160 Root II (2/2)

”This is the one who I have decided to become a Root.” Li gestured to Iona, and she smiled at Ivo. ”She will teach you and the others herbalism and Druidry. Consider her a spirit of greatness near equal to the one you worship. Have yourself and other prospective priests from among the younger generations commune with her to gain an understanding of priesthood.”

”Come, mortal,” said Iona as she floated downwards.

Ivo widened his eyes. ”She is the herbalist, no? The one that was at your side?”

”Yes, and what of it?”

”As a mortal, was she in tune enough with the forest?” said Ivo nervously. ”I do not mean to question you, O seer, but even with Morrigan, those she chose to be her Roots were those with the highest of affinities with the forest's song.”

”You want to ensure I've made the best choices for you and your people, I understand,” said Li. ”And do not be hesitant to question me. Questioning is how we learn and understand each other, no?

But I will tell you now that there is none better in this little duchy, no, perhaps this whole world that would be better suited to be a Root. You could not tell, but she too was like me, a wanderer holding beliefs foreign to the world around her.

But unlike me, she faced the harsher side of the world. She was the very last forest spirit from the north. All the suffering you have faced under your persecution, she has endured more than a hundredfold, seeing her world and her way of life burn before her, and yet she still manages to stand before you now ready to teach.

And as a teacher, I know of nobody better.”

Ivo nodded deeply and kneeled before Iona. She hovered down to his level with an almost angelic presence, her expression pleasant and compassionate. She reached out a hand to touch his shoulder, and Ivo started a little, feeling the almost stinging warmth of heat emanating from her fingertips.

”Spend this night learning from her. Spread your learnings to your people.” Li turned to leave. He could leave everything to Iona even without telling her anything. He realized now that this was what it meant to be a Root. His will was hers, and he knew she knew at a fundamental level. Whatever he wished, she would know and would seek to accomplish to the best of her ability.

Or to be more accurate, the best of her programming.

”And you, great seer?” said Ivo.

”I'm not going to forget the little things that are important to me now that I've become your seer and emissary to a power that can shake this world,” said Li. ”And my farm's long overdue for a checkup.”