Chapter 30: Expeditionary Talks

The sun lowered further, casting long shadows across the land, turning Harmony's Refuge into a canvas of gold and deepening blue. As the distant figures grew nearer, the unmistakable form of the halflings became clearer. Their hats and travelling cloaks fluttered in the evening breeze, and their packs jingled with the sound of utensils and tools.

Thalen squinted a bit, trying to make out the familiar faces among the travellers. "Looks like they've sent a good number. I reckon there's Captain Brevin at the lead."

Lena, tilting her head slightly with curiosity, asked, "Captain Brevin?"

Thalen nodded, "Aye, he's the captain of the rangers. One of the few Greenshades of Willowdale. If he's leading this lot, it means Willowdale is truly serious about this expedition."

Leading the procession was a halfling whose stance and manner radiated authority. Dressed in a detailed tunic embroidered with patterns resembling intertwined vines, his attire was a blend of practicality and style. Over this, a vest of dark leather was tightly cinched, pockets and pouches holding various tools of his trade. Slung over one side was a sheathed short sword, its hilt ornately crafted, while on his back, a crossbow was securely fastened, accompanied by a quiver filled with bolts. His pants, made of sturdy material, showed signs of wear from countless treks across the wilderness. Boots with reinforced toes spoke of many a journey taken across various terrains. His green brooch, pinned prominently against his chest, shimmered softly in the evening light.

"Greetings! I am Ranger Captain Brevin of Willowdale," he announced, his voice confident.

Deo's eyes moved past Brevin and spied Torin and Mira, positioned closely behind the Ranger Captain. Torin, with his sun-kissed skin, characteristic curly brown hair and signature white brooch, grinned, raising a hand in acknowledgment. Mira, her fiery hair a sharp contrast to the evening hues, waved exuberantly, her emerald eyes alight with recognition.

Behind them were two other halflings. The male, slightly taller than the average halfling, had short-cropped jet-black hair with streaks of silver, hinting at early aging or perhaps past stresses. His deep blue eyes keenly observed the surroundings from beneath a wide-brimmed grey hat. Clad in simple yet sturdy traveling attire, he had a short sword secured at his hip. His cloak, a muted shade of charcoal, was fastened with a simple white brooch and reached his ankles.

The female halfling, on the other hand, was a vision of meticulous style. Her dark hair was adorned with intricate braids, each interwoven with tiny beads and trinkets that told tales of her travels. Her sharp brown eyes observed everything with a mix of curiosity and excitement. She wore a tunic of deep purple, cinched at the waist with a leather belt that held an array of pouches.

"Captain Brevin, welcome to Harmony's Refuge," Deo greeted warmly, stepping forward with an extended hand. "This is Lena, our cook extraordinaire," he motioned towards Lena, "and Pyro," he indicated the majestic hellhound beside him. "And of course, you know Thalen and young Caelum," Deo added with a smile. "Please, make yourselves at home." Young Caelum, peeking out from behind Thalen, looked on with wide-eyed fascination, curiosity overcoming his usual shyness.

Brevin met Deo’s extended hand, and the two exchanged a firm handshake. "Thank you for the warm welcome, Deo. Harmony’s Refuge seems even more serene in person than through the stories we've heard."

Lena, with a hospitable tone, offered, "After your journey, you must all be famished. I've prepared a hearty stew that should help take the edge off your hunger."

Brevin's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Ah, a meal is just what we need. And if it's made by the famed Lena, I'm sure it will be nothing short of exceptional."

Lena smiled modestly, "I do hope it meets your expectations, Captain."

Torin enthusiastically piped up, "Any meal after a day of travel is a feast! But something tells me this will be better than most."

Mira chuckled, nudging Torin lightly. "Always led by your stomach, aren’t you?"

Brevin glanced back at his group, indicating each of them in turn. "I gather you're already acquainted with Mira and Torin," he began, with both Mira and Torin offering a nod of acknowledgment. "They're esteemed members of our ranger unit."

Torin bowed dramatically, "At your service!" Mira rolled her eyes playfully but wore a proud grin.

Brevin continued, pointing towards the younger halfling with short-cropped hair and a discerning gaze. "This is Elron, another of our talented rangers. His tracking skills have proven invaluable on many of our expeditions."

Elron gave a curt nod, a modest smile briefly appearing. "It's good to meet you."

Lastly, Brevin motioned toward the halfling woman with intricate braids cascading down her back. Her attire was meticulously organized, denoting her profession's meticulous nature. "And this is Serin. She's our foremost merchant and is here to evaluate the potential for establishing a formal trade agreement with the dwarf settlement – and potentially with Harmony’s Refuge itself?"

Serin stepped forward with a graceful nod. "Indeed, I've been intrigued by the opportunities this venture presents. It's a pleasure to finally be here."

Deo responded warmly, "We're honoured to host all of you. As the evening draws near, let's gather around for a meal and tales. We have much to discuss and prepare for in the coming days."

The soft glow of twilight bathed Harmony's Refuge in a gentle, orange hue. Brevin signaled a couple of his companions, and they quickly fetched firewood from a nearby stockpile. Deo joined them, and together they built a respectable campfire in a clearing not far from the heart of the hamlet. The fire took hold swiftly, with flames dancing and providing warmth against the encroaching chill of the evening.

The halflings, choosing a suitable spot near the fire, began erecting their tents. The tents were made of a sturdy fabric, dyed a muted shade of forest green which would easily blend into woodland surroundings. Tall enough for a halfling to stand in comfortably, their cylindrical shape made them resistant to winds. Each tent had multiple flaps which could be adjusted for ventilation or peeking out, and the ropes securing them to the ground were robust, hinting at their resistance to inclement weather.

Once the tents were set up and the campfire's warmth was spreading nicely, Lena appeared, holding a large pot filled with her hearty stew. The scent wafted through the air, making mouths water in anticipation. She then reached for a stack of wooden bowls and a ladle. "Alright, everyone, gather around. Let's not let this stew go cold," she announced with a cheerful tone.

Mira, unable to resist the inviting aroma, was the first to approach. "It smells divine, Lena. What have you put in it?"

Lena smiled, ladling a generous portion into Mira's bowl. "A bit of this and that. Some wild herbs from the woods, fresh vegetables from our garden, and a mix of meats. I hope it's to your liking."

Torin, with a playful smirk, nudged Mira aside. "Don't hog all the good bits," he joked before extending his bowl.

Lena laughed, "There's plenty to go around." She scooped another portion, making sure Torin got a bit of everything.

One by one, the members of the expedition lined up, bowls in hand. Lena served each with care, making sure each had a hearty portion, all the while engaging in light banter and sharing a word or two about the ingredients and her cooking process.

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Torin, after taking his first bite, looked pleasantly surprised. "This is a delightful change from Mira's cooking," he teased with a grin.

Mira, feigning indignation, swiftly elbowed him in the side. "Watch it," she warned playfully, "or next time you need saving from a Thornback Boar, you'll find yourself on your own!

Off to the side, Thalen was engaged in a quiet conversation with Elron, the two of them exchanging tales of their recent experiences. Brevin, meanwhile, had been observing Pyro with a mix of curiosity and caution. Seeming to sense the attention, or perhaps simply wanting to assert his presence, Pyro sauntered over to Brevin, head high and tail waving, effectively demanding the captain's full attention. Brevin hesitated for a moment before cautiously offering a hand for the magical creature to sniff. The hellhound sniffed at Brevin's outstretched hand, then, surprisingly, gave it a lick. Brevin, showing a hint of a smile, gave Pyro a cautious pat. Pyro let out a low, rumbling sound, akin to a growl but more playful, clearly content with the captain's acknowledgment.

Deo, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but feel a deep sense of contentment. The sight of new friends and old, sharing a meal around a fire, epitomized the essence of Harmony's Refuge.

As the group enjoyed Lena's stew, Serin, the merchant, approached Deo. "Deo," she began, her voice clear and direct, "while this gathering and your hospitality are much appreciated, we should discuss the potential for trade. Trade routes are more than just exchanging goods; they're about building relationships and sharing knowledge."

Deo, setting his bowl aside, nodded in agreement. "You're right, Serin. Harmony’s Refuge, while in its infancy, holds a lot of potential. Establishing trade routes could benefit everyone involved."

She smiled, her interest apparent. "Good. Let's delve into what each of our settlements can offer, shall we?"

Taking a seat across from Deo, Serin opened a leather-bound journal, quill in hand. "Thalen brought some interesting crops to Willowdale - Crimsonroot, Sylphbeans, and the Golden Grain. Do you intend to grow more of these?"

Deo replied, "Yes, we're focusing on expanding our fields for these particular crops. How do they fare in terms of trade value?"

Serin's eyes sharpened. "All three have significant demand. Given their typical growth cycles, and the fact that I didn’t notice any large fields on my way in... I'd estimate our first collection in a year?"

With a hint of pride, Deo responded, "Actually, we're planning our next harvest in just three months."

Serin paused, her quill hovering above the paper. "Three months? For these crops? That's... unexpected. How?"

Deo simply smiled. "A Green Mage has his secrets."

Her gaze still a mix of doubt and intrigue, Serin responded, "If that's the case, it changes the dynamics of our discussions. Willowdale would indeed be deeply interested, but we'll need some assurances."

Nodding, Deo assured her, "We're dedicated to ensuring the success of Harmony's Refuge and building strong partnerships. Together, we can make this work to our mutual benefit."

Serin leaned in slightly, her face illuminated by the fire's glow. . Its light played across her face, emphasizing her intent expression. Pausing for a moment, her eyes seemed to flit back and forth as she did some quick calculations in her head. "Alright, Deo," she began, breaking her brief reverie, "Given your claim of a three-month yield, here's what we're prepared to offer: Crimsonroot at 5 gold coins per bag, Sylphbeans for 7 gold coins a bag, and Golden Grain at 4 gold coins per bag. How does that sound?"

Deo, while now confident in his farming capabilities, felt a bit out of his depth when it came to trade agreements. He glanced around the gathering and spotted Lena, deep in conversation with Brevin. "Hold on a moment," he said, beckoning Lena over.

Lena, wiping her hands on her apron, approached them. "What's going on, Deo?"

Deo explained the prices Serin offered. "I wanted to get your input on this. Are these prices fair, considering the value and demand of the crops?"

Lena considered the numbers for a moment, then nodded, "Those prices are indeed reasonable, I'd say it's a fair deal."

Deo turned back to Serin, "Alright, then. I trust Lena's judgment. Let's do it."

Serin's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Very well. However, with such an ambitious delivery time, I suggest we bind this agreement with a magical contract. If you supply less than five bags of any of the promised crops within three months, there will be a penalty of 1 gold coin for each missing bag. Moreover, Willowdale will provide the logistics to collect the crops directly from Harmony’s Refuge. Does that sound agreeable?"

Deo nodded, recognizing the need for such a measure. "It's only fair. I have faith in our capabilities. Let's draft that contract."

Reaching into her bag, Serin retrieved a small scroll and an enchanted quill. The two of them worked out the specifics, and once the terms were clear and agreed upon, they both signed the magical parchment. The moment their signatures were set, the scroll glowed briefly, sealing their agreement.

[You have entered into a magical contract with Serin of Willowdale]

"Here's to a prosperous partnership between Harmony's Refuge and Willowdale," Serin remarked, extending her hand.

Deo shook it firmly, mirroring her sentiment. "To a fruitful future."

Serin, once they'd settled on the terms of the crops, leaned in, her eyes sharp. "Now, what might Harmony's Refuge require from Willowdale in return?"

Deo rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "We're still establishing ourselves, so it's a bit hard to pinpoint everything we'll need routinely. However," he turned to Lena, "how about for your cooking?"

Lena's eyes brightened, "Regular supplies of meat, flour, dairy, and fresh vegetables would be invaluable. While we can grow some of our own produce, Willowdale's variety and consistency would be a true blessing."

Serin nodded, making a note. "Understood. Meat, flour, dairy, and an assortment of vegetables."

Switching gears, Deo continued, "On another note, I have a specialized skill set when it comes to cultivating various plants, including some that might be considered rare or challenging to grow. If Willowdale has interest, Harmony's Refuge could serve as an experimental plot for these. In addition, exchanging information on regional threats, monsters, or anomalies would be beneficial to both of us."

After Deo mentioned his specialized skills and the possibility of sharing knowledge on regional threats, Serin leaned forward slightly, her expression focused. "Experimental cultivation of specialty plants? That could open up new avenues for trade. As for intelligence on regional threats, that’s invaluable. Willowdale would greatly appreciate and reciprocate any information in that regard."

Lena nodded in agreement, "Sharing resources and knowledge can only strengthen both our communities."

As the trade conversation seemed to reach a conclusion, Captain Brevin's voice cut through the ambient chatter around the campfire. "Deo, Lena, Serin! If you've wrapped up your... enthralling merchant discussions, I'd like to discuss our plan for the coming days."

Deo gave a nod, his gaze shifting from Serin to Brevin. "Of course, Captain. Let's discuss."

Brevin unrolled a map onto a makeshift table by one of the tents, displaying a detailed topography of the southern territories. He pointed to an area in the south. "Our primary destination is Embercore Hold. We believe it's located in this general vicinity," his finger tapped a marked spot. "However, it's been quite some time since anyone from Willowdale ventured that deep into the south. The exact location is somewhat of a mystery."

Torin interjected, "We are familiar with the terrain up to this point." He indicated a section of the map. "Past this, however, it becomes unfamiliar territory. It's essential that we're cautious."

Mira nodded in agreement, "The initial stretch should be straightforward, but as we go deeper, the terrain becomes more unpredictable. From what we've gathered, we expect a few days of hard traveling to get there."

Brevin looked to Deo, "We value your knowledge and expertise, especially concerning the natural elements, in light of this corruption we’ve identified. Any insights you can offer as we traverse would be invaluable."

Brevin shifted his weight, sweeping a glance over those gathered around the fire. "So, who from Harmony’s Refuge will be accompanying us on this venture? And do you require any specific supplies for the journey? We have a couple of extra tents we can provide, if needed."

Deo exchanged a brief look with Lena, then replied, "It'll be Lena, Pyro, and myself joining the expedition. Thalen and Caelum will remain here to safeguard the settlement – a critical position." He paused for a moment, nodding appreciatively towards the halfling's preparations. "We have most of the supplies we'll need, but the tents would indeed be most welcome."

At the mention of staying behind, Caelum initially looked a bit downcast, but upon hearing Deo's emphasis on the importance of their role, he puffed up with pride, his chest expanding and a smile tugging at his lips, whilst Thalen simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Brevin straightened up, the firelight casting a glow on his determined features. "While I appreciate everyone's expertise and input, I want to make one thing very clear," he began, his voice low and gruff. "I'll be leading this expedition. If we run into any sort of trouble, I expect all of you to follow my lead without question. I've been in this line of work for years and have seen my fair share of challenges. If that doesn't sit well with any of you, it's best you remain behind."

Deo met Brevin's gaze evenly, understanding the gravity of the situation and the importance of leadership in unfamiliar territories. "Understood, Captain Brevin. We're in unfamiliar lands and uncharted territory. We'll follow your lead," Deo replied with a nod.

Lena, also sensing the gravity of Brevin's words, nodded in agreement. Pyro, meanwhile, let out a low growl of acknowledgment, his approval apparent.

Brevin took a deep breath, appreciating the understanding and acknowledgment from the group. "Very well then," he said, glancing up at the starry sky. "We leave at first dawn. Rest up and ensure your belongings are packed and ready. It's going to be a demanding journey, and we'll need all the energy and alertness we can muster."

With that, the group began to disperse, each person mentally preparing themselves for the challenges that lay ahead in the quest to Embercore Hold.