Lament of the Woodland

*History of "Lament of the Woodland"*

The ballad "Lament of the Woodland" has its origins in the lush and bountiful region surrounding Goldenfields, the Breadbasket of the North. Known for its expansive farmlands and fertile soil, Goldenfields has long been a hub of agricultural prosperity, supplying much of the Sword Coast with its bounty. However, this prosperity came at a cost, as the relentless expansion of farmland led to the clearing of vast tracts of ancient woodland.

The song is believed to have been composed by an elven bard named Elarian Silverleaf, who hailed from the once verdant forests that bordered Goldenfields. Elarian, deeply connected to the natural world and the ancient groves, witnessed firsthand the devastation wrought by the advancing plows and axes. His lament was a poignant reflection on the loss of the woodland's magic, the disappearance of the fae folk, and the destruction of ancient oaks that had stood for centuries.

"Lament of the Woodland" quickly spread among the rural communities and traveling minstrels, becoming a haunting reminder of the price of progress. It resonated particularly with those who had once called the forests their home, and even among the farmers who felt a twinge of regret for the lands they had transformed.

In recent years, the song has gained a resurgence in popularity, as environmentalists and druids have taken up its verses to raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural habitats. It is often sung at gatherings near the edges of Goldenfields, where remnants of the old woods still stand, and where the memory of the great oaks and the fae folk lingers in the hearts of those who remember.

"Lament of the Woodland" remains a powerful testament to the balance between nature and civilization, a melancholic tribute to what has been lost, and a call to honor and protect the remnants of the natural world that still endure.