Looking closely at the cheese that I'm snaking on, I comment "Must be a read thoughts sort of thing. They certainly wouldn't have access to Swiss cheese and Prochutto directly. Neat hospitality trick. I'll have to find out how it's done, one day."

I nod absent mindedly as we wait Lady Diana, a bit concerned with the prospect of meeting with the King.

You do not wait more than 20 minutes when Lady Diana walks down the steps.  She sees all of you gathered and nods to those she has met.  To the others se introduces herself as the Lady Diana and asks what brings you all back to the tower so soon.

I answer "Some of us wanted to do some recent historical research and maybe talk to anyone who has a full picture of the Druid war in the area. Can you guide us appropriately?"

"Research is always available in our library of course", She replies.  "As to the Druid war that happened in this country that was almost 125 years ago.  I remember that it all was started when certain members of the council took to slowing down their aging with the help of a druidess.  When she stopped helping them they became angry and told her that her kind was no longer welcome in the city.  The druidess took offense and to this and thus began a war.  Many in the town supported the Druids and it became a civil war of sorts in this country but after ten years of fighting it was a stale mate.   The King I have heard met secretly with some druids and made a deal with them that ended the war.  What that deal was noone that I know has said."

Meanwhile Rachel and Jonathan with Caesar loping along go out of the city in search of a druid who may give them some answers.   They wander out past some farms and after stopping and asking a couple farmers learn that there is a shrine to the druids out in the woods a few hours to their east and a little north.   It will be close to the time the first sun is setting when they arrive.   So far they have not seen any trouble on their journey with most the farmers they pass waving and greeting Rachel asking for her to bless their crops.   When she does they will press a silver coin into her palm as they give her thanks.

Curious and thankful for the quick answers, I say to the Lady "So hard feelings about the Druids in the current power structure is to be expected and will impede our efforts, if we present with a Druidess member. That's good to know. Are there any repercussions other than emotional, as a result of this war?"

"The only repercussions that we know about is the fact that anyone who extends their natural lifeline longer than 50% of it's natural course is visited by us mages and all magical influence on them is removed."

MY eyebrows rise at that comment and I don't say anything further other than thanks, and let the others ask what they will. 

  I look over to Jonathan.  " I really want to find out more from the druid side?  What do you think? Is it too dangerous? We will have to spend the night out here.   " 

I nod slowly, "Is this practice in order to avoid attention from certain outsiders? I have heard of inevitables, beings of pure law, that seek out and punish those who grossly lengthen their lives."

"In any case, you had also asked to meet with us. Shall we proceed with that or do you require more time?"

"Well the meeting is not until tonight with the main council the king will be present also.  So it is a little eary for that but if you wish to do some more studies in the library you can go ahead.  Is there anything else?"

Meanwhile Rachel wanting to know more about the conflict with the druids heads towards the druidic shrine she was told about.  With the area seemingly more peaceful and exlored she feels that they should be safe for the night. 

"I see, do you have any recommendations for this meeting? We do not wish to make blunders through ignorance."

Travis, nods in agreement to the ladys reply to Grant. "What, can you tell us about the different trade routes to various parts of the land. Agriculture and livestock? or more like minerals and herbs used in magical elixirs, and potions? Who, trades what to whom around here,"? he asked her. I'm a collector of rare and useful herbs myself. The more useful the better," He says.

"I think you should go with your instincts, if you really want to know the details of what's going on, I'm sure the person with a grudge against you isn't going to be your best source of information."

  I grin at him.  " What is the worst that could happen? You are right.  I really want to know what is going on in that city.  " Caesar lopes along beside us with a bemused look if possible for a gorilla.  " Poor Caesar. All of this walking.  " He beats his chest and grunts.  

Lady Diana responds, "Trade is limited as each country does some trading in livestock, fruits veggies that sort of thing.  Silks, cottons and other goods too.  As far as minerals that is something that always seems to find its way to people who want to purchase a necklace or ring or otherwise.  Gold is the main staple of trade and it is widely accepted.  As far as herbs and such you can study that in the library as you have herbs that are for cooking as well as herbs that are for healing, killing and other nice or not so nice experiments.  What you do with herbs is of your own choices but be aware of the fact that some can have dire consequences.  As far as the meeting all I can say is wear your finest as you will be before the King and the council.  We will be departing to the castle when the Second sun is low in the sky.  I would say be on your best behavior and represent your country with pride." 

Rachel, Jonathan and Caesar continue on their way to the shrine.. It is after the first sun has set and the second is low in the sky when you arrive at a small shrine set up in the forest.  Sitting in front of the shrine is what appears to be a young lady in all green cloth and a green cloak that the patterns of the greens could camouflage them quite easily in the surrounding area.

 I smile at Jonathan and Caesar and walk closer to her.  " Hello. I am Rachel and these are my friends Jonathan and Caesar. I am a druidess and have come a long ways to find others of our order.  " 

I smile and nod, "Very well then, in that case I think in the meantime we shall remain and conduct a little research. Shall we meet again shortly before departure?"

As Rachel calls out in greeting the woman continues to sit there but answers her.  Come child of nature and kneel here with me.  We have much to discuss and we have been expecting you as we watched you get closer to us."

The others head up to the library to research what they wanted to learn about.  Herb lore is interesting and it is cross referenced many times to plants and other materials to make potions that can harm, Heal or change people. 

What else are you wanting to study/research?