Summary of the First (unless one was previously held without my knowledge) Nature Assembly, Moonglade, 18th Night of the 1st Moon.
On the slopes above the ancient barrows of Moonglade, near the grand and resplendant moonwell, a colourful and diverse horde (I so do love using that word) of druids, nature enthusiasts and miscellaneous denizens of Azeroth gathered to attend a seminar arranged by Shan’do Meladriss, a seasoned and slightly sardonic druid renowned for his public engagement and made famous by his signature blend of wisdom and wit. His self-deprecating opening remarks disparaging his own appearance paints the picture of a sympathetic man confident in his own skin, unbothered and acknowledging of his flaws rather than let them be twisted and weaponised through the chapped lips of his detractors. A powerful entrance, so full of character!
Under caress by a gentle breeze carried from the cold north, the biting chill of the gale mercifully blunted against the shield of mountains before bearing down upon us, the lecture began with a proclamation highlighting the importance of an open mind in the study and practice of druidism. Each culture carries its own unique flavour of traditions that lend themselves to a common, greater whole recognised by every druid - the Wild Gods, even though certain virtues may be emphasised or they be worshipped under different names in different societies. Creating a space where these differences can be discussed lies at the heart of the assembly, with the expectation that the exchanges be conducted respectfully and constructively.
Upon Shan’do Meladriss invitation, the audience were given an opportunity to flaunt their prior knowledge about the Wild Gods, fervently calling their names in reply to the rugged master’s rhetorical quizzes. “Aviana!” “Malorne!” “Ursoc & Ursol!” The divine monikers rippled through the crowd, a myriad of voices ringing out into the night to join in a hallowed hymn. And as they unconsciously sang, I witnessed the glimmer of reverence in their eyes, like a sea of stars basking in the grandeur of the moon.
As if to challenge the building zeal of the crowd, Shan’do Meladriss planted a dark seed into the spirited discourse, drawing attention to the oft-forgotten Azshara’s heel of the Wild Gods: their suspectibility for corruption, owing to their close ties to the Emerald Dream and Azeroth. With second wind, the seed sprouted into a lively conversation, one bright-eyed guest pondering why Gods who began as mere mortals deserve reverence in the first place. Meladriss quickly responded with a pointed reminder of the past deeds of the Wild Gods - without them, he said, Azeroth might have been reduced to little more than a smoldering crater of fel.
Soon, to no one’s surprise, Cenarion became the star of the show: The Lord of the Forest, whose impressive pedigree includes being the offspring of an union between Elune and Malorne, mentored by none other than Ysera, the former Aspect of the Green Dragonflight. His career peaked as the Shan’do to the first among the druids - Malfurion Stormrage. The stars themselves seemed to loom closer as we solemnly spoke of the ancient and the recent, from his crucial role during the Burning Legion’s first invasion to his dramatic clash with the Warsong Clan which culminated in his tragic demise at the hands of legendary warrior Grom Hellscream. Before our hearts could sink, we were reminded of his climactic reincarnation within the Dream and return to the world.
The assembly concluded with a ritual to honour the Demi-God, Meladriss leading the ceremony while his rose-cheeked pupil, Nynua Valeseeker, performed a ceremonial dance under the roaring chant of a crowd numbering in the dozens. Despite her tacky regalia and questionable choreography, her performance invoked a humbling sense of connection to the world and shift in the air that cannot be felt even in the most sublime of ballrooms.
Shan’do Meladriss closed the celebration with a few choice words of endearing encouragement for his student and a thought-provoking declaration that rituals come in many shapes and forms - that it isn’t the act or method that matters, but your intent and the direction of your heart.
[Editor’s Note]: Madame Nishillion, you were granted the privilege of observing and documenting the assembly on behalf of the Cenarion Circle under the assumption that you would provide a cohesive summary and unadulterated transcription of noteworthy discussions meant for those who could not attend in person. This anecdotal ramble reads more like a review, and an uninformative one at that. Please make necessary revisions.
Below the note, Scythois has signed with her name to acknowledge that it has been read. No changes have been made, and the complaint has been included in the final publication as an act of defiance against censorship.
