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Addison stands in the middle of the clearing, feeling - and listening - to the breeze. The words are faint, so faint as to barely be heard - not unlike hearing a conversation in a far-away room at the end of a long corridor. If he listens closely, he can almost make out the words being said, but then they flit on by as a leaf on a summer breeze.
The aura of magic in the air is almost palpable, and he feels the hairs rise on the back of his neck and arms - not in alarm, but rather excitement. Magic has always excited him, from his earliest days as a youth. He would marvel at spellcasters, how their hands and arms weaved an intricate dance in the air, seeming to grasp arcane energy out of the very air, and then shape and mold it to their will. After leaving the monastary to begin his tutelage in the arts, he learned that mages didn't "grasp" arcane energy so much as they "gathered and guided" it.
As the magical breeze teased through his hair, he cast a spell of his own...a more powerful version of the standard spell used to Detect Magic by all mages. Whereas the normal spell merely showed the presence of magic, his spell would actually reveal the nature of the magic. When the spell was complete, Addison was mesmerized by what he saw. Multi-hued ribbons of arcane energy flowed seamlessly through the forest. The various ribbons would merge, intertwine, weave together, then separate and go in their own directions once again.
The whispered words became clearer now. They spoke from one forest inhabitant to another of the arrival of the two strangers. The messages were merely informative, not threatening in the least. As he watched the ribbons of energy, he noticed how they flowed effortlessly on the wind through the forest - permeating it without despoiling it. Nothing was disturbed by its passing, but EVERYTHING was observed by the mysterious wind.
Addison suddenly realized he was smiling like a small school boy. There was nothing he loved more than studying magic, and here was a type he had never seen before. Oh yes, he would definitely enjoy his stay in these woods.
Carrick could also sense Addison's exhiliration and decided to use that to his advantage.
"Indeed, it IS beautiful, is it not. Look at the effortless strength it carries...yet it does no harm to those that it touches. This is a rare find, my friend. This is druidic magic of the highest order. Note how it is in perfect harmony with the surrounding nature. I truly doubt there is another place of such power and stunning beauty in all of the Realms. What a perfect opportunity you have to study this magic, learn how it works, and perhaps even learn how to tap into it yourself. Think of the good we could do with this type of power.
Addison is so enraptured by the flowing magic, that he doesn't even recognize the hidden purpose behind Carrick's proposal.
"Yes, yes....I COULD study it....and perhaps come to understand it enough to wield it in some minor way. Oh, this IS a great day, Carrick, and a greater find."
Addison then becomes aware of the mist over a nearby pool of water. There is a sentience there, watching their movements. He reaches out with his ESP spell and touches the creatures mind - very gently, so as not to disturb him. He needn't bother. While his spell determines that there IS a sentience within the mist, it cannot penetrate the mist that surrounds the creatures thoghts. Very well, Addison projects his own thoughts instead.
"Greetings guardian. I come seeking a friend and mean you no harm. You may have seen the one I seek. She has a natural affinity with nature in general, and wolves in particular. Do you know of her location?"
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