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This is set in the D & D world of the Forgotten Realms.
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The years had passed quickly, much like an echo in time. Khaira had indelibly grown older. The years had wizened her immensely. She proudly protected and cared for Greengrove. She became friend and mentor to many young druids who sought her wisdom and knowledge. The forest grew all around her, its beauty becoming everlasting, eternal. Yet Khaira remained the same. She'd weathered the years gracefully...as graceful as a bear could.
Although she gained the ability to change into many forms, large, tiny and in-between, she rarely assumed the form of a humanoid. She had imposed on herself a vow of celibacy, never taking a mate. Though through the years she had often longed to have children, she abstained, treating the forest creatures and younger druids as if they were her children.
Despite her mother's plea for grandchildren, Khaira resisted. Caden could give them grandchildren. He now reigned as Lord Stormwhisper over his own keep somewhere in the Dalelands. It had been years since Khaira had seen him. She knew he had a pretty wife and a son to follow in his footsteps. Caden had done well for himself. He had fought bravely for the Elven King, proudly earning the title of King's Champion. The King had granted him with lands and a title. He ruled over his vast keep with an iron hand encased in a velvet glove. A just man, a loving man, a generous man to all he cared for. Yet he meted out vengeance swiftly when warranted.
Khaira admired Caden greatly. He'd become a fine man. He had all he ever wanted. A pang of jealousy coursed through her and she mentally squelched it. It wasn't fair to think like that. Caden hadn't experienced the trials she had. Caden hadn't ignored the signs his deity placed before him. He hadn't died and came back in the form of a bear, either.
Despite her form, there had been offers over the years from other druids and rangers. Khaira had turned them all down. It seemed they wanted her for her power or strength, not because they loved her or wanted her for who she was deep down. Besides, her heart wasn't in it. She had stupidly thrown away her chance for eternal love. How could she be with someone else and give her heart away when in fact it already belonged to another...someone she would never have.
Though she thought of him often, she hadn't seen him in years. By now he'd be married, perhaps with children. She shook her head as tears assailed her. She let out a curse and smacked the ground with one massive paw, causing clumps of dirt and grass to fly in all directions. What was done was done and there was no way to change it now. Karowyn had been long lost to her.
Khaira hefted her large bulk up from where she lay and headed back to the large hollow tree she'd made her home in. The lower level was her den. Carved from the natural wood were stairs leading up to an upper level which contained living quarters for a humanoid. Khaira rarely went up there, though. There had been no need for her to do so. Occasionally her family or other druids had used those quarters. Khaira climbed the circular staircase, growing as her joints ached. She glanced around the room. She noticed the dust on the floor and the cobwebs growing near the ceiling. She'd have to clean it sometime soon. She sighed, perhaps before someone visited. Visitors...she hadn't had many lately. Most came to Greengrove, meeting with The Order of the Verdant Grove.
Shaking her head, desperately trying to stave off her melancholy mood, she did something she hadn't done in longer than she could remember. She changed her form into that of an elf...her old form. She stared down at her lithe naked body. If only she could remain this way for always...never growing old.
She opened the oaken wardrobe and pulled out a dress. It had been years since she'd worn this. It was white with long flowing sleeves and a golden girdle that draped across her hips. She brushed her hair out until it crackled and shone, cascading down her to her waist. With a sigh, she checked her reflection in the looking glass. Not beautiful, she mused, but when had she ever been? Then she left her den.
She began to walk through the forest. She did not have a destination in mind. She sought companionship, if only for a few fleeting moments. She knew not what she would find out here, though. She walked east, covering many miles until she grew hungry and weary. Scanning the forest, she noticed a bush of ripe raspberries. Her mouth watered. Rushing to the bush, she began to pick the berries off, popping them in her mouth two and three at a time. The raspberries tasted good. She savored their sweetness as juices dribbled down her chin, staining her white dress. It had been a long time since she had enjoyed the lush sweetness of these berries. Her diet had predominantly consisted of meat. How ironic that a vegetarian elf had come back as a carnivorous bear? Must be Mielikki's sick little joke.
Once she'd gorged herself on the berries, she rose from the bush and looked around. If she continued to walk east, she'd come to the village she grew up in. Yes, she'd find plenty of companionship there, but not the type she sought. Everyone there knew her. Turning south, she hoped she'd find someone to ease her loneliness. She walked, lost in thought. The day waned and the sun began to set. Khaira noted it, but continued walking. She'd walk all night if she had to.
Her thoughts turned back to Karowyn. Was he happy? Had he found the kind of wife he sought? Did he love her as much as he had loved Khaira? Had Khaira thought he'd give her the companionship she sought just this one time, she would seek him out. Down deep she knew he'd be too noble to break his marriage vows. And she'd be a fool to even think of it. A fool...yes, that was what she was. She'd been a fool to refuse him, but even as she had, she always thought there would be another chance. Death had ruined all of those hopes.
Khaira sighed, shaking her head. Death...she knew it loomed ever close, lurking like a thief in the night. She had grown old as a bear and could feel its approach. It was the reason she was here now. It was the reason she sought companionship before her time was up.
Consumed by her thoughts, she hadn't noticed the small band of Orcs closing in on her. She let out a shriek as a crossbow bolt whizzed by her head and lodged into a tree. Startled she reached for a weapon and realized she had none. Oh no, she thought, as they closed in on her. She counted six, but as the hairs stood up on her neck, she knew there were more lurking out there that she hadn't seen. She began to cast Icebolt at one Orc while another pointed his crossbow at her. She did her best to fend them off, but for all her power she found herself outnumbered. Wounded and bleeding profusely, Khaira swore to fight to the death.
Help came whizzing from the trees in the form of several arrows. Hitting the Orcs in the necks, several fell instantly. Khaira renewed her fight, summoning 3 wolves to help her fend off the remaining Orcs. The reign of arrows did not cease until the Orcs were decimated. Khaira sank to her knees and pulled 3 bolts lodged in her abdomen out. She quickly stanched the blood by casting a healing spell upon herself.
She recognized the ranger who came down out of the trees above. His name was Jagger Everain. Khaira knew he resided within The High Forest. His skill with a bow was that of legend. She also had heard of his skill as a Deep Woods Sniper. She could see why his skill was so sought after.
He walked toward her. "Are you hurt badly, lass?" he asked.
Khaira looked up at him as she held the bolts in her hand. She had seen him in Greengrove before. He had often assisted The Order of the Verdant Grove. Oh, what a powerfully built human he was, she thought to herself. His height stretched over 6 ft and she guessed his weight to be around 200. His long black hair flowed down over his broad shoulders. Green eyes glittered like polished emeralds below thick black brows.
"Lass?" he repeated.
Should she play the damsel in distress or let him know she could heal herself? Should she let him know who she really was? Mostly everyone who came to Greengrove knew her...knew her as Gian Ren, the druidic bear. Most were unaware of Khaira Stormwhisper, the elf.
"I have a few bolts still lodged. I need your help," she replied, deciding to play the damsel in distress.
He knelt beside her and she let her eyes roam over his ruggedly handsome face. "It isn't safe for a young lass to be out here all alone, especially unarmed."
"I had my spells. I went for a walk. I didn't realize I was so far from home. I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings."
"Are you a mage?" he asked as he examined her wounds.
"No, a druid," she replied. "Khaira is my name."
"Khaira," he repeated, as he thought for a moment, wondering why that name sounded so familiar. "I am Jagger. There is a cabin nearby I occasionally make use of. I can help you better once I have assessed the severity of your wounds."
