View source for Making of an Arch-Druid (1st Edition)

This book chronicles the events of which Guenguoreth was made Arch-Druid by the Heartwood Circle. It is finely wrought and features several illustrations of people involved as well as well as the name 'Malek-Dorn Sternheart' as its author. This is the first edition of the book

=== Orders on the Matter of Killed Slave ===
Find the Proper name of the Myon Offical that assaulted the slave in Guldorand lands and request a statement as to their actions. If found guiltly of Murder they are to be exiled forthwith.

        Day 27, Month 6 (Kythorn), 174 AR
<br>        Kesa Hillside        

=== I. FOREWORD ===
It is with certain dread that one knows the event witnessed are to be of historical note whilst yerself are seeing it unfold and writing them down. I hope Dugmaren Brightmantle smiles upon my effort to transcribe it.

And so lo, does the heavy charge of posterity weigh upon hand when writing these pages. I boast naught full clearness to all events that transpired but only from my eyes and ears, old as they be, to which the process of an Archdruid-making was made.

These events detail the Heartwood Circle's deliberation and eventual decision upon who would take over the mantle of Archdruid after Burin the Earthly at the first day of Alturiak in the year of Arelith's Reckoning, 175.

May this book serve as a useful insight in the druidic world as well as to gleam at what now is present but later will become history.

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== II. A MOOT OF DISCOVERY & PURPOSE ===
Upon the 24th day of Nightal in the year of 174 AR did those who walk with nature - hereby meaning druids, rangers and shamans - meet to deliberate the disappearance  of Archdruid Burin the Earthly. For more than a decade had Burin led the Heartwood Circle as Archdruid. Burin's way were to many mysterious yet profound and some pointed out that he was prone to isolate and wander into the wilds for weeks without word. 

Thus, 'twas with such knowledge that some of his peers felt that his recent disappearance posed naught concern. But to others such disappearance and a feel of stagnation in the druidic circle heralded a time for change. 

Such was proved right when reason was found to Burin's disappearance. The moot was led by Dregan the Green, Grand-Druid of the Grove, and held within the caverns of Heartwood. It was here revealed by finding his journal that the Archdruid had left the island in order to draw away the ire of a terrible Ash Dragon that had set its sights against the 900 year old druid. 

Armed now with answers the deliberations to find a new Archdruid could begin. The sage druid Clarissa helped with outlining the traditions held in this daunting task and it was decided there would be a second moot where the candidates who had shown intent to stand for selection would be voted on. 

Only nature-walkers would be given voice in who was to lead as Archdruid, regardless of being formally a part of the Grove or not. Those who walk less with nature and more with a reluctant gait, such as I, would be allowed to observe. 

In this moot there was only one who announced her intent to stand for selection; Guenguoreth verch Ysbail of the Moonshae Islands. The Grand-Druid Dregan the Green had naught given voice of her own intent but at this moot some voiced it for her though she confessed more deliberation should be needed before her answer would be made clear. 

More was spoken on in this moot, but some mercy of brevity will be needed as we move to the next. 

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== III.  THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 1 ===
Lo, upon the still moonlight-wrought glade of the Heartwood Forest on the first night of Alturiak in now 175 AR did the nature-walkers yet again convene. 

The Grand-Druid Dregan Densular alongside the druid Clarissa began the moot. Her candidacy was here thus revealed to me and another had given voice to such intent, Caldurian Wyndyr of the Skull Crag Rangers. 

The moot began with brief introductions of each candidate. Then Clarissa stated that the candidates would be asked questions among the gathered to explain their character and vision for the future of the Grove. Thus, did Clarissa ask first: "Why do you wish this responsibility?" 

Guenguoreth gave voice first: She stated that it is not a responsibility lightly taken. To her the safeekeping of the Hearstone and the maintenance of posterity were matters to be concerned of. When first coming to the Heartwood did she find it failing of health and rather than abandoning or denying these issues did she seek to face these responsibilities head on. 'twas when she saw no other who would bear such duty did she put her name first forward.

Thus did Caldurian answer: When first this moot was called, he had no interest in assuming such a mantle. Most, he said, would attest to this. 'twas only after being first asked that he did truly consider it. If the people believed he would good and that he should, then that would be cause enough for him to stand for Archdruid. A task he himself believed he could do as he knew the island well and what would be required to make change. 

Finally Dregan spoke answer: Her wish was to give this Grove and the Heartwood what previous druids and rangers had given; the strength of her body, the knowledge of her mind and the wisdom passed down by those who came before us since left. She wished to continue the traditions and uphold the beauty before them all and see that the Grove remain protected and respected, as they walk far and wide to continue teaching all. 

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== IV. THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 2 ===
By now many hands were raised in question and a particular hermit-looking manling took upon him the task to track and ensure questions were asked in fair succession. The second question came from a druid called Cypress: "Will you lead this grove, the Circle and give sanctuary by the laws of the Godesss Mother Nature to the deepest sincere ways to reliqnuish your friens and family to defend the Balance above all else?"

In this, I later gathered, was a reference to the oaths an Archdruid need take and the heavy burden it wrought.

Caldurian would raise voice to answer first and spoke: "Do you truly need to relinquish all to defend the Heartstone? We do so already" he pointed out. "If the Circle is to be my family, then that family would tend to the Balance" - he did not see it as needing to be the one or the other and argued then that the oath would be need be changed. 

There was, I noted, some grumbling to this particular reply, as he spoke of changing the oaths. 

After him Guenguoreth answered: For certain, she avowed, would she follow these oaths. They came with purpose and common cause. The efforts she would continue to make, they beget this manner of thing. Comraderie is something of a result of pursuing the important cause and friendship and family are misguided goals. We gladly welcome it in our duty, but ours - she declared - is a duty greater than that of mortalkind.

Then Dregan spoke: Her life, if it is used to maintain balance, is Nature's to take. She said she respected this oath, and if called she would give her lifeforce to ensure the Balance is conserved like druids before us and named examples such as Kaeeryn, Adilshasa and Wyn. Our life is at time the price needed to do so.

She continued and said: "It is by that dedication, those we love, those who are our friends. Those who are our family live on, and remember us years and centuries later because the world did not collapse on those days."

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== V. THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 3 ===
Second question came from one named Kose Blackleaf and they asked: "Leadership is heavy burden, do you plan to do this alone or with the help of delegating?"

Caldurian did answer first: Delegating is the only way, he stated and continued, there might be choices that need to be made urgently that require one word. Most of these cases, he however felt, should be decided by majority of the Circle.

Then Guenguoreth spoke: She had spoken many times to the profoundness of druidic duty. It would be hubris to face it alone, she felt. Such is the need for a grove and a cricle that resides therein. On her own declaration for Archdruid she said she expressed her wish for the grove to be a symposium of wisdom. Concluding she noted that the archdruid speaks for this circle but does not rule it. 

And so Dregan's turn it was: The Heartwood grove does indeed delgate often, she agreed, however the arcdruid doesn't command so much as to guide and provide wisdom and insight. With this she gave example: For an archdruid may be the peak, they must also be foothills of the mountains as well. Each druid choose their path in life and with that guidance in mind the Archdruid provide for others, but orders not them about like soldiers or sailors.

<nowiki>-------------------------</nowiki>

Third question was asked by what I presume be an elf named Burnassan, 'twas a question for Caldurian foremost but others could ask and so it went: "Caldurian said he knew the island ewll, what kind of change do you plan on making and how do you plan on doing it? Aside from changing the Archdruid's oath, of course." 

As he was asked, Caldurian did reply: As a friend of him had told him recently; there's idealism and there's reality. His opinions, he admitted, would likely be not popular yet even in doubts he would press on. He was the First Warden of the Skull Crags and he believed the reason they flourish is because of their kinship and close bonds.

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== VI. THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 4 ===
The Skull Crags Rangers do their duty, they keep the Balance of the Crag and hunt animators and other foul sort. To this he confessed they'd even have had to have made shady deals for it. But they kept going and he wish the same for the Heartwood and bring those bonds here, between all. Caldurian believed that they need the settlements to recognize their - the Grove's - word, their advice and guidance. 

To this Guenguoreth replied: "This might be the goals of well-intenioned rangers but this is not the case of a druidic grove. There is reason to not offend the cities of the civilized world", she agreed but added "yet only when prudent." 

She would continue by stating that "The Balance is a greater cosmological idea than that of the bonds of friends and family. As I've said, we welcome this when it comes and truthfully hopes of it where we can, the changes should come in realizing our responsibility to Nature and the Prime Material. It is unforgivable to abandon the Heartstone's defense and the education of our posterity. The pursuit of these things begets such bonds."

Before Dregan could reply in earnest there was minor exchange between Guenguoreth and Caldurian on the particulars of their words spoken but both quickly yielded and the Grand Druid then replied: In regards to change she would wish the grove to be smore represented abroad. Many things could be said of Burin, Dregan said, and that among them would be that he played things very close to his vest. In her view he walked the path of mystery and deeper wisdom and argued that his intent was often unknown.

This was good for some but not for others and yet she felt that they should be more apt in being visible about Arelith. Their impacts should be spoken of; not for posterity or fame but to help educate and further teach those who fail balance and denigrate it. Concluding she said that they walk the land often and with often silent footsteps, she would see them making more impression.

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== VII. THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 5 ===
As the fourth question was announced a manling woman called Kerill stepped forward to ask. However the druid in charge of questions announced that a certain hin named Ester Brightburst was in fact before her. This made the manling hiss something awful, yet I've no certainty to claim it was not some type of animalistic deference to the fact. She did, at least, step back and Ester Brightburst gave question: "How much time have you lot spent around in the grove doing grove things and walking the forests last month." 

She then warns them not to lie.

This question provoked much amusement around me. Some context that I believe to the quesiton might be that there were some among the candidates who had not often been seen or been around or such was the view of those that found mirth to it. 

Caldurian answered first and briefly such: "I shall be the first to admit that my wandering often takes me across the isle and that will likely continue."

Then 'twas Dregan's turn - and from here on the order of replies changes from Caldurian, Guenguoreth then last Dregan to Caldurian first then Dregan and Guenguoreth lastly. Why this became so I confess to either have missed or there was no reasoning to it. One could believe it some druidic practice, a changing of the wind, but I digress. 

Dregan the Green would reply that she had called these forest of Heartwood her home for almost 20 years, residing either in Myon or the Grove. She confessed there were times she'd stepped into reverie (elf sleep, it baffles the senses) for a few months but that was not so now. 

Guenguoreth would then speak these words: "There is little I do, save for when taking expedition to location of import in plesant company - at my own behest or otherwise. If I am not found walking between Arelith's forests and the Skull Crags you will find me here offering lesson to newcomers. Else I send messages to aspirants in hope to speak to them. Many here can attest to this with their own experience."

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== VIII. THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 6 ===
Now was the turn of the hissing lass Kyrill and she spoke her, the fifth, question thus: "What are your aims for the grove, to be clearer: The isle is full of necromancers, infernalists, demologists, rifts, loggers, pillagers and general abominations - do you intend to face any of these threats or have tea parties?" 

Calrudian confirms first by saying he enjoys tea-parties, but that he is a hunter first and foremost and will continue to hunt those who twist Balance. He says that it is a constant battle but will hunt those he must and convince those who he can to the error of their ways. 

Before others can reply Kyrill interjects and states that she found this answer of insufficient value. To this Caldurian gives additional information that they, the Skull Crag Rangers, are tracking a group called the Death's Hand which this chronicler does not have much knowledge of, but it seems to appease the woman somewhat. 

Dregan's answer comes next: She says that the Heartwood should not be regarded as a policeforce (a mannish group oft in cities tasked to keep law and order) but that no one can deny that there are foul sort constantly popping up. However, she feels, the Grove itself acts as much as individuals act; each seeking their own balance where they can and the Circle does not command druids to intervene nor does it hold others from acting on their desires.

Lastly 'twas Guenguoreth who spoke: She was unsure what Kyrill had hoped to hear but to Guenguoreth the immediate focus should be to strenghtening themselves and the Grove so that they are not found wanting when faced by these threats. Already she had spoken with representatives of Myon on specific animators that many of them had been warned about and she hoped that they would soon expell such ill flesh-haunted things. 

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== IX. THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 7 ===
Sixth question was asked by Felriss of Clan Sternheart, my grand-daughter, and her question was this: "I have heard much of fellowship and family so have we've been extolled of past druids past and their accomplishment while referencing old traditions. We are in a period of growth in the Grove and I wish to know what each of your plans is to tend the new crop when they arrive.  How will we be more firmly together, not by platitudes but means of action?"

'twas in asking that certain pointed stares were made which Caldurian answer this in return: "Have you come to us in Crags and sought our company? Hunting together, lessons from one another, even darts and relationship advice. We can't be serious all the time, wouldn't be much life if so."

Dregan would then answer: She said that while Burin and Beryl  (the Archdruid before Burin) wanted to keep the Grove more quiet and reserved she has noticed that of late there are more who wish a Grove more active and involved in the representation of the island. Suggestions to how to accomplish this has been made and the Grove must continue to speak of the Grove to those who seek the knowledge and those who wish to hear. She also mentioned that pins which tells affiliation with the Circle have been suggested. Lastly she concluded that it was important to respect the traditions and heritage of the Grove but also to listen to suggestions of change and guide the Circle through these. 

Then 'twould be Guenguoreth who gave answer: She had mentioned already of her efforts in offering lessons that allowed the heart of their purpose. In her view a great failing of the past Grove was that it had not given the members of the Circle the tools which they could perform their duty and that upon her arrival she had found few who could speak to the true nature of balance. And so she had ensured that each aspirant had been met by her as without understanding there is no way to apply their wisdom and to do their duty.

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== X. THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 8 ===
Avalri DeLocke of the Skull Crag Rangers, who I also note her relation to erstwhile Chancelor of Cordor and High Sheriff of Guldorand Kent DeLocke, came then forth to ask the seventh question: "What is your stance towards Zhurkwood Grove?" 

Now for context I have gathered that Zhurkwood Grove is the druidic presence of those Below in the Underdark. 

Caldurian gave answer such: He said they are the Heartwood Grove's equals and have made contribution to the isle, as have they helped them in the past and he would hope they continue such in the future. 

And Dregan gave similiar reply: "The Zhurkwood is our counterparts and we must work with them to maintain balance below. Relations with them are important to ensure we do not sink into rivalry and discontent which might invite violence to a place of peace." Furthermore she would say that she would never be comfortable with inviting drow and gnoll who walk the path of nature above but that they could be cordial to one and each other. 

Guenguoreth's answer was this: "It is not so much peace we need to be concerned about, but the Balance below. What bodes ill below bodes ill for us above. We must treat with Zhurkwood and so I said to Coronal Karathas (ruler of Myon) and so he ceded to me."

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== XI. THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 9 ===
And so 'twas Khiart who approached. I had been told she also called herself or by others as 'Snake in the grass' though I will make clear she is, in fact, a very shy forest gnome. Not a snake. While druidic allegory might contend itself with such poetic licence, I will not. When she asked the eight question she spoke such in Sylvan tongue which to my lament I know not. Happily Myfanwy Merrick verch Branwen provided translation which was this: "I am of the forgotten folk and though few see me I watch and have watched the island suffer, the forest shrink and the spirit die in the wake of evil, humanity - industry. My question is: What will you do, to stem the plague of industry that taint the Skull Crags, the evil of Guldorand?"

Caldurian began and explained that the logging camp, Westcliff, has not expanded for years and will not do so. He would maintain what was already in place and ensure they are not overstepped. So the forest gnome's wish to see them removed, he would not advocate.

Then Dregan replied: "Few who know the history will know the fate of Guldorand during the issue with balance, the cutting of the forest and the conflict with the Druids of the mountain. It has led to restrictions in the logging town that it sees to now daily.  It's actions and choices at the time but there is indeed valid concern for the imbalance of industry." 

Guenguoreth gave voice as she replied: She would, in her view, not patronize the gnome either - but the issue was not simple and they must not forget the plight of the Sky-Talkers. There is a further understanding to be made with Guldorand and they would not simply ignore it because it is difficult but rather seek its understanding. 

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== XI. THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 9 ===
And so 'twas Khiart who approached. I had been told she also called herself or by others as 'Snake in the grass' though I will make clear she is, in fact, a very shy forest gnome. Not a snake. While druidic allegory might contend itself with such poetic licence, I will not. When she asked the eight question she spoke such in Sylvan tongue which to my lament I know not. Happily Myfanwy Merrick verch Branwen provided translation which was this: "I am of the forgotten folk and though few see me I watch and have watched the island suffer, the forest shrink and the spirit die in the wake of evil, humanity - industry. My question is: What will you do, to stem the plague of industry that taint the Skull Crags, the evil of Guldorand?"

Caldurian began and explained that the logging camp, Westcliff, has not expanded for years and will not do so. He would maintain what was already in place and ensure they are not overstepped. So the forest gnome's wish to see them removed, he would not advocate.

Then Dregan replied: "Few who know the history will know the fate of Guldorand during the issue with balance, the cutting of the forest and the conflict with the Druids of the mountain. It has led to restrictions in the logging town that it sees to now daily.  It's actions and choices at the time but there is indeed valid concern for the imbalance of industry." 

Guenguoreth gave voice as she replied: She would, in her view, not patronize the gnome either - but the issue was not simple and they must not forget the plight of the Sky-Talkers. There is a further understanding to be made with Guldorand and they would not simply ignore it because it is difficult but rather seek its understanding. 

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== XII. THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 10 ===
Of this there should be added historical context, the druids of the mountain that Dregan and Guenguoreth spoke of are the Sky-Talker Druids and history speaks of a great war and conflict that arose between them and erstwhile Guldorand, now Westcliff. I am sure there are nuisances and some fancy tales to this war but a conclusion I've been told was that the Sky-Talkers themselves rose the very peaks of Skull Crag mountains in defiance and destroyed the village only for it to be rebuilt quickly after. They then vanished from the isle. Another tale is that this action is what allowed, perhaps by fate's irony and unintentional to the Sky-Talker druids, access by foot towards the lands of what now is the Fortress City of Guldroand.   

<nowiki>---------------------------------------</nowiki>

Ninth question came from Aelynthi, a follower of the Umberlee I am told: "Do you simply intend to adhere to Myon? Will you denounce evil despite it not being our role? Shall you slay every creature that does not resemble a human in some capacity?"

Of this I am given to understand she refers to gnolls, goblins, kobolds and other creatures that she might consider reasonable beasts to allow among us.

Caldurian answered simply: "I would welcome nature walkers from below." 

And Guenguoreth gave her statement on such: "I have spoken with Myon's Coronal on this. Dangerous creatures are kept at arm's length as precation." However she would add that should a creature show a way to disprove their trepidation over tine then their value could be considered. 

The rest of this question is drowned over several argument about Myon's power of the Heartwood grove and the morality on tolerating monsters. If Dregan had voice on this topic then I fear it was drowned out by the arguments that arose among the gathered. It did, however, not last long and mercifully so as hours had already gone past and most were keen to move on. 

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== XIII. THE MOOT OF SELECTION, PART 11 ===
A question, the tenth, was posed by a Rashemi I alas did not get the name of - she introduced herself as a learned scholar and her question was about the candidates' qualifications for the heavy charge of being Archdruid. This provoked some ire among the gathered as they felt it too similiar to the introductions and the first question made -- by this point I should add that, as I mentioned before, there had been several hours now gone past and people were getting tired as it were. 

After the Rashemi made clarification upon the question asked and the candidates agreed that they could try answer as such. This, however, provoked one druid - Cypress Oakheart to leave the moot in outrage as he felt it was not seemly that someone that did not walk the path of nature would ask questions at the moot. 

Caldurian would reply: He had defended the Groves many times and participated in the defense of Benwick (presumably then the War of 164) as well as to defend when the vampires tried to use the weatherstone to cloud the sky in darkness (same war, as I understand it). He had taught many druids though admitted that it had been with mixed results. He would also note his position as First Warden of the Skull Crag Rangers. 

Dregan then gave voice and said that she had more or less been in many of the same or similiar defenses against the Grove and Island as a whole and had as well many exploits under her belt - but she did not feel it prudent to extol such nor did she wish to keep the Moot longer than already. 

Guenguoreth, while stating not the same exploits of the two former, said that she had been a druid all thirty-five years of her life and that she felt there was a need for the Circle to gain new perspective and that to not have it become or be complacent and abandonded. 

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== XIV. THE VOTE ===
From thereon, near 8 hours passed and the time was now fast approaching noon, the Moot agreed upon making vote so that it could conclude with a new Archdruid. The druid Clarissa took it upon herself to the tally the votes and bid that members starting from her right side on onward would approach her by the Heartstone and speak in low voice their choice of Archdruid. 

The process itself was well enough managed and I shant speak ill of their ability to make queue though mayhap elsewise judgemental minds would speak low of the druids and nature-walker's inclination for the orderly. Twenty-seven votes were cast and 'twas not long before Clarissa came to announce the results. 

Caldurian Wyndyr received seven votes. 

Dregan Densular had eight votes. 

Guenguoreth verch Ysbail, however, got twelve votes in support.

Thus victor, if one call it such, was made clear. 

Some would cheer loudly to this while other took a sombre tone not in displeasure but out of respect to this occasion. Those who knew her well would also know that she would be tested and many eyes cast upon her judgement. I noticed myself a smile upon Guenguoreth when the result was known - I can but wonder if this joy she felt then would be in time proved worth it to her.

None, as far as I know, felt that this was an error or bad choice. If so, they did not voice it there. 

Guenguoreth approached the members and those gathered and gave a small speech upon the ocacasion:

"I know it is that I have levied many criticisms against the ways of things. I have only done so from a place of good will. Now that our choosing is behind us, I think it best that so too do these criticisms remain. All who count themselves of the circle, and many of you beyond that, I would count as my friends. It is only that I wish to express my gratitude for bestowing of this responsibility. I do not take it lightly". 

She would then hold firm to her staff and bow her head. 

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== XV. THE OATH ===
Dregan would hold up a gnarled book covered in thick forest musk. Its pages dark, I saw, and its ink nearly faded.

They went to the Heartstone and all gathered around as the two stood upon the runes that circles it.

Thus, Dregan spoke: "For over 10 years this Heartwood has been served by another Archdruid. And in this time it has grown and it has shrunk. Yesterday has set, today is a new beginning. Tomorrow is not in the hands of those who will of us. Be you ready to take these oaths, Guenguoreth?"

Guenguoreth affirmed that she was.

Dregan continued: "Forsooth! And thus we bring now Guenguoreth before us. That she may be worthy. And I, as Grand Druid of the Heartwood Grove, offer a simple challenge of oaths. Accept each and every one, and the Goddess Mother Nature shall know your name as Archdruid. Defy only one, and it will not be so." 

First oath was: "Will you lead this grove, this Circle and these good folk here, to forge bonds and give sanctuary by the laws of the Godess Mother Nature, to the deepest and most sincere way of your abilities?"

Guenguoreth did so affirm she would.

Second oath said: "Will you work beside your fellow Elders of the Grove, leading them in their own trials and providing assistance when a time may come that they are in need?"

This, too, Guenguoreth affirmed.

Third oath uttered: "Will you lead the Circle, the Green Council, and give your own testament and feelings in counsel to others, when the time may heed?"

Guenguoreth would affirm.

Fourth oath made: "Will you continue to serve Balance and if asked relinquish your friends and family, your loved ones and yourself to defend the Balance above all else to your dying breath?" 

And so did the Archdruid affirm she would. 

"Then it is done. With my power as Grand Druid and in accordance with those who voted in moot today, I name you ... Guerguoreth - Archdruid of the Heartwood Grove." 

And much cheer was made at such proclamation, the Heartwood Circle had an Archdruid yet again.

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        

=== XVI. AFTERWORD ===
Much could be said upon witnessing such events, and even more speculation to be had on whether this marks a new age for the Circle of Heartwood Grove. 

But I shall not make idle speculations nor provide much personal thoughts upon what transpired that day. 

Posterity might curse this event or celebrate it as a jubilant start to something bright and good for all upon this island that would respect nature's balance. 

Such thoughts shall be your own. For this chronicler 'twas recording it as I saw which held its highest import. And may those who read this book come from it with a higher knowledge and appreciation of how an Archdruid is made.  

- Dedicated to Felriss of Clan Sternheart, my grand-daughter and prized gemstone in my eye, may you and your sisters of the Grove prosper -

                  4/2/175 AR.

        Day 4, Month 2 (Alturiak), 175 AR
<br>        Malek-Dorn Sternheart        
[[Category:170-179 AR]]
[[Category:Heartwood Grove]]
[[Category:Reports & Records]]
[[Category:History]]