The Druid Returns Home

Jaekob Faolan: The Druid had crawled through caves, small and large. He had passed through mountain passes and climbed mountains. The journey from the Halls of Honor had been without respite and his supply of lembas bread had long ago run out.

Jaek Arrives Home

Jaekob Faolan: But, as his made the last bit of the journey and his feet touched the soil of his homeland, he fell to the ground, digging his soiled and cracked hands into the soil. His clothes were tattered, his body foul and wreaking of months of dirt and the stench of decay.

Jaekob Faolan: Yet, his hands dug into the moist soil. He inhaled the scent of earth and flowers. It had rained recently and the brushes and grass had the scent of wheat just scythed. The smell, the sounds of familiar birds, familiar  animals filled his head and he KNEW he was home.

Jaekob Faolan: He wiped at his cheeks with the back of a hand, intermingling the fresh soil with months of caked up mud which streamed a liquid down his cheeks as tears rolled down his face.

Jaekob Faolan: "I have to hurry," he mumbled to himself. Ame must be distraught with worry and the Druids would chastise him for once again going off alone without a word to anyone.

Jaekob Faolan: The Druid raised himself to stride though the Calenhad woods, though his appearance stole that image away from him. His steeps hastened as he walked the well worn paths and directed himself toward the small home he shared with his mate and best friend, Ame.

Jaekob Faolan: As he neared the entrance to Calenhad, he stopped to gaze upon the statues of robed elves who stood watch over the great elven city. He moved closer to let his hand slide gently over the cold stone and then he, again, pointed himself toward his cottage.

Jaekob Faolan: He forsook the cleared paths so often used by the elves and rushed through the brush and trees behind his home. He hesitated a moment at the door and bit his lip. He knew what lay ahead, the anger of family over his abrupt departure would be met with humility. And so he pushed the door open thinking at first she would just run into his arms and the anger would be abated.

Jaekob Faolan: As he turned the final corner of the house, he paused and swallowed hard when he saw the elven rangers. He began to walk toward them, but changed his mind and moved toward the cottage. He needed to see his mate first. Explanations could wait.

Elven Rangers at the Druid's Cottage

Jaekob Faolan: He did pause a moment at the door. A smile curled onto his lips at the sight of the two wolves they had raised from pups. He scratched his head trying to remember when the wolves had come to them. Then he bit his lip remembering the Demon fire that had almost destroyed the elven woods. Ame had rescued the, of course. He stroked each wolf on the muzzle and strode through the door his eyes darting from corner to corner looking for her. Then he went room to room.

Jaekob Faolan: "She is not home," he mumbled going into the bedroom. Noticing the wooden tub was still full of water, he slipped off his boots. "The least I can do is clean up hmm?" Then he laughed. "Maybe they would scold me less if I remained like this."