The sky darkened, clouds moving to hang ominously over the forest. The lone traveler stumbled along the path, his feet slowing with each step. Tiredly he pushed the hair from his face, trying to summon the energy to continue on. Surely he must be close to the completion of his task.
He was but a small figure amidst the majesty of the surrounding trees. His robes, a flash of green amidst the dark colors of the undergrowth. A low wind tugged at the tattered hem of his robes, as though urging him to get up and continue on. A quiet moan escaped his lips, his fingers fluttering against the roots of a nearby tree, before stilling as his body returned to sleep. A dreamless state fell over him, enticing him into the darkness of the night.
A cool hand brushed his forehead, slowly bringing him awake. He groaned as he tried to move, his muscles screaming with agony. Forcing his eyes to open, he found he could see rays of light gently making their way through the canopy of leaves. His vision blurred and he closed his eyes again, already drifting back to sleep.
"Druid, awake."
He moved his head in the direction of the voice. A voice filled with the sounds of rushing waterfalls and the whisperings of the trees.
"You must awake now, Druid."
Summoning all his energy, he opened his eyes, peering around. Finally they rested on a dark figure. A cloak covered her from head to toe, her face shaded in darkness. Her hand stretched out toward him. Too startled to move, he watched as she reached out and again he felt that cool touch against his forehead.
"Wh...Who are you?" He asked in a voice rusty from lack of use.
Although he could not see her face, he knew she smiled.
"I am the Goddess of the Fir Tree." Her hand moved to stroke the trunk of the tree behind him. "It is one of my trees which you have been using as your pillow this night." Again, he had that feeling that she was smiling. He sat up a little straighter, trying to glimpse her face, but she alluded him.
"I am also known as the Queen of the Druids by some. I am called Druantia."
He gasped with recognition and bowed his head in reverence. "My apologies, my Queen. I did not know it was you."
"You were not to know. But that is of no consequence now. You know who I am, and I know who you are. I know of your mission. I know what has brought you this far from your home. What has led you to push yourself so hard these many days. You have shown great strength, endurance and wisdom in this time. Although it may not seem it at this time, your goal has been completed. You have been successful, Druid Modred."
Humbled, he lowered his head, no longer trying to see her face.
"The trees have told me of your coming. I have come to you now, to present you with a gift of thanks," she said, gracefully moving towards him.
He felt a weight upon his brow, then that cool touch against his forehead. He raised his eyes to look at her.
Her voice smiling, she answered his silent question. "It is the Crown of Druantia. Now all may know that I have recognized you for your strength and endurance. With this Crown comes the gift of protection and wisdom. The holly and oak leaves have been woven together in such a manner to last some time. Do not fear to always wear it."
"I... I will, my Queen. I thank you. I am honored by such a gift."
"You have earned this, Druid. Wear it well. You have completed your quest. Return now to your home."
He searched for words to thank her again. About to speak, he looked up. But it was only to find himself alone once again, the trees standing silent around him, the only witnesses to what had occurred. His hands lifted, slowly touching the crown, feeling the gentle leaves brush his forehead.
Slowly rising to his feet, he found his strength had returned. Energy flowed through his limbs. Straightening his back, he touched the Fir tree reverently, and then started on his long walk home.
~Aiyana