Chapter 11: An Unexpected Guest

Deo straightened up in surprise, his hand instinctively reaching for his staff. Deo opened the door wider and stepped onto the threshold, his eyes meeting those of a stranger standing a few paces away. "Greetings," he replied cautiously, "To whom do I owe this unexpected visit?"

The man before him raised his hands in a non-threatening manner, showcasing empty palms. "Apologies for the sudden intrusion, young sir. My name is Elandor, a humble merchant traveling these parts."

Elandor was a tall figure, easily surpassing six feet. His frame, though lean, held a rugged strength — a testament to years on the road. His face was weathered, tanned by sun and wind, decorated with the creases and lines of someone who had faced both the joys and the tribulations of life. A broad-brimmed hat adorned his head, its shade concealing his eyes, but as he looked up, Deo was met with a pair of piercing blue eyes, as sharp and clear as a cloudless sky. His hair, a sandy brown touched with streaks of grey, flowed freely down to his shoulders, tied loosely at the nape. A well-groomed beard framed his face, giving him a distinguished appearance.

He wore an ensemble of durable cloth and leather, each piece showing signs of expert craftsmanship yet also the wear of countless journeys. Over his chest, a vest with various pockets suggested an assortment of trinkets or items for trade. Boots, worn and well-travelled, completed the ensemble, kicking up small puffs of dirt as he shifted. On his hip, securely fastened, was a sheathed shortsword. The blade's sheath was made of rich leather, embossed with delicate, interlacing patterns, with the hilt intricately crafted with a guard shaped like entwined vines. However, the most striking part of his attire was the vivid blue sash tied around his waist. The colour stood out starkly against the earthy tones of his outfit. To the man’s side, a horse stood patiently, its coat a lustrous chestnut, speckled with hints of white.

Deo straightened up, his gaze sweeping over the merchant's attire and the waiting horse. "Greetings, Elandor. My name is Deo. I'm surprised someone found my home tucked away in the middle of nowhere."

For a brief moment, Elandor's eyes darted to his blue sash, and his expression shifted slightly, appearing disgruntled. "And you say you're a merchant?" Deo continued, glancing sceptically at the horse's saddlebags. "You don’t appear to have much to offer for trade."

A light of understanding flickered in Elandor's eyes. "Ah, my wares are safely stored in my bags of holding, good sir," he responded with a hint of amusement. He then added, a subtle edge to his voice, "I see all your colours are on display for everyone to see," his eyes lingering on Deo's green robes.

Oblivious to the subtle jibe, Deo replied with a hint of pride, "Thanks, it's part of my class." As he continued, his eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion, "This area is off the beaten path and far from any known routes. How did you happen upon my home nestled here?"Elandor took a moment, his eyes scrutinising Deo, taking in the green robes that clung to him, the ornate staff held in his hand, and the structure of the house itself. It was as if he was weighing the risks and benefits of his reply, sizing up the young man before him. After a measured silence, he seemed to come to a conclusion. Clearing his throat, he said, "It's part of my unique skillset. You see, I'm not just any merchant. I am a Pioneer Merchant," he said, emphasizing the title. "One of my talents allows me to locate emerging settlements and potential markets before anyone else. It gives me the edge I need in this line of work."

With a hint of a smile, he then proposed, “It's been a long journey, and I've acquired quite a spread of provisions. Perhaps a trade of sorts? I can share some food — fresh and exotic — and information, if you'd be willing to offer shelter for the night?"

Deo hesitated for a moment, weighing the pros and cons of this unexpected proposition. The man before him was a stranger, and Deo's cautionary instincts warned him to be wary. Yet, there was a genuine openness about Elandor, a weariness that felt honest, and the promise of a shared meal was appealing. It was also his first real human interaction since arriving in this realm, and Deo found himself relishing the opportunity to discuss further with the man. Finally, he made his decision.

"Very well," Deo said, opening the door wider. "Come in. But first, do you need assistance with your horse?"

Elandor nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Deo. I'll just tie her up and ensure she's settled for the night."

As Elandor moved to care for his horse, a sudden rush of movement in the distance caught their attention. From the encroaching darkness of the wilderness, Pyro bounded towards them, his sleek black fur contrasted starkly with the soft luminescence of the moonlight. His eyes, gleaming like molten pools set aflame, pierced through the night, while fiery streaks flowed gracefully across his form, reminiscent of magma's hypnotic dance beneath the surface.

Elandor's horse neighed and skittered nervously, pulling on its reins. Elandor stumbled backward, his face paling noticeably. With wide eyes, he reached for the shortsword at his side. "By the gods, Deo, run!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with alarm.

Deo, slightly bemused, raised an eyebrow. "Run? From Pyro?" He gestured toward the approaching creature, which was slowing down, sensing the tension.

Elandor's face tightened with urgency. "That's not just any creature, Deo. That's a hellhound!

"You must be mistaken, Elandor," Deo responded, chuckling lightly. "That's my companion."

Elandor, still on edge, shot back, "Identify it, quickly!"

Deo glanced from Elandor's earnest face to Pyro's flickering form. With a sigh, he decided to humour the man and turned towards Pyro:

Hellhound Puppy - Level N/A

* Description: Hellhounds, often considered omens of death, are among the most ferocious creatures of this world. They are said to be fierce, savage, and relentless hunters, their eyes acting as portals to the fiery abyss they represent. The mere mention of a hellhound is enough to send chills down the spine of even the bravest souls. Hellhound puppies reach adulthood after one year, at which point they can begin to level.

* Age: 9 months.

Deo's eyes widened in surprise, absorbing the information. "Well," he mumbled, slightly flabbergasted. "Seems you were right about him being a hellhound."

Completely oblivious to the dramatic revelation, Pyro trotted over with a stick, dropping it proudly at Deo's feet before rolling onto his back, tail wagging energetically. Deo chuckled, bending down to give him a gentle belly rub. "Ah, truly the epitome of savage and ferocious," he quipped.

As he watched the playful scene before him, Elandor’s tensed shoulders relaxed slightly. Shaking his head in bemused wonder, his gaze shifted from the frolicking pup to Deo. He took a moment, appraising Deo intently, as if seeing him again for the first time.

"You," Elandor began, pointing towards Deo with a renewed respect, "are the companion of a hellhound. That's not something one sees every day." The previous uncertainty and fear seemed to be replaced with a mixture of curiosity and admiration. His attention was then caught by his horse, which still seemed restless from the sudden appearance of Pyro. Gently stroking her mane and whispering calming words, he managed to soothe the creature. Once assured that his horse was settled, Elandor proceeded to tie her securely.

"Let's get inside, shall we?" Deo suggested, leading the way back into his abode.

As the door opened, a rush of warmth greeted them. Pyro, with a last glance at the new visitor, padded over to a corner of the room, where a soft bed awaited him. He nestled into it, his fiery streaks dimming slightly as he began to relax.

Elandor nodded appreciatively, removing his hat as he entered. "Ah, the hospitality of a home. It's a rarity I cherish on my travels. Some water would be wonderful, young sir."

Deo fetched a cup of water from his pot, handing it to Elandor, who took a grateful sip. After quenching his thirst, he began to unpack his saddlebags, producing a variety of intriguing items. "I've got some Sunfruit from the groves of Aurion," he said, holding up a fruit that shimmered with a golden hue. He then retrieved a bundle of deep purple leaves. "These are Midnight leaves, a delicacy from the heights of Morwyn Peaks. They're typically used to wrap and roast meats, imparting a unique flavour."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

From the depth of his bags, Elandor produced a slab of marbled meat. "Ah, and this," he beamed, "is Skybison steak. A rare treat, I assure you." With deft hands, he seasoned the steak generously with an assortment of exotic spices and then wrapped it in the Midnight leaves, securing them with some twine. Positioning the wrapped steak near the fireplace, the sweet aroma of the leaves began to mix with the rich scent of roasting meat. Reaching into his bags for the final time, Elandor brought out a slender ornate bottle.

"This," he began with a hint of pride, "is a vintage brew from the vineyards of Valeria. A drink said to dance on the tongue, with a rich amber hue and notes of golden fruit, aged oak, and a hint of spice."

Uncorking the bottle, he poured the liquid into two cups. The liquid shimmered in the dim light of the cabin, its colour a deep gold, promising a delectable bouquet. The aroma wafting from the wine was fresh, reminiscent of newly cut grass and hints of citrus. Deo took a sip and was immediately taken with the flavours. The taste was sharp and crisp, with notes of stone fruits and subtle undertones of fragrant florals. It had a refreshing feel, contrasting beautifully with the richness of the meat they were about to indulge in.

Soon the room began to fill with an intoxicating fragrance coming from the hearth, hinting at the exotic flavours of Elandor's travels and causing Deo’s stomach to rumble in anticipation. Before long, the two men found themselves seated at Deo's newly crafted wooden table, a spread of the exotic food laid out before them. The aroma was intoxicating, and the first bite lived up to the promise of that scent. The meat, wrapped and roasted in the midnight leaves, carried a depth of flavour that Deo had never experienced before, a delicious interplay of savoury and tangy.

Pyro, unable to resist the inviting scent, padded over and nudged Deo's arm with his head, his molten-red eyes fixated on the meat. Deo chuckled and offered him a piece, which Pyro eagerly snapped up.

"This is incredible," Deo remarked, taking another bite. "I've never tasted anything quite like it. Thank you for sharing, Elandor."

Elandor smiled, savouring a bite himself. "It's my pleasure. Sharing a meal with someone beats dining alone in the wilderness any day."

As they continued to eat, the atmosphere grew more relaxed. The initial shock of Pyro's appearance and identity now a distant memory, the conversation flowed easily. Deo took a sip from his drink, setting the cup down, he shifted the talk. "So, Elandor, what brings a Pioneer Merchant like yourself all the way out here?"

Elandor paused for a moment, giving Deo a calculating look. "Before we get into that," he began, reaching into his bag, "I have something for you." He seemed to be searching for a specific item, his hand pausing over a certain pouch. His gaze shifted momentarily to Pyro, who was lounging contentedly by the fireside, gnawing on the last bits of meat. Elandor hesitated, then decided against the original item. He dug deeper and finally retrieved a small, ornately carved box made of deep mahogany, with intricate patterns of vines and stars.

"This," he said, sliding the box across to Deo, "is a token of appreciation from my travels."

Deo opened the box with curiosity and was greeted by a sight that made him gasp softly. Nestled within a plush cushion of purple velvet was a singular seed. It shimmered with a metallic sheen, an opalescent play of colours – blues, purples, greens, and even hints of gold – dancing across its surface. Despite its small size, there was an undeniable aura of power emanating from it.

"It's... mesmerizing," Deo whispered, lifting the seed carefully between his fingers, the soft glow illuminating his features.

Elandor leaned in with a hint of pride in his voice. "It's called the Celestia Seed, of epic rarity. Its origins and properties are unknown to me as it was gifted to me during my travels."

Deo studied the seed intently and activated Botanical Knowledge:

Celestia Tree

* Tier: Epic

* Description: The Celestia Seed, when matured, gives rise to the majestic Celestia Tree. This seed possesses a unique metallic sheen, reflecting an opalescent dance of colours from deep blues to brilliant golds. The tree it spawns is said to be draped in starlit blossoms and to produce fruit of unparalleled taste and potency.

* Properties: The fruits of the Celestia Tree are rumoured to have rejuvenating properties, granting vitality to those who consume them. Furthermore, the leaves are used in many alchemical solutions.

* Growth Conditions:

* Soil: Requires a mix of volcanic ash and soil, with a slightly acidic pH.

* Sunlight: Requires lots of bright, filtered light.

* Water: Moderate; soil should remain moist but not waterlogged.

* Temperature: Thrives in humid, warm temperature.

Deo looked up from the seed, meeting Elandor's gaze. "This, Elandor, is a prize indeed. The Celestia Seed is no ordinary seed; it requires careful attention and the right conditions to thrive. Given its rarity, its care will be paramount. But, given the right attention, it could yield wonders." He paused, meeting Elandor's gaze with a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Thank you for such a generous gift. However, as you've seen, I'm still in the early stages of setting up. What do you seek in return? My current goods are limited."

Elandor raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Well, I'm glad I brought it to someone who can appreciate its value. As for what I seek in return—how about half of the first harvest of fruits that the Celestia Tree yields?”

Deo considered the proposal, weighing the potential gain against the effort needed to cultivate such a challenging plant. "That sounds fair," he finally agreed.

Seeing an opportunity, Elandor continued, "I see potential here, Deo. How about a continued partnership? If the bush flourishes as expected, we could expand our agreement to more harvests in the future. And should you have other goods or produce to offer, consider presenting them to me before the system marketplace. My rates will be much more advantageous."

Deo's interest piqued further, "That's a tempting offer."

Leaning in slightly, as if sharing a secret, Elandor added, "There's more. Let's consider sharing information. For instance, I've heard whispers about secluded Halfling villages and other more exotic races that live away from the main paths, some amidst the dense forests, others high up in the mountain ranges or deep below the ground. Establishing trade relations with such communities could be... profitable. If you were to find such places and connect me, I would pay handsomely for the introduction."

Deo studied Elandor carefully, his expression neutral. "Your proposition is intriguing, Elandor. But venturing into the unknown and potentially intruding on secluded races... I'll need to think about that."

Elandor nodded, not seeming too discouraged by the lukewarm response. "Of course, take your time. Just a thought to ponder. In the meantime, perhaps we could keep in touch? Exchange information or goods as needed?"

"That sounds reasonable," Deo replied. "But how do you suggest we maintain contact out here?"

Elandor raised an eyebrow, giving Deo a bemused smile. "Via the system, of course. We can become official contacts, making communication and trade even more seamless."

A translucent window shimmered into existence in front of Deo, displaying:

[Elandor the Pioneer Merchant wishes to add you as a contact. Do you accept?]

Deo tapped on "Accept."

Almost immediately, another notification popped up:

[New Message from Elandor] "Just testing the system. Can you see this, Deo?"

Deo quickly typed back, "Loud and clear."

"That's neat," Deo mused, looking up from the floating interface. "The messaging seems instantaneous."

Elandor gave him a slightly perplexed look. "Well, it's not exactly 'instantaneous'. The system's message delivery time is proportionate to the physical distance between the contacts. We're just close now, so it's near-instant."

Deo raised an eyebrow, processing the information. "Ah, I see. Good to know." After a brief pause, his gaze became more inquisitive. "Speaking of hidden villages," Deo began, with a thoughtful tilt of his head, "where is the nearest settlement from here?"

Elandor took a moment, stroking his beard in thought. "From this location? The closest would be the town of Silverpine, situated at the northeastern edge of the Desolate Wilds. It's a few days' journey on horseback. They're mostly human settlers there, but every now and then, you hear stories of more elusive races passing through. It's not large, but it's bustling with activity, being so close the Wilds. They have a marketplace, some skilled artisans, and an inn that serves a mean lamb stew."

Elandor continued, "Additionally, there's another settlement, Grimhall, on the western edge of the Wilds, about a week's journey from here. It's more secluded and less known than Silverpine, but I've heard they have unique goods and crafts that aren't found elsewhere. It might be worth a visit if you're planning to expand your trade."

"That's quite far," Deo mused, taking in the information. "Although it would be useful to visit eventually, especially if I need further supplies or to learn more about this realm."

Elandor nodded, "Definitely. Silverpine is a great starting point. The folks there are generally amiable, though they can be a tad curious about newcomers, especially ones with... unique companions," he said with a subtle nod towards Pyro.

Deo gave a thoughtful nod. "I appreciate the heads-up. Life's been somewhat solitary out here, but the seclusion gave me the space I needed to find my footing.”

Deo shifted in his seat, his expression turning a tad more serious. "Elandor, while I value trade opportunities, my immediate concern is safety. Are there any immediate threats in this vicinity I should be aware of?"

Elandor leaned back, considering the question. "In these parts, you're far more likely to encounter threats from wild beasts than humans. The remoteness of your location provides a natural buffer against the common nuisances like bandits. They'd find it impractical to venture this deep without a solid reason." He paused, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "However, I did hear mention about a group of prisoners escaping while being transported across the wilds. I'm not sure of the details, but it might be worth keeping an ear out. The wilderness has a way of making people desperate."

As Elandor finished, a deep, rumbling snore resonated through the room. Both men turned to see Pyro, sprawled out on his side, his chest rising and falling rhythmically.

Elandor chuckled, "Seems like your ferocious hellhound has called it a night."

Deo smiled, "Yes, it appears so. And it might be a good cue for us as well. It's been a long day."

Elandor nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Rest well, Deo. And thank you for the hospitality."

The night drew in, wrapping the house in peaceful silence, punctuated only by the gentle snores of Pyro.