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.

Stepping into this mystical new world, Cordelia is lost and uncertain of the incredible, powerful person this realm claims her to be. Overwhelmed, she tries to drown her nerves with alcohol, finding herself in the company of the tavern’s handsome bard, Pine. When one too many drinks and a compulsive decision, leads the two out the wrong door and into the forest of this new realm, they have to work together to get back to the tavern.

Cordelia grapples with her druid abilities and her growing feelings for Pine. When a quest goes sideways, internal struggles and fantastical threats make her question everything she thought she knew and shatters her trust in this smooth-talking bard.

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

Digital illustration of a confident young woman walking in a medieval fantasy setting, wearing a black raincoat, leggings, and rain boots, with ancient runes on stone walls and torches lighting the scene.

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.

A digitally illustrated man with blond hair and blue eyes standing in a stone corridor. He is dressed in medieval-style leather and fabric clothing, with two swords on his back, and holding a lute in his left hand. He has a confident expression, and there are torches on the stone pillars behind him.

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 power comes from water.

  • 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.

  • Always ready with words of inspiration.

Meet the Traveling Troglodyte

A magical tavern that moves through the realm 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 cozy wooden house entrance built into the trunk of a large, ancient tree with sprawling roots, surrounded by a misty forest. The door is open, revealing a warm interior with a fireplace, a wooden dining table, and ambient lighting.

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.