“Well, Lucinda, while the remnants of our feasting are cleared away we have the perfect opportunity to discuss an important topic.”

The circle leader had led her a short distance away from the feast area for their discussion. Seated in the soft grass, they were joined by three other women: Sevi, to her left; Dolomé, on Sevi’s left; and a third woman who she only knew as being from Owilen’s circle. With what had already been said by both Yalia and her granddaughter, Lucinda was confident she knew what was to be discussed.

“Recruitment time?” she asked.

Yalia smiled broadly in response to her question. “Exactly right, Dear.” She paused to briefly glance at each of the other three women in turn. “I shall preface our discussion by saying you are absolutely free to ignore us completely. There is no obligation for you to join any circle. As long as you behave in a manner that respects nature properly, no circle that I know of would be unhappy for you to visit, or be in the vicinity of.”

A series of nods from the other women followed on from the circle leader’s words.

“Before we move onto the specifics of individual circles, I’d like to give an overview of how most individuals with a nature-based class interact with them.” She glanced again at the three other women. “Feel free to jump in at any time, Ladies.” Turning her smiling face back to Lucinda, she continued. “The most obvious role is to be a resident member. As the name suggests, resident members dwell within the circle they have chosen, where they support the community and its goals. Then we have wandering members, which are those that prefer to roam about the surrounding lands rather than remain at home. Though, they too contribute in much the same way. Of course, members of either category are free to roam or remain as they please, and it would be safe to say both are loose categorisations. At least under normal circumstances.”

“Freedom is important to us,” the unnamed woman added in agreement.

“Precisely that. While we do pool our efforts for the benefit of the community, and I do guide those efforts to where they’re needed most, all of our members enjoy a great deal of freedom.” Yalia’s smile widened considerably. “I doubt many circles would last long if that wasn’t the case.”

“You can say that again!”

“Too bad that doesn’t extend to dressing how we’d like here,” Dolomé added with an amused grin in Lucinda’s direction that brought a faint heat to her cheeks and a small spurt of laughter from her lips as she recalled what she'd learned about her circle.

Sevi’s eyebrows had shot upwards and remained that way as she asked a question. “Nudists?”

“It’s the only way to live.”

The spider-loving woman giggled. “Prathin’s going to enjoy that visit!”

“You know full well that you’re in the minority in that regard, Dolomé,” Yalia said. “Though I feel I must add: That particular rule is usually only encouraged here, and is being enforced for Lucinda’s benefit.” The circle leader’s gaze landed upon Lucinda. “Do not let that fact trouble you, most here do wear clothes even when they’re not forced to.”

Things really are different here. And even more different in other circles I guess…

“Back to the topic at hand, we also have honorary members, who are required to do nothing more than offer their assistance when possible, and as needed.”

“Who wouldn’t help out another circle if they needed it!?” Sevi said. “I don’t know much about the circles around here, but we can’t be too different.”

“By and large, you are correct. Although, some of our more distant brethren could be considered a touch more… militant. Which brings us nicely to our talk of circle specifics. Unless you have any questions so far, Dear?”

“Umm, the honorary thing… Is that one circle only?” Lucinda asked.

“It certainly used to be, back when conflict between circles was not unheard of. Now, however, you could say the opposite is true. Such people are more likely to have news of distant circles and events, something that is always most welcome. Furthermore, the honorary title encourages them to visit us, which again is beneficial to us, and something we always enjoy.”

“…Are there no bad Druids? Ah, or other classes I mean. And what about people that refuse association? Or dislike circles?”

“There are certainly those that would fit into the second such category. Shunning all human contact to live alone in the wilderness with nothing but animals for company is an attractive option for some.”

That might be fun in some ways…

“As for your other question… I’ll try to answer somewhat briefly. From my experience, of which I have quite a bit at my age.” Yalia grinned. “A large part of being bad, as you put it, derives from a person’s needs not being met sufficiently. While here: food is plentiful, everyone has a place to stay, people to talk to, tasks to occupy them, and so on. I do dislike generalising, but it would not exactly to be inaccurate to state that most of us do not covet material goods overly much either.”

“Don’t forget how easy it is to get laid,” Dolomé added. “That’s a big source of frustration for those poor city folk.”

Yalia chuckled briefly. “I was including that that in my ‘so on’ bit, but you are quite right.”

“It helps that we are all interested in similar things, too” Sevi said. “You know, nature, animals…”

“Another good point that no doubt plays a part in our lack of bad apples.” Yalia looked to each of the three other women, before returning her gaze to Lucinda again. “Does that answer your questions, Dear?”

“I think so, thanks.”

“Then let us move onto circle specifics. I imagine your mentor must have told you something of what we do here, and it is not overly complicated, so forgive me if I end up repeating anything you already know.”

“That’s okay.”

“Our primary goal, you will be unsurprised to hear, is to maintain the natural equilibrium of the wonderful forest that is our home. That the animals are allowed to live as their nature dictates. That the plants are free to grow and thrive as they want. With the help of Fi and Cro, it is an easy enough task. However, we have also made it our mission to meddle everywhere nature has a strong enough hold – at least wherever we can get away with doing so. That is to say all of Chakog’mar, naturally. Hapok’mur, to the east, we jointly watch over with Udriel’s circle…”

“It’s not my circle,” the previously unnamed woman replied hastily.

“The circle Udriel is a member of,” Yalia corrected herself while looking slightly amused. “And is currently representing.”

“Mmm, when you put it that way…” Udriel shrugged.

“There is no need for us to meddle in their home of course. Just as there is no need for us to do so in Oradas.”

An obvious question came to Lucinda in that moment.

“What about Prilemia?” she asked. “Or beyond? Don’t they have circles?”

“Unfortunately, they do not. At least not anymore.”

“Oh… Is that because…?”

“Of the unfortunate event from three hundred years ago, yes. Located across Prilemia’s north-western border in Alporius: The Circle of the Endless Moor.” A smile crossed Yalia’s lips. “Very few perished at that time you’ll be happy to know. For when the wrathful king sent his troops across the border seeking retribution, the circle’s leader single-handedly held them at bay long enough for his brothers and sisters to flee to safety. He killed no one, but that did not stay his execution when he finally surrendered.”

“Wow… I had no idea. They would have killed them… My own country… Did that king try to come here too?”

“No doubt he desired nothing more than to do so. I can’t say for sure, but I find it highly unlikely he would have attempted it. The allegiances of Prilemia and Chakog’mar remain the same to this day. Sending a military force of any kind across our shared border would have instigated war, almost certainly.”

“It’s a pain,” Udriel said with a grimace on her face. “We try our best to watch over Prilemia and its allies, but the people in charge don’t pay us much mind. Looks like war might be on the way again too…”

“Indeed. In an ideal world we could encourage the creation of a new circle over there – though the southern territory of Lekelima would likely better suit. However, we simply do not have the numbers needed. Now, I suppose that’s enough from me. Udriel, would you like to speak next?”

The woman smiled as her eyes met Lucinda’s. “We’re pretty similar honestly. I’ve seen you with Owilen; he’s probably told you what our forest is like.”

“Really big trees?” Lucinda replied with a grin.

“That’s the place. As Yalia’s said, we also look after nature, make sure nothing is out of whack, that sort of thing. ‘Course, out of three countries that are probably going to be our enemies in the near future, we keep an eye on Lekelima. It’s closest.”

“I know how it seems,” Yalia interjected. “But let’s not assume war is inevitable, please.”

“Mmm, you’re right. Then I guess the only other thing I can mention is how great our circle is for birds. Something that I think might interest you?”

Lucinda smiled at the question. “I do have a bird companion…”

“A lot of us do too,” Udriel replied with a matching smile. “And that’s me done.”

“Then I’ll jump in next!” Dolomé announced eagerly. “I’ll start by saying our circle is free from all that boring political nonsense. No wars. And absolutely no angry monarchs trying to wipe us out.”

“Just pirates instead,” Udriel offered.

“I was getting to that… We take care of the ocean we live in – not that it takes much work. We help any poor souls that get lost at sea – happens surprisingly often actually. We also love having visitors. Too bad we’re not really on any of the major trade routes…”

“Do you want more pirates?”

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“Not all of them are bad…”

“More like finding an island filled with naked and willing women keeps them happy enough.”

Dolomé laughed heartily. “We do have men as well, you know. Though it sounds like someone’s jealous.”

Udriel sighed, and then broke out into a smile. “Honestly, a bit. But don’t go thinking your home’s better than ours. We have our fun too…”

“…You all have aquatic forms, then?” Lucinda asked.

“It sure helps when living on an island,” Dolomé replied cheekily. “We do make use of boats as well though. Boats powered by sea creatures or helpful Druids that is!”

“Oh… That sounds fun.”

“She's full of it,” Udriel said to Lucinda. “What she calls boats, most people would call badly made rafts.”

Dolomé laughed again even more loudly as her expression turned abundantly smug. “You haven’t visited in too long, sister. We have an actual shipwright living with us now! A delightful young man whose heart was irrevocably captured by one of our prettier members.”

“Can’t say I’d have much confidence in a ‘young’ shipwright”

“He knows a lot more than anyone who has lived all of their life in a tree.”

Lucinda couldn’t help but giggle at the comment. She would have felt guilty at doing so if not for the obvious amusement both women were showing.

“Besides,” Dolomé continued. “There’d be nothing stopping you from sailing around on a broken twig. Our undine friends would keep you safe… so long as they liked the look of you.”

Water spirits…?

“Dryad’s are nice and all,” Dolomé said in Lucinda’s direction. “But undine are more… playful. We have three that live with us. They’re sisters. Never met any before, have you?”

“No… And I’d love too,” Lucinda replied.

“Which you can do without joining their circle,” Udriel said.

“Thank you both,” Yalia interrupted. “Let’s not get carried away, shall we? Sevi…”

“Oh!” Lucinda exclaimed suddenly, cutting off Yalia’s words as she did. She regretted her action instantly. “Sorry…”

“Don’t be,” Yalia replied with a magnanimous smile. “Go on.”

“Okay… Umm, does every circle have something like that? Dryads, undine…?”

“As far as I am aware, yes.”

“Wouldn’t be much of a circle otherwise,” Udriel added.

“I wouldn’t go that far, but they do play an important role in our respective communities. Of course, just as with Delomé and her undine allies, there are many forms such an ally can take. Isn’t that right, Sevi?”

“Ah, yes, it is. But…” Sevi grinned at Lucinda. “You’ll have to come visit us to find out what.”

Lucinda pouted slightly at her unusual friend. A smile soon found her lips, as did a sudden thought. She couldn’t have said where the notion had emerged from, but somehow she suspected it might be accurate non the less.

“It’s to do with spiders, isn’t it?” she asked.

Sevi’s grin seemed to grow in size as she shook her head side to side. “…Visit us, and you’ll find out. Our circle’s a great place, as I’ve said. But I guess it’s different in that we don’t live in a kingdom. There’s a number of tribes, six in fact, or seven if you include us… Some people do. We get on pretty well with all but one of them, but that doesn’t really stop us from doing our Druid work. We’re always looking for new members, but ah… Well, there’s a lot of spiders in our forest… And webs… Some of them would be quite happy if they caught a winged snack…”

“Oh…”

“Nice work, Hun,” Dolomé said as she patted Sevi on the shoulder. “You’ve gone and put her off completely.”

Sevi giggled in obvious embarrassment. “Sorry, I just wanted to be honest. Your companion would be fine… If you were careful!”

“You’re hopeless at this…” Dolomé’s words prefaced laughter from herself and Udriel.

“Now, now, Ladies,” Yalia said, her expression one of mild amusement. “Sevi is still a young woman herself, let’s not be too harsh on her.”

“I’d still like to visit,” Lucinda offered to the spider-loving woman, who returned a pleased smile.

“And with that, I think we are done. Again, as much as we would all love to have a new sister join our respective circles, the choice is yours and yours alone, Dear. Think upon it at your leisure.”

“Thanks…All of you.” Lucinda smiled warmly at each of the other women in turn. A swell of emotions bloomed within her as she considered the heartfelt offers. Her eyes grew damp. “You’ve all been so kind to me… It’s like…” Her words choked off as a few tears streaked down her cheeks.

Her plight was met with a smile suffused silence for barely a second before Sevi pulled her into a hug.

“Hey, it’s okay,” she said. “We know…”

“Sorry…” Lucinda managed as her tears continued to flow. She wasn’t sure if she was happy or sad, but the embrace was comforting all the same.

“Well, it looks like the preparations are almost complete,” Yalia announced. “I think we’ll go check up on them. Come join us when you feel ready, Dear.”

Once Yalia and the others had moved on, Lucinda spent a brief span in Sevi’s arms as she tried to compose herself. She was almost there when a familiar voice reached her ears.

“I let you out of my sight for just a short while and this is what happens?”

Extracting herself from the pale arms of the spider-loving woman, Lucinda offered her a grateful smile as she wiped the remaining dampness from her eyes. With that done she met Varmia’s eyes and saw a mixture of concern and amusement upon her face.

“Gran wasn’t bullying you into joining I hope?”

“No…” Lucinda replied. “I just… Ah, never mind. Are the preparations done?”

“Almost. I’ve done my part anyway.”

“I don’t suppose you’ll tell me what’s being prepared?”

“I’d like to know too!” Sevi agreed.

Varmia grinned widely in a way that suggested she was not going to reveal a thing. A second or two of silence passed before she seemed to conclude otherwise with an animated shrug. “It’s not really a secret… Part two of the party is the games part. Plenty of fun things to do; there’s always something for everybody. I think there’s a focus on animal-related stuff this time. Crazy, yeah?”

“I can’t wait…” Lucinda said.

“I said almost. But there’s something to do while we wait.”

Sitting down in front of her, Varmia affixed Lucinda with an intense stare that didn’t fail to bring a hint of heat to her cheeks in mere moments.

“…I think I’ll go find my husband,” Sevi announced. “See you in a bit.”

Lucinda waved her away and then sighed at her retreating form. “Do you have to be like that?” she asked her new conversation partner.

Varmia giggled and then patted Lucinda’s knee a few times. “It’s nothing like that… this time. Well, not exactly. Fi’s on her way. She has something very interesting to share.”

Following the gaze of the woman before her, Lucinda was met with the sight of many impossible to ignore changes that had taken place elsewhere in the circle clearing. Bar the counter that was still laden with drinks, no other sign of the feast or related furniture remained. Instead, there was a lot of smaller clutter placed about in clearly marked areas, all nearby groups of gathering attendees. Far more eye-catching, however, was a newly expanded stretch of the outer wall, that had balooned outwards a fair distance. Lucinda’s thoughts on what the purpose of any of the new additions might be didn’t make it far before the female dryad arrived at her side.

“Lucinda, hello.”

“Hi, Fi. What's happening with that wall over there?”

“Forget about that!” Varmia declared emphatically. “Fi, tell her.”

“Very well.” The dryad knelt down in the grass but was still vastly taller. “I have been informed that you had a grandmother by the name of Tessa.”

Lucinda’s eyes flew wide. “You knew her!?”

Fi nodded. “We met.”

“What was she like? Mother almost never spoke of her…”

“She was an interesting human. Her appearance was much like yours. Were you of a more advanced age I would have a hard time telling you apart.”

“Then why didn’t you say something sooner?” Varmia asked.

The dryad’s face remained typically neutral as she replied to the accusation. “I cannot read thoughts,” she said simply.

“It’s okay, I don’t mind at all!” Lucinda said hurriedly. “What else? Interesting how? Was she here long? And when?”

Fi’s strange eyes locked upon Lucinda’s. She made no reply for a number of heartbeats that was far too many for Lucinda’s sudden thirst for knowledge of her deceased ancestor. “Do you have more questions? Or shall I begin answering?”

“Fi!” Varmia exclaimed. “Stop teasing her and get on with it.”

The tiniest upturning of the dryad’s mouth just barely revealed itself before she spoke again. “As you wish. Like many women, she expressed some concern at the relative sizes of our busts.”

“She did…?” Lucinda’s mouth fell partially open at the unexpected bit of news. It was far from the sort of thing she hoped to learn.

“With a greater amount of vocalised jealousy than most. I have never understood that particular fascination of your species, but that is not what stands out about her.”

Oh, phew…

Lucinda’s internal relief was hampered by the unmistakable sound of a barely suppressed snicker from Varmia.

“I have never had a desire to mate with a human,” Fi continued. “A fact that has been lost on many of your males. Tessa, your grandmother, remains the sole female to attempt to instigate such a coupling.”

“Whaaat!?” Lucinda exclaimed. “She… She…” As she struggled to find a response, Varmia burst into raucous laughter. “Varmia…” Lucinda all but growled after more than enough of the other woman’s mirth had been projected outwards. “You put her up to this… Didn’t you!?” Her words only seemed to spur the young Druid on. Lucinda’s mood soured quickly. “I really wanted to know about her… I’m not laughing…”

“Woah, hey,” Varmia said as she seemed to recognise the change. “Don’t get me wrong; I wouldn’t do something like that! Fi would never have gone along with it either.”

“But…” Lucinda looked to the dryad next to her, who nodded slowly as their eyes met. “That really happened?” she asked.

“She was an interesting human,” Fi said again. “Though her attempts at seduction were not successful.”

“Seduction!? Ahh… Can’t you tell me something else about her…?”

“Wait, Fi,” Varmia interjected. She then smiled apologetically at Lucinda. “I guess I kinda didn’t consider you might not be comfortable hearing that… But I meant well! It’s to do with… you know… That. You don’t think it’s interesting what she tried with Fi? As well as going on to have a kid?”

“Ah… Oh…”

“Now you see,” Varmia declared happily as her eyes seemed to light up. “And if that wasn’t a problem for her… Why would it be for anyone else?”

“…I know… I got it…” Lucinda replied reluctantly. The presence of an extra person in their conversation made things even more awkward than it might have been otherwise, even with that person being a friendly dryad.

“Something for you to think about.” A loud giggle escaped the young Druid’s lips. “Fi, you have my permission to tell her other things now.”

She’s right… I guess that does change things… Ah, come to think of it, I don’t remember Mother mentioning her father much. Or at all?

Pushing the thoughts aside for the time being, Lucinda returned her attention to Fi.

“Other things?” she asked hopefully.

“I do recall her getting on well with the others who were there. She did not lack for company. Passionate and strong-willed would be good descriptors of her person, and I’m sure she enjoyed her stay here. Your other questions must remain unanswered. How long, or when, I cannot say.”

“Oh… Okay. Umm, thanks.”

She doesn’t sound bad… Not that I really thought that after learning she was a Shifter…

“Really, Fi?” Varmia asked. “I thought you had more than that. Didn’t she do anything while she was here? Challenge the circle leader? Fend off an invasion? Turn into a dragon? Anything?”

“A dryad’s memory has its limits…”

“And you view time differently. Yeah, I know. But can’t you give her something more…?”

“Ah, it’s okay,” Lucinda interrupted. “She was here, people liked her. That’s enough for me.”

“Yeah?” Varmia flashed her another apologetic smile. “That’s that then I guess. But, we could probably figure out when it was with Gran’s help. If you want?”

“Does she have a better memory?” Lucinda asked with a grin.

“She is younger,” Varmia replied with matching enthusiasm.

“I believe the preparations are now complete,” Fi announced.

“…Later then?”

“Sure,” Lucinda replied with ample enthusiasm as she rose to her feet. “Are there prizes to be won? Like maybe a nice bag of gold?”

“No… It’ll be fun though. And then afterwards, even more so!”