Chapter 29: Preparations
The days leading up to the expedition were a whirlwind of activity around Harmony’s Refuge. The atmosphere around brimmed with anticipation; even nature seemed to sense the impending journey. Birds sang with increased fervour, the wind whistled with a hint of excitement, and even the plants seemed to sway with a touch more enthusiasm. But amidst all this, Deo's primary focus was on preparation.
Deo's first task was to inventory his belongings and supplies. With methodical precision, he laid out his supplies, assorting herbs and other essentials, ensuring nothing was left out for the trials the expedition might present. He practiced transmuting Yggdrasil's Branch into the range of tools at his disposal, whilst infusing a couple of additional ones that Thalen had brought back from Willowdale, broadening it’s arsenal and ensuring he’d have the right tool for any situation.
After replanting the fields with the help of Lena, Thalen, and Caelum, Deo resumed his routine morning ritual. Employing Verdant Growth, he channelled his energy to nurture and accelerate the growth of crops. It wasn't long before he felt a noticeable shift in his connection with the plants and the mastery of his skill and the familiar chime heralded another skill level up:
[Skill Level Up! Verdant Growth has reached Level 10! This skill can now enhance growth across a broader area, not just individual plants.]
A smile formed on Deo's face as he read the notification. The realization that he could now enhance growth over a larger area was a game-changer. He envisioned vast swaths of land flourishing under his touch, crops sprouting and maturing with accelerated vigour. This advancement in his skill would drastically reduce the time and effort required to cultivate his fields. The potential for larger yields and more diverse plant life was now significantly amplified. "This," he thought, "is going to revolutionize our farming."
Next, Deo dedicated hours to honing his Flora Communication skill, deepening the unspoken dialogue between him and the plants. The feedback became increasingly detailed, as if he were fine-tuning a frequency only accessible to him and the flora. While at it, he also practiced Fauna Communication. Small animals—birds, insects, and other creatures—began to share their insights and perspectives with him, as they seemed to sense his unique connection to the natural world. These practices set the perfect stage for him to activate Nature's Symphony. The world around him came alive, as if in concert; leaves rustled harmoniously, the earth vibrated subtly, and insects chirped rhythmically. Each element of nature seemed to join in a harmonious song, reinforcing Deo's deep-rooted connection to the world around him.
Feeling invigorated by his enhanced connection to nature and with his senses heightened, Deo knew it was time to take on more rigorous activities. In the wide clearing behind the house, Deo and Pyro began a series of intense training sessions. Their bond, now stronger than ever, facilitated seamless coordination, as if the two were extensions of each other.
Deo initiated the session by practicing Ironbark Armour. As he activated the skill, an emerald icon appeared before his eyes, signalling its engagement. A unique sensation, akin to hundreds of tiny tendrils, enveloped him. Slowly, his skin transformed, taking on the appearance of layered, deep grey bark reminiscent of an ancient forest sentinel. Though the bark covered him completely, he felt neither restricted nor heavy. Instead, the protective layer was surprisingly lightweight and allowed for fluid movement, echoing the resilience and adaptability of the trees it emulated.
Pyro, recognizing the transformation, lunged at Deo playfully, testing the strength and durability of this newfound armour. The canine's attacks, though only mock assaults, held the power of a beast of his stature. Yet, despite the vast difference in attributes between them, Deo's Ironbark Armour still held firm, deflecting every move with resilience. With each interaction, Deo grew more confident in his protection. The strength and security it provided made him feel more connected to the very essence of the forest around him.
During their sparring, Deo felt a familiar rush signalling another skill milestone reached. His initial burst of excitement waned slightly when he realized it was for Leaf in the Wind.
[Skill Level Up! Leaf in the Wind has reached Level 10! Now also provides a slight bonus to movement speeds on top of agility gain.]
Despite it not being his most treasured skill, he acknowledged the notification with a nod, appreciating the growth in his repertoire.
Shifting his focus, Deo decided to test Pyro's nimbleness using Sylvanus' Grasp. With a deep breath and a firm focus, Deo pointed his staff to the ground. Like veins of life, tendrils of vibrant green sprouted from the earth, reaching out hungrily towards the agile hellhound. They lunged, twisted, and weaved, each trying to entangle Pyro's fiery paws.
But Pyro, with an elegance belying his fierce appearance, danced around the tendrils. His every move was a masterful performance of agility and finesse. The way he evaded Deo's attacks wasn't just efficient; it was an art form. His body would sway just out of reach, a shadow skimming across the ground, his paws barely touching as he pivoted and spun, avoiding capture.
Deo, though striving to catch Pyro, couldn't help but marvel at the hellhound's agility. Each dodge, each graceful leap over the tendrils showcased just how highly attuned Pyro's reflexes were. It was evident that even though Deo's Sylvanus' Grasp was potent, capturing Pyro in its grip was a task easier said than done.
The next phase of their training was more aggressive, focusing on the might of their offensive skills. Deo took a deep breath, centring himself, and focused on the warm energy inside him. With that sense of purpose, he and Pyro turned their attention to a stack of thick logs and large boulders arranged nearby, remnants of past training.
Drawing upon their bond, Deo directed his Inferno Pulse towards a particularly hefty log. The pulsing flames bore into the wood, causing it to catch fire and smoulder. Each rhythmic surge deepened the char, steadily reducing the log to a glowing ember.
Nearby, Pyro approached a boulder with eyes shimmering with fiery intent. He initiated with Cinder Claw, his paw igniting in a fiery blaze as he raked it across the stone. The boulder's surface sizzled and melted under the intense heat, leaving deep gashes where Pyro's claws had made contact.
With continued enthusiasm, Pyro lunged at another log, employing his Blazing Bite. His jaws, now engulfed in roaring flames, clamped down on the wood. The once sturdy log was now aflame, fire rapidly consuming it from where Pyro’s teeth had sunk in.
As they delved deeper into their destructive dance, the training area transformed into a symphony of crackling flames and smoky air.
As the last log turned to ash and the smoke began to dissipate, Deo and Pyro, exhausted from their rigorous training, made their way to a nearby thicket. The shade it provided was a welcome respite from the heat of their training exercises. They both lay down, Deo resting his head against the soft grass, with Pyro nestled beside him, his rhythmic breathing indicating a brief nap was in order.
Just as Deo was about to drift into a light slumber, a faint whine pierced the air. At first, it was easy to dismiss it as a trick of the wind, but as the moments passed, the whine grew more pronounced, carrying with it an unmistakable undertone of distress. Pyro's ears twitched, his head lifting to pinpoint the source of the sound. The hellhound's eyes narrowed, focusing intently in the direction of the noise.
Recognizing the whine as that of an animal in pain, Deo's heart tightened. Pushing himself up, he looked to Pyro, whose protective instincts were now evident. The two shared a glance, a silent agreement passing between them. Without hesitation, they ventured towards the source of the plaintive cry, ready to offer assistance or face whatever awaited them.
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Advancing cautiously through the underbrush, Deo and Pyro soon stumbled upon a sight that tugged at Deo's heartstrings. Caught in a Thistleclaw Bush was a Gloomshade Lynx, its sleek fur a dark grey, mottled with even darker flecks. The Lynx's sapphire eyes were wide with panic, and every so often, it would let out a heartrending whine as it futilely tried to extricate its paws from the bush's cruel needles.
With each movement, more thorns from the Thistleclaw Bush embedded themselves deeper into the creature's tender pads, making the situation even more perilous. Pyro, sensing the urgency, let out a low growl, but it was not directed at the trapped creature. Instead, it was a sign of frustration at the predicament the Lynx found itself in.
Closing his eyes for a moment, Deo activated his Fauna Communication skill. Through the currents of nature and the deep well of empathy within him, he extended a mental bridge towards the distressed animal. "I want to help," he transmitted gently, trying to project calm and sincerity.
The first wave of emotions that rebounded back to Deo was raw and fierce - a melange of anger, pain, and fear. The Lynx bared its teeth, its hiss a stark warning for Deo to keep his distance. But Deo held his ground, continuously sending waves of soothing intent and genuine concern through the link.
Minute by minute, Deo's persistent and gentle mental touch began to chip away at the Lynx's barriers. The beast's breathing, initially rapid and shallow, started to slow. The distrust in its eyes began to wane, replaced with a cautious curiosity and a glimmer of hope.
Once the Lynx's defenses had dropped sufficiently, and trust had begun to be established, Deo approached it slowly, each step measured and deliberate, ensuring that the Lynx did not feel threatened. Pyro, following his lead, stayed a few steps behind, his fiery eyes watching for any sudden changes.
Kneeling carefully at a safe distance from the Gloomshade Lynx, Deo kept his movements fluid and unhurried, maintaining eye contact with the creature to continue reinforcing the bond of trust he had cultivated. With his hands raised slightly in a non-threatening manner, he gently whispered words of comfort.
Beginning with the paw closest to him, Deo delicately grasped the first of the thorns. The Lynx tensed, its muscles quivering under its sleek fur, but didn't lash out. Holding his breath, Deo drew the thorn out smoothly, making sure not to cause any further damage. The Lynx let out a soft whimper, but the soothing touch of Deo's hand, combined with the gentle assurance he sent through their mental link, seemed to comfort it.
One by one, with utmost patience, Deo proceeded to remove every thorn from the Lynx's paws. With each thistle he pulled, the beast's tension seemed to melt away a bit more. Every now and then, Pyro would send a gentle nuzzle or a warm puff of breath in the direction of the Lynx, as if assuring the creature of their good intentions.
After what felt like hours but was probably only a few intense minutes, Deo finally freed the last paw from the bush's clutches. Setting it down gently, he took a moment to examine the Lynx's injuries. The pads were swollen and punctured, but fortunately, they didn't appear to be deeply wounded or infected.
Deo, with Pyro by his side, slowly retreated a few steps, giving the now-liberated Gloomshade Lynx some space. The creature tested its paws, gingerly at first, before gradually putting more weight on them. The deep gratitude in its eyes as it gazed at its two saviours was palpable.
The Gloomshade Lynx hesitated for a brief moment, as if gauging Deo's intentions. Then, with a soft, low purr, it approached Deo cautiously. Deo remained still, his heart beating faster, not from fear, but from the unexpected intimacy of the moment. The Lynx, with its radiant sapphire eyes locked onto Deo's, leaned in and gently licked Deo's outstretched hand. The texture of its tongue was rough but not unpleasant, and the gesture held a clear message of gratitude.
As Deo's heart swelled with warmth, a thought struck him. The bond they had just formed, built on trust and kindness, could potentially be deepened. He pondered on the possibility of using his Nature's Essence skill to form a lasting bond with this majestic creature. But before making any decision, he turned his gaze to Pyro, seeking his companion's feelings on the matter.
Pyro, ever-attuned to Deo's emotions, seemed to contemplate the question for a moment. He then gently nudged Deo's hand with his snout, a clear sign of his agreement.
Emboldened by Pyro's support, Deo carefully approached the Lynx, extending a hand and channelling the energy of Nature's Essence. As their energies began to intertwine, the ambient sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds from the surrounding forest seemed to fade away, replaced by a serene silence. Deo's perception shifted, drawing him into a realm of shifting shadows, where tones of deep grey and inky blackness swirled, interlaced with piercing bursts of bright blue, capturing the essence of the Gloomshade Lynx.
In this ethereal space, fleeting glimpses of the Lynx's past flowed before Deo's eyes. There were memories of moonlit nights where the Lynx stealthily stalked its prey, the adrenaline rush of a successful hunt, and the gentle embrace of its littermates, huddled close in the chilly nights. Among these vivid recollections, a particularly touching moment stood out. The Lynx, younger and smaller, was attempting its first hunt, failing clumsily but persevering with a fierce determination. This moment was an embodiment of the creature's innate drive and resilience.
As these memories enveloped him, Deo was overwhelmed by the emotions they carried. The fierce independence of the Lynx, its deep-seated survival instincts, the tranquillity of its solitary moments, and a burning curiosity for the unknown. As the bond deepened, a palpable warmth enveloped Deo, making him feel as if he was journeying to the core of the Lynx's very soul. Witnessing the creature's innate resilience and fierce independence, Deo felt an immense respect and connection. They might come from different worlds, but both carried a spirit of survival and an unyielding desire to thrive.
The bonding experience culminated with a surge of mutual understanding, a harmonizing of two spirits. A bridge of trust and companionship was solidified between Deo and the Gloomshade Lynx, strengthening their newfound alliance.
[Bond Successful! You have formed a Nature's Essence bond with a Gloomshade Lynx.]
[New Skill Acquired: Shadowmeld Mantle - Drawing from the bond with the Gloomshade Lynx, the user can momentarily blend into their surroundings, making them almost invisible to the naked eye. This camouflage works best in dimly lit environments and shadows.]
[Skill Level Up! Fauna Communication has reached Level 5!]
With the newly acquired skill in his arsenal, Deo took a moment to reflect on the implications of Shadowmeld Mantle. Its potential in stealth and surprise attacks, or even just for evading danger, was undeniable. The ability to seamlessly blend into his surroundings, adopting the camouflage of a Gloomshade Lynx, could offer numerous tactical advantages in various scenarios. Whether it was to move unnoticed through the forest, gather information without being detected, or launch a surprise attack, the potential applications of this skill were manifold.
His contemplative reverie was punctuated by a deep, resonant purr from the Lynx. The feline seemed to stretch languidly, its sleek body flexing with a grace and power that was innately captivating. It locked its piercing blue eyes onto Deo, giving him a look that was unmistakably regal, as if saying, "You should be grateful, human, for the boon I've bestowed upon you." And, in the unpredictable and aloof manner of cats everywhere, the Lynx turned and effortlessly disappeared into the thicket.
Deo watched the spot where the creature had vanished, a small smile playing on his lips. "That surely won't be the last we see of her," he chuckled to himself.
Deo and Pyro made their way back to the cabins, the setting sun casting a warm, golden hue over the landscape. The familiar scents of cooking wafted from Lena's cabin, indicating that dinner preparations were in full swing.
Deo knocked gently on the doorframe of Thalen's cabin, where he was meticulously sharpening a set of tools on his porch. Caelum was not too far away, carefully observing Thalen's movements, trying to mimic them with his own miniature set.
"Thalen, Lena," Deo began, nodding to the middle-aged cook who had just stepped out from her own dwelling, wiping her hands on her apron, "I wanted to discuss our roles for the upcoming expedition."
Lena's eyes gleamed with interest. "I've given it some thought. I've always been quite fascinated by dwarven cooking techniques. Their ability to infuse flavours, especially in those underground environments, is something I'd love to explore. I'd like to come along."
Thalen glanced at Caelum and sighed. "I'd have liked to go too, experience a bit of an adventure again, but Caelum's still too young for such a journey. We'll stay here and keep things in order."
Caelum, catching on to the conversation, looked up with a mixture of relief and a tinge of disappointment. Adventures sounded thrilling, but he was also acutely aware of the dangers they posed.
Noticing Caelum's expression, Deo knelt down beside him. "Hey there, brave one," he said with a gentle smile, "I'll make sure to leave you with some things to help out around here while I'm away. Think of them as a little responsibility till I return, okay?"
Caelum's eyes sparkled, and he nodded enthusiastically. "Thank you, Deo."
The discussion was interrupted by a distant chorus of voices and the muted sound of footsteps. Deo, Lena, and Thalen turned their gaze towards the horizon. Emerging from the gentle curves of an emerging path, a small group of figures became visible, their petite stature unmistakable even from this distance.
"Ah, that'll be the expedition group from Willowdale," Thalen remarked, nodding in the direction of the approaching halflings.
Lena squinted, trying to make out any familiar faces. "Expected, but sooner than I thought. Must've made good time on their travels."
Deo watched with interest, anticipating the new arrivals and the potential they brought with them. The preparation for the expedition was truly beginning, and the atmosphere in Harmony's Refuge was about to become even livelier.