Druid Laurel

Druid Laurel is a Breton introduced as part of the prologue for the DLC in .
==Background==
==Interactions==
===Sojourn of the Druid King===
Laurel is researching the history of her people before they left for The Systres Archipelago. another group called the Firesong is also investigating this past, for sinister reasons.
==Dialogue==
===Sojourn of the Druid King===
At the start of the quest:
"You there, are you familiar with these lands? Blight, even if you're not, you look capable. I need assistance. My good friend, Dhulef of the Mages Guild, is in danger. I can't protect him from the Firesong on my own."
:The Firesong? "A circle of druids that usually stick to their own island. Lately, however, they've been turning up all over and attacking people. I hoped I was done with them after Earthen Root Enclave, but Dhulef spotted them while investigating a lead."
::What kind of lead was he looking into? "I'm a historian. Dhulef's helping me trace the movements of the Druids of Galen after they left High Rock in ages past. I'm not familiar with this land, so Dhulef went on ahead. Now he's in trouble. Can you help? I'll find a way to reward you."
:::I'll help you and your friend Dhulef. "In his letter, Dhulef mentioned he was headed to the Ebon Crypt in northern Glenumbra. Let's move as quickly as wind between bare branches. We must reach him before the Firesong do. I refuse to lose another friend to them."
::::Tell me more about yourself. "I'm a druid of the Stonelore Circle, from Galen. One of the islands in the Systres Archipelago. I've studied the Druid King all my life. I suppose you could call me an expert, but so much of our history was lost over the centuries."
:::::Why are you so interested in the Druid King specifically? "A fair question. Dhulef likes to tease me about it. Says I love an unsolvable mystery. So much of Druid King Kasorayn's story and the origin of the druids is more legend than fact. I want to learn the truth about who we are and where we came from."
::::::Tell me more about Dhulef. How do you know him? "What can I say? A pirate washed ashore near my home and me and some other druids nursed him back to health. He fascinated me, and he seemed equally intrigued with us. We shared all sorts of stories and he even showed me how to use his cutlass."
:::::::What kinds of stories? "I wanted to hear all about pirating, and he asked about druids. After he recovered, he decided to give up his old life and study magic with the Mages Guild. Dhulef's tough as bark. I've known him for ten seasons and love him like an uncle."
::::What's so important about tracing the path of the Druid King? "I'm a druid. The Druid King's path reveals the origin of my people. Why we departed High Rock, how we found the archipelago, what divided us into the three circles—it's all connected. So much of our history was lost over the generations."
:::::So it's your responsibility to recover the lost history of the druids? "No one ever said as much. But sure, maybe that's why I've always been so interested. And why not me? I've already learned so much. I need to see where this search takes me. And I won't be intimidated by the Firesongs into abandoning my research."
::::Why are the Firesong druids after Dhulef? "I'm not actually sure they are. Dhulef just said he noticed them while he was conducting his investigation. The last time I ran into them those path-traitors attacked the Earthen Root Enclave and killed people I cared about. That won't happen again."
:::::Tell me about Dhulef's investigation. "Dhulef was following the Druid King's path when he found an ancient logbook. It was from one of the druid ships that never made it to the Systres. The logbook contained an entry that indicated the Druid King met with the wyrds before setting sail."
::::::Why is a meeting between the Druid King and the wyrds significant? "We may share the same roots, but back then wyrds and druids wanted nothing to do with each other. Our oral history contains no stories about such a meeting, so of course I was intrigued. Hopefully, the wyrds remember something the druids forgot."
:::::::You mentioned circles. Tell me about those. "Three distinct druidic circles live on the Systres islands. The Stonelore and Eldertide have enclaves on High Isle and Galen, while the Firesong occupy Y'ffelon. The Firesong never leave their island. They're reclusive. At least, they used to be."
::::::::Why didn't you go with Dhulef to meet with the wyrds? "Bad timing. He arrived before I did, so he left me a letter and went on ahead. When he mentioned spotting the Firesong, I couldn't help but worry about him. Now that you're here, we can go to the meeting place and make sure Dhulef's all right."
After investigating the Firesong camp:
"Roots and thorns confound it! What took you so long? I had half a mind to go after the two of you myself for a moment there. Did you find anything? Do you know where the Firesong took Wyress Tola? Is she all right?"
:We didn't find the wyress, but we found a map that indicates they're interested in Hag Fen. "Hag Fen? The marsh to the northeast? Well, if the Firesong marked a location on their map, it must be important. We need to head there and fast! I don't trust that path-traitor Archdruid Michiel to not hurt the wyress. Did you find anything else?"
::We found orders that Archdruid Michiel received. An archdruid named Orlaith sent him here. "Orders? Let me see that. Hmm. Archdruid Orlaith is one of the most respected elders in the Firesong Circle. But why did she send Michiel here to get a nature spirit? We have plenty of our own in the archipelago. Anyway, is that everything?"
:::We also found this totem in one of the Firesong camps. Dhulef thinks it's a wyrd totem. "Interesting. We druids use totems and fetishes in our rituals. Does this serve a similar purpose? And what's this word inscribed here? Frii? Never heard of it. We have no other choice. We need to see if the Firesong took Wyress Tola to Hag Fen."
::::All right, let's head to Hag Fen. "The mark on the map is quite clear. Shouldn't be too hard to find that spot in Hag Fen. I wonder what's there. I'm sick of being one step behind those blighted cowards. First they tried to take our sacred seed and now this? What does it all mean?"
:::::Tell me more about the sacred seeds. "The sacred seeds were given into the care of the three Druid Circles by Druid King Kasorayn, to keep and guard until the time they would be needed. That's what the prophecy says, but the actual meaning has been debated for centuries."
::::::What prophecy? "The Dream of Kasorayn. I've been fascinated by the stories of the Druid King since I read the prophecy inscribed on the Telling Stone. Of course, each of the circles interprets its meaning differently. Just one of the many things we disagree about."
:::::::Why would the Firesong try to take your circle's sacred seed? "Who knows why those foul sacks of root rot do anything? Obviously, they wanted to take possession of the Stonelore sacred seed. But why they want to acquire a nature spirit from the mainland … I have no idea. Maybe we're all just chasing legends."
After speaking with Wyress Tola:
"So the Druid King didn't just meet with the Beldama Wyrd to perform a ritual, he had the help of the Glenmoril Wyrd, too? And the Firesong somehow knew this as well? Blight! Was I the only one who didn't know about this? We need to stop them."
:So you agree we need to go to Bangkorai and talk to ? "As sure as Rain's Hand's showers give rise to Second Seed's flowers! Let's hurry to Bangkorai and find that Glenmoril camp the wyress told you about. We need to keep Archdruid Michiel from desecrating the second ritual site."
After talking to Frii:
"We actually did it. We learned why the Druid King met with the wyrds before leaving High Rock. It was to summon this nature spirit. But as to their purpose, that remains a mystery. Perhaps the Stonelore elders can help me figure it out."
:What do we do now? "We need to return to the Glenmoril Wyrd camp and let them know what happened here. They deserve to hear about Wyress Sorcha from us, as well as about the fate of Archdruid Michiel. We can discuss our next steps back there after we give them the news."
Back in the Glenmoril Wyrd Camp:
"Like I was telling Dhulef, I want to take Frii to Galen. An island in the Systres Archipelago. They should be with the Stonelore Druids. If anyone can help them find their purpose and keep them safe, it's us."
:What about the Firesong? Do you think they'll attempt to go after Frii again? "After their actions here on the mainland, I wouldn't put it past them. The Firesong revealed themselves as the path-traitors they are. I need to warn my circle and get Frii to Galen. Take this, friend. Maybe we can work together again in the future."
After finishing the quest:
"I hope Frii feels comfortable on Galen. I know the Stonelore Druids will do everything we can to help them and make them feel welcome. And I hope to see you again, my friend. You should visit us on Galen the next time you travel to the archipelago."
:Why did you decide to take Frii to Galen? "Frii was asleep for so long, they need time to adjust and remember who they are. And to figure out the purpose that the Druid King and the ancient wyrd had in mind when they summoned them. On Galen, they'll be safe among the Stonelore Druids."
::How do you think the rest of your circle will react to Frii? "That's a good question. We work with nature spirits all the time, but Frii is unique. They're connected to our past in ways I can only guess. I'll do my best to make sure my people help Frii in any way we can."
:Tell me more about Galen. "It's a beautiful island in the Systres Archipelago. Galen may be less tame than High Isle, but I like it. House Mornard oversees the main city of Vastyr, but the rest of the island is wild and free. In that wilderness, the Stonelore make their home."
::Do the Stonelore have cities, too? "No, not like you mean. We have enclaves, small communities of druids working together to keep the True Way. We have a larger camp which should serve as a safe haven for Frii—at least until we know what Frii wants to do next."
==Conversations==
===Sojourn of the Druid King===
In the Ebon Crypt:
Dhulef: "Over here! Just getting a charcoal rubbing of this tablet."
Druid Laurel: "Dhulef! Y'ffre's grace, the Firesong didn't get you!"
Dhulef: "You know better than to worry about me, Laurel. But look, I found something."
Druid Laurel: "Fill in our friend, I'll keep watch back here."
At the Beldama Wyrd camp:
Wyress Joslin: "Another druid! Are you with them? Stay back!"
Dhulef: "What happened here?"
Wyress Joslin: "Druids … called themselves the Firesong. They attacked us!"
Druid Laurel: "Blight and thorns! Please, friend, talk to her and find out what happened."
After talking to Wyress Joslin:
Druid Laurel: "Firesong camps, on the mainland? We need to figure out where they took Wyress Tola."
Dhulef: "Stay here, Laurel. I'll follow our friend but stay out of their way. Let's go see what the Firesong are up to."
Upon saving Wyress Tola:
Druid Laurel: "Wyress Tola, are you all right?"
Wyres Tola: "Ah, Dhulef. You and your friends arrived just in time. Thank you."
At the Glenmoril Wyrd Camp:
Wyress Matilde: "Stay back, druid. Your threats of violence are not welcome here."
Druid Laurel: "Please, I'm not one of the others you encountered. My friends and I are here to stop them."
Wyress Matilde: "Oh, really. And why should I trust you?"
Upon finding Wyress Sorcha's body:
Druid Laurel: "No! We were too late. Archdruid Michiel killed Wyress Sorcha. We need to get inside and stop him, now."
Dhulef: "My apologies, poor lass. Ruptga, help us avenge her death!"
After releasing Frii:
Frii: "Bright. Awake. The flesh fades."
Druid Laurel: "The spirit! Can … can they understand us?"
Frii: "Loud … ugh, too loud. Writhing."
Dhulef: "Zeht's tears! Friend, maybe you could talk to the spirit? They seem … confused."
After talking to Frii:
Druid Laurel: "Frii, I'm a druid. I'll take you someplace safe after I talk to my friend."
Frii: "Like the Druid King? Sunlight on leaves. Yes, Frii will go with you."
When returning to the Glenmoril Wyrd Camp:
Dhulef: "We could bring Frii to the Mages Guild. I'm sure they'd be safe there, Laurel."
Druid Laurel: "No, Dhulef. I think I need to take Frii to the Stonelore Circle. They belong with the druids."
Frii "Frii belongs with druids, yes, yes. Purpose and stone, rain and sun."
==Quotes==
*"If I just knew this land better, I'd go find him myself! Blighted Firesong!" – When first approached
*"Over here. Dhulef should be somewhere inside." – At the entrance to the Ebon Crypt
*"We'll meet you at the camp shortly, friend. I want to take a look at this tablet first." – After speaking to Dhulef in the Ebon Crypt
*"You're back! What of Wyress Tola?" – After investigating the Firesong camps
*"Clear the path ahead, friend. We'll follow behind you." – At the entrance to Eimhir's Cavern
*"Down there! Hurry!" – Upon spotting Archdruid Michiel and Wyress Tola
*"The Glenmoril Wyrd, hmm? Let's discuss our next steps." – After speaking with Wyress Tola
*"Thank you, wyress. We'll find Wyress Sorcha and stop the Firesong. I promise." – After speaking with Wyress Matilde
*"Friend, help me release the spirit!" – After slaying Archdruid Michiel
==Trivia==
*This character was added as part of the prologue for .
==Appearances==
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