Rich Soil

He watched her consider her options carefully. She was already demonstrating wisdom and temperance. He had no plan to hold her back in any capacity but wanted to maintain the steps to Druidry as holy and there were no shortcuts to be made on the path.

She made her decision with solemnity and he bowed his head solemnly back.
"You are welcome to change your mind at any point but know that the path will then be closed to you. You will not be able to try again and must find another rank that suits you."

He sat up and lifted his paw, slowly and silently asking her permission to place it on her shoulder. If she pulled back it would remain raised and in the air, if she let him he would place it on her shoulder and gently close his eyes.

"I welcome you Lia, Ovate of Vedia."

He then sat back and opened his eyes to her with a warm grin, filled with pride.

"Your first task as Ovate is to bring this garden back to working order. There will be two more tasks as Ovate to do before becoming a Bard. Ask me when you are ready to know your next one." He was grateful for her energy and knew she would do well on this path if she so chose to. Now to find Alexa and her father.

"Speech!"