Embracing the Druid sample cover.

A tale of self-discovery in the magical world of a traveling tavern with singing mushrooms, a chain smoking toad and one dangerously handsome bard.

Cordelia Salivund has been longing for something more than her mundane job. After a fateful walk in the woods, she stumbles upon the Traveling Troglodyte, a magical tavern from another realm, discovering she is a druid.

Overwhelmed by this news, she reluctantly finds herself in the company of the tavern’s handsome bard, Pine. When a compulsive decision leads the two out the wrong door and into the forest of this new realm, Forellessence, they have to work together to get back to the tavern.

Cordelia grapples with her druid abilities and growing feelings for Pine. As a quest goes sideways shattering her trust in this smooth-talking bard, she learns her powers are no match for self-doubt. With help from the Traveling Troglodyte, Cordelia has the chance to regain her confidence and work things out with Pine. If she doesn't, she'll risk losing her chance at this new life she's been searching for.

Will Cordelia forgive Pine and embrace the druid within?

  • An illustration of a teacup with a tea bag tag hanging out the side with flowers on the saucer.

    Cozy Fantasy

  • A black-and-white illustration of a flame with a heart inside.

    Slow Burn

  • Silhouette of a person hugging themselves with greenery growing on their arms.

    Self-Discovery

Meet the Characters

A young woman with long, wavy brown hair and a white tank top smiling outdoors, holding a daisy flower near her face, with blurred greenery in the background.

Cordelia Salivund

  • Struggles with Imposter Syndrome, doubt, anxiety…the list goes on.

  • Loves listening to the birds - Merlin is her favorite app.

  • Won’t pass up a good drink, especially to drown out her own thoughts.

  • Can’t live without coffee.

  • Would do anything for a good night’s rest.

  • Weirdly attracted to water and a certain bard.

  • A force of nature.

Young man with brown hair touching his neck, wearing a white shirt, looking to the side with a neutral background.

Pineameon “Pine” Dalgore

  • Weaves words and songs effortlessly, keeping patrons happy and at a safe distance.

  • Lucy the Lute is the most consistent woman in his life.

  • Hates water, yet finds himself with a druid who’s drawn to it.

  • Knows he’s been given a second chance and doesn’t want to mess it up.

  • Under constant surveillance by the Toad Mafia.

  • A performer, always making a scene.

  • Words of inspiration at the ready.

Meet the Traveling Troglodyte

A magical tavern that moves through Forellessence by oak trees, finding those who need it and those it needs.

If someone is unable to find the door, Grydrus can open it for them.

There is an air of mystique around this tavern. While Afiah’s magic is strong enough to redirect it to stop where she needs, it does operate on its own. Like a living breathing entity. One may never know when a door opens to somewhere they weren’t expecting or didn’t know they needed to go.

A large tree with a thick trunk and sprawling branches in a sunlit forest, with sunlight filtering through green leaves and a ground covered in fallen orange and yellow leaves.

Loads of interesting people pass through the Traveling Troglodyte meaning its collection of stories is endless…

  • Was Afiah the first to stumble upon it? Did it need her or did she need it?

  • An explosion of magic annihilates an adventuring party, leaving a bard on the brink of death. Does that bard find what he needs at the tavern?

  • When a wizard forest gnome is seeking answers for a threat to his trees, what does the tavern provide for him?

  • A darkness takes over Midwinter Kingdom, sending its princess on the run. Does she seek refuge within its walls?

Oak roots are adaptable and run deep; interconnecting, sprouting new shoots and never ending.