Chapter 23: Master and Apprentice
The faint glow of twilight painted the Lakeside Homestead in shades of lavender and pink as Deo led the way towards his cabin. The wooden structure, although humble in appearance, had a warm and inviting aura, with light streaming from its windows.
Lena gave a small stretch, her gaze drifting to her own cabin nearby. "I think I'll turn in for the night. It's been a long day." She offered a reassuring smile to Caelum and a slight nod to Thalen. "Goodnight, everyone."
Thalen, despite his usually reserved nature, muttered a low "Goodnight, Lena," while Caelum offered a bashful wave. Deo smiled at his friend, nodding in agreement, "Rest well, Lena. See you in the morning."
“Feel free to make yourselves at home here tonight,” Deo began, pushing open the door to reveal his own cabin’s cozy interior. “I know it’s not much, but we can lay out some bedding on the floor for you. Tomorrow, we can discuss more permanent arrangements for your lodgings.”
Thalen, despite his earlier reticence, gave a nod of gratitude, his gaze taking in the details of the cabin. Caelum, on the other hand, looked around with wide-eyed wonder, clearly taken by the simple charm of the place.
“I appreciate it,” Thalen murmured, setting his belongings down by the door. Caelum, following his uncle's lead, did the same, albeit with a more careful and curious demeanour.
Deo gestured to a corner where some spare blankets and cushions were neatly stacked. “You can use these to make yourselves comfortable. There's also a kettle on the stove if you'd like some tea before sleeping.”
Thalen grunted in acknowledgment, busying himself with setting up a sleeping spot for Caelum and himself. The young halfling, however, approached the kettle with fascination, studying its design before glancing up at Deo with a tentative smile.
“Thank you,” Caelum whispered, his shyness evident.
“You’re most welcome,” Deo replied warmly. “It’s been a long day, and we have a lot to do tomorrow. Best to get a good night's rest.”
As the night deepened, the cabin settled into a comfortable silence, with its newest residents beginning to adjust to their temporary home.
The first rays of sunlight peeked through the gaps in the curtains, rousing Deo from his slumber. As he stretched and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, there was a soft knock at the door. He opened it to find Lena holding a wicker basket, steam wafting from the cloth covering its contents.
"Morning, Deo," she greeted with a cheerful smile. "Thought we could all use a good breakfast to start the day. I baked some fresh bread with ingredients I got from Willowdale and made a pot of vegetable stew with herbs from your garden."
"That smells heavenly," Deo replied, inhaling the comforting aroma. "Thank you, Lena. You didn’t have to, but it’s much appreciated.”
As the four of them settled down to eat, the atmosphere in the cabin was warm and filled with the murmur of quiet conversations. The vegetable stew was hearty, the fresh vegetables simmered to perfection and complemented by the fragrance of the herbs. The bread was crusty on the outside and soft inside, perfect for dipping into the stew.
Once their bellies were full, it was time to discuss the day's plans. "So, what are we thinking today?" Deo began, sipping on a mug of herbal tea.
Thalen, who had been contemplative over his meal, cleared his throat. "I reckon I'll start on building my cabin. I've done it before; just need the materials. I saw a stack of timber outside your cabin, Deo. Would it be alright if I use some?”
Deo nodded in agreement. "Of course, those logs were meant for any additional construction. You're welcome to them."
Lena, always eager to lend a hand, chimed in. "I'm no expert in construction, but I can assist in any way possible. Maybe help with the heavy lifting or even the detailing?"
Thalen raised an eyebrow, but then nodded in appreciation. "Aye, could use a hand. It’ll make things faster."
As the two set out for their construction project, Caelum hesitated for a moment, glancing at Deo with a timid expression. "Um, Deo," he began softly, his voice barely above a whisper, "you’re a Green Mage, right? I was... um, wondering if... if maybe I could learn what you do?”
Deo's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Absolutely, Caelum. It’s a pleasure to share my knowledge. We can start with the basics of herbology, and I’ll introduce you to the crops we cultivate here."
The young halfling’s face flushed with gratitude. "Thank you, Deo. I've always wanted to understand more about the ways of nature."
Thalen, after finishing his breakfast, nodded to Deo and Caelum. "Let's get started, then," he said to Lena, gesturing towards the lumber pile. With determined strides, the two of them made their way towards the timber, leaving Deo and Caelum alone.
Deo gestured for Caelum to follow him, leading him towards the neatly arranged fields adjacent to the cabins. The first thing Caelum noticed was the breathtaking sight of Crimsonroots. The broad, heart-shaped leaves shimmered with a faint red hue in the early morning light, making the entire field seem to glow.
"These are Crimsonroots," Deo began, kneeling down to allow Caelum a closer look. "Their leaves absorb sunlight effectively, and the roots, as you might guess from their name, take on a beautiful crimson shade. They're often used in salads and stews and have a spicy, earthy taste."
Pulling out a parchment and quill from his satchel, Caelum began taking notes intently as he listened to Deo's explanations.
Deo smiled gently, "The first task of any Green Mage is to categorize and understand the flora around them. I use a skill called 'Botanical Knowledge' to aid me in this," he tapped his temple indicating the source of his knowledge. "But until you attain that skill, you'll have to rely on more mundane means, like your parchment and quill. It's essential to document and remember the nature around you."
Next, they approached a patch where rows of young grain plants stood firmly. Their golden stalks waved gently in the morning breeze, capturing the golden light of dawn. "Golden Grain," Deo announced. "A staple for many. As they mature, these will yield a bountiful harvest, essential for making bread and other foodstuffs."
Lastly, they reached the trellises where the Sylphbeans climbed ambitiously. "Sylphbeans," he said with a touch of pride. "They are climbers, always reaching for the sky. When they flower, the sight is truly something to behold. And the beans they produce have both culinary and alchemical uses."
Caelum's eyes widened with fascination. The young halfling was clearly eager to learn, absorbing every piece of information. "It's amazing," he whispered, almost to himself.
Deo smiled warmly. "Now, for the magic part," he announced. Closing his eyes, Deo channelled his mana, activating his skill: Verdant Growth. He focused intently on a single Crimsonroot. The chosen plant pulsed faintly, its root expanding and leaves stretching out wider. That was 'Verdant Growth'," he explained to Caelum. "It's a potent skill, but I can only accelerate the growth of one plant at a time," he added, glancing at the other untouched crops.
"Pay close attention, Caelum," Deo advised. Moving on to the Golden Grain, he used Verdant Growth again. This time, the selected Golden Grain stalk stood a bit taller, its golden hue shining even brighter. Lastly, he turned his attention to a Sylphbean and activated the skill. The Sylphbean's tendrils playfully curled and uncurled, strengthening their grip on the trellises. Caelum, with wide eyes, watched each transformation with wide eyes.
"It's... beautiful," Caelum murmured, his voice filled with awe.
Deo, slightly out of breath from the exertion, nodded. "Using Verdant Growth is like... reaching out to the plants, connecting with their life force. It's a feeling of unity, of shared purpose. As I channel my energy, I can feel their gratitude, their eagerness to grow and flourish. It's a mutual exchange - I give them a boost, and in return, I feel a sense of fulfilment and peace. And, of course, a tasty meal when it comes to harvest time."
Caelum looked at Deo with newfound admiration. "Thank you for showing me, Deo. I can't wait to learn more."
Deo placed a reassuring hand on Caelum's shoulder. "And I can't wait to teach you. Welcome to the life of a Green Mage."
As they concluded their tour of the crop fields, Deo cast a contemplative eye over the Crimsonroots, Golden Grains and Sylphbeans. "Hmm," he mused, "they're nearly ready for harvest." He then beckoned for Caelum to follow him to another part of his homestead.
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
"This is my herb garden," Deo announced with a hint of pride as they entered the aromatic space. "Every Green Mage should be familiar with both the common and the unique."
The first herb that caught Caelum's attention was the Marbled Mint, which stood out with its blend of deep green and cream leaves. "Marbled Mint," Deo commented, "is as refreshing to the taste as it is to the eye." Giving a leaf a gentle rub, he released a zesty aroma that instantly made the air around them more invigorating.
Beside it, the Rooibos bush shimmered in the morning light. Its green, needle-like leaves would, in time, develop into a rich reddish hue when dried. "This one's a favourite for making tea," Deo mentioned, plucking a leaf for Caelum to inspect.
The next plant, the Moonlit Fern, caught Caelum's gaze with its luminescent fronds. "The locals call it the 'Night's Whisper'. Its fronds seem to glow, reminiscent of a clear night sky," Deo explained.
As they walked further, Deo pointed out the Lakeside Luminaria. Its azure petals glistened, mirroring the dewdrops from dawn. "Found this beauty by the lake. It's almost as if the waters gifted it to me," he chuckled.
Not far from there, the scent of the Dreaming Lavender wafted towards them, its radiant colour attracting bees from near and far. "The Dreaming Lavender, always a favourite amongst the winged ones," Deo observed, smiling at a bee hovering around.
Yet, the herb garden was not just about the rare and exotic. "A mage's culinary skills would be incomplete without the staples," Deo noted, leading Caelum to rows of well-known herbs. He showed off the fragrant basil, the zesty coriander, and the aromatic rosemary. "Each of these," Deo said, gesturing towards chives, oregano, and thyme, "brings a distinct character to a dish."
Caelum continued to scribble notes, occasionally pausing to take a closer look or smell, his eyes wide with wonder.
After Deo introduced the more commonplace herbs, he paused and looked thoughtfully at Caelum. "Remember, Caelum," he began, his voice sincere, "the mundane is just as vital as the mystical. Both hold significance in the life of a Green Mage. It's a balance between the everyday and the extraordinary."
Caelum looked up from his notes, absorbing Deo's words. With a nod, he replied, "I'll remember that."
Deo and Caelum slowly made their way back to the cabins. The rhythmic sounds of construction reached their ears, hinting at the progress being made on the new log cabin. Lena was handing Thalen the necessary tools and materials, her experienced eye gauging what he would need next, while Thalen, although focused on the task, would occasionally pause to inspect the alignment or to assess the stability of the structure.
As Deo and Caelum approached, Thalen wiped the sweat off his brow and grunted in acknowledgment. Setting down a heavy log, he glanced over at Deo, a hint of uncertainty in his eyes.
"Hope this spot's alright for our home?" Thalen questioned, his tone suggesting it was more of a hope than a question.
Deo surveyed the progress, nodding appreciatively. "It's a good spot, Thalen. Close to the main cabin, yet with enough distance for privacy. The view of the lake will be a daily treat."
As Deo gave his affirmation regarding the placement of the cabin, translucent system information materialized before both Caelum and Thalen, catching their attention:
[You have been invited to become a member of Lakeside Homestead. Do you accept?]
Thalen squinted at the prompt, seemingly taken aback by the sudden appearance. Caelum, likewise scrambled back slightly in surprise and then looked over at Thalen for guidance.
With a huff, Thalen selected 'Accept', his grumpy demeanour softening just a tad. Caelum, following his uncle's lead, did the same.
[Congratulations, Thalen! You are now a member of Lakeside Homestead. Your new dwelling will be registered upon completion.]
[Congratulations, Caelum! You are now a member of Lakeside Homestead. Your new dwelling will be registered upon completion.]
The younger halfling's eyes lit up with excitement, a mixture of awe and happiness evident in his gaze. Thalen, meanwhile, gave a curt nod of acknowledgment, though a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
A moment after Thalen and Caelum's notifications faded, another translucent system notification appeared in front of Deo:
[Quest Update: From Homestead to Hamlet, see updated progress in status page.]
Without a word, Deo opened up his status page and navigated to the Quests section and opened the details of his From Homestead to Hamlet quest.
Quest: From Homestead to Hamlet
Upgrade your homestead to the level of a hamlet, by completing the following milestones.
Progress:
1. Construct or acquire three additional buildings or significant structures: 1/3
2. Establish a sustainable food source (farm, garden or livestock): Completed
3. Secure a fresh water supply: Completed
4. Have a homestead population of five: 5/5, Completed
Rewards: +5000 XP, Homestead Expansion Scroll, 5000 System Points
Deo's eyes meticulously went over the quest details, his lips moving ever so slightly as he mentally checked off the progress he'd made. The quest wasn't just about enhancing the homestead; it was about creating a sustainable, thriving community. And he was closer than ever to achieving that dream.
The first milestone still had two more buildings or structures to account for. With Thalen and Caelum's cabin under construction, that would be two out of three. A barn, even a basic one, would not only serve as a utility for potential livestock but also prove invaluable during harvest season. Having a dedicated space for storing and processing crops would make things so much more efficient.
He took a deep breath, closing the status page and turning his gaze to Thalen, who was taking a brief rest from his work. "Thalen, Lena," he began, choosing his words carefully, "once you're done with the cabin, do you think you could also construct a barn? It would help me complete a quest I have for the homestead and also be useful to store the harvested crops."
Thalen, ever the grumpy halfling, eyed Deo for a moment before responding, "Aye, could do. Not like I've got much else on me plate." The comment was delivered in his usual dry tone, but Deo could detect the hint of commitment and support in Thalen's words.
With a grateful nod to Thalen, Deo said, "Great, thanks!" Turning to Caelum, his eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Come on, Caelum," he said with a grin, "I've got more magic to show you!"
Deo led the young halfling back to his cabin, pushing the door open gently. The cozy interior was lit by the soft glow of sun filtering through the windows. Leaned against the wall near the door was a fishing rod, simple in design but carrying an aura of durability and reliability. It was a purchase Deo had made from Willowdale.
Picking up the fishing rod, Deo turned to Caelum with his staff in his other hand. Seeing Caelum's quizzical expression — a mix of curiosity and scepticism — as if saying, 'What magic can you do with a fishing rod?' Deo chuckled. "Ready to delve deeper into the world of magic?" he asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Caelum, eyebrows raised, nodded with cautious eagerness.
Catching Caelum's curious gaze on his attire, Deo chuckled, "I'm sure you've noticed my robes and staff by now." He gently patted the fabric of his Verdant Robes and caressed the gnarled surface of Yggdrasil’s Branch. "These aren't just any common items. They're unique and essential parts of being a Green Mage."
"These robes," Deo continued, "crafted from the heartstrings of ancient forests, not only offer protection but amplify my connection to nature. They resonate deeply with the essence of growth, vital for a Green Mage." As he spoke, he tapped a pocket of his robe, "They also come with specialized spatial pockets that store and preserve herbs, keeping them fresh."
He then held up Yggdrasil’s Branch, allowing Caelum to see the mesmerizing dance of emerald sparkles within the brilliant green gem at its pinnacle. "This isn't just any staff; it's a branch from Yggdrasil, the World Tree, deeply connected to all flora. It greatly enhances my abilities, channelling the profound energy of nature. It also amplifies my innate ability to communicate and interact magically with wildlife, fostering deeper, more meaningful connections."
Caelum seemed entirely captivated, "These are incredible! They're like the tools of a hero in legends."
Deo chuckled, "They may sound legendary, but remember, Caelum, these tools are just an extension of a Green Mage's will and purpose. And every mage, no matter the class, has unique tools that grow alongside them. They serve both as a testament to our journey and a means to achieve our goals."
Deo grinned slyly, clearly enjoying the suspense building in Caelum's eyes. "Ever wondered how a Green Mage keeps his toolkit so concise?" He held up Yggdrasil’s Branch in one hand, its rich wood gleaming in the cabin's light. With the other hand, he picked up the fishing rod, which had been leaning against the wall.
"Watch closely," he whispered dramatically, making sure he had Caelum's full attention.
Taking a deep breath, Deo held the two items close to one another. He began to focus intently on their individual essences, willing them to merge. For a moment, it seemed as though nothing would happen. But then, like a leaf caught in a gentle breeze, Yggdrasil’s Branch started to emit a soft green glow. The fishing rod started to disintegrate, turning into countless tiny verdant particles, which circled the staff in an entrancing dance.
Caelum leaned forward, his breath caught in his throat as he watched the luminous particles slowly become absorbed into Yggdrasil’s Branch. The engravings on the staff began to pulsate, absorbing the essence of the fishing rod and making it a part of its core. Once the last particle had been integrated, the staff's glow began to wane until it returned to its usual appearance — though now, it held within it the added essence and capability of the fishing rod.
Deo leaned back, a satisfied smirk on his face. "There you have it. The staff is not just a conduit for my magic but also a storage system for my tools. It keeps everything handy without any unnecessary bulk."
Caelum looked at the staff with newfound respect, his eyes wide with wonder. "That was... That was amazing!" he breathed out.
Deo revelled in Caelum's look of astonishment. However, confusion soon clouded Caelum's eyes. "Um... Why did your staff just eat the fishing rod?"
Deo chuckled, holding up Yggdrasil’s Branch. "It hasn't been eaten. It's simply... infused. Let me demonstrate." With a flick of his wrist and a concentrated thought, the staff began to reshape and extend, morphing into the familiar form of the fishing rod.
"Now," Deo continued, his voice filled with glee, "that's not the only trick it can do." In quick succession, he transformed the staff into various tools, each one gleaming and looking as effective as its standalone counterpart. The staff became a sharp miniature shear with a flash, then swiftly transitioned into the shape of a sturdy hatchet. Moments later, it took the form of a precision-focused handheld seed drill, followed by a gracefully curved watering can. With another flick, it transformed into a broad-faced mallet and then settled into the imposing form of a lumberjack axe.
Caelum's confusion transformed into wonder. "That's... incredible! So, it can transform into any tool you've infused with it?"
"Exactly," Deo beamed, turning the staff back to its original form. "It streamlines my toolkit and ensures I always have the right tool for the job at my fingertips."
Deo gave a playful wink, letting the staff transform back into the fishing rod. "And now," he said, swinging the rod over his shoulder, "how about some fishing?"