Sonder settled beside Vell, her curiosity piqued by the array of strange and most likely magical items that adorn the walls—jars of unknown fluids, potent dried herbs hung in clusters, and detailed carvings of forest creatures etched into the wooden beams.

“What brings you to my secluded corner of the forest?” inquired Boscage, filling their cups with a steaming brew. The scent wafting from the liquid was an enticing mix of sweet and earthy with a hint of floral undertones. “Are you here in the pursuit of wisdom, or perhaps just a warm smile from an old friend?”

“All very nice, but, in fact, we're here to meet the druids,” Vell responded, gratefully accepting the warm cup. “This is Sonder,” he introduced. “She's my apprentice, and I thought the druids could impart to her some knowledge about the magic rooted in the earth.”

Boscage's expression transformed subtly, a hint of worry flickering in his emerald eyes. “Are you entirely sure this is the right course?”

Sonder’s smile faded, replaced by a furrowed brow.

“Has something changed with the druids since my last visit?” Vell queried.

“Some things did, and some stayed the same,” Boscage replied. “They have a new leader, and I don’t know exactly how to describe them except for mean.”

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“But Boscage, as the Green Wizard, aren't you their leader?”

“Well…” Boscage paused, “While I may embody the spirit of the Green Wizard, I no longer hold the official title.”

“Who could embody nature's essence better than you?”

“Perhaps someone who could best me in every way. Consider it this way: if someone were to best you, you'd have to relinquish your title as the Black Wizard.”

“Enough of that; I despise that title. And any of the others could defeat me if they put their minds to it. Green, blue, purple, and the rest.”

“That’s a generous compliment,” Boscage responded, “but it’s far from the truth.”

“I could think of a few who could succeed me as the Black Wizard.” Vell said, “Who is your successor?”

“That would be Mellea. It’s fitting since they are intrinsically tied to nature, a true spirit of the forest, in a way I could never be as one of the races of men.”

Vell arched an eyebrow. “Sounds like quite the character.”

“Mellea can be a bit unpredictable, and I sometimes fear for the forest's wellbeing.”

Sonder took a careful sip from her cup, the warm liquid creating a comforting sensation in her stomach. “If the druids are under such a leader, what will they teach me? Would they even consider teaching me?”

Boscage sighed, his fingers drumming a slow rhythm against the wooden table. “That remains to be seen. Mellea is notorious for their stern methods. They favor power over wisdom, and many fear their wrath. If you approach them with sincerity and a willingness to learn, they might accept you. However, tread lightly; they show no mercy to those they perceive as weak.”

Vell’s expression hardened just a bit. “We’ll just have to show them we’re not easily intimidated.”