PART XVI - ELATION
Returning to the meditation grove, something happened. Tazrok, walking slowly next to his trainer, suddenly stopped, putting his hand to his head, a confused look on his face.
“What is wrong?” Rowani asked, concern evident in her voice.
“I …” Tazrok began, shaking his head to clear it. “Get stealth form.”
Rowani’s eyes widened as a smile came to her face.
“Get stealth form!” Tazrok exclaimed, eyes wide and excitement in his deep voice.
“Very good!” Rowani said, congratulating her student, true excitement in her voice. Internally, she heaved a silent sigh of relief. She had become quite worried that Tazrok was going to continue to struggle with his identity issues, which would obviously quickly become a detriment to any training progress.
As they continued to walk through the woods, an obvious spring now in the big Ogre’s step, Trainer Rowani couldn’t help but feel a little guilty. Most of the story she had told Tazrok was true. She was indeed terrified her first time casting Mend Wound, and did leave the farmer with a truly impressive scar. But when she had come of age, her family and friends didn’t shun her. In fact, they were all quite excited, and encouraged her learning. Her parents even sought out a great Druid for her to apprentice under. Rowani had never had to deal with the sense of being an outcast that Tazrok was feeling. It was more than just a small lie, but one that hopefully would do no harm.
If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.
Tazrok almost bounded back into the meditation grove, startling his fellow Druids with his excitement. Once he managed to explain what had happened, that one of his forms had finally come to him, they congratulated him and shared his excitement, too. With a smile on his face, Tazrok the Druid once again sat down, his back against the tall tree, and closed his eyes.
It didn’t take long, and Tazrok once again received a form, this one his Guardian. He was quite excited for this one, because he knew it was one that most-closely resembled his training as a Warrior and Barbarian. And although he nearly begged, Trainer Rowani simply would not let him try it out, saying that tradition demanded he wait until the end of the day.
As the sun filtered through the leaves and branches of the big tree, Bratig received his final form, leaving Melga still with only three. Tazrok soon tied the Dwarf as his Flight Form was received. They eyed each other warily, now making it an all-in-fun contest of who would get their final form first. But the moods were now light, Tazrok’s excitement becoming infectious and making it difficult for Trainer Rowani to calm the remaining two for meditation.