About an hour and a half later, the group met in the lobby and together walked across the street to the Bloated Boar Tavern.  Sitting at a table near the fireplace, they ordered dinner and began to discuss the events of the day.

"So, how did you like the warm mineral bath, ladies?", Marren began, "I know it felt wonderful for me after my little 'tree' run-in, all the aches and pains seemed to disappear in moments."  "Aye, it was heavenly," Petra replied, "best I've felt in years."  Both Cailin and Lyranda agreed with Petra, stating the same.  Marren then turned to Lyranda and inquired, "this morning you said you would tell us more about your transformation, now seems like a good time.  So, how are you able to do it?"

"Oh yes, my shape shifting ability, I did say I would tell you all more," Lyranda replied. "When Cenaari came to our lands those centuries ago, he discovered that some of our people had an affinity toward the forces of nature, the power to control the forces and use them as a wizard does the arcane.  He saw that these people were also able to channel these same forces to use for healing small wounds."  "Please, continue," Cailin interjected.  "As an aspect of all nature itself, Cenaari then chose the most gifted, the first druids, and trained them to harness these forces more efficiently and wield them as a defensive power in times of trouble.  But Cenaari was wise, he knew that majiks alone would not be enough in a life and death struggle.  Using his powers, he bestowed the ability to these first druids to transform into the most powerful beasts known for their abilities to fight, the mighty and resilient bear and the agile and cunning great cat. Cenaari then bestowed his pupils with his blessing of the transformation ability and since that time, all who follow the path of the druid have been able to use these gifts."

Looking toward Lyranda, Petra then asked, "does it hurt?   I mean changing from human to beast cannot be that simple.  The flesh and bone must change, surely that doesn't happen without some sacrifice."

"When first learning the process, yes Petra, it is quite painful, even excruciating.  But it is a price, we who follow the path of the druid, are willing to pay.", Lyranda continued,  "As you stated, the flesh and bone are stretched, pulled and reformed to allow the druid to become the bestial aspect.  But as the druid continues to transform, the body and mind become adapted to the process and the pain begins to disappear over time.  Admittedly, the transformation still brings me some discomfort, but the more I use this talent, it will disappear."

"What about your healing powers?", Cailin inquired.  "Ah yes... again we use the restorative powers of nature to accomplish that, but unlike a priest of The Light, who's powers are instant, a druid's skills are applied over time, much like a tree that looses it leaves during the autumn and winter, to have them return again in the spring and summer," Lyranda replied, "that is why though the wound may heal quickly, there is still some lingering pain."  "I can attest to that," Marren responded with a slight grin.

About the time Lyranda had finished, the food arrived and the group then began to eat with only the occasional small talk being spoken.  After all had eaten and were finishing their drinks, Marren spoke up, "let's all meet in the gardens in the morning to discuss plans for tomorrow's activities.  Meanwhile, all this good food and today's happenings have left me in need of a good night's sleep, sound like a plan?"  The women agreed and they all left the tavern to return to their rooms at the inn.  Parting company in the hall, Marren bid the women good night, the women did the same to him as they made their way to their quarters.

Upon entering the room, the women found that the attendants had neatly placed nightwear upon each bed.  Quickly the women shed their clothing and slipped into the garments.  Feeling the cloth on her skin, Lyranda asked, "what is this fabric?  It is soft and smooth, yet when I attempt to tear it, it is as resilient as the finest steel."  "It is called silk, and it comes from a land called the Jongtai Islands far out into the western seas," Cailin replied, "Papa told me that about two hundred years ago, a Jongtai merchant ship was blown off course during a huge storm and finally made land here at Myra's Cove.  To pay for repairs and supplies back to their lands, they traded goods in the holds, and among those goods was silk cloth.  The people had never seen such fine fabric before and the Jongtai were able to get all they needed to get back home."

"Aye," Petra interrupted, "when they got back home, I guess they told others of the new place they had found and how the people were fanatic about the new fabric.  Soon after, trade began and the Jongtai have become very rich.  But I've also heard that how it is made is a closely guarded secret and anybody that tells is subject to immediate execution by their emperor." Then adding, Petra continued, "hey, I've got an idea!  Tomorrow when we're shopping for supplies, we need to get Lyranda some 'city clothes', so she won't have to borrow yours, Cailin.  There be a part of town they call 'Little Jongtai', let's see if we can find something there for her... ah hells, for all of us.  We've got more than enough money and ladies... we deserve a little luxury.  What say ye?"

"I love the way you think, my friend," Cailin replied with a smile, "you're right, we do deserve a little finery... we'll even see if we can find something, perhaps a shirt, for Marren."  "He is part of the team," Cailin said, then rolling her eyes, "he may be an ass, but he's our ass."  And with that, the women let out a laugh and retired for the night.

The next morning, as the golden rays of the morning sun shone brightly, the group met each other at the inn's garden.  As they discussed the plans for the day, it was decided that the women would do the supply shopping, without divulging the plan about the extra trip into 'Little Jongtai', while Marren went by the livery to check on the horses and wagon.  He would also check with the guard commander and the locals to gather as much information as he could on the road ahead.  Noticing Cailin seemed distracted from the conversation, Marren looked over to her and asked, "are you alright?  You're a bit distracted this morning."  "Oh, sorry, was I?", Cailin replied, "it's nothing really, I'm just thinking how beautiful and peaceful it is here.  I wish we could stay forever."  "Yes my friend," Lyranda responded, "it is beautiful and knowing what lies ahead of us, makes leaving all the harder.  I too feel the same, but the spirits tell me it is what we must do and to relish the short time we have here."  Turning to Lyranda, Cailin said with a sigh, "once again, you and the spirits are right, I too feel there is more to this journey that what was originally intended and we must continue.  Well... with that settled, let's get started... we have a busy day ahead of us."
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Coming in somewhere at the middle of Cailin's saga and want to start at the beginning?
Then click here:
Cailin's Journey - - An Adventure In The Making
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for viewing and a very special thank you for all who have begun to follow my story about Cailin and her continuing journey.
Comments, critiques and/or suggestions are always welcome.
Remember... when viewing mine and other artist's work, check out the full size view... bigger is always better!