I Dust to dust. The hardpacked soil of The Barrens fell through her fingers like sand, caught in the wind, and billowed past her in a light brown cloud. Absently the druid sat down, resting her elbows on her knees. The sun, fierce even though it would soon set, beat down on her shoulders, sapping her energy, and beckoned her to find shade. She resisted the urge as she had for all of these last months. Instead, she drew the rays’ strength inward, allowing her mind to focus while the tension lifted from her muscles. The Barrens had a rhythm, and she had found it easily despite her people’s nocturnal nature. Her body had adjusted quickly, and even the deep purple pigmentation of her skin had darkened to protect against the sun. Yes, the rhythm had been easy to find. She basked in the heat and