A Druidic Primer

By: Taril Posted on: November 19, 2008

This Primer is a fictitious tale, one meant to inspire young Druidic Aspirants in the ways of Nature.

The library was silent, only the occasional turning page dispelling the peace. The culprit, a young Druid Aspirant, still clad in his robe from Ceylon, murmurs all the while he is behind an immense tome,

vying to absorb any past knowledge from elder Druids. Suddenly, the murmurs cease, followed by a sigh and accompanied with a loud "SLAM!" from the book's hardened covers.

"By the Gods! What am I supposed to learn from this?" cries the Aspirant, seemingly to no one. A soft chuckle emanates from a corner, shadowed softly by flickering candlelight.

"Oh my, child. Truly there is a better way to treat these old books." The kind voice was from none other than Jallah, the eldest Druid.

"Oh, Jallah," lamented the Aspirant, "How am I supposed to learn all these things?" The Aspirant began to make his way over to sit in front of Jallah, his bare feet making a soft "pat" against the library's wooden floor, all the while asking more question.

"Sir, there is just so much! I had a question about the bloodroot leaf in mana elixers. This report mentions that the plant should have a sheen for the best results, but another says the leaf should be mashed slightly. Oh, the pistil on the lobelia blossom, it should be bright yellow, right? Also, my map of the Ithmia doesn't match with this scroll's, but it may already include Bagwar's Copse and just not reference back to it. Oh! And th--

"Hoot!"

Zephyr, Jallah's owl was the source of the authoritative sound. Blushing, the Aspirant began to stammer apologies, until Jallah silenced him completely by raising a wrinkled hand.

"My child," said Jallah quietly, "there is wisdom within these written multitudes, let there be no doubt. But even with multiple eternities to study these ancient books, true understanding of Nature's mysteries and ways must be experienced in all forms."

"How so?" asked the Aspirant, moving into a seated position.

Smiling, Jallah simply stated, "By living them." With kind eyes, the eldest Druid then began to softly chant...

Breathe full the air of mighty Vashnar high,

Drink long the water of coursing Zaphar swift.

Hearken to the birdsongs, for they are Nature's gift,

And sit atop the Shamtotas, just to see the sky.

Do this, Druid, and live!

Race the wind in the Savannah's fields of gold,

Lose yourself within Ulangi's darkened caves.

Study how Mhojave's shifting sands behave,

And rest within the verdant Ithmia of old.

Do this, Druid, and live!

Count the petals on Aeguary's first flower,

And wrestle with a grizzly cub for fun.

Watch for the fires that blaze like the sun,

And strive to balance their titanic power.

Do this, Druid, and live!

Laugh at the antics of Aureliana rabbits,

Soothe the ache in a sparrow's wounded wing.

Care not for mantles, be them for pauper or a king,

And trust only in Nature's consant habits.

Do this, Druid, and live!

Take heart in your endeavours, long be your stride,

With your staff to aid and to guard.

Stand tall against perils, be them meager or hard,

You are Nature's guardian, Her pride.

Do this, Druid, and live!

With a quiet chuckle, Jallah helped the thankful Aspirant to his feet, and lead him softly to the exit of the library, confident that his new charge would heed his wisdom.