An Empty Feeling

[Sky 0]

 

‘Salt wind... My coat will be ruined...’

 

A large hound skulked throughout Sutica, its emerald gaze staring intently at every passerby with extreme scrutiny before passing onto the next. Slowly the beast began to falter in its determination to follow a goal through, until it’s eyes finally laid upon the very person it was sent out to find, the halfling Larry Shortoak. It was unfortunate that the halfling had company, an elfess whom seemed to act odd in the presence of the great animal, however after a moment to get comfortable in front of the stranger, the beast eventually approached the halfling druid and bared upon him the three gifts that were his goal to give, Larry’s old pipe, a marked letter for his eyes, and an unmarked letter.

 

Larry Shortoak then went out, doing as his personal letter instructed, and read the unmarked for himself before spreading it’s word to those he believed would care to listen.

 

-

 

If you are reading this then Larry has continued to be a great friend of mine, and I thank him for this. There isn’t too much that I wish to put into words, though as I sit here upon a tree in the middle of the Sutican woods writing this, I cannot help but feel a little emotional as the weight of what I truly wish to say bears down upon me. For many years I have tried my hardest to do what I believe is the right choice in the long run, even things that have caused me personal pain. Though the years have only seemed to add onto the pain that weighs on me constantly, I have lost too many...

 

And too many people damn me for the actions of my past, a past that I cannot possibly change, and yet it is constantly the question of scrutiny. There was a point in time where I would consider myself a druid purely of the Mother Circle, but I have not been for many many years, and whilst I held the title of Hierophant, I decided to attend moots that I could and give my slices of opinion, but I was never truly treated like a hierophant. It’s a fickle little insignificant bump in the large path we take, however it was one that sat incredibly uncomfortably upon my shoulders, especially when everything that I said or have done was being constantly compared to the hierophants around me. Oh how that has driven me to despise those who I am being constantly compared against, how it makes me wish...

 

In the pursuit of trying to make myself relevant and respected, I had made myself malicious and brutal. I do not intend to ask for forgiveness, nor do I wish to be seen as a martyr for those who come after me. What I wish. What I have always wished, was to be treated as an equal. Though I can see that is impossible, especially within the Mother Circle, unfortunately. As a young man, I was merely Artimec’s son. As a young druid, I was Renn’s student. As a guide, I was Callax’s apprentice. As an archdruid, I was Taynuel’s assistant. Even as a Hierophant, I was never the man I am...

 

Instead of doing something irreversible, I have decided to wander as I am neither wanted nor needed within the druids of Axios. I only hope my name is not forgotten.

 

-Toren, Bull Druid.

[someome 2053]

Hareven would catch wind of the words spoken by Larry, and sits down against a tree. Remembering of the trust Toren showed him when he was but a dedicant first stepping into the Order, he'd say a small prayer for Torens safety, clutching the elderwood staff he obtained, dark blue, sorrowful flowers sprouting from it as he does.

"Anot'er member ah respect, gone..."

[winterblood 11181]

Nemir keeps Toren in her thoughts as she continued on with her duties, hoping to, one day, see him again.

[Vindicant 642]

"Not every sin can be forgiven." a certain Clerical Nephew would mutter in response to hearing of this news. "Not after what was done...to my teacher. I cannot dissuade him from this path, but neither shall I approve. To not seek redemption is to allow the damnation." Despite the less-than-kind words, the man seems undoubtedly troubled by the news.

[Gladuos 869]

Vel is briefly interrupted in her daily exercise routine by a loud halfling and a hostile hound shortly after. At least it acted hostile from the beginning, however with the elfess' knowledge on dog-kind she was able to make friends! She laughs as it licks her face, petting at its chest. "That's a good boy."

 

The woes of a fading Hierophant make no note in a vehement halfling's dutiful mind. The passing of wind and season, blight and imbalance cascading away the world. To the Ram, nothing else matters.

[Starfelt 1437]

A large phoenix, going by the name of Leyu would send word to the wandering Phoenix druid Aiden. Aiden would frown lightly upon hearing the words, before slowly nodding "I understand my friend. May we meet again" He'd mumble to a tree, as if asking the tree to send word to Toren. Aiden would go on with his wandering, a solemn expression upon his features.

[Larry Shortoak 297]

Who would have thought, a Halfling given a job much larger than he should have ever been told to do? One that he thought would never have to be done due to Toren's very obvious anger problems and irrationality. The old Halfling was sure his 'Big Toe' would never leave without making a big fuss and an overly dramatic event over his departure.

*

Toren was one of Larry's closest friends despite their first encounter being rather rocky and heated. Maybe that is why they were such good friends he thought as he traveled between each house in the grove. He would smile and laugh as he remembered the day, fighting over what appeared to be nothing with neither backing down regardless of the apparent height and strength differences. 

*

Larry would always do whatever was asked of him, no questions. Even though this task was important and needed to be done he still felt a sense of sorrow wash over him every time he delivered the message.

The old, and still short Halfling would fulfill his duty that was given to him, he did not even think there was another option.

*

[ThatGuy_777 220]

"I wish I could've had the chance to hear your story firsthand." Murmurs a mali'ame adorned in armor. Having heard the news while strolling along. "May your grand slate never fade from the bowels of history."

[Jakraes 51]

"Never cared much, but still, it's hard to lose someone like him... but I never cared." Rhova'dir said as soon as he heard about the news, a weak disappointed expression filling his face.

[ElevenJellyBeans 100]

Mele let out a huff as she'd hear the news, sat at the table with her dieing sister. Muttering to herself, "I wish.. we had talked more often. Aspects Guide you Toren." Then Mele went back to eating her stew.

[HedgeHug 2049]

Shagarath lights up a pre-rolled blunt, sitting back in his chair and contemplates. Eventually letting out a mutter "Und zo dah dikline uv drood kompetenzy furthurz."

[Archipelego 2188]

"I'll remember him."

[OzYmandi 647]

Bolg'Ruk claps as another drood dies.

[Chorale__ 2147]

Moved to The Great Library. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.

 

If you feel this is a mistake, please contact myself or any FM and we'll restore it.