My ancestors stood before me; I bowed before them. What were they whispering? Was it some sort of charm? Or was it just a chant? Could it have been a spell? It sounded like they were trying to tell me that I was needed for a greater purpose. I don't know why they would want a druid but I was welcoming to hear what they had to establish with me. All of a sudden one of the figures moved and I was startled. They had never come this close before. Normally they were just at a distance with their estranged riddles and words they slung at me that I had to figure out the meanings of. Finally one of them stood before me. This figure was HUGE with stone-like features and moss entangled within the runic carvings of their fur and whipping vines descending the side of the creature's neck as if they were a mane. Some of the vines tangled into what looked like a braid. And then it happened. The silver stone looking figure that now stood before me spoke… it called my name… 

“Hello Juliette. I am πέτρα, I will be your guide.” My ancestor spoke with a hushed tone as if they would shatter if they spoke any louder.

“What do you mean, my guide? My guide for what? I'm only a druid- i wouldn't be able to protect myself…” My voice was starting to falter. And my thoughts were running on overdrive trying to make sense of what πέτρα was telling me. 

“You have been chosen by the Dungeon Masters! You are to travel around the different levels in the dungeons and create a journal on your findings! We wish you luck” The entity before me soon faded as I awoke from whatever vision I was having.

I gathered as many of my grown herbs as I could and threw them into my satchel. Thoughts rushed through my head. Although πέτρα had not specified

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When I was to leave, I was sure I would get a visit soon enough to tell me more about what I was getting myself into. 

I was correct. Πέτρα had come to visit me again a few days later. I was prepared - I think - to go to the dungeons, I had my satchel of herbs arranged by colours and properties. I know these herbs I have will run out soon but I will always be able to find more as long as I can identify them while I am in the dungeons. 

“Hello there πέτρα, it's nice to see you again!” I greeted πέτρα as if they were an old friend. 

“It's good to see you, Juliette! I come with more news from the Dungeon Masters” they announced with great emphasis “The Dungeon Masters want you to start your journey as soon as possible- it is imperative that you start your journey. We require your wisdom to help us fill our libraries, to help the different classes to have a greater chance at survival. We need you!” My breath caught hearing πέτρα say that the Great Dungeon Masters needed my knowledge to help fill their libraries. I had studied all I could about the creatures and deities and the different vegetation I would encounter while in the dungeons. I must have been zoned out because the sound of πέτρα’s sweet voice brought me back to the world. “Juliette, I will be with you the whole way in your journey. You may not see me all the time but I am there. I am here for you when you need someone to confide in, or when the dungeon masters require a voice to let you know something. I will be there- do you understand what you are entering yourself too? Do you understand the risks you will have to face?” πέτρα looked at me with a solemn look.

“I understand everything- I promise I will make the dungeon masters proud and I promise you πέτρα that I will try my hardest to please you and stay out of harm's way!” I looked at πέτρα and saw a face full of gratitude. 

“Then the dungeon masters and I thank you”. The vision faded away as he said those final words. 

I left my home. Down the path the Dungeon Masters had chosen for me. A light breeze guided me the whole way to the entrance. All I saw was a grand ruin of an entrance to what will now be my living space for as long as the dungeon masters had deemed me as the person they needed. In the corner of my eye I swear I had seen a glint of πέτρα but I must have been dreaming because when I turned to face the space where I had seen the glint of light it had disappeared. And then I remembered πέτρα’s words about how they were to be with me all the time on my new found journey. I smiled and entered the ruins without a second thought…