Chapter 22: Trade and Trails
Deo stirred, gradually emerging from a deep and restful slumber. The inn's bed was even more comfortable than his own, with a thick, plush quilt and pillows that cradled his head just right. The room was adorned in rustic decor; wooden beams lined the ceiling, and the walls were made of stacked stones, cemented together by ancient Halfling techniques. A single window, curtained with simple woven fabrics in shades of green and brown, let in the soft, diffused light of the morning. A wooden chest at the foot of the bed stood ready for his belongings, and a small desk beside the window was furnished with a quill and some parchment.
Pyro lay curled up on a rug near the foot of the bed, deep in slumber, occasionally letting out a gentle snore that resembled the soft crackle of embers. Opting not to wake his fiery companion, Deo quietly dressed and headed for the door.
The stairs leading down to the inn's common room were made of polished wood, with each step whispering tales of countless patrons who'd trod the same path. The handrail, intricately carved with patterns of swirling leaves and vines, provided a touch of elegance to the otherwise cozy atmosphere.
Upon his descent, Deo found himself enveloped by the inviting warmth of the common room. Low wooden tables dotted the floor, each accompanied by cushioned benches. Shelves filled with trinkets, bottles, and books lined the walls, each item telling a story of the village's history and culture. A welcoming fire crackled in the hearth, its flames painting playful shadows across the room.
Behind the counter, a spirited barmaid, her golden hair tied back in a loose bun, worked diligently. A smudge of flour on her cheek hinted at a morning spent baking, her apron bearing similar testament. Spotting Deo, she greeted him with a radiant smile. "Good mornin'! I trust you had a pleasant rest? Breakfast will be porridge with fresh berries and a side of honeyed bread. I hope that'll do?"
Deo's stomach responded affirmatively with a low growl. "Sounds perfect, thank you."
As he settled into his chosen spot, the barmaid relayed, "Oh, and Caelum and Thalen wanted me to pass on that they'll be meeting you here just before noon."
With a nod of appreciation, Deo awaited his morning meal, the promise of the day laying out before him. As he lost himself in thoughts of the day's potential adventures, the aroma of the food wafted over to him, drawing his attention back to the present. The porridge was creamy and warm, with the rich taste of fresh berries complementing its earthy texture. The honeyed bread was a perfect balance of sweet and fluffy, fresh out of the oven. Every bite was a delightful experience, reminding Deo of the skill and care the people of Willowdale put into their craft.
Midway through his meal, the door swung open, admitting a burst of fresh morning air, along with Lena. She looked refreshed, her eyes sparkling with morning energy. "Morning, Deo. That breakfast looks delicious!" she exclaimed, taking the seat opposite him.
"It is," Deo replied, swallowing a mouthful of porridge. "You should order some."
Before Lena could respond, a familiar ambling sound drew their attention to the staircase. Pyro, still stretching from his nap, made his way down with a yawn, his tail flame flickering lazily. The hellhound padded over to Deo's side, his head tilting inquisitively at the breakfast plate.
Lena laughed. "Seems like someone's also hungry."
Deo chuckled, sharing a bit of his bread with Pyro, who eagerly snapped it up. "Well, once we've all had our fill, I think we should take a stroll around the village. Elder Elara provided me with a sum of gold for our efforts. We've got time until noon when we meet the others, so perhaps we can look around for anything useful to purchase or simply enjoy the sights of Willowdale."
Lena's eyes lit up with interest. "Sounds like a plan. Let's see what this charming village has to offer."
Shortly after, and with a sense of shared anticipation, they pushed open the inn's door, ready to explore. Emerging from the inn, the trio was immediately enveloped in the bustling energy of Willowdale's streets. The morning fog had mostly lifted, revealing the village in all its splendour. The buildings, mainly constructed of pale wood and thatch, exuded an old-world charm. A gentle chatter, filled with laughter and conversation, echoed through the streets, making the atmosphere feel welcoming and alive.
The first stall they approached was manned by an elderly Halfling with a thick, curly white beard. His table was laden with intricately carved wooden trinkets, from tiny animal figurines to ornate wooden boxes. "Ah, visitors!" he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling merrily. "Come, come! See the finest carvings in all of Willowdale. Each piece has a story to tell."
Deo picked up a delicately carved owl, admiring the detailed feathers and sharp eyes. "This is exquisite work," he remarked.
"Ah, that one," the old Halfling said with a fond smile, "represents wisdom and protection. A gift for someone, perhaps?"
While the craftsmanship intrigued him, Deo ultimately decided against purchasing it, setting the owl back in its place.
Further along, they came across a stall with a colourful array of woven baskets and fabric. A middle-aged Halfling woman with a broad smile and rosy cheeks stood behind, energetically chatting with customers. Lena took interest in the fabrics, running her fingers through them, admiring their soft texture and vibrant patterns.
"These are beautiful," Lena remarked. "Are these dyed here in Willowdale?"
The woman nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, indeed! We use natural dyes from plants and berries. This blue one here," she pointed to a deep indigo fabric, "comes from woad leaves."
Lena ended up purchasing a few lengths of fabric, thinking of crafting them into something when she had the chance.
As they continued their exploration, Pyro was particularly drawn to a stall with various smoked and dried meats. The Halfling vendor, a young man with sandy hair, chuckled as Pyro sniffed around, clearly intrigued. Deo bought a few pieces for Pyro, who happily munched on them, tail wagging in delight.
Throughout their exploration, the trio was met with curious yet friendly glances. The people of Willowdale, while probably not used to seeing such an eclectic group, were warm and welcoming. The Halflings' sense of community was palpable, and it was clear they took great pride in their crafts and trades.
Leaving the square behind, Deo, Lena, and Pyro meandered through a narrower alleyway, which brought them to a quaint stall draped in netting and adorned with various fishing gear. Wooden fishing rods, reels, baits, and lures were neatly displayed. Behind the counter stood a tall-for-a-Halfling woman, her chestnut hair tied back in a loose ponytail, revealing tanned skin dotted with freckles from long hours under the sun.
"Good day!" she greeted, her hazel eyes sizing up the trio with interest. "Looking to fish in our lovely streams?"
Deo nodded. "Indeed. We're in need of a fishing rod. What would you recommend?"
She picked up a sleek, polished wooden rod with a delicate reel. "This is a Willowwood special. Lightweight, yet strong. Perfect for the fish around here."
After a short haggle, they settled on a price, and Deo walked away with the fishing rod, satisfied with the purchase.
Not far from the fishing stall, they spotted a vibrant tent adorned with shimmering symbols and arcane glyphs. The tantalizing aroma of herbs and potions beckoned them closer. Inside, shelves were lined with an assortment of vials, herbs, crystals, and books. An older Halfling, his eyes magnified by round spectacles, looked up from a bubbling cauldron he was tending to.
"Ah, seekers of knowledge and alchemy, I presume?" he intoned, his voice dripping with a melodious charm.
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Deo's curiosity was piqued by the collection of books, and he inquired about beginner's guides to alchemy. The Halfling presented him with a leather-bound tome titled, "Elixirs and Elements: A Novice's Guide to Alchemy."
"This book," the Halfling began, "covers the basics of alchemy. From identifying and harvesting herbs to concocting basic potions. A perfect start for an aspiring alchemist."
After Deo negotiated a reasonable price and acquired the tome, Lena looked at it with interest. "Would you mind if I borrow it sometime? It looks fascinating."
"Of course," Deo responded with a smile. "We can both benefit from it."
Continuing their exploration of the alchemical tent, Deo's attention was drawn to a compact wooden case, meticulously organized with slots for different alchemical tools. Upon opening it, he found it contained a basic alchemy kit.
The kit comprised of a collection of vials, both empty and some filled with basic solvents, a mortar and pestle for grinding ingredients, a tiny foldable burner for brewing, pipettes for exact measurements, and a set of fine tweezers. There were also small compartments designed to hold herbs or other reagents.
"That's a starter's alchemy kit," the Halfling merchant explained, noting Deo's interest. "Everything a budding alchemist might need for basic concoctions and experiments."
After a bit more haggling, which seemed to be becoming a regular part of his transactions in Willowdale, Deo added the kit to his acquisitions.
With their purchases made and the morning well spent, the sun had begun its climb to its zenith. Realizing it was almost noon, the trio made their way back to the inn, anticipating their meeting with Thalen and Caelum.
Upon their return to the inn, Deo, Lena, and Pyro spotted two Halflings waiting just outside the inn's entrance, their belongings piled neatly beside them. The distinct contrast between the two was immediately apparent.
The first, presumably Thalen, was a stocky Halfling in his early thirties. His hair was a muddled brown, curling around his ears and the nape of his neck. Deep lines etched his forehead and around his eyes, suggesting he was someone who frowned more than he smiled. His attire was simple, yet functional – a patchy brown vest over a dirty white shirt, trousers that had seen better days, and sturdy leather boots. Slung across his back was a tightly packed backpack, and at his side hung a well-maintained crossbow. A sheathed dagger, its hilt adorned with intricate carvings, was fastened to his belt. Although he stood still, his impatient foot-tapping betrayed his internal restlessness. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he wore an expression of perpetual annoyance.
Standing beside Thalen was the younger Caelum, a stark contrast to his older counterpart. Barely reaching Deo's waist, the boy was quite small even for a Halfling child of ten. He had a slender build, delicate features, and a mop of unruly golden hair which fell into his clear blue eyes. Dressed in a simple tunic and pants, with a too-big cloak wrapped around him, he looked every bit the innocent young child, holding onto a small satchel tightly. The nervous glance he shot towards Deo and the others screamed of shyness.
The pair didn't engage in conversation but waited, with Caelum often stealing glances at the towering Pyro while Thalen's gaze darted around, taking in their surroundings and the approaching group.
Deo stepped forward with a warm smile, extending his hand to Thalen. "Greetings! I'm Deo, and these are my companions, Lena and Pyro." He gestured to each in turn.
Thalen eyed the outstretched hand for a moment before grasping it in a firm handshake. "Thalen," he grunted, then nodded toward the young Halfling beside him, "and this here's Caelum."
Caelum offered a timid smile and a slight nod, his eyes darting between Deo and the slumbering Pyro behind him.
"Ready to head to the homestead?" Deo inquired, trying to infuse some enthusiasm into the conversation.
Thalen sighed, adjusting the straps on his packed belongings. "I suppose. Got everything in order, though I can't imagine why Elder Elara thinks this is a good idea," he muttered, sounding more weary than genuinely irritated.
Caelum clutched his satchel closer, looking apprehensive but not voicing any concerns.
Deo, sensing Thalen's reluctance, decided to take charge. "Let's set out, then. I'll lead the way," he announced, motioning for Thalen to join him at the front. With the two leading, Lena and Caelum walked closely behind, with the latter being fascinated by ever-playful Pyro. The group gathered their belongings and began their journey back to Deo's homestead, navigating the path while engaging in sporadic conversation.
Deo sought to bridge the gap of silence that had formed between them. "So, Thalen, what is it that you do back in Willowdale? Given your expertise in navigating the woods, I'd imagine you have a role that involves the forest?"
Thalen shot a brief side glance at Deo, his expression hard to read. "I'm just a common ranger," he grumbled, keeping his eyes straight ahead. The simplicity of his response and the curt tone seemed to discourage further questions.
Feeling a bit rebuffed but understanding that not everyone was as open to conversation, Deo simply nodded. "Must be a lot to look out for in those woods," he commented, more to himself than to Thalen.
Thalen just grunted in affirmation, maintaining his focus on the path ahead. It was evident that while the halfling might have been a man of few words, he was clearly skilled and attentive to the world around him.
Deo, sensing that family might be a safer topic, continued his line of inquiry. "Caelum seems like a bright lad. Is the rest of his family back in Willowdale?"
Thalen's gaze remained fixed on the path ahead. "Yes, they're back in the village. Caelum's parents have a younger child too, just a babe. They couldn't leave Willowdale, so I'm tasked with looking after him during our stay at the homestead."
Deo nodded, understanding the weight of responsibility that came with such a role. "Taking care of a youngster for several years is no small task."
Thalen grunted in response, "Family is family. We do what we must. Plus, it’s not like we’ll be far to visit."
The forest around them, while not the exact path Deo had travelled before, was becoming increasingly familiar to him. The surrounding woods always seemed to have an ethereal atmosphere, with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, casting patterns on the forest floor. The occasional chirping of birds and rustling of small creatures in the underbrush were the only sounds breaking the silence.
Despite the uneasy silence between them, the group moved in harmony with the rhythm of the forest. Pyro padded silently alongside Lena and Caelum, while Deo and Thalen led the way.
Suddenly, a slight rustling ahead caught Deo's attention. He raised his hand, signalling the others to halt. Out from the foliage, a sleek feline creature cautiously emerged. Its fur was a deep shade of grey, adorned with darker spots that seemed to dance and shift like shadows. Piercing blue eyes fixed onto the group with a calculating intensity.
Thalen immediately grasped his crossbow, aiming it at the creature. His eyes narrowed, full of suspicion and caution.
Activating his Wildlife Insights skill, a series of text popped up before Deo's eyes:
Gloomshade Lynx
* Level: 7
* Tier: Rare
* Lifespan: Typically 12-15 years in the wild.
* Diet: Carnivorous. Mainly feeds on smaller mammals and occasionally birds.
* Maturity: Reaches early adulthood at 1 year. Full maturity by 3 years.
* Strengths: Exceptional stealth, night vision, acute senses.
* Weaknesses: Sensitive to bright lights, loud noises can be disorienting.
* Behaviours: Known to be territorial, especially during mating seasons. Tend to be solitary unless rearing young.
* Description: A graceful predator of the night, the Gloomshade Lynx is a master of stealth and ambush. Its fur acts as natural camouflage, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the shadowy forest undergrowth. Often mistaken for regular lynxes, these creatures possess a unique ability to manipulate shadows, making them formidable hunters.
[Experience Gained: +60 XP]
[Skill Level Up! Wildlife Insights has reached Level 5!]
Deo murmured softly to his companions, "It's a Gloomshade Lynx. Rare and territorial. Thalen, lower the crossbow. We don't want to threaten it."
Seeing Thalen's hesitation, Deo activated his Fauna Communication skill, locking eyes with the lynx. He sent gentle waves of reassurance, conveying a simple message of peace and understanding: We mean no harm. We're just passing through.
The lynx, after what felt like hours but was mere seconds, slowly began to relax, its tense posture easing. It gave one last glance, a mixture of curiosity and wariness, before silently slipping back into the shadows.
[Skill Level Up! Fauna Communication has reached Level 3!]
Deo let out a sigh of relief, sharing an appreciative nod with Thalen. Thalen lowered his crossbow slowly, his eyes still fixed on the spot where the lynx had disappeared. Turning his gaze to Deo, he gave a slight nod of acknowledgment, his sharp eyes appraising the mage with newfound respect. It was clear that the forest held dangers, and in that moment, Thalen seemed to realize that Deo was more adept at navigating them than he'd initially believed.
As the sun dipped towards the horizon, painting the sky in hues of oranges and purples, Lakeside Homestead came into view. Two neatly constructed cabins stood side by side, their wooden exteriors emanating warmth under the dwindling sunlight.
Before the cabins, neatly arranged fields bore testament to the diligence that went into their tending. The Crimsonroots presented themselves with broad, heart-shaped leaves that caught the sun's rays, making their faint red shimmer all the more pronounced. The Golden Grain stood proud, their young, tender stalks waving subtly, hinting at the potential bounty they would soon offer. Alongside them, the Sylphbeans showcased their mastery over their trellises, green tendrils curling and stretching upwards, their progression marked by the occasional delicate flower that promised beans in the near future.
Beyond the cabins, a serene lake sat tranquil, its surface capturing the beauty of the sunset. To one side of the homestead, a modest shed stood, housing tools and essentials. Nearby, an herb garden thrived, each plant meticulously cared for, awaiting its turn to be used in various concoctions.
Thalen, ever the stoic one, nodded with a grunt of approval, the neatness and potential of the place not lost on him. In contrast, young Caelum's eyes widened, taking in the beauty of their new surroundings with an evident sense of wonder.
As they stood taking in the scenic beauty, Deo swept an arm across the vista before them, a proud smile gracing his lips. "Welcome to Lakeside Homestead," he announced.