Saturday, May 2, 2009

Shepherds of the Ancient Forests

Those who Shelter the Sacred Groves

Fantasy equal: Dryad

Imagine taking a casual stroll through the forest. You tread lightly, deeper and deeper along a narrow path. You marvel at nature’s beauty, adore her smell and love touching the different textures of flora that grows at her bosom. She knows of your presence and smiles at you for the respect and admiration you show towards Her and the beings She fosters.

You lose sense of time and before long frogs and crickets serenade each other all around you. You realize you have must have explored for hours and find yourself somewhat lost. You turn around and start walking back, looking for landmarks familiar to you, but nightfall has transformed the forest and nothing seems the same anymore. Several hours pass as you struggle to find your way home, but to no avail. She senses your tension and knows all too well the secrets of the dark forests are feared by many. She knows however you are a friend and sends forth an ally of nature to guide you...

You take rest on a moss covered rock to regain your breath. The ancient wind brings forth a light breeze and somehow you find comfort in the rustling of leaves. That’s when you notice a dim light in the distance. The light draws closer, leaping from the shadows of majestic trees. Before long you gaze on one of the most beautiful beings you have ever laid your eyes on. She is naked. Her skin is pale, yet is illuminated with a strange green radiance. Her hair is long and flowing, garlanded with moss, bark and feathers. She is a Dryad, a Shepherd of the Ancient Forests. She speaks in a tongue you do not know, yet you understand her haunting words. She offers you peace, protection and a safe haven for the night. Without thinking twice you agree to take refuge in the forest this night, placing your trust in this enchanting creature. If dryads exist in this forest, you can only imagine what else dwells our lands secretly. You are lead to a hollowed tree trunk. To your surprise you find it to be filled with soft, fragrant ferns and mosses. She has made her dwelling available to you.

Before long you fall into a deep slumber...

The next morning you are awoken by the songs of birds. Never have you had such a sound night’s rest. As you exit the hollow tree trunk, you notice a row of mushrooms growing in a steady line along one of the forest paths. The dryad must have conjured this... the way home? Ever since that night you vaguely remember the vision of the dryad. You are more compelled to the ancient forests than you were before. And every time you are restless and agitated by life’s doings and goings, you find yourself drawn to the place where you’ve encountered the dryad. Here you find peace and serenity. This is how the Shepherds of Ancient Forests have come to be... those touched and favoured by the Dryads of Mother Nature, as depicted in the following collection.















“Allies of the night elves, dryads are the daughters of the demigod Cenarius. They are peaceful by nature and despise violence; however, like ancients, night elves, and their brothers the keepers of the grove, dryads fight to protect the forests and their allies. They are particularly adept at destroying magic and are immune to its effects. Most dryads remain in the forests, frolicking with the animals, dancing in the rain, and occasionally bringing nature’s wrath onto their enemies. Some dryads, however, leave their forests and become adventurers. For some, encounters with hostile forces spark this desire — they wish to bring the fight to the enemies of nature. Others are curious about the world outside their forests, and wish to experience new environments and meet new beings. Other dryads and night elves see adventuring dryads as a bit less unusual than adventuring ancients. Dryads possess an innate streak of curiosity, after all. However, adventuring dryads are still branded as eccentrics who go against the natural tendencies of their kind. Dryads are peaceful watchers of the forest. They are friends of the night elves and defenders of nature.”
http://www.wowwiki.com/Dryad

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