Part Two - All The World's A Tree


"Whoa!" says Arial laughing from her perch on Rio's shoulders. "Don't drop me Papa!"

Rio sways back and forth as if rocked by a high wind. His feet are firmly planted on the deck and he has a good grip on his daughter's ankles. "Not to worry my little moonbeam." he says as the two watch Caer Callidyr fall further and further behind. "I've got you safe and secure."

"Papa... tell me about the Ria tree again. I can't wait to see it... and meet Robyn too. Is she more powerful than Peragren?"

Rio smiles. "More powerful than Peragren, I don't know. Lord Peragren is the Grand Druid of Sylvanis whereas Robyn is the Great Druid of the Moonshaes and serves the EarthMother. It is strange to me that there are two Circles but that is the way of this world. In the Crescent Isles, where I grew up, there was only one Circle and we were dedicated to Nara who stood at the center of our power."

"And Nara is the EarthMother?" Arial asks a bit perplexed.

"That she is." Rio says as he lifts her off his shoulders and sets her down on a small bench near the bow of the ship. "When I first entered the Moonshaes I was so overcome with her presence that I blacked out for several hours." Rio nods to the Archivist who has just come up on deck. "It gave your mother quite a fright. When I awoke I knew the EarthMother was here all around us. That's also when I found out about your brother and sister."

"I think it will be fun to have a brother and sister." Arial says seriously. "I can teach them about the animals."

"They will learn a lot from you." the druid tells her. "More maybe than from anybody else. That's one of the special responsibilities of being an older sister. Mama and I will be there for all of you but we'll always be Mama and Papa. You will be their friend and playmate and they will look up to you in a way that no one else will."

Arial contemplates this and waves to Glow who's up near the mast talking to one of the crew. Rio turns to see his beloved speaking with the ships first mate. Then, turning back to Arial he hands her his club. "The Ria was the first of all trees and carries within its leaves and branches the lifeblood of the world."

The druid spends the next hour or so telling Arial and Bejorn some of the different tales of the Ria tree and early legends of the Crescent Isles. Occasionally Arial or the Archivist interrupts to ask a question or get clarification of some detail but overall the two make a good audience and Rio enjoys telling them of his homeworld.

Their short ocean voyage passes without incident although Mira, who decided at the last minute she would come after all, has a terrible time sleeping aboard the ship. She gets something from one of the sailors, who assures her that it will help, and spends most of the second day at sea sleeping the sleep of the dead. The Archivist is a little concerned when he can not rouse her that morning and asks Rio to see if anything's wrong. After a brief examination the druid concludes that she is fine but is curious as to what the sailor had given her to produce such a profound sleep. At his inquiry the man shows him a small vial of brownish powder and says that he gave her a small bit to mix in a glass of water when she was ready to sleep. Rio sniffs the vial and puts a small bit on the tip of his tongue, which immediately goes numb. The sailor insists that Mira will be fine and that she would have had to have taken a lot more before she would have been in any real danger.

When they make landfall, mid-afternoon of the third day, Rio aids in unloading the sturdy horses the Archivist brought for he and his travelling companions. There are three magnificent stallions for the men, the largest of which could almost be considered a war-horse and a smaller mare for Mira. They decide not to get started until the morning and make a camp at the edge of the beach.

The next day their overland journey is fairly uneventful. Because the Archivist and his group have brought horses it is decided that Glow will ride with Bejorn and Arial with Mira so that those on foot don't slow the pace. Rio ranges ahead sometimes as a gray wolf and sometimes as a hawk or falcon but he never goes more than five minutes ahead of the group on the ground and never lets them out of his sight while airborne. The transformations fascinate the Archivist and he spends the first evening of the journey writing furiously in the setting sunlight trying to catch just the right turn of a phrase to describe the visual effect. Later, while Morn and Herve are on watch, the group is sitting around the small campfire that Rio has built when Mira begins singing to herself as she cleans up what little remains of their evening meal. At first Rio pays it no mind but pretty soon he becomes aware of how amazing her voice is and he stops what he is doing to focus his attention on her as have Glow, Arial and Bejorn. When Mira realizes that she has an audience she stops abruptly, her blushing visible even in the evenings firelight.

"No... don't stop." Arial says. "You have the most beautiful voice and that was such a pretty song. What do you call it?"

Mira smiles. "Thank you Arial. It's a song that I wrote to go along with one of father's stories in which the hero is cursed with a recurring blindness by his god after not showing charity to a beggar outside his church. He finally learns to accept his punishment and this is a song that he sings after being given a vision of forgiveness. I doesn't have a name and I go back and forth trying to decide if it's finished or not."

"Please Mira," the Archivist says, "sing it again. Perhaps Arial can help you think of a name for it."

Mira takes a deep breath and starts the song over. At first her voice quivers but soon the song is flowing easily over the small campsite.

"Hello darkness my old friend. I've come to talk with you again. Because a vision softly creeping. Left its seeds while I was sleeping. And the vision that was planted in my brain. Still remains. Within the heart, forgiveness."

She continues through the verses and when finished both Rio and Glow rise in appreciation. Bejorn simply beams, his pride justified many times over. At Arial's insistence Mira sings several more songs before excusing herself to get cleaned up and ready for bed.

Rio sees to the security of the horses and then returns to help Arial and Glow make up their bedrolls so graciously provided by Bejorn. When Herve wakes him for his turn on watch Rio asks the man about Mira and her singing.

"I had no idea." Herve says yawning. "I've known them both for almost 20 years and I would never have guessed that she had such a voice as that. Although," he says rubbing his beard, "her mother, rest her soul, was a harper of some renown before she crossed over into Evermore."

The rest of the night passes quietly and Rio wakes the group at sunrise so they can get an early start through the mountains. During the day, while the druid circles lazily overhead in aerial reconnaissance, Glow tells the Archivist of their first meeting in the Sacred Grove at Waterdeep and how she was attracted to him from the start.

"He was so alone. So lost here on our world." she remembers aloud. "I remember thinking that no man should endure such without companionship. I asked my grandmother if it was appropriate for me to reach out to him."

"Your grandmother?" Bejorn asks. "Why should... Oh wait I remember. She was the Great Druid of Waterdeep."

Glow nods. "Right. She said that if somebody didn't touch him and give him reason to stay that he would probably begin searching for a way to return to his world and taken such a path had he discovered it." Glow pauses as some of the darker memories of that time period surface. "He did so much for us after so many were killed during the Time of Troubles, always putting the Circle before himself. And then sometimes at night he'd perch in the top of one of the tall pines and cry. The falcon's wail cut into me until at last I just had to climb up and be with him. That first night he had no idea I was anything other than a brave little squirrel that, for some reason, decided to curl up and sleep nestled against its natural enemy.

"Wait a minute." the Archivist says obviously somewhat confused. "You can transform too? I thought you weren't a druid."

"Oh I'm not." she says. "The ability is a construct of mind over metabolism and took me a very long time to master."

The archivist turns and looks at Glow critically. "There's a lot about you two that I haven't even begun to discover isn't there?" he says shaking his head in amazement. "I can see now that I've got my work cut out for me."

Glow smiles. "You're probably right but something tells me you wouldn't have it any other way."

That afternoon there is a nasty encounter with five wererats that come close to taking them by surprise but Rio and Morn, who turns out to be quite proficient with a short sword, are able to turn them away with the help of Glow and Bejorn who wield their bows with deadly accuracy. During the battle three of the wererats are killed while Morn sustains a fairly serious bite to the upper leg. Glow is able to regenerate most of the physical damage but announces that he will need to have Robyn cast Remove Curse to make sure that there are no remaining traces of lycanthropy. Morn blanches at the thought but Glow assures him he is in no immediate danger. Meanwhile Rio trails the remaining two a short distance to their lair which turns out to be a large crack in a cliff face that runs in as far as the druid can see. He contemplates continuing the pursuit within but decides against it for safety reasons and returns cautiously to the group keeping a watchful eye over his shoulder. The group continues on for several more hours making sure they get well out of the wererats territory before stopping for the night in a small sheltered valley.

Just after twilight the wind begins to pick up and thunder can soon be heard echoing through the mountains. By the end of the first watch a light rain has begun to fall but it is nothing compared to what must be happening up in the higher elevations as evidenced by the normally peaceful creek running through the valley that has been transformed into a rushing torrent of water crashing angrily over its banks.

It turns out to be a fairly miserable night. Cold, wet and with little true shelter the group huddles together under blankets trying to stay warm and dry. At one point there is a tremendous crack of thunder that really spooks the horses. There are several tense moments as Rio and Herve try to calm the frightened animals that are trying mightily to break away.

The next morning dawns cold and windy and, despite the clear sky and summer sun, doesn't warm up much until they begin to descend toward Myrloch and the Moonwell of the Great Druid. Their direction of travel brings them first to the small grove where the Ria Tree is flourishing. As they approach Rio takes Arial's hand and leads her to within a few feet of the trunk where he kneels beside her.

"Still your thoughts," he tells his daughter, "and listen carefully with heart and soul. The Ria speaks with the language of EarthMother and it will teach you much if you open yourself to it's soft voice."

Arial closes her eyes and stands beside Rio for a few moments as the rest of the group comes to join them. "I don't hear it." she says looking up at Rio who is looking with reverence up into the golden canopy.

The druid puts an arm around his daughter reassuringly. "You will my love. It is a voice that all of the Circle learns to hear in the course of their training."

Rio smiles and turns to see Bejorn and Mira admiring the tree. "It is beautiful." says Mira admiring the smooth white trunk and symmetrical canopy of soft golden leaves. "I've never seen anything like it."

"Nor could you have," says Rio seriously, "for it the first of it's kind here on this world. Come." he says to everyone. "The Moonwell is only a short distance away."

They reach their destination after another 20 minutes of easy travel and Rio announces the group to a small barn owl who watches them approach from its perch atop one of the arched entryways. Then, before entering, Rio reminds the Archivist and his group that they are about to enter one of the holiest and most sacred places in all the Moonshaes. It's not that he fears for their behavior or actions, he just wants them to know how serious an honor and responsibility it is.

The archivist smiles at Rio's words and reaches out to put a hand on the druid's shoulder. "My friend, your words are unnecessary. There isn't one of the Ffolk in all of the Moonshaes who doesn't know how precious the Moonwell's are and what it means to the land that you and the few remaining druids are again tending them. Nor are there any who do not know that Robyn and Tristan of Corwell are the greatest heroes in all the long generations since High King Cymrych Hugh."

Rio observes the old man quietly as he continues. The tone of the Archivists voice makes it clear that now it is the old man speaking seriously, making sure Rio knows the significance of the moment and exactly whom he speaks of.

"Robyn is our savior and Tristan is our king." The Archivist looks earnestly at Rio for a moment before continuing. "There is obviously much of the history of the Moonshaes that you do not know. Perhaps I have been so wrapped up in getting your stories that I have neglected my duty to make sure you know ours. After all, if you are going to make your home here there is much that you will need to know."

Rio nods. He sees in the Archivist's face and hears in his words the reverence the man has for the Great Druid and her husband the High King, and he wonders what part he and Glow are to play in the drama of life that has yet to unfold.

"Thank you," he says quietly, "I would like that a lot." Then Rio turns and leads the small group beneath the arch and into the grove. As he enters he feels the warmth and peace of the EarthMother's presence wash over him. He has only gone a few paces when he hears Arial gasp. Turning to look he sees his young daughter stopped only few feet inside, large tears running down her cheeks. He and Glow reach her side simultaneously. Arial looks up at Rio and throws her arms around him sobbing and laughing all at the same time.

"Oh Papa I can feel it. I can feel this place. It's so wonderful and so beautiful." Arial looks around drinking in the sights and sounds as she wipes the tears away. "I... can we stay here Papa?"

Rio smiles as he takes Arial's hand. "For the time being this is our destination and we will stay for as long as we can."

"Welcome travelers." It is a mans booming voice that calls their attention from across the grove. "You must be friends since the creatures herein tend to guard this place with speed and precision should you be otherwise."

Rio rises to see Tristan approaching and then, remembering the Archivists words and that this man is the husband of Great Druid, kneels to the high king.

"Rio. Well met again sir. Please rise. Robyn said you'd be coming" At Tristan's words Rio stands and shakes Tristan's hand firmly in welcome.

"Your majesty," he says turning to his companions, "may I present my wife, Glowing Forest and my daughter, Arial Eastwind. Also travelling with us are Bejorn Landro of Callidyr, his daughter Mira and their companions Morn and Herve."

Glow and Arial each nod respectfully as Tristan takes their offered hands in a warm greeting. The Archivist, Mira, Morn and Herve each bow low.

"My Lord, I..." Bejorn's words seem to tumble over themselves as the usually composed man addresses the High King of his land. "It is a great honor and privilege your majesty." Mira blushes as Tristan kisses her hand in greeting while Morn and Herve seem to almost snap to attention as Tristan welcomes them.

"Robyn is tending to Shara who had a rather bad time with her recent litter and should be back before nightfall." Tristan pauses smiling at something and then continues. "Come, are you hungry? I was just getting ready to have some lunch. Please join me."

Tristan leads the group back to the couple's small shelter where a rough wooden table seems to be overflowing with fruits, vegetables, cheeses and spiced meats. When Rio comments that he is a little surprised to see such an abundant spread Tristan replies that, with the exception of the jerky and large melons which are brought from Corwell town, all of the food present is grown or harvested from the surrounding countryside.

"I still have some influence," he tells us, "and most of our regular visitors know to bring a little something of civilization for our table. Hopefully Elyse will be by in a few days. She always brings a bottle of Calishite rum for me and a bottle of the delicate elven green wine for Robyn to go with news and the new songs she's working on."

By the end of the meal the group is laughing together and much of the formality and tension of having lunch with the High King has softened into a friendly but respectful manner. There is a bit of an uncomfortable pause when Arial notices that Tristan has only one hand and asks him what happened. His face darkens for a moment as the painful memories return but he speaks honestly and doesn't seem disturbed by the question.

"My hand was cruelly taken by sea trolls during the time I was their prisoner in the Coral Kingdom." Tristan explains examining the stump at the end of his arm. "At first I didn't know how I would ever learn to live this way but after a while I realized that I was only as disabled as I let myself become. Now the only time it really bothers me is when my palm itches. Then it's infuriating that there's nothing to scratch. Fortunately a little dab of water from the Moonwell usually takes care of it."

Arial gets a rather quizzical look on her face while she ponders how a hand that isn't there could possibly itch and is just about to ask how that's possible when she is distracted by a pair of raccoons who've ambled in to the small shelter and begun to examine the backpacks and other traveling paraphernalia that have been set down on the floor.

When one of the pair begins to pull stuff out of Mira's small bag Tristan reprimands it sharply. "Stickers! Mind your manners!" The raccoon looks over at him with a "What did I do?" look but surprisingly does cease it's ransacking and instead hops up on a small stool to examine the remnants of lunch. Rio hands the creature the last bit of the sharp cheese that he's been working on and it hops down and wanders out of the house apparently to enjoy its prize in solitude.

"Stickers and Greypaw are regulars." Tristan explains. "Just don't let them take advantage of you."

After lunch Tristan excuses himself to return to working on clearing a nearby stream of a particularly fast growing vine. "We clear it out every summer," he tells Morn and Herve who've volunteered to help as they head out, "otherwise it would choke out just about everything else on the banks."

Rio, Glow and Arial spend an hour or so exploring the grove before settling down to relax in the soft turf near the Moonwell where they spend the remainder of the afternoon talking, counting the different types of birds and watching the clouds go by. Arial seems entranced by the Moonwell and spends almost a full hour walking the perimeter and staring into the cool, calm depths.

"It looks so... so... perfect." she says finally, unable to come up with a more suitable description. "Papa... is it OK for me to take a drink?"

Rio smiles. "Of course sunshine." The druid watches attentively as Arial cups her hands and leans down to drink. All of a sudden she seems so grown up to him and he can see in his mind's eye his daughter, as she will be in the future. A beautiful young woman dressed in the simple druids garb, kneeling in front of her own Moonwell and holding in her heart the tenets of The Circle and the power of the EarthMother. He reaches over to take Glows hand and feels the light feathery touch of her telepathy.

"She is truly as beautiful as her mother." he says looking sincerely at Glow. "I am more blessed than I could ever have imagined."

Glow smiles and pulls Rio close to her. "And she loves her father as much as I do. Kiss me my husband."

Rio needs no further encouragement and tenderly kisses Glows lips and nose and forehead before burying his face in her long dark hair where he nibbles lovingly on an exposed ear.

That evening Robyn returns to the grove shortly after sundown and after spending a few moments alone with Tristan comes out to greet the group where she embraces Rio briefly, much to his surprise.

"It is good that you have stayed among us." she says with a smile. "Your presence is a great comfort and is sorely needed. I am grateful you have remained."

"I am touched by your kind words," Rio replies, "but the decision was never in my hands. From the moment I sailed into the Moonshaes Nara's, the EarthMother's, presence overwhelmed me, surrounded me and filled me again with the power of life. I knew then that I had found my long lost home." Rio pauses looking around the grove in the fading twilight before continuing. "Allow me to introduce my wife Glowing Forest, daughter of Elinor and Braum of High Forest and granddaughter of the Great Druid of Waterdeep."

Robyn and Glow shake hands and as they do Robyn's face lights up in delight. "A pleasure," she says, "and congratulations. When are you due?"

"Twins on Midwinter's Eve." Glow replies.

"I'm going to teach them all about the animals." Arial says coming to stand next to Rio.

"Our daughter Arial Eastwind." Rio tells Robyn. "Arial this is Robyn Kendrick, Great Druid of the Moonshaes."

"Hello." Arial says. "Thank you for letting us come and stay with you. This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen and Papa says that's because of you. I'm going to learn to help Papa make our home like this too."

Robyn regards Arial for a moment before replying. "Arial I am pleased to meet you and I've no doubt that your Moonwell will be every bit as wonderful as this one."

"Also travelling with us," Rio continues, "are Bejorn Landro of Callidyr, his daughter Mira, and their companions Morn and Herve."

"Your majesty." Bejorn says dropping to one knee. "I am ever yours to command."

"Then rise good sir," Robin tells him, "for I have not been queen for several years and to be quite honest don't miss it a bit." She smiles at the Archivist and greets Mira and the others warmly. "You are all welcome here. Tomorrow we can get better aquainted and discuss the reasons for your journey here but tonight you'll have to excuse me as I was up long before the sun. Make yourselves comfortable. It's going to be a beautiful warm evening."

True to Robyn's prediction the weather remains warm and pleasant throughout the evening. At first the travelling companions remain together talking quietly but eventually Mira and then Morn and then the Archivist and Herve excuse themselves to get some sleep leaving Rio, Glow and Arial stretched out in the tall grass looking up at the stars.

"Papa, how long will we get to stay here ?" Arial asks sleepily.

"I don't know." the druid replies. "It mostly depends on what Robyn has planned for me. There is much that I need to know about the Moonshaes that only she will be able to tell me. I'm pretty sure that we will make our home near a Moonwell, especially given her comment to you earlier, but where and when I don't know."

"It's a good thing I'm not the jealous type," Glow says taking Rio's hand. "and a good thing she's already married or else I might not have taken so kindly to her greeting you the way she did today."

Rio looks over at his beautiful wife ready to defend himself and the Great Druid and assure Glow that she has nothing to worry about but he sees her mischievous smile and knows that she's not seriously concerned. He smiles and squeezes her hand, marveling again that he is really married to such an incredible woman.

"I love you Glowing Forest." he says in a whisper. "More and more every day and night."

"Me too." Arial says crawling between them and giving Glow and then Rio a big hug.

"I know." Glow says kissing Arial as their daughter curls up between them. "It is the most wonderful feeling of all."

Later that night, only a few hours before sunrise, Rio feels a tug at his awareness and awakens to the feeling that the goddess is physically here among them. He scans the grove in the fading moonlight but sees nothing out of the ordinary. Unable to shake the feeling he rises quietly, careful not to disturb Arial or Glow, and makes his way to the edge of the Moonwell. The water is glowing brightly as if lit from within at a great depth. He waits quietly staring at the water for several long minutes expecting something to happen, some vision to present itself, but nothing does. Then with a sigh he closes his eyes and prays silently. The power of the EarthMother is great and he feels her presence wash over him again. He sees in his mind's eye her great body superimposed over the terrain of the isles, the sensuous curves and contours that are one with the land. He feels her pulse and breath in rivers and winds and knows that the Moonwells are great silver gems cradled against her bosom. He opens himself completely and pledges all that he is unconditionally to her and feels her pride, her possessiveness and her love surround him and lift his soul to new heights of peace and power.

Although it seems that he remains cradled in her arms for only a moment when he again opens his eyes the sky has already begun to lighten. Turning from the Moonwell he returns to Arial and Glow. The druid smiles when he notices Stickers has curled up next to Glow and sleeps much as a cat would with his nose tucked neatly under a paw. Not wanting to wake them he makes his way to where the horses are beginning to stir and speaks quietly to them. The Archivist's stallion whinnies softly and rubs his massive head against Rio's shoulder. Rio reaches up to scratch the magnificent creature and absently pulls a small burr from below it ear. Then he thanks them for carrying his family without complaint and promises to find some apples for them as soon as he can.

As the sun rises so also does the grove begin to come alive. At first it's the birds swooping and playing, bathing and singing that bring a noisy welcome to the new day. Then, as the people begin to rise, they are joined by a multitude of creatures who've come seemingly to investigate the newcomers. When a large brown bear ambles into the grove Rio, although not particularly worried, moves to place himself between the bear and where Glow and Arial are just beginning to stir. The magnificent creature sniffs the air and cautiously approaches. The druid casts Animal Friendship, just to be sure and then allows the curious black nose investigate the scent of his outstretched hand.

"That's Rocky." Rio turns to see Robyn standing a few yards away. "He was the first of the bears to return to the vale after its desecration and rebirth. He likes to think he's ferocious but he's really just a big cuddly cub."

Rocky, upon seeing Robyn, promptly forgets Rio and pads quickly over to the Great Druid who greets him with a smile and a momentary scratching under the chin. "Yes old friend." she says in response to a snuffle and a snort. "We have guests and no the horses are not your breakfast. They never are and you know it. Now go and be about your business." Rocky snorts again but Robyn waves him on and the bear ambles off.

"Come." Robyn says. "Tristan has decided that we should all breakfast together and has set himself to the task of making it happen."

By the time Rio, Glow and Arial arrive at the small cabin Tristan, Mira and Herve are all involved in the breakfast process and set out an astonishing assortment breads, fruits, cheeses and juices. The morning meal passes leisurely and afterward the group relaxes for only a few minutes before getting the days activities started. Tristan, Morn and Herve again depart to work on continuing to clear the stream they were working on yesterday. Arial wants to go exploring and manages to recruit Glow and Bejorn which leaves Rio and Robyn alone to begin the business of acclimating Rio to the Moonshaes and the duties and responsibilities he will be assuming. He is shocked to learn that there are only 10 other druids in all the Moonshaes and that, with the exception of Robyn herself, he is the senior among them.

"The first thing we must do," she says seriously, "is introduce you. I have assigned Kile to the Llyrath Forest on the southern part of the island. It will take us several hours to reach him so we'd best get started."

Robin transforms herself in a falcon of pure white and leaps into the air. Rio follows, his avian form slightly larger and a dark golden-brown. Robyn leads him to the southeast and their flight takes them over the Myrloch and the mountains on the other side. After they pass over the mountains Rio notices a walled city (which he later learns is Corwell) at the end of a large bay. There are several ships in a bustling harbor, a large central keep with several towers and a road leading inland away to the east. During the third hour of their flight Robyn begins to descend and turns almost due west to follow a thin finger of forest that runs along the islands southern shore. Just as the forest begins to thin and turn from mostly coniferous trees to mostly non-coniferous ones Robyn spirals down and lands near a small clearing where she reverts to her normal form. Rio lands beside her and also returns to his human form.

"Kile lives at the edge of the clearing in what used to be an entrance to the dwarven tunnel system." She shows Rio the hidden entrance and calls within. There is no response. "Well... we shall just have to summon him."

Using the power of the EarthMother Robyn sends out a silent call that Rio recognizes as an invocation of Summon Animal and within a few minutes a sleek red fox comes up and sits at her feet. She gives it the task of locating the druid of the forest and having him return here. While they wait the two talk of the state of the Circle and how it came to be so small in number. Robyn touches briefly on some of the events that led to the present circumstance and Rio begins to learn some of the history of the Moonshae Isles. After an hour or so the fox returns and is followed a few moments later by a young man who hurries into the grove and comes to rest, huffing and puffing, trying to catch his breath. He nods to Rio and then addresses the Great Druid.

"I came as fast as I could." he says with a look of mild alarm. "What has happened ?"

Robyn smiles and assures him that nothing is wrong. Kile seems visibly relieved at this news and relaxes considerably. As they are introduced the young man shakes Rio's hand with a surprisingly firm grip and listens attentively as Robin explains the circumstances that bring them here and her intention to introduce him to all of the remaining Circle members.

"It's a pleasure to meet you." Kile tells him. "I'm sure that you will come to love our island home as much as we."

"My home is anywhere the goddess brings me." Rio says seriously. "But I am happy to be here among such as yourself and Robyn. The Archivist, a traveling companion of the past month or so, has told me a little of the special place the Ffolk have for the EarthMother and the Circle and I'm glad to be a part of it."

The three spend the afternoon and early evening traveling through the Llyrath forest near Kile's home. There are several species of plants and insects that Rio has not encountered before and has Robyn and Kile teach him about but it turns out that they are all only slight variations of things that Rio is familiar with.

They have returned to Kile's hidden home and are enjoying a simple evening meal when Rio feels the light tingle of Glow's telepathic contact form in his head. Excusing himself from the others Rio returns to the grove as the warm and wonderful presence of his wife comes to the front of his awareness. At her query he tells her of their flight to the southern part of the island and Robyn's intention to introduce him to the rest of the shockingly small druid community that's spread out over the wide expanses of the Moonshaes."

"When will we see you ?" Glow says through their shared link.

"I'm not sure." Rio replies. "I imagine that we will return to the grove soon as I don't think it's possible to make a circuit of the islands without returning to such a central point. Especially considering that it took us almost three hours to get here. I'll talk to Robyn about it and let you know."

"I wish you had told us before leaving." Glow says. "Tristan seems to be very nonchalant about it but I don't like not being near you."

"I know. I feel the same way." Rio says pouring his love through her mindlink. "I will see you soon I promise." He asks about their day and Glow tells him of their adventures and that Arial is doing very well getting acquainted with the forest creatures. "That's my girl." Rio tells her. Then, not wanting to remain away from Robyn and Kile for too long, he sends Glow a favorite memory of the two of them locked in a passionate embrace. "I love you Glowing Forest."

"I know." she says. "Come back to us soon."

Rio returns to Kile's simple abode and apologizes for the interruption. The young druid is fascinated by Rio's description of the mindlink and Robyn asks if it can be used to contact anyone.

"So far as I know." Rio explains. "She isn't able to reach her mother for some reason but that's the only instance I know of. Why do you ask ?"

"It would be nice to know that you could reach me in the event of an emergency." Robyn replies with a thoughtful look on her face. "You never know when it might be necessary."

The next day Robyn and Rio take their leave of Kile and once again take to the air. This time Robyn leads them into the east and the rising sun. It is a long flight that takes almost 9 hours as the two fly against a strong easterly sea breeze. Their destination turns out to be the island of Snowdown and it is late afternoon by the time they finally circle down to land, exhausted, in a small clearing with a glowing Moonwell. Rio groans as he returns to human form and rubs his sore shoulders gingerly trying to reduce the dull ache brought on by hours of steady flight. As he sits rummaging through his small backpack a young woman with flowing blonde hair startles him by her sudden appearance.

"Welcome stranger." she says guardedly. "How is it that you come to be here without my knowledge or invitation ?"

Rio looks around and sees that Robyn has not returned to human form and is in fact nowhere to be seen. "I am Rio of the Crescent Isles." he says standing slowly. "I have traveled here with Robyn Kendrick although where she has gotten to I don't know."

The young woman relaxes and extends her hand. "I am Meghan, guardian of this grove and protector of the Moonwell. Welcome Rio of the Crescent Isles." Meghan looks around and finally spots the white falcon form of Robin splashing in the Moonwell. "There's Robyn." she says pointing out the Great Druid. "You look tired." Meghan says returning her attention to Rio. "Please come inside and rest."

Meghan leads Rio to a large tree and begins to climb up into its branches. Rio looks up and sees the bottom of a small platform high up in the canopy. Cursing his sore shoulders and back Rio painfully climbs up and collapses on the deck of what turns out to be a surprisingly large multilevel structure that is literally woven into the living fabric of the great red oak. A moment later Robyn flutters up and lands beside Meghan where she returns to human form. Meghan greets her with a hug and expresses her joy at seeing the Great Druid again. Robyn returns the embrace and sits wearily, leaning against a good-sized branch that makes up part of the roof support.

Meghan offers them some warm herbal tea that she has brewing in a small tin pot over a small hibachi-style cook fire. Rio accepts the drink gratefully and sips the liquid slowly allowing the warmth to spread throughout his sore muscles while Robyn relays the reason for their journey. A short time later another young woman climbs up into the tree and is introduced as Meghan's apprentice Leah. Leah is a strikingly beautiful waif of a girl with long red hair and large green eyes. When she smiles at the tired druid Rio must forcefully remind himself that he is a happily married man with wonderful and pregnant wife waiting for him back at the Great Druid's grove.

The next day finds them in a small forest on the southern portion of Alaron. Their flight takes only 4 hours but it is a bit of a circuitous route as Robyn seems unwilling to make their trip over water any longer than absolutely necessary. Afterward as they relax in Alyssa's small secluded grove Rio's shoulder knots into a tight painful mass of strained muscles and he comments to Robyn that he doubts he will be able to fly tomorrow. The Great Druid looks mildly surprised but does admit that she isn't used to this type of sustained flying either.

Inwardly thankful for the rest Rio spends the next day teaching Alyssa some of the finer points of the advanced herb lore, concentrating especially on the medicinal aspects of the discipline, while Robyn tours the countryside. That night Robyn inquires if Rio will be ready to fly the next day. Rio rubs his shoulder and rotates his arm through several 360-degree circles with only a minimal amount of discomfort and replies that he will be ready.

"Good." says Robyn. "Tomorrow we shall return home and rest for a few days before setting out again. Our next circuit will take us around the top of the islands and is likely to take 12 to 14 days if the weather holds out. I don't want to wait too long or the late summer storms may begin to impede our progress."

Rio nods acknowledging the wisdom of this and inwardly shudders at the thought of trying to make a long distance flight in inclement weather. Especially one with long stretches over open water.

That night as he lies out under the open stars he again feels the soft tingle that denotes the beginning of Glows mindlink. He closes his eyes and welcomes Glow into his thoughts and heart.

"We are returning tomorrow." he says, the relief clear in the tone of his thoughts before Glow even gets a chance to ask. "So far I have met four of the Circle on three different islands. They are an amazing group and the EarthMother smiles on each of them."

Glow tells them of their days spent exploring and adventuring and listening to the Archivist tell stories of the history of Callidyr. "I thought he was a good storyteller until the bard Tristan spoke of earlier, a delightful girl named Elyse, showed up yesterday." Rio can tell Glow is smiling at the memory. "She has an amazing voice and plays a lute with astonishing finesse completely putting Bejorn's abilities to shame."

Glow pauses and tries, only somewhat successfully, to pass her awareness of her surroundings in the Great Druid's grove through the mindlink so that Rio may hear the bard softly playing in the background. "Earlier tonight she played a haunting ballad called The Darkwalker War which tells the story of Robyn and Tristan's battle with a demon called Kasgoroth. I wish you could have been here to hear it."

"Me too my love." Rio says seriously. "I will ask her to play it again when we return. Robyn says our journey tomorrow should only take five or six hours. Perhaps as few as four if the east wind holds out."

"I miss you." Rio says lovingly. "Give Arial a hug for me and tell her I'll be back in the afternoon."

"Sleep well my husband." Glow tenderly replies. "Fly safely back to us."

With that thought passed the link is broken and Rio falls quickly into a deep and dreamless sleep.

The next morning Rio is awakened by Robyn well after sunrise. He is surprised at the late hour but thankful for the opportunity to have slept as long as he did. Rising and stretching he tests his sore shoulder and is glad to find the stiffness gone. He excuses himself to splash some water on his face and then returns to the Great Druid announcing he is ready whenever she is. After a small breakfast the two bid their farewells to Alyssa and then leap into the sky.

Robyn sets a course of almost due west and after perhaps 30 or 40 minutes they leave the coast of Alaron behind. In the distance Rio can see the eastern shore of Gwynneth and silently thanks the goddess for the steady tailwind. After another hour of steady flight they begin to catch the rising air currents formed by the warm landscape of Gwynneth and Robyn circles several times gaining considerable altitude. When she again resumes their flight they are flying as high as Rio has ever dared go. Their path, now heading almost due southwest takes them over the deep northern forest and through the foothills before Robin turns to the south following the small river flowing from the Myrloch and skirting the eastern mountains that rise only slightly higher than their current elevation. Finally, with the sharp falcon's eyes, Rio spots the sacred grove ahead of them. He wonders to himself if the Great Druid has seen it also when suddenly Robyn veers sharply down, trims her wings close against her body, and begins a breathtaking dive at a truly dizzying speed. Rio falls in behind her and watches with a rush of exhilaration as the ground comes speeding up to meet them. He pulls out of his dive well before Robyn and circles lazily down watching in amazement as the Great Druid pulls out of her dive at just the last minute and streaks over the grove at incredible speed before looping around and landing near the Moonwell. Again Rio notices that before Robyn returns to human form she splashes for a moment in the cool water, ruffling her feathers and beating her wings several times. Then he sees Arial come running out of the forest and point up into the sky toward him. Following close behind her is Glow and he spirals down the last few hundred feet to land a few paces from them. He has barely time to return to his human form before Arial jumps up into his arms.

Rio hugs her firmly and then sets her down so that he may hug Glow as well. He strokes her long dark hair and kisses her sweet lips before letting her go. They spend the afternoon together as a family and then gather at Robyn and Tristan's small cottage for the evening meal. It is there that Rio meets Elyse and gets a firsthand exposure to the excellence of her lute playing.

Over the course of the next few days Rio persuades Elyse to play many of the songs that chronicle the life and times of the Moonshaes. These, along with the anecdotes of the Archivist and the first hand experiences of Robyn and Tristan, give the druid a sense of the history of his new home. He, Glow and Arial listen with rapt attention to the stories and songs told of The Darkwalker War and the beast Kasgoroth, encounters with Black Wizards and Tristan becoming High King and, in perhaps the most frightening tale of all, the story of the dark god Bhall and the corruption known as the Darkwell in which the EarthMother herself was nearly lost.

Then they are told the more recent tales of the wild Prophet of Moonshae and the coming of age of the princesses Alicia and Deidre, the story of Tristan's imprisonment at the hands of the sea trolls and sahuagin in The Coral Kingdom and his brave rescue in a ship of the Northmen that could sail under the ocean. The last of the great ballads is the story of power and betrayal and the great sacrifice that Robyn, the Druid Queen and Tristan, the High King had to endure in the loss of their daughter Deidre, who had been taken by an artifact of the evil god Talos in his quest for domination of the Moonshaes and twisted into a magical pawn that would have controlled the Firbolg deity Grond Peaksmasher.

With each of the tales Rio's admiration and respect for Robyn and Tristan grows and he finds himself wondering how any two people could have endured so much. But then he remembers that the EarthMother has always been with them, protecting and watching over them and he understands why they are here in this place now instead of at Caer Callidyr as High King and Queen.

Finally come the tales and songs of High King Cymrych Hugh and his brave battles that united the Moonshaes so many generations ago. That night Glow finds Rio sitting alone near the Moonwell. Even under the dim light of the Moonwell and stars when he turns toward her she can tell he has been crying.

"Oh my brown bear," she says softly as she cradles his face in her hands and kisses his forehead, "what is it that troubles you so ?"

Rio takes a deep breath and holds his wife for a long moment before replying. "I think, after hearing all the marvelous stories and songs of this world, that I have finally come to the realization, after all these long years, that I shall never see my homeland again. It's not that I miss it," he adds quickly, "nor would ever leave you... it's just... well... all of a sudden all these memories came flooding back. All the places and faces that I haven't thought about in so long were all of a sudden right there in the forefront of my thoughts. I imagine Simon had the hardest time with my disappearance. We were so close my brother and I. I hope he is doing well."

Glow can find no words in reply so instead sits down and snuggles up next to him softly stroking his hair.

"Link with me." Rio says turning to look into her eyes. "I want to share these feelings and memories so that you may know something of that place, something of who I was and what my life was like before I stepped through the forest that brought me here."

Glow smiles and the two share a long and lingering kiss. As her presence begins to grow in his mind Rio calls into his thoughts the sounds and images and times that made up his life in the Crescent Isles. The memories come easily and this time contain mostly happiness and joy, tinged with the original wonder and excitement that made up the actual events. Only a touch of the sorrow felt earlier still remains and somehow it makes the shared experience that much more special.

"I would have liked your family." Glow says after letting the link fade slowly away. "I am glad that I finally got to meet them even if it was only through your thoughts and memories."

"They would like you too." Rio says rising and taking Glows hand to help her to her feet. "Especially Simon who always told me I'd marry someone who was much too good for me."

The two make their way to the other side of the grove where Elyse, Mira, Morn and Arial are sitting around a small campfire singing quietly so as not to wake Herve or the Archivist who are already sleeping. Rio nods to Elyse and smiles at Arial, pleased that his daughter is joining in the simple song that the group is singing in rounds. He leans back looking up at the stars and listening to the group sing and before he can even say goodnight is fast asleep.

The next day he and Robyn map out their flight plan for visiting the remainder of the druidic circle that is scattered across the northern portion of the islands. She estimates that they will travel close to 1500 miles making six stops to visit Circle members and see the tended Moonwell's and then a seventh stop on the island of Moray so that Rio can see the Moonwell that he will be caring for.

"It is going to be a difficult journey that I hope we can make in two weeks time." Robyn says that afternoon as the two families are gathered around the small table in her simple home. "However, I do not intend on taking any chances or unnecessary risks. If the weather forces us to wait then we will wait for as long as necessary." She smiles and the tone of her voice softens. "Both of us have too much to come home to to take foolish chances. I promise we'll be careful." This last she says mostly to Tristan who sighs.

"I know you will." he says taking his wife's hands in his own. "But I still wish there was someway I could accompany you and keep you safe. You druids aren't exactly known for your skill with weapons and the goddess only knows what you'll run into."

Robyn laughs and draws herself close to her husband putting her hands on his chest. "Yes but I shall be much more comfortable knowing that you are safe here waiting for me to return."

Tristan puts his arms around her. "I would wait for you until the end of time." he says tenderly. "Just see to it that it doesn't come to that."

As the two share a kiss Rio, Glow and Arial make their way quietly outside and return to their campsite. After a brief discussion it is agreed that Glow will contact Rio every evening just after sundown to make sure they are doing alright and haven't run into any trouble or other unexpected circumstance.

"Where is Moray anyway ?" Arial asks as they are discussing what will be needed when they move.

"It's the island just west of this one." Rio says trying to picture the wall map that hung in their room at Castle Callidyr. "Across the Strait of the Leviathan. Tristan said it was the least populous of the islands and that Moray village, on the northern shore, has maybe four or five hundred people at most."

"Good !" says Arial. "I don't like the big cities. Papa and I stayed close together while we were in Waterdeep."

"I know, sunshine. I feel the same way." Rio tells her. "If it hadn't been for your mother I would not have stayed there for as long as I did. You know we met in Waterdeep."

"I know." Arial says seriously. "I heard Mama telling Bejorn about it on the way here."

The next morning, before he and Robyn depart, Rio hugs both Arial and Glow and assures both of them that he will be back soon. Glow holds him tightly and whispers in his ear before letting go.

"I love you." she says in a husky voice that makes Rio wish he weren't leaving until tomorrow. "Your children and I will be here waiting."

He kisses her and in turn holds her tightly against his body. Then, after one last check of his backpack, leaps into the air behind Robyn and quickly leaves the grove behind.

Robyn backtracks their previous flight almost exactly and by early afternoon they are again crossing the Strait of Alaron. Rio can see a large ship below them heading south through the Strait but gives it only a moment's attention. When they reach the shores of Alaron the Great Druid turns mostly northward and the two follow a well traveled road for several hours until Caer Callidyr is just visible in the distance. By this time Rio the two have been flying for nearly nine hours and it is with great relief that Rio notices Robyn has finally started to descend after turning westward into the great forest. Another 20 minutes of flying brings them to the sacred grove, which is not far from the banks of the Swan May River. This time Rio follows Robyn's lead as she lands near the Moonwell and before he reverts to his human form he splashes about and takes a drink of the cool clear water. Almost instantly the soreness and fatigue from the days flight is lifted away and he finds himself remarkably refreshed for just having flown nearly 200 miles over the course of nine and a half hours.

Waiting for the two as they emerge from the Moonwell is an elderly woman and a large Moorhound. "Rio," Robyn says as the woman approaches and bows to the Great Druid, "May I present an old friend and the stoutest of allies, Isolde of Trondhelm." Rio bows to the woman. Even if he had not known from earlier conversations with Robyn that Isolde was a druid of considerable power he would be able to tell just by the sight of her. Isolde stands confidently and greets Rio as an equal. He sees that the grove is immaculately kept and can feel that the power of the EarthMother resonates strongly from both Isolde and the entire grove.

"It is my pleasure to meet you." Rio says. "I'm new to the Moonshaes and Robyn and I are visiting all the islands so that I may know the lands and the Circle members tending them."

Isolde regards him critically looking down at his small frame. "What has become of your companions, the Dragonswords ?" she asks bluntly.

"They have sailed back to the mainland and Waterdeep." he replies. "I could not join them for as soon as I arrived and felt the presence of Nara in my heart I knew that the Moonshaes would be my home."

"Nara ?!? Is that one of the new gods ?" Isolde says with clear disgust in her voice.

"Nara is the name of the EarthMother, at least, that is how we knew her on my home world." Rio says patiently. "When I came here I was a lost man without the comfort of his god. Sylvanis accepted me into his Circle and guided me for many years until, quite by chance, I came to the Moonshaes and discovered my goddess had been here all along. While I do not know the hows or the why's of it, I do know that the goddess I knew as Nara and the goddess known here as the EarthMother are one and the same. I can only hope that I have not offended Sylvanis by remaining here." Rio pauses looking from Robyn to Isolde and back again at Robyn before continuing. "It is strange to me that there are two Circles, one here in the service of the EarthMother and one on the mainland in the service of Sylvanis, but the situation does not require my understanding, only my acceptance of the knowledge that that is how things are."

Finally Isolde seems to accept him at his word and the three spend the remainder of the late afternoon and early evening discussing the state of the Moonshaes until Glow's link begins to form in his head. Excusing himself he finds a large tree to lean against and enjoys the silent conversation the mindlink makes possible.

The next day Rio is up and ready to go shortly after sunrise but Robyn surprises him by saying that they don't need to leave until midday as the next leg of the flight will only take about 45 minutes. At his puzzled look Robyn explains.

"Our destination today is Callidyr. Originally I had not planned for us to stop there but now I find it impossible to justify being so close and not stopping. To be honest I miss my daughter and I think we can afford the extra day."

"Well I can certainly relate to that." Rio says remembering the times that Arial spent away from him at Center Tree. "Alicia and Keane were the most gracious hosts. I think, if you do not have plans for the afternoon, that I shall go for a swim in the bay after we arrive."

Rio spends the rest of the morning in meditation and prayer while Isolde and Robyn discuss the happenings in and around the Callidyr area. Then shortly after noon the two set off. Isolde joins them, assuming the form of a large eagle and flies with them for a half hour or so until they reach the edge of the forest where she turns to the west following the perimeter of the forest while Rio and Robyn continue north toward the towers of Callidyr in the distance. As they approach Rio sees a few people stop and point upward at them and by the time they land on one of the tower parapets a few of the tower guard are already present. They snap to attention as Robyn returns to her royal human form and escort the two into the private portions of the castle.

It is a happy reunion as Alicia and Robyn embrace each other. Rio bows formally to Alicia and again to Keane as he hurries into the room. The druid then stays politely in the background as Robin and Alicia begin to catch up on old times and new business of the kingdom. He follows them into one of the smaller dining halls where a lunch fit for a queen is hastily being laid out onto several long tables. Rio grabs a leg of lamb, two apples, a hard roll and mug of beer and settles down in a large chair. He only half pays attention to the conversation, instead remembering the time some weeks earlier that he and Glow spent in the castle. When finished he excuses himself informing them that he'll be back before sunset. Alicia gives him a marker so that he will be able to get back into the castle and then the druid makes his way to the north end of town and the spot from which he began his aquatic adventure previously.

He wades into the bay and takes the form of a dolphin for several glorious hours of swimming, fishing and investigating the underwater terrain before returning to the shore shortly before sunset. He presents the marker Alicia gave him to the guardsman at the castle gate. The young man examines it and then regards Rio critically for a moment before allowing him to pass. Exhausted from the afternoon's activity Rio asks one of the head servants which room he is to occupy for the night. He lets the man show him the way and then asks him to inform the queen that he has returned and retired for the night.

Taking off his wet things Rio hangs them to dry and then lays back on the soft bed. He is almost asleep when he feels the sweet presence of his wife growing in his mind. Sleepily he informs her that they are at Caer Callidyr and that he is currently naked on a large bed thinking of her.

"You better be thinking of me." comes her tart reply.

Rio smiles and sends his love pouring through the link. Then he sends her an image of the two of them lying together locked in the heat of passion on the small palate that was their bed when they lived in High Forest.

"Mmm... Hold onto that thought." she says sending back an equally provocative image of her own. "And come home to me soon."

"I will." he promises with a yawn. "I will." As sleep overtakes him Rio is not even aware of the link being broken as his dreams pick up where their conversation left off.

The next morning he rises before the sun, checks his backpack and then wanders about the castle. He is on one of the towers looking out to sea when a member of the household staff finds him and asks that he come down to join the others for breakfast. Following the man back downstairs he is shown to the same small dining room in which they had lunch where Alicia, Robin, Keane and several others that Rio does not recognize are already partway through the morning meal. When Alicia asks him how he spent the afternoon he tells them of his swim and his discovery of a large school of cod just a mile or so to the west of the docks.

"Really ?" says one of the men who introduces himself as Balsa, captain of a small fishing boat. "I best be on my way then. Your majesties, if you will excuse me."

Keane chuckles as Balsa makes his way from the table and disappears into the castle hallway. "My poor cousin, always looking for that next big catch. No one has the heart to tell him that his crew is usually more successful when they sail without him."

Alicia looks at him with a stern but loving expression. "And you're not going to be the one to ruin it for him either." she says.

Keane raises his hands in a gesture of mock surrender. "Not if my queen wishes it." he says with a smile.

Rio notices the way the two look at each other and wonders to himself if they recognize their love for each other. Looking to Robyn he sees her smiling at her daughter and the mage.

"Well," Robyn says finally after they are all finished and sitting comfortably around the table. "Rio and I should get going. I want to be at Ferdan's grove by early afternoon. I know that he retires early and I want to be able to spend a few hours with him before sunset."

They make their way back to the tower and say their farewells. Rio again thanks Alicia and Keane for their hospitality and tells them that the time he and Glow spent with them earlier was a great honor and a real pleasure. Keane shakes Rio's hand. "You will always be welcome here." the mage says. "Please tell Glow that we enjoyed meeting her and having you both as our guests." Alicia nods her affirmation. "Go in good health." she says.

Rio bows to them both and waits quietly as Robyn and Alicia and then Robyn and Keane hug. "Tristan and I are so proud of you both. Take care of each other. We'll send word when we plan to come visit. I know your father is ready for a break from the wilderness and will probably come to spend some time here this winter." Robyn smiles. "If Tavish returns any time soon tell her that both Tristan and I would like it if she came to stay with us." She hugs Alicia again and then, turning toward the open sky, transforms into the snow-white falcon. With a smile to Alicia and Keane, who are standing together holding hands, Rio joins the Great Druid in flight and soon Callidyr is a small speck on the landscape behind them.

Their flight crosses the tip of Whitefish bay and they fly through several patches of a fairly dense fog that is spilling out of the mountains to the north. On the other side of the bay Robyn turns northeast following the shoreline and then after about an hour of steady flight, turns into wide valley. The two follow the valley, steadily climbing and then fly over a narrow pass onto the other side of the range where the fog hangs heavy like a shroud over the mountains. Despite the fact their visibility is reduced to almost nothing Robyn leads on at a steady pace and soon the fog gives way to a soft but cold and steady rain. Eventually it begins to fade, the clouds breaking up enough to see that the sun is just about at its highest point in the sky. Below them Rio sees a wide and slow moving river curving away to the right toward a large lake. The mountains are now essentially behind them and the land below is mostly a rugged barren landscape that is occasionally broken by small patches of grassland, scrub and the occasional groves of small wind-beaten trees. They continue on a northward course until, in the distance ahead, Rio can see a fairly sizable forest. As they grow closer Robyn begins descending toward it and lands in a small grove near the northern edge.

"Ferdan." Robin calls out after returning to her human form. "Ferdan are you here ?"

"Robyn, is that you ?" comes a scratchy voice from an indeterminate location.

"Yes old friend." Robyn says looking around. "And I've brought someone I want you to meet."

At the edge of his peripheral vision Rio sees a small aspen tree shimmer and coalesce into the form of a old man with thinning gray hair and a long gray beard. As he approaches Rio notices that he leans heavily on a stout staff for support and walks with a slow and careful gate that speaks of an advanced age. Robyn and Rio walk toward him and Robyn takes his free hand in hers.

"Rio, this is Ferdan, the eldest and most respected of our order."

Rio shakes the old mans offered hand gently and sees that despite the frail appearance of his body, strength and great wisdom shine forth from behind clear blue eyes.

"I am honored sir." he says bowing slightly.

"Yes yes, of course you are." Ferdan says chuckling. "What brings you two so far out in the wilderness to see an old man ?"

Robyn explains that they are travelling the islands so that Rio may meet all of the Circle members and tells him of their travels so far.

"It's good that you are come to the Moonshaes." Ferdan tells Rio after hearing a brief account of his history. "The EarthMother needs us all especially now that the Circle is so small." The old man pauses and lowers his head. "It isn't right that I survived while so many of the young were slain."

Robyn starts to say something but Ferdan somehow silences her with just a look.

"When I was an initiate Barker and then Genna presided over a Circle numbering 100 or more. And now look at us... only slightly more than a handful." Ferdan slumps as if all of a sudden a great weariness has come over him. "So many killed in those dark times while I was away at Nerth. I heard them die... felt the EarthMother grow weaker with each passing... and I was helpless to do anything... prevented by that damned oath from even returning."

Rio is silent. Although he has heard the tales from Elyse and Robyn he knows that to be so involved and yet so impotent as Ferdan was during those times would surely break any mans spirit and he can find no words to express his feelings of sorrow or compassion.

Robyn on the other hand puts her arms around him and holds the old man silently for a long moment. Then she lifts his face up and forces him to meet her gaze. "You are here because it is the will of the goddess." she says forcefully. "Because she knew how much I would need you both then and now. Do not lament the past. All of those taken so cruelly from us would want you to remember them with passion and with joy... would want you to honor their memory by the faithful performance of your duties. Duties which you have never shirked or abandoned."

Ferdan takes a deep breath. "I know." he says at last. "It is for them, and for you my queen, that I am here at all. And the EarthMother knows that as long as I draw breath I am hers to command."

"That's better !" Robyn says. "Come... let us pray together."

That night, after Ferdan has changed into small ferret and retired to his underground den, Rio and Robyn sit quietly talking in the fading twilight.

"He is so much more frail than when I last saw him two years ago." Robyn says quietly. "And I can't shake the feeling that this will be the last time I see him." She looks at Rio sadly. "He has always been such an inspiration to all of us. If he passes then the last real link to the previous Circle will be lost."

"What was the oath he spoke of ?" Rio asks.

"It's a sad story I'm afraid." Robyn replies. "When Ferdan was a young man word came to Barker, the Great Druid at the time, that Ferdan's brother, the druid assigned to Nerth, had been brutally murdered in a gory ritual by a dark and unknown force. When Ferdan learned of it he made a terrible oath, binding himself by the name and power of the goddess to the task of finding whoever was responsible and avenging his brothers death, and that he would not return until it was done." Robyn shakes her head sadly. "It took him more than 40 years to complete his self appointed task."

Rio sighs and shakes his head. Yawning it occurs to him that Glow should have contacted him by now and, while he doesn't want to alarm Robyn by saying anything about it, he begins to worry.

"When he returned fourteen years ago our Circle had already been decimated by the beast and the other minions of the dark god they served." Robyn sighs and looks squarely at Rio. "I don't think that deep down he's ever going to forgive himself and chooses such isolation as this place affords him partly so he can be free of any reminders."

Rio nods solemnly but says nothing and Robyn seems content to let the story end there. As the two sit quietly together Rio begins to feel Glow's contact and is soon wrapped in the arms of his lovers thoughts. Then afterwards he curls up next to Robyn so that they may share the same blanket and is soon fast asleep. In the morning Ferdan awakens him shortly before sunrise.

"Rio," the old man says after giving him a moment to wake up and stretch. "Robyn says you may very well be the Great Druid of the Moonshaes someday." This catches Rio very much by surprise and he looks around for Robyn who is nowhere to be seen. "If this should come to pass I want you to promise me that you won't let them forget."

"I'm not sure what you mean." Rio says. "Let who forget what ?"

"The Circle in your care." Ferdan replies. "Don't let them forget who they are and why so that they won't make the same mistake I did in thinking that my personal concerns outweighed all others."

Rio looks seriously at the old man. "My understanding of the matter is that you did what you thought was best, not for yourself but for all the Circle." Rio says. "You perceived a threat and took action against it." He holds up his hand as Ferdan starts to protest and continues without giving the old man a chance to speak. "No one could ask more of anyone than that. Robyn respects you and looks up to you and I can not think of a greater honor than to have her admiration. However, in the unlikely event that I should become the Circle's center I promise you that no one under my leadership will forget the basic tenets of our faith nor the great sacrifices of those who have come before us."

Ferdan nods. "Take care of my islands after I am gone." he says softly.

"I will." says Rio. "You have my word."

Later that day, as he and Robyn fly northward over wide expanses of open water on route to their first stop in the Korinn Archipelago, Rio finds himself wondering if he indeed will become Great Druid of the Moonshaes at some point in the future. The more he thinks about it the more he doesn't like the idea because he can see no way for it to become reality without misfortune coming to Robyn.
"Robyn... What is it about her that's so different ?" Rio wonders to himself as they pass over one of the large islands. The more he thinks about it the more elusive the answer becomes which frustrates him greatly as he knows the question somehow has the simplest of answers.

Forcing himself to let go of the problem he concentrates instead on the many scattered outcroppings of rock that make up the Korinn Archipelago. Most of them are barren moors, tundra or bedrock. Some of the larger ones are partially covered by a sturdy breed of pine and occasionally he sees the plumes of smoke that indicate a small village. As they approach the largest of the islands Rio sees what could actually be considered a town that has a large sheltered port. Somehow the residents have managed to clear a few small patches of land on which there is evidence of crops and other farming activity but overall the terrain is mountainous and unforgiving. As they near the northern shore Robyn begins to spiral down toward a small clearing, her white feathers shining brilliantly in the afternoon sun. She lands gracefully near the smallest of the Moonwell's Rio has yet seen and splashes briefly in the water before returning to human form. Rio waits respectfully and then fans some of the cool clear water over his feathered body with his wings. Again the pain and soreness of the day's flight is lifted away and he emerges from the Moonwell relaxed and refreshed. He beats his wings several times to dry them and then he too takes on his human form.

"Lorn and his wife live a short distance away." Robyn says. "She's a half-elf and has been shunned by both human and elvenkind. I trust that you do not have a problem with that."

"What ?" Rio says somewhat confused. "The fact that she is a half-elf or the fact that she is an outcast. Neither makes a difference to me."

"Good. Many people view the crossing of races as an abomination." Robyn says frowning. "The Llewyrr especially feel this way since they feel humans to be considerably more... barbaric and uncivilized than themselves. They are a brave and magnificent race but in this matter, in their minds, there is no room for exception."

"Thinking about it I'm not sure I've seen any half-elves here in the Moonshae." Rio says after a moment's reflection. "One of my companions, Vorn of the Dragonswords, was a half-elf and he did get some strange looks. I always just thought it was because he was a strange individual."

"There are some." Robyn replies. "Many hide their dual heritage living among the Ffolk as humans travelling on when their aging falls noticeably behind their friends." Robyn stops to pick up a dead branch that's fallen on a young pine tree and carefully straightens its thin trunk. "Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to outlive your friends and then their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren."

The two make their way through the forest, following no particular path and yet leaving no unintended trace of their passage. After a few minutes they come upon a small cottage that looks surprisingly similar to the one that Robyn and Tristan have back in the Great Druid's grove. Working outside in a small garden is a woman dressed in a simple tunic and breeches. She has short dark hair and Rio can see that her ears come to a delicate point. She looks up suddenly as the two approach and watches them warily.

"Kara... is that you ?" Robyn asks. "You look so different."

"Robyn Kendrick." the woman says breaking into a smile. "It has been a while hasn't it. Welcome. What brings you out to the middle of nowhere ?"

"My companion... Rio of the Crescent Isles." Robyn says introducing them. "Rio this is Kara Greenleaf."

"The Crescent Isles." Kara says with a puzzled look. "I don't think I've ever heard of them. You've come from across the sea then."

"Yes." Rio replies in his best elvish. "I have come across a great sea and found a new home in the arms of the EarthMother."

"You honor me with a tongue I seldom hear." Kara replies in elvish before switching back to common. "But please, my life with the Llewyrr was brief, mostly unpleasant and is a thing of the past. I live now with my husband in the world of men. Not that we get many visitors." she adds wryly.

"When did you cut you hair ?" Robyn asks.

"Last summer." Kara replies leading them into the small house. "I guess I just got tired of it."

The three, mostly Robyn and Kara, make smalltalk for an hour or so until shortly before sunset a large man comes in and looks at Robyn and Rio with more than a bit of surprise. His hands are rough and dirty and he looks as if he's been working in the dirt all day.

"Robyn." he says finally focusing on exactly whom his unexpected guests are. "I wasn't expecting you. I hope it is not unpleasant circumstances that brings you all the way to Ventris."

"No, happily not. Lorn this is Rio." Rio shakes the mans offered hand as Robyn continues. "We're here because he and I are travelling among the isles introducing him to the Circle. Rio has just recently arrived in the Moonshaes and will be making his home on Moray as guardian of the Moonwell."

"Then what I hear in the wind... it's true isn't it !" Lorn looks at Rio critically. "A man from another place comes into our circle and we are expected to open our arms to him as a long lost brother." Turning his attention back to Robyn he continues, the scorn clear in his voice. "What can an outsider know of our ways ? How can he truly know the EarthMother when he has worshipped another all of his life ? By what right do you bring him here."

The mans vehemence seems to take Robyn somewhat by surprise but if it angers her she does not show it. Instead she speaks quietly holding Lorn's gaze without flinching or looking away. "I am only going to say this once, Lorn. I am the center of this circle and as such any decisions to be made regarding it are mine to make. While you may not like those decisions or agree with them you do, I assume, agree that it is my prerogative to make them."

Lorn nods briefly.

"Furthermore, although I am always open to questions regarding those decisions, you will not again openly criticize them, without first coming to me for clarification. Is that clear ?"

Lorn again nods briefly and finally looks away as Robyn makes it clear who's the Great Druid and who's the lower level initiate.

"Robyn please." Rio says. "Lorn raises issues and concerns that I might raise if our positions were reversed. Allow me to address them." He waits until Robyn nods her assent and then continues. "In answer to your questions, yes... I am an outsider and when comes to the ways of the Moonshaes I will admit that I do not know the subtleties and intrigues of life here. But that, in part, is why Robyn and I are journeying to meet with all the remaining Circle members for it is only from you can I hope to learn them."

Rio looks at Lorn, who is still standing with his arms crossed, to see if he is making any headway. "As to how I can know the EarthMother it is a tale that you have a right to know. Please... sit down for there is much to tell."

Starting at the beginning Rio tells of his life in the Crescent Isles and how he came to be dedicated to Nara and the druidic circle therein. He tells of his passage through the Wood Between Worlds and how he came to be in the Realms during the Time of Troubles. Tells how he, unlike clerics native to the Realms, retained his ability and powers and continued wielding that strength for the protection of life. He tells of his adoption by Sylvanis and how, for ten years he thought that he would never the know direct embrace of Nara again.

"And then I came to the Moonshae." Rio stops as Glow's telepathic presence begins to grow in his mind. He acknowledges her with a happy thought but tells her to basically wait passively while he continues.

"You can not imagine my thoughts when I discovered that Nara was here. To be cradled in her bosom and feel her love and strength flow over me and through me again was more than I had thought possible without somehow returning to my home world. At first, despite my joy, I was troubled by the thought that it was all too good to be true. Indeed, how could it be that Nara was here in the Moonshae but nowhere else in the Realms ? How could I have not known of her ? Finally, when I could bare the questions no longer, I did what I should have done from the very beginning. I asked for her guidance." Rio sighs remembering well the peace the answers brought to his soul.

"It came to me that I should not be concerned with the how's and the why's. What should it matter whether I name her Nara or The EarthMother when I knew in my heart, when I could feel in the very core of my being that this was the great spirit I had known, served faithfully and kept covenant with for all my life. Did I doubt that she was great enough to transcend this world and was unable to reach into others." Rio smiles. "When I realized the answers were as simple as acceptance all my worries and questions and concerns were washed away and the clear light of faith again lit my path."

"So," Rio says hoping this has eased the mans concerns, "as you can see I am a child of the EarthMother, as surely as if I had been born on this very spot. If that makes you my brother and Robyn my sister then it is the will of the goddess that it be so."

He looks at Robyn who nods. "Lorn, you will hear the truth of his words if you listen. If not to him then listen to what the wind tells you. The EarthMother speaks in many voices... it is you who must learn to understand them." Robyn Kendrick, Great Druid and High Queen of the Moonshae pauses long enough to let the seed of thought take root in Lorn's mind before continuing. "I can not require that you be friends only that you obey, as does Rio, the order of the Circle." she holds Lorn's eyes waiting for a response.

Lorn looks from Robyn to Rio and back to Robyn before replying. "In that matter there is no doubt. I will not fail the Circle." he says bowing his head. "Let me apologize for my earlier outburst. I had no idea of your circumstance and was wrong to judge."

"Apology accepted." Rio says again extending his hand. Slowly, and at last with a grudging smile Lorn takes his hand shaking it firmly.

"Welcome to the Moonshae..." he says shaking his head. "You've had quite a ride !"

Rio smiles at Glow's hidden thought and marvels that she has held the link for so long with no help from him. "I know my wife would like very much to meet both of you. I hope we are given the opportunity."

Excusing himself to meditate Rio nods to Lorn, bows to Robyn and then makes his way outside. Without even thinking about his open link to Glow he transforms into large gray squirrel intent on continuing their conversation from the comfort of a tall tree. When he does the reaction from Glow is immediate.

"RIO !!! Where are you ? What happened ?" she screams into the link. Rio freezes instantly alert for any danger. "I am here my love. Right here." He reaches out to caress his lover, drawing her thoughts to him. "What was that ?" Glow asks trembling. "What just happened ?"

Rio pauses and realizes exactly what's just happened. "I transformed."

Glow is silent and Rio can feel her collecting herself for a response. "You must NEVER do that again while we are linked," she says having just made a wisdom check and a critical saving throw, "for there was a moment when I was linked to a mind so great that next to it I was nothing, as a moth is to the sun itself. And when it was gone the after image was so bright that I couldn't feel you at all. I can not explain to you why it is dangerous for me to have that happen but you must understand that it is."

"I will." he says pouring all his love into his thoughts. "Are you alright."

"I will be with rest. Don't be surprised if I don't contact you for a few days." Rio feels the link slipping away. "Don't worry, I'll be fine." she reassures him. "I love you."

"I love you too." he says, knowing the link is already gone. After a long moment he brings himself back to his physical surroundings and the realization that he is frozen in place. With a decided bit of effort he, at first tentatively and then confidently, scampers up one of the nearby trees hoping to rest but it doesn't come easily and when at last he does fall asleep his dreams are troubled.

----------

The days that follow find them first on one of the northernmost of the Korinn Archipelago where the northman Omar is as much a fisherman as he is caretaker of the Moonwell on the small barren outcropping of rock that was his home. Then, after twelve hours of grueling flight, including one frightening set of two hours with nothing visible but open sea, they had landed finally on small island that Robyn identified as being near the center of the Norheim chain. There they'd rested an entire day before again taking flight and following the same southeasterly course in another agonizing thirteen-hour marathon. When they landed finally in the trees at the edge of a forest on Norland proper Rio had not even bothered to move. He locked his claws around the large branch he was perched on and fell asleep almost immediately only to have hunger awake him before he was ready in the morning.

They had spent the morning resting before setting out in wolf form through the forest that led steadily inland. Rio was glad to be travelling in a form other than flying and they had spent that day and the next travelling through the forest and arrived at the next Moonwell late on the second day. Mikal, it's caretaker, was a simple and quiet man who was working up to his first transformation, and Rio had talked seriously with him about the ability, it's uses and it's limitations.

Going from there to Oman the next day only took six hours total, but there was another full hour of flying with no land in sight and Rio knew he placed his life in the hands of Robyn's direction sense and knowledge of the islands. Danrak, the druid in charge of restoring the Moonwell, had greeted Robyn warmly and Rio got the impression they were dear old friends. That night the three of them had talked and laughed and learned a lot about each other. The next day, as Rio and Robyn were preparing to depart, Danrak had asked if he could accompany them. He had just mastered the shape of an eagle and was eager for the chance to fly. Robyn had regarded him seriously for a moment and then smiled. "Of course. I think that's a good idea."

The next morning, after a good breakfast, the three set out. Robyn told them that she would stop once on the southern tip of Oman so that they could rest before beginning the three hours over open ocean that would bring them to Moray. Danrak assured her that he was up to the task and they'd departed fighting an angled cross wind the entire day."

But now, as he marveled at the beauty of the Moonwell, that had all been put behind him. The Moonwell itself nestled up against a cliff that had been carved by the former passage of the nearby river, it's roughly circular shape extending maybe fifty or sixty feet away from the cliff face. The cliff, running from the southwest to northeast, was only thirty or so feet high. On the lower side, to the southeast, a clearing extended perhaps 100 to 120 feet beyond the Moonwell. On the upper side, to the northwest, the normal forestland extended right up to the edge of the cliff. It looked sort of like a full clearing had been split in half by the cliff and then the upper half had filled back in naturally but Rio knows enough about geology to know it didn't really happen that way. Dominating the otherwise open clearing are two tremendous oak trees, one on each side of the Moonwell, that are also tucked in the shelter the cliff affords. Their canopies each cover nearly a quarter of the clearing leaving only an odd fan shaped area open to the sky above.

"I shall call them Iy and Ix." the druid announces to no one in particular thinking of the two provinces of Outer Isle on his far away home. Rio kneels at the edge of the Moonwell and opens himself to the serenity of the place and the moment. He hears the wind singing as it plays it's ever changing melody in the treetops. He looks at what few stars are visible through the canopies of the two giants. The moon, now in its third quarter, has a hazy ring around it as the clouds and fog begin to settle like a blanket over the evening. By the time he rises from meditation and prayer and returns to Robyn and Danrak the fog lays heavily on the landscape rendering, with the exception of the softly glowing Moonwell, a darkness that is still and complete.

Rio spends the night in a sort of waking dream state. At times he and Glow lay alone together enjoying the beauty of the surroundings and each other. At other times he and Arial are wandering the forest surrounding the grove making friends with the creatures and learning the features of the surrounding terrain. When the morning comes Rio finds himself both reluctant to leave and eager to be on his way back to his family. The previous two weeks have been a grueling yet enjoyable journey into the heart of the Moonshae and as the three get set to return to Gwynneth, Rio embraces Robyn, thanking her for the welcome and belief in his abilities.

Robyn smiles at him. "You bring a strength and sureness of faith that is badly needed in these hard times and I am counting on you to guide and nurture the Circle in whatever manner the EarthMother makes known to you."

Rio bows deeply. "It is mine to serve." he says seriously. "And my queen has only to ask and it shall be done."

Their flight back to Gwynneth takes them just south of the small Moray village of Kork, across a narrow portion of the Strait of the Leviathan and over the western Gwynneth city of Storaad before they begin to snake through the mountains emerging finally on the western edge of Myrloch Vale. By the time they reach the Moonwell that is Robyn's home it is mid-afternoon and storm clouds are approaching rapidly from the north.

"I'm glad we beat that here." Danrak says looking into the ominous line of dark clouds. "I don't know if I'd have enjoyed flying through that."

"We would not have." Robyn says eyeing the flashes of lightning playing about the front edge of the storm. "A storm like that contains violent up and down drafts that often contain sleet and hail. You must remember that you are as vulnerable, if not more so, when flying as you are on the ground." She regards Danrak seriously making sure he understands. "Against that you are no match."

Just before the wind turns and begins howling from the north, a group consisting of Tristan, Morn, Glow and Arial emerges from the forest followed a moment later by the Archivist, Herve, Mira and Elyse. There is a happy reunion as Rio and Robyn greet their loved ones and make introductions for those who've not met Danrak. When the rain bursts upon the scene the entire group crowds into Tristan and Robyn's small cottage where they take a crowded but pleasant evening meal and discuss the events of the past two weeks.

While the two druids made their flight across the isles the others had spent their time in various activities. Elyse, upon hearing Mira sing, had insisted that she begin formal training as a harper and the two had spent much of the time together. The Archivist, more than happy to have a former High King at his disposal, had aided and accompanied Tristan at every opportunity during the day and then spent the evenings writing furiously by the light of a small lantern.

Arial and Glow had spent much of the time exploring their surroundings. "Arial's knowledge of plant and animal life is rapidly approaching my own." Glow told him later that evening. "And twice while you were gone I awakened to find her lost in deep reverie as she knelt by the Moonwell." She shakes her head sadly and looks into Rio's eyes. "I'll never be able to compete with that will I ?" she asks, already knowing the answer.

Rio wipes a tear from her eye and pulls her close to him. "I know of only one way to answer that question." he says finally. "But it will have to wait until you have regained your abilities. Have you made any progress ?"

Glow sighs. "I'm not ready to try yet." she says. "Whatever it was that I experienced, while it did no permanent damage, has left me... unsettled to say the least." Glow smiles when she sees Rio's troubled look. "Don't blame yourself." she says reassuringly. "Neither of us could have known."

----------

The next day the rains have past but the sky is still overcast and the temperature is much cooler. Robyn, noticing that afternoon that the Archivist is bundled up and rubbing his hands to stay warm, invokes a simple prayer after which the temperature in the grove slowly rises back to a much more comfortable level. That evening, as Rio rubs his lover's back and neck, he pauses for a moment to reach around and cradle her belly in his hands. The thought of his family growing fills him with peace and happiness and he rests his head on Glow's shoulder holding her tightly.

"I am ready for us to make a home." Glow says sleepily as she places her hands over Rio's. "How much longer will we stay here ?"

"A day, maybe two." the druid replies. "We'll sail from Corwell to the keep at Moray and work our way down the Shannyth River. We should be settled by the fall equinox."

Glow purrs happily and reclines in the soft turf. Rio rises, stretches and makes sure that her blanket covers Arial before laying down next to his wife. Then, just before falling asleep, he becomes aware of Rocky lumbering through the grove. The bear wanders over to investigate the sleeping trio and then, recognizing they are no threat, continues about his nighttime activities.

The next day, after Robyn has left for Corwell to arrange their voyage, Rio, Glow and Arial are sitting quietly watching and listening as Mira and Elyse practice a song that Elyse told them she had learned from a pair of travelling Harper's who affectionately called each other Dog & Butterfly. The song, and the harmonies, bring sweeping visions of the sea as it slowly builds from a quiet calm to a raging melody.

No wind when I took the watch my ship was still waiting. I lay on that mirrored sky a restless sailor waiting. "Close my eyes." said the words of the wind, a gentle breathing that moves the seas, makes my sails fill.

Whisper waves, cloud of glass, awake at last like a lover. It rushed around me talking sweet roll over, roll over, roll over. And in my ear he blew his name, it sound so strange but I heard it plain, Mistral, Mistral Wind.

I always held the wind but I let the wind steal my power. Spin me around lose my course, nights run by like hours. And then it spun me away to the highest mountain, too high and beautiful to be, Mistral, Mistral Wind.

Now I was on the watch waiting for the breeze to move me. Roll me back to that place, magic space right through me. And then I sigh your name across the empty water, you made a crazy dreamer out of me, Mistral, Mistral Wind.

The pair does several other songs and it is readily apparent to everyone how good Mira's voice truly is. "I can hardly remember my mother now," she'd answered later that evening as they talked about it, "but the memories I do have are filled with music. I guess it all just sank in."

Robyn returned the next day. "I've arranged for your passage to Moray." she said to Rio, taking Tristan by the hand as her husband came to stand next to her. "A ship in ten days hence. We will all accompany you as far as Corwell as there is a separate need for Tristan and I to return."

Two days later, just before transforming into a horse so that he could carry Glow and Arial himself, Rio's eyes began to sparkle and a big grin appeared on his face. "What ?!" Glow said when she saw him light up. "What are you thinking about ?"

"Oh just you." he said with a wink and a bow. "You're starting to show."

Continued in Part Three - The Moonwell