The Merlinian Legacy (working title)

Chapter 5: Bloody Trials in the Garden

Rowan Core inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh, earthy scent that lingered after the Giants had watered the forest. The "morning irrigation," as they called it, always left the land vibrant and renewed. Seated in the High Priestess's study, she used the lull in activity to catch up on her paperwork. Outside, the gentle patter of rain from the Giants' summoned clouds tapped rhythmically against the windows, a sound she found both soothing and energizing.

As the rain began to ease, Rowan decided to step outside. With a single thought, she shifted into her robin form, intending to fly over to one of the Giant gardeners. But midway through her flight, she reconsidered. The Giants were enormous, even for a Druid in animal form. A robin wouldn't do. With a fluid change in mid-air, she morphed into an albatross, the largest bird she knew how to transform into.

Despite the increase in size, she still felt small when she landed lightly on the broad shoulder of the nearest Giant. The great gardener barely noticed her, engrossed in conversation with a flock of fairies fluttering around his head. Rowan felt as though she were no more than a parrot perched on the massive figure, insignificant in comparison to his towering presence.

Still, from this height, she had a sweeping view of the lush forest, a vantage few could ever hope to experience. The land below teemed with life, the trees swaying gently in the breeze as their roots greedily soaked up the rain. She could feel the pulse of the forest—each droplet of water carrying a spark of energy, nourishing the ancient roots and revitalizing the magic that threaded through every branch and leaf.

As Rowan settled on the Giant's shoulder, she caught the tail end of the conversation between the fairies and the towering gardener. The fairies' voices, though soft and lilting, carried the weight of purpose, and enchanted by their magic, to be heard by the towering gardener.

One of the fairies, her wings glinting with a soft golden glow, hovered near the Giant's ear. "The western Ash grove needs more sunlight," she said, her voice like the whisper of leaves in a breeze. "The trees are growing too thick, and the underbrush is choking. We can't maintain the balance of light and shade if it continues like this."

The Giant rumbled in response, his deep voice vibrating through his chest. "I'll speak to the Sun Shepherds. They'll thin the clouds tomorrow, let more light through." His tone was slow and deliberate, like a boulder shifting.

Rowan chimed in, her voice carrying lightly despite her small form compared to the Giant. "I'll talk with the werewolves as well. They can herd the human lumberjacks from the town to thin the grove."

The Giant nodded, barely distinguishing her from the fairies. "Good idea, but remind them to keep an eye on those pests. We don't want them upsetting the balance the other way."

"The soil is dry there too," the massive gardener added. "I'm on my way to thicken the rain clouds there."

Another fairy, her wings a pale silver, flitted forward. "No need. We've already alerted the Naiads. They're redirecting the stream. The ground should soften by nightfall."

"Alright." The Giant gave a slow nod. "And what of the moss blooms near the Moon Pond? Their growth is outpacing the ferns. I fear they'll smother the smaller plants if we don't act soon."

The silver-winged fairy sighed. "The fae elders have noticed, and have assembled a team to help the elves trim them back before the next full moon."

Rowan listened intently, taking mental notes. The Giant lifted his hand to gesture toward a distant part of the forest, concern deepening in his voice.