Lucinda’s swimming practice kept her occupied all the way up until word of the feast’s commencement echoed across the gathering area. She emerged from the lake to find that the tavern-like area had been adjusted to suit a new purpose. The tables were larger and circular instead of square, while all of the previously loose chairs had found their way to a proper table-side position. More jugs and mugs were once again placed upon the countertop, and a long, narrow, rectangular table laden with food had appeared nearby.

At Yalia’s insistence, Lucinda ended up sitting with her, Varmia, Owilen, and the kids at one of the tables on offer. Then, after a quick reassurance that there was to be no pre-feast speech, the circle leader demanded that everyone present ‘dig in’.

There was a wide variety of food on offer, including many dishes Lucinda had never seen before. Unsurprisingly, much of the fare was plant-based, with plenty of fruit and vegetables accompanying almost everything. There was still no meat to be seen, but the range of salads and dressings, as well as stews and soups, was enough to meet anyone's requirements in her opinion. During the course of the feasting, she tried her best to sample as much as she could, while being helped along by Varmia’s frequent recommendations. Not everything was to her liking, but there turned out to be plenty that was, ultimately leaving her quite satisfied.

“If I could have your attention please,” Yalia called out across the chatter of those feasting. Standing near to Lucinda’s table the old woman only had a few short seconds to wait before her desire was met with a rapt silence. “Thank you. Now that everyone has had their fill, I believe it is time for some discourse. Firstly, let me officially welcome you all to the Circle of the Wild. It is always a great pleasure for me to see new faces at these events, and this gathering has been no exception.

“As usual we have visitors from several other circles present. If they could raise a hand as I call them out, that would be wonderful. I think we’ll start with closest first. Which means: From Shelqa’fa, the Circle of the Weathered Bough.”

Owilen quickly raised a hand, as did three other individuals that Lucinda hadn’t yet met.

“From the island of Ulpria’tar’ulpria, we have the Circle of the Sandy Shore.”

Lucinda knew two of the five people that raised their hands: Dafula and Dolomé. One of the others spoke up. “Just Ulpria is fine!”

A small wave of a laughter passed through those gathered, which even Yalia joined in with. “Lastly, a rare treat for us here: the Circle of the Shrouded Wood, visiting us all the way from Tabapukshe.” Sevi and Prathin raised their hands. “Unfortunately, the Circle of the Frosty Morn, our closest neighbours located in Oradas, could not make it this time. We have received word that they are experiencing some difficulties that required the presence of all of their members.” A sudden souring of the previously jovial atmosphere followed on from Yalia’s proclamation. She raised her hands placatingly. “We do not believe it to be an overly serious matter, but we have sent a few of our own to provide assistance all the same.”

Yalia collected her mug from the table and took a sip as a few murmured words passed between the guests.

“Moving on,” she began. “We have a considerable number of unaffiliated visitors. If they could raise their hands now, we’ll all know who to try and persuade of how wonderful life in a circle truly is.”

From the final group, Lucinda recognised many: Waflaw and Grissa, most obviously; the two Rangers, Mulgra, and Emalin; and the Beastmaster Gelrior; leaving some half dozen she had not been introduced to, and lastly, herself.

“Of course, one such visitor is none other than our special guest.” Yalia turned a sweet smile towards Lucinda. “If Lucinda could join me here, I will make the introductions.”

Ah, crap… I should have known.

A burst of butterflies appeared within Lucinda’s stomach as she found herself forced in front of a crowd of people. It wasn’t exactly one of her favourite past times. While trying to meet the gazes of those present as best she could, she moved to Yalia’s side.

“For those of you that have not had the pleasure of an introduction,” Yalia said. “Allow me to introduce this beautiful young woman, Lucinda.”

An expectant look from the circle leader in her direction forced Lucinda to speak. “…Thank you for having me. A month ago I'd never even met a Druid… Everyone here has been so friendly. It's hard to express just how much I've been enjoying myself.”

"Just wait for the party, girl!" Grissa shouted out, earning herself a few laughs for her trouble.

“Indeed," Yalia said before continuing on. "As I’m sure most of you are aware, Lucinda is a proud possessor of the Shifter class. One that has been so unfortunately rare in these parts for a long, long time. There is no need to bring up the root cause of that rarity; however, what many of you likely don’t know, is that this Shifter is from Prilemia.”

The sudden announcement produced many surprised faces, some looks that suggested pained understanding, and even a single guffaw that quickly turned into an unconvincing coughing fit.

"Under other circumstances, I would have considered this a sign that our Shifter brethren were on their way to becoming an accepted class in the not-so-distant future; unfortunately, our visitors from Shelqa'fa have brought ill-tidings with them. Broaching the subject now would only sour the festivities we have planned, so as there is no particular urgency, I shall hold off until the morrow. Instead, let us talk about classes."

What's that about? Two circles experiencing troubles? That can't be good…

"If Owilen could come join me, please.” Turning to Lucinda, Yalia spoke more quietly. “You can sit down for a spell, Dear.”

Rising from his seat, the young man turned to address those gathered. “Hello everyone. I’m thrilled to be here, and thrilled to see the familiar faces of those that managed to make it to my own gathering!”

Lucinda's lingering concerns about the yet to be revealed news were brushed aside by the laughter Varmia's sudden growl brought about.

“Word’s probably spread since then, what with it being new and all. But, for those who missed it: my class is Warden.” Owilen briefly re-iterated the positives and negatives of his class for those present. “I’m sure you’re all dying to know how I unlocked it, and I don’t blame you. I can’t say I’m fully clued in on how that all works, but it’s obvious even to me that I’m a rarity. Which is why I’m probably going to have food thrown at me when I reveal my secret…”

A look of wariness was evident in Owilen’s eyes as he slowly scanned his audience.

“It came to me in a dream… Not even a good one; or one that made much sense. I was in a forest I’d never seen before, with trees so tall they seemed to touch the sky. I wasn’t really in control of it, and there was a lot of walking about, right up until those trees began talking to me. They said stuff about the past, I wish I could say what…” Owilen grimaced. “A lot of it didn’t make sense even at the time, and then I forgot more of it after I’d woken up. Best I can tell, they wanted me to have it, and spread it about again.” One of his hands swept through his short hair as he released a nervous laugh. “That’s about it, really.”

“No one will be throwing food at you, Dear,” Yalia said. “However, we would like to hear how to unlock the class.”

“Right, yeah. It’s pretty easy. You plant three trees, and then help them grow into saplings.”

You have gained the knowledge required to unlock class: Warden

“Thank you for sharing.” The circle leader turned to address the gathering. “As you can see, Owilen’s recounting provides some insight into class origins, yet it is far from a complete explanation. We can only speculate as to how his dream came about. However, Fi and Cro claim to have met other Wardens in the past, though pinning down how long it has been is unfortunately not possible.”

Maybe a dragon might know something? If I ever visit him again.

“Before we move on again, I’d like to point out that we also know of the methods required to unlock other nature-based classes. Including the somewhat rare, Beastmaster.”

“That’s me,” Gelrior called out happily.

Yalia smiled good-naturedly at the interruption, and then continued in a more serious tone. “There is no direct benefit in knowing about them, of course. However, it does help pass on the knowledge for future generations, which Owilen’s class would indicate is something our ancestors have failed in.”

The circle leader’s expression shifted into a grin as her eyes swept across those present. “Now, I’m delighted to announce our guest of honour has agreed to share a tale from her recent journeying.”

Did I actually agree…? Ah, at least it should be fun once I show them that!

Lucinda was forced to bring one hand upwards to cover a sudden grin.

“But first, I will abuse my seniority by recounting my own related tale.” Yalia raised one hand to an ear, while directing it suggestively at her audience. “No groans? How disappointing…”

“Wouldn’t dream of it!” Owilen said. While several others agreed with the clear statement, Varmia took the opportunity to send Lucinda a glance with her brows peaked upwards in an exaggerated manner. The simple act brought another smile to Lucinda’s face, even though she too was eager to hear more.

“My tale begins 40-odd years ago,” Yalia continued. “It was just after my husband, that only a few here have met, succumbed to an illness that no magic could cure. I always knew he would go before me – we were almost 10 years apart in age – but that didn’t make it any less heartbreaking.”

A sad smile spread across the old woman’s lips while her eyes seemed to drift into the past.

“He was a great man, and I do still miss him dearly – back then I was inconsolable. Not being the circle leader at the time, for I was far too young of course.” Yalia turned her gaze to her granddaughter, who huffed quietly in response. “Meant there wasn’t anything to stop me from wandering off into the wilderness… Given my poor state many tried to stop me, including my companion, but I ignored them all, and almost perished because of it.

“My aimless meandering brought me to the mountains to the north-west; an inhospitable place at the best of times. Naturally, sheer cliffs aren’t much of an obstacle for a Druid, even one lost in despondency. I soon found myself adrift atop the snowy peaks, a few days since setting off. I hadn’t eaten or drank anything. I don’t believe I had any intention of returning…"

I can’t really imagine how that must feel… Like losing Marrow?

Faint hints of moisture assaulted Lucinda’s eyes. She was by no means the only one so affected.

“And that was when the largest, smarmiest, most irritating dragon ever to exist landed next to me!” Yalia’s attitude became upbeat in an instant, as a toothy grin split across her face. “Deihg’Bruagar he called himself. Let me tell you, he’s an ass of the worst kind!”

Lucinda found herself giggling along with several others at the unexpected change, and the vehemence displayed by the circle leader.

“The arrogance… I can’t even put it to words! Accusing me of trespassing on his mountains. His mountains!” Yalia shook her head violently. “My sorrow didn’t dissipate immediately, but even still I managed to give him a piece of mind. ‘You think I care for your opinion, dragon?’ I said. ‘I may not be a fat, overgrown lizard like you, but so what? I’ve had my fair share of hardships, and of strife. I’ve been around, seen places, lived!’”

A newfound respect for the elderly Druid bloomed within Lucinda. The thought of attempting a similar approach to a meeting with the mighty beast seemed like an absolutely terrible idea, despite how her own encounter had gone.

“At least it was something like that.” Yalia released a loud cackle. “It’s been so long, I might have misremembered a tad.”

“How are you still alive?” Owilen asked, his voice filled with awe.

More than one person laughed in response to his comment, including Yalia herself, firmly pushing the atmosphere away from the lingering hint of sorrow brought about by the start of the ongoing retelling.

“By ranting and raving at him until I was blue in the face! Why that good for nothing dragon had never seen anything quite like it. He said so himself!" Another quieter cackle emerged from the old woman. "When I was done, we chatted for a while. Of recent events, politics, current rulers. That sort of thing. Then, he let me go." She sharply raised one finger before her. "But not without providing a reason for his leniency: ‘Your intense anger will have soured your flavour,’ is what he told me.” Yalia smiled wryly. “It seemed a little absurd, but I decided not to question his explanation. Instead, as I was feeling a lot less sorry for myself, I returned home. Having had my life saved, in a roundabout way, by a rude dragon.”

“Unbelievable…” Owilen voiced quietly.

“Let me make one thing clear, especially for the youngest of you.” Yalia looked over to Lucinda’s table.

“Don’t go shouting at dragons?” Natenza called out.

“Exactly right, Nat. Dragons are very dangerous creatures. It is safe to say that I was extremely lucky to avoid becoming his dinner. However.” Lucinda suddenly found a pair of elderly brown eyes upon her. “Perhaps Lucinda has something to say about that?”

Another sensation of butterflies appeared in her stomach as she stood up to answer Yalia’s cue. Yet the second time around, the feeling was not nearly so strong, and was tempered by a potent excitement.

Where to start…?

“Hi again,” Lucinda said somewhat nervously, there were a great deal of curious eyes upon her. “Umm, my story is very recent. About two weeks ago, I think? I was in the north-west mountains too, searching for an animal companion.” A smile reached her lips as she took in the sight of Marrow, who had moved to occupy her empty seat. “Ah, I don’t know if you know the place, but there’s this huge plateau with birds nesting on top of it. Oh, they’re like Emalin’s companion.”

The attention of those gathered was temporarily drawn towards the named Ranger, helped along by the sudden squawk from the similarly indicated bird of prey.

“How did you get up there?” Waflaw called out, a wide grin on his face when Lucinda looked his way.

A nervous giggle escaped from her lips.

Almost forgot about that… I guess I’ve got too used to it.

“It’s true I can’t fly. And I’m really looking forward to when I can! But it turns out goats are quite good at climbing mountains.” Lucinda was unable to keep a hint of smugness from her expression as she took in the general amusement of her audience. “And quite good at attracting the attention of dragons, I guess…” A shiver of discomfort passed through her as she recalled the terror she had experienced in that particular moment. “He swooped down, scared me half to death, and then managed to knock me off the mountaintop. I’d shifted to cat form – ah, house cat form I mean. I thought I was done for! It looked like I was going to fall to my death, and then when he grabbed me out of the air, that I was going to be eaten instead…

“I ended up in his lair. I wish I could say I was brave like Yalia, but I wasn’t… I was panicking. I was convinced he was going to gobble me up in a single bite! He's more than big enough… But, I was lucky too. He revealed he wasn’t going to eat me after all. His reason… umm… well, this will probably sound ridiculous, but he said it was because I smelt ‘intriguing’.”

“Hum,” Yalia voiced. “How interesting. Not at all what I was expecting.” A chorus of agreements followed on from her words.

“Me neither… But, that’s what he said… Umm, then we talked for a while. Or I guess I did mostly. He asked me to tell him about my past, which I did. It wasn't like I had a choice… Then he told me about a story about another dragon he fought by the capital of Prilemia, which I’m still looking for information about.” Lucinda cast a hopeful glance across those gathered. “After that… I was allowed to leave.”

“A fascinating tale, I’m sure all will agree. It is very surprising that you are still alive considering. We do catch wind of people vanishing within the mountains from time to time.” Yalia smiled warmly at Lucinda. “Thank you, Dear. I think it is about time we moved on…”

“Ah, there was one other thing,” Lucinda interrupted. Yalia offered a non-verbal gesture, urging for her to continue. Having had an idea of how to make her demonstration even more entertaining, she turned towards the table she’d sat at. “Could I borrow Ivi?”

Her words caught the young girl by surprise, but after some encouragement from Yalia, she came to join Lucinda. The incredible shyness of the youngest person present was enough to assuage Lucinda’s own similar feeling. Smiling brightly at the small girl, she knelt down next to her.

“How about a piggyback?” she asked.

Without protest, Ivi climbed into position on Lucinda’s back. As her passenger settled, Lucinda looked from table to table.

Some of them must suspect…

A grin spread across her face as she prepared to shift. “Hold on tight,” she said to Ivi.

In the usual few second duration, Lucinda’s human body began transforming into that of her of dragonling form. A surprised yelp soon sounded out from Ivi, but despite the changes taking place she continued to hold on, and did not appear in danger of falling off as Lucinda had worried could potentially happen.

“Mummy…?” Ivi’s voice cut off suddenly to be replaced by a loud gasp. With Lucinda’s shapeshifting having just finished, the cause was obvious, and the subsequent cry not unexpected. “Dragon!”

“No way!” Natenza shouted out as Lucinda’s rider leant down to hug her tightly.

“Yeah, what she said,” Owilen added.

The two remaining children soon arrived at Lucinda’s side, though Quiln lagged behind the oldest of the trio by a fair margin. Of course, many of the adults were quite interested in her newly revealed form as well.

“Ya sure kept this quiet,” Grissa called out, as she and several others swarmed around Lucinda.

“I knew you were up to something!” Varmia announced. “But this…”

“Is incredible!” Owilen exclaimed. “Right, kids?”

“How come she’s a dragon?” Natenza asked.

“Don’t look at me. Yalia?”

“I’m afraid I’m as amazed as all of you,” the circle leader responded. “When Lucinda told me she had met Deihg, I did not for a second imagine she had gained a related shapeshift.”

“I can answer that,” Waflaw said. “The dragon gave her the form as a gift. I think she only had to touch him to acquire it, which is the usual method for Shifters. Whether others could receive a similar gift, I have no idea.”

“Can I be a dragon?” Ivi asked from her place on Lucinda’s back.

“He’s not sure, Ivi,” Natenza replied. “And you’d have to choose Shifter when you’re old enough…”

“Mmm… ‘Kay.”

Could I convince Deihg to give her the form if she did become a Shifter? I guess I’d have quite a few years to convince him, and get to know him better… If I want to risk seeing him again… Although maybe it wouldn’t be long from his point of view?

Ivi began petting Lucinda’s scaly hide, prompting Natenza and Quiln to do likewise.

“Woah… She’s cold…” Quiln exclaimed.

“And smooth…” Natenza added. “This is so neat! Right, Ivi?”

The youngest girl replied with nothing more than a loud burst of giggling.

“How about from a real dragonling?” Owilen asked.

“Hard to say,” Waflaw replied. “You should know that Druids don't get an option for such a form. Then again, as much as I’ve grown to like my apprentice, it’s safer to assume Shifters are different rather than that she’s special.”

“You’re wrong,” Varmia said. “Luci is absolutely special.” The young Druid grinned at Lucinda, while Waflaw sent a raised eyebrow and a half-smile her way.

What happened to being discreet…?

“Hah!” Grissa boomed out. “Just because you’ve got the hots for her, ya think she’s the only Shifter that can become a dragon?”

“What…?” Owilen blurted out in surprise. “Oh, is that what she meant earlier? Riight…”

“Uh, oops,” Varmia replied. “Guess my secret is out.”

“Like that was an accident…” Lucinda said, or more accurately: growled in the dragon tongue.

“Oh, that is the cutest growl. If only all dragons were like that…” Varmia reached down to join in the ongoing petting.

“What about that Shifter friend of yours, Waffles?” Grissa asked.

“No dragon form as far as I know. But, I’m sure he has all sorts of things he hasn’t shared. Anyway, maybe we should have Luci show off her dragonling ability. What do you say, kids? Fancy seeing a dragon’s breath?”

“She can do that!?” Natenza asked.

“Sure she can. We’ll need to make some space… How about blasting the table you were at? Hmm…” Waflaw turned away suddenly. “For anyone that wants to witness a small dragon freezing a table, now is the time to step forth.”

Doesn’t even ask me! Not being able to speak in shifted form is a real pain… Oh, well.

The crowd of the most interested persons grew rapidly as those nearest backed off to allow more to witness the unusual spectacle. Though not all were quite so willing to move away.

“Come on Ivi,” Natenza encouraged. “It’s dangerous!”

“…No,” Ivi replied, before giggling quietly, which brought an annoyed growl from the older girl.

“She’ll be fine,” Grissa called out. “Can’t blame her for wanting to stay riding her very own dragon, can ya?”

After a brief spell of sulky grumbling from Natenza, a silence fell upon the gathering. Lucinda had a clear line of sight to the table, which had been cleared of food and utensils in short order, and then turned on its side. Bracing her four feet in the grassy ground, she locked her eyes upon the broad green surface before her. Then, taking a deep breath, she felt the surreal sensation of pure cold building deep within her body as she prepared to unleash her brutal weapon.

“Time to die… table!” she announced in the growling draconic language.

A short spurt of laughter sounded out from somewhere nearby, but was then smothered as her frosty breath was released in all its glory. The bright cloud of icy magic tore across the short distance between her and her target in a flash, while the creaking and crackling sounds of ice flooded the air.

“Nailed it!” came a cry from the audience.

“Like she was going to miss at that range…” someone else added.

“Stuff the jealousy will ya?” a third said.

Of course almost as soon as her attack had started, Ivi had begun releasing exulting cries and whoops above her while bucking about excitedly.

“Do it again!” the young girl shouted out.

“Sorry to disappoint,” the voice of Waflaw responded. “It’s once a day only.”

“Sweet! Must be powerful then!” Owilen replied.

“Oh yes, that table looks very dead to me,” Yalia said.

What?

Twisting her flexible neck, Lucinda found the circle leading smiling widely down at her.

“You can understand me?” she asked in a series of growls.

“Old age has its advantages… Though I must confess to having a very limited vocabulary.” Yalia’s gaze rose upwards to roam about the other spectators. “Well, that was a jolly bit of fun, but I believe it is past time we moved onto other things. If I can leave the preparations to my fellow circle members, Lucinda, myself, and whoever wishes to represent their respective circles, will take a moment to discuss some matters. Unless there any complaints?”

“There’s bound to be one from a certain small person,” Varmia replied, her gaze lingering on Lucinda’s back as a few chuckles met her words. The young Druid moved closer as others began dispersing. “That’s enough dragoning for now, Ivi,” she said. “Yalia needs to speak with Lucinda, okay?”

“No!” the young girl replied immediately in a particularly stubborn tone.

“Ivi,” a woman’s voice said, drawing out the individual sounds of the name. “Are you being naughty again?”

“No Mummy…”

The woman appeared beside Lucinda with a stern expression on her face. She was mid-to-late thirties by Lucinda’s best guess, and wasn’t someone she had been introduced to.

“Come here then.”

Ivi’s response to the command was to lean forwards and engulf Lucinda with her small arms once again.

“Ivi… You know what happens to naughty girls.”

“You can play with her later,” Varmia added. “Or tomorrow. Or the day after that. Sound good?”

“…Promise?” the young girl asked in a quiet voice.

“I promise,” Lucinda replied.

“You hear that, Ivi? I speak a few words of the dragon language too you know, and she said she would love to play with you another time. Trust me.”

The slow release of the bodily hug hinted at some amount of remaining reluctance in the young girl, but she did dismount from Lucinda’s back. With her daughter successfully retrieved, the mother offered some words of gratitude before guiding her away.

“You must have been struggling to keep that a secret, yeah?” Varmia asked as Lucinda shifted back to human form.

“It was well worth it.” A brief sharing of a smile was all they had time for before Yalia made her presence known.

“Lucinda, can we talk?”

“Have fun,” Varmia said. Her smile grew wider and then she continued. “Just so you know: None of the other circles near here have anyone like me in them.” Offering a casual wave, she headed off.

I guess that answers that question then…

“I’d be happy too,” she said towards the elderly Druid.

“This way then Dear.”