with monster forms. They are just rare and hard to create, since, like you said, monsters would rather kill you then create a contract.”

“But then how- “

“Beat them into submission.” Celenia quietly said, like it was heresy.

“Wha- “

“Monster forms are looked down on by the order.” Celenia leaned into say.

“Oh... right… Someone could kill a village and make it look like a monster attack.”

Celenia nodded. “How’s your spear coming along?”

“Very good actually!” Mel said happy to change the subject.

It was well past midnight when the girls finally decided to call it a night. Goob, who had been drunk since Celenia sat down, had to be dragged out. Mel grumbled about him the entire walk back to the mansion. The streets were dangerous for lone walkers late at night. Guard patrols were few and far between, meaning that muggers and [Thieves] thrived. Celenia, being the most sober in the group, decided that Mel and Goob would be accompanying her to the mansion.

More than a few times Mel had to stretch her aura to scare off any potential robberies, but they eventually made it safely to the bridge gate. The walk across the bridge was always weird to Celenia. The noise from the city felt so far away, something that was only ever mimicked by walking away from the city into the forest. It was eerie.

As the neared the mansion, small posts with mana lights flickered on, guiding their way. Icarus could easily widen his influence well into the city from the central hub of the mansion, meaning that he could see the group approaching. Something was different about this walk into the mansion, however. Lights from a few of the rooms were on, something that never happened with Icarus around.

The girls increased their pace. The doors automatically swung open for them, and they entered the main corridor. They quickly dropped Goob off on a nearby couch and set their sights to the room with the lights on. Celenia’s heart quickened as the thought of Max and the others finally arriving home filled her head. To her disappointment the main living room was filled with three people, none of which was Max or the others.

“Ah there you are Celenia.” Icarus spoke.

“You were waiting on me?” She asked sitting down and gesturing greeting to the others.

“Yes. But I only received the message a few hours ago. I figured you’d be back when the others arrived.” Hooted Icarus.

“The others?” For the first time, Celenia really looked around.

Three people sat, all of which were different races and of varying degrees of importance within the pollical realm of Lesterwood’s government. Flame Devil and Mage Guild Master, Domic was the most familiar to Celenia. She had talked with him countless times over her stay in Lesterwood. He was originally the one who recommended her to apprentice under [Druid] Dreamstem. He looked very tired and confused. He wore, what Celenia assumed to be, night clothes. Thin silky fabric’s loosely fit the red-skinned Devil. He had a small leather belt across his waist that housed a simple steel sword, rather than carrying his typical war hammer. He gave her a curt nod.

Captain of the Guards, Olivia Shatterwind was the next of the three that Celenia knew the most. Although they had only met a few times, mainly in passing. Lady Dreamstem had taken reports from Shatterwind a few times, allowing Celenia to meet her a few times in proxy. She wore the typical captain of the guard dress. Shiny reflective steel breastplate, gantlets, and the typical orange striped leather under suit. Her uniform, unlike most others, had an intricate emblem carved into the upper right shoulder piece, signifying her rank. Shatterwind was a Sylph, a humanoid race that was known for their usage of wind and highly quick attacks.

Last of the three, and a person Celenia had only met twice, was mayor Silverjewl. Every time Celenia had seen the mayor, he had been wearing highly expensive threads along without countless enchanted jewelry. This time as no different, even though he looked to be half asleep. The mayor is an Elf, like Celenia, but for some reason, Celenia feels out of place when he is in the room. She feels like she is obsolete and that Silverjewl is a true Elf. He wore similar clothing as Domic, but many jewels were embroidered into the seams and stitching of the fabric. Celenia knew that her feelings towards the mayor was wrong. The mayor had never done anything to warrant this sort of reaction from her, if anything he has only been polite and pleasant to her.

“Well?” Domic said after a few moments of silence. “Why have you gathered us here.”

“There is one more we are waiting on.” Icarus said. “Ah! Here she comes now. Just a few more moments.”

Celenia looked to Mel, who sat beside her. Mel shrugged.

After a few more minutes of awkward silence, Head Priestess Burk, a short and cranky Angelic, sauntered in. She quickly sat down and gestured for the bird to start. Burk looked exactly as Max had described to Celenia. Robes that were way to long, dust and debris clinging to the edges. Unkept and disheveled hair, disturbing piercing eyes, and an attitude of utter arrogance. Celenia didn’t like the head Priestess even though they had never met. She held her opinion firmly, remembering what she had done to Max and Emi.

“I have received a message from Veline.” Icarus said unceremoniously. “They are on their way back.”

Celenia and Mel were overjoyed, Celenia more than Mel. The others in the room shifted uncomfortably. News of what had been going on in Esmel had circulated the continent, but only those of need to know, knew. People without the renown had no idea what has happening in Esmel and only that the trade routes had been closed.

“There is more.” Icarus added to calm the giddy girls. “Mallor Henbar is dead, along with his bond, Buzluc.”

“Truly?” Domic asked.

“Max has conformation system boxes for both deaths. Vel has one for Mallor and Bishop has the one for Buzluc.”

“Wha-“ Celenia began but was cut off by mayor Silverjewl.

“What about the city?”

“Intact. Some reconstruction is needed but it is standing.” Icarus sent Celenia a look that silenced her oncoming question. “The [Arbors] have enacted their influence, sealing the city from the inside. No one in or out. Except for Veline and the others.”

“The city is sealed?” Shatterwind asked.

“A dome of thorns so thick a horde of tens of thousands of undead couldn’t penetrate.”

“Ten of-“ Celenia gasped.

“Casualties on Vel’s team?” Domic asked.

“None.”

“None?” Shatterwind asked. “Mallor Henbar and Buzluc didn’t kill a single one of them?”

“They had some close calls, but nothing life-ending.” Icarus again shut down Celenia’s question with a harsh look.

“When are they expected back?” Domic asked.

“They are staying a few days in Urgsen for a few days before heading back.”

“Urgsen? The port city?”

“Indeed. It seems Max promised Emi he would take her to the beach. And as Veline said. ‘I could use a vacation anyways.’”

“Why am I even here if you won’t let me ask questions!” Celenia finally screeched.

Icarus regarded her for a moment. “They found your mother, Belopi. She is traveling with them to Lesterwood.”

“M-my mothe-? My m-mother is dead!” Celenia yelled.

“Evidently not.” Icarus said coldly. “Unless she is a [Skinshifter] or [Doppelganger], your mother is very much alive. I would expect Bishop and Veline to have noticed a shifter in their party. From how I understand, Bishop may be your step-father soon.”

Head Priestess Burk snorted.

“Icarus!” Bellowed Silverjewl. “Have some class!”

The meeting continued, but Celenia found herself unable to listen. She vaguely remembered hearing about plans for news to be spread. Something about a marsh hideout and something about a Demigod. Celenia’s mind was going crazy. Her anxiety was flaring, and bad thoughts surfaced. Thoughts that she thought she had long left behind. Memories of her father’s smile as he was beaten. The slaver’s headquarters. The screams and cries of the “fresh arrivals”. Thoughts of her mother. She had she gone? Did she ever come to look for her? Was she even alive?

“Celenia?” Mel asked gently. “Hey, Celenia? You alright?”

Celenia didn’t answer, instead she muttered inaudible words.

“She’s in shock.” Head Priestess Burk said from across the room.

“Shock?”

“Yes, shock. Did you not hear what Icarus told her? She is in shock.”

“But is she going to be alright?”

“She will be.” Burk moved to Celenia and placed her palm against Celenia’s forehead. A feeling of mana pulsed subtlety though the air, and Celenia flopped to her side, asleep.

“When she wakes, make sure she eats a big breakfast.” Burk added before leaving the room.

The others slowly made their way out. Each had a task to do, even though it was early morning hours. Icarus gave regarded Mel and Celenia for a moment before saying good night and fading away. Mel gathered a few blankets and pillows, adding one under Celenia’s head and draping the soft warm fabric over her shivering body. She found a nice comfy spot on a nearby coach and quickly feel asleep.

The next morning was awkward for Celenia. Mel explained over breakfast what happened with Burk and the sleeping spell. Food kept getting put in front of her, but she didn’t feel like eating. She didn’t know what to feel actually. Happiness? Sadness? Guilt? The entire time, she thought her mother to be dead. Why else couldn’t she have found her? But by the end of breakfast, she kept coming back to one thought. Who was her mother? Celenia was young when she was taken. She was raised by her owner for a long time. It saddened her to think about, but her owner was the closest thing to a mother that she had. And that scared her.

Celenia got dressed and left for the city. She had a lesson with master Dreamstem, one she couldn’t skip. Her, Mel, and Goob walked into the city together, but eventually separated. Celenia thought it was nice to actually talk to Goob, even though he was cringe in pain at every loud noise or bright light.

Lady Dreamstem lived outside the city in a small grove she had been cultivating for years. It was close enough to the city that one could walk to, but far enough to make the journey an annoyance. To a bird, however, the distance was perfect. Since Celenia couldn’t druidshift correctly, Dreamstem and her met in the Mage Guild. They had their own private classroom this time of morning, one that was shared with the Herbology class in the evenings. Dreamstem and the teacher of the Herbology class had made a deal about the use of the plants inside the classroom. As long as no plants died, Dreamstem had free reign over the manipulation of the plants.

The Mage Guild was much the same as the first time Celenia entered. A big room with tables hosting a multitude of groups of mages. She recognized some of the groups. At a far table, wearing mostly reds and oranges, were the flame scholars. There were a pompous group of mages ranges in varying fire-affinity classes such as [Fire Mage], [Pyromancer], [Searing Heat], and even a [Lava Mage]. At a closer table were a few runic mages, sorting purple and blue robes. She didn’t know much about what runic mages did, or even what classes constitutes being a part of the runic club, but she knew that they were important… Somehow…

To the side was the [Wind Mages]. Close to them were a few [Water Mages]. Celenia always wondered if Max would join them. By the stairs was a loner [Electric Mage] she had seen a few times. At the reception desk was a [Glass Mage] and a [Poison Mage]. It was pretty crowded for this time of morning, Celenia noted. She walked past the [Electric Mage], who didn’t even glance up, to the stares. The Herbology classroom was on the second floor. Celenia hoped to actually take the class in a month when the new term started. She had the gold required all bundled up back at the mansion. During her time apprentices under the city [Druid], Celenia had taken many jobs that her master thought would be wise. From gathering to regrowing dead bushes, Celenia had made quite a bit of money. At least for her.

Celenia used her key to unlock the door to the room. She was allowed, under special privilege, to have a spare key to the room. Mainly because Dreamstem didn’t want to have to use the front door. Celenia opened the first window and a small hummingbird fluttered in. A freshly shifted, nude, Dreamstem quickly appeared. She quickly removed a bundle of clothes from a inventory runic tattoo. Inventory tattoos were a secrete of the order. One in which they will kill to silence. Dreamstem made it very clear to Celenia NOT to share any information about her tattoos. Inventory rings were rare, inventory tattoos were unheard of.

“What’s wrong child? You seem upset. Is it about the garden? I thought we discussed-“

“No, its not that.” Celenia interrupted. “Max, Vel, and the others are on their way back.”

“That is good, no?”

“It is… But they… They found m-my mother…” Celenia’s voice got quieter as she spoke.

Dreamstem knew of Celenia’s life. She knew that she used to be a slave. She knew about her owner teaching her magic. She knew about her father fighting to protect her and their livelihoods. The one thing she did not know about, the one thing Celenia hadn’t told her, was about her mother.

“Your… Mother-?” Dreamstem asked gently.

“I don’t know more than a P.S. at the end of a mana message. ‘P.S. We found Celenia’s mother in Esmel. She and Bishop have a thing. We are taking her with us.’ I memorized the note…”

“Veline wrote that I assume.”

Celenia nodded.

“Well, this is good, no? Your mother is well and coming to Lesterwood.”

“Yeah, I guess.” The words that came out of Celenia’s mouth were nothing more than a whisper.

“You don’t want to see her?”

“I do.” Celenia quickly said. “I just don’t-I just don’t-“

“You're scared.” Dreamstem finished.

Celenia nodded. Silence filled the air as Dreamstem regarded her. Celenia could feel her face growing hot.

“It is good that you are scared.” Dreamstem finally said. “It shows that you are wanting her to be your mother again. It shows that you had never really given up on her.”

“I don’t know what I want.”

“You want to recognize yourself. You want to know that you are strong enough to handle what comes at you. You want to prove that you, a former slave, can live as a free woman.”

Celenia gaped at the dark-haired Elf.

“Oh, don’t give me that look. Your muttering is a lot louder than you think.” Dreamstem said with a smirk, causing Celenia to grow even more red.

“I’ve been thinking on how to better teach your creativity and imagination. I think a demonstration is the best way to move forward. What do you think?”

Again, Celenia gaped at her teacher. “I-I was thinking the same thing.”

A great smile radiation from Dreamstem’s face. “Let’s head outside the city then.”

The two made for the door when a knock sounded. A tired looking Flame Devil staggered in.

“Oh good. I was hoping to catch you Lady Dreamstem. We received word last night that Veline and her team are headed back.”

Dreamstem nodded. “So, I’ve heard.”

Domic’s eyes flicked to Celenia for a moment. “Then you know about the [Arbor]’s and how they sealed the city?”

“No, I have not.” Dreamstem said looking at Celenia who shrugged.

“Oh, well uhm… Mallor Henbar and Buzluc are dead. The undead army has been crushed, the city went into, what I understand as, an [Arbor] root dome of influence. Veline and her team exited somehow and are now making their way back.”

Dreamstem’s eyebrows were raised as high as they possible could.

“Root dome of influence?”

“Yes… I was hoping you could… send the news about Esmel to” Domic’s voice became very quiet. “To your order… Esmel’s bound to need help after this.”

“Of course. I will send a message to another member and have them contact you.”

Domic nodded. “Thank you, Lady Dreamstem.”

Lady Dreamstem and Celenia stood a few kilometers from Lesterwood in the forest. Before them stood many trees and fallen leaves. It was growing colder, the leaves were changing color and falling. Bears and other similar animals were starting their hibernation periods. Squirrels were finishing storing their winter rations. The ground was becoming harder, small lines of frost were forming in the mornings. Winter was well on its way.

“Are you ready?” Dreamstem asked Celenia who nodded. “Then watch closely.”

Dreamstem started gathering mana. Her eyes began to glow deep emerald, green. Hidden tattoos began to glow a sapphire blue, seemingly piercing their clothing covers with malice. Dreamstem’s hair started to raise up, similar to how Clammy’s would when she was practicing a gravity spell. Power started gathering in the soles of Dreamstem’s feet. A power that felt so familiar to Celenia, but so foreign at the same time. Celenia recognized the spell Dreamstem was casting. She had performed the same spell just a day earlier.

With a sharp exhale from Dreamstem, the ground began to move.