As Deo focused intently on the two mysterious entities rapidly approaching his domain, a sudden and unexpected jolt startled him. It was a subtle zap, a form of communication that travelled through the connection of his Whispers of the World Tree skill, unmistakably indicating the entities' awareness of his monitoring. This fleeting interaction, though brief, hinted at their acute consciousness and potent abilities. Deo briefly considered sending a retaliatory signal but then thought better of it, opting for caution and diplomacy given the unknown customs of this world.
During this exchange, the dynamic between the two entities shifted. The intense purple aura that Deo had been tracking began to separate, revealing two distinct presences. While one retained its deep purple glow, the other, initially obscured, now manifested a distinct blue hue. This blue entity, previously concealed by the dominant purple, moved slightly away, seemingly to assert its individuality.
"Come, Pyro, we have to greet some potential guests," Deo said to his hellhound companion, his voice calm yet alert. He swiftly exited the greenhouse, making his way towards the entrance of the Iron Thicket. This was where the entities would likely make their approach, and Deo wanted to be ready to meet them, whatever their intentions might be.
As Deo and Pyro hastened towards the Iron Thicket, a sense of urgency mixed with curiosity filled the air. The arrival of these unknown beings, each emitting a unique aura, was an event without precedent in Harmony's Refuge. Quickly, Deo sent a message to Lena, briefing her about the approaching figures. His message was calm yet alert, assuring her of his readiness to handle any situation that might arise.
Reaching the outskirts of the thicket, Deo positioned himself strategically, Yggdrasil’s Branch firmly in his grasp. Pyro stood alert by his side, his senses attuned to any movement. The anticipation was palpable as Deo gazed into the distance, his mind conjuring images of what might emerge. Would it be a formidable, dangerous creature like a Rumblehorn Stalker, or something entirely unknown?
As minutes ticked by, the suspense grew. Finally, two figures came into view, their silhouettes distinctly humanoid, causing Deo to slightly relax. As they neared, their nature could only be described as elvish, their appearances strikingly different yet equally captivating.
The leading figure was an elderly elf, his presence exuding an air of wisdom and authority. His ears were sharply pointed, and his long, flowing hair shimmered like spun silver. He was clad in immaculate black robes adorned with a regal purple bear emblem, perhaps symbolizing strength and nobility. Over his shoulders, he carried an overflowing backpack, and in one hand, he gripped a gnarled walking stick that seemed to have seen many miles. His face was lined with age, and his thin lips were set in a stern grimace, portraying a sense of serious purpose as he approached Deo.
Following him was a young elven woman, her demeanour in stark contrast to her companion. She had short, blond hair that framed her face with a youthful vibrance. Her movements were light and almost playful, virtually skipping along behind her more serious companion. Her robes were a practical brown, marked with the telltale signs of travel through the wilderness. Embroidered on her chest was the image of a bright blue creature, reminiscent of a badger, adding a touch of whimsy to her attire.
As the two elves drew closer, Deo could sense the power emanating from them, a blend of ancient magic and the vitality of youth. The tension in the air began to shift to intrigue as Deo prepared to greet these enigmatic visitors to his realm. The two elves approached Deo, stopping a respectful distance away.
The older man spoke first, his gaze briefly sweeping over Deo with a flicker of disinterest. "Greetings," he intoned in a voice that carried an air of dismissive superiority. "I am Lord Findecano, Ursine Druid, 4th Order, of the Ancientroot Enclave." He delivered his title with the bored cadence of someone accustomed to the weight his name carried, his posture radiating nobility laced with unmistakable arrogance. “We noticed that there was a new druidic territory set up in this area.”
The woman, in stark contrast, was warm and welcoming, though it was clear she deferred to her companion. "Hello! I’m Eärwen, Melis Druid, 3rd Order" she said with a bright smile, her voice carrying a cheerful lilt. "We are looking for the owner of this territory," she added, her eyes moving curiously over the surroundings.
Deo stepped forward confidently. “Yes, that's me. I'm Deo, Green Mage of Harmony’s Refuge,” he announced, gesturing inclusively to the land around them.
Lord Findecano’s eyes narrowed slightly as he observed Deo, his gaze lingering on the green leaf emblem adorning Deo's robes. A subtle change flickered across his face, his lips curling into a thin, disparaging smile. "Oh, I see," he remarked, his voice laced with a tinge of disdain. "Just a Green Mage. How disappointing."
Eärwen shot Lord Findecano a quick, slightly troubled glance, then turned back to Deo with an apologetic yet still curious expression. Seemingly eager to change the subject, she gestured towards the Iron Thicket encircling the area. “How ingenious. You’ve built a wall of Ironclaw Bushes to protect your domain – that must have been quite the endeavour?”
Before Deo could respond, Lord Findecano interjected with a dismissive tone. “Hmmph, it’s rather primitive if you ask me.” His words, dripping with condescension, caused Pyro to bristle at Deo’s side, his fiery nature barely contained.
Lord Findecano, noticing Pyro's reaction, took a moment to properly appraise the hellhound. His demeanour suddenly shifted, a mix of surprise and intrigue replacing his previous scorn. “Well, well, well, what do we have here? A hellhound! Incredible!” he exclaimed, his interest evidently piqued. “My time hasn’t been completely wasted on this pointless trek after all.”
Turning back to Deo, he asked with a newfound respect, “May I approach him?”
Deo couldn’t help but snort at the request. “It’s not me you should be asking,” he replied, indicating that the decision rested with Pyro.
Lord Findecano cautiously stepped forward, but Pyro remained tense, still affected by the elf’s earlier lack of respect. Sensing Pyro's wariness, the older elf attempted a conciliatory approach. “Erm, yes. What a wonderful thicket you’ve grown here at Harmony’s Refuge. Truly, erm… astounding,” he said, his voice carrying a note of sheepishness.
Deo felt a flicker of surprise through his bond with Pyro. After a moment’s hesitation, Pyro gradually lowered his head, allowing the elder elf to approach, mollified by the man's newfound deference. Lord Findecano approached Pyro with a mix of caution and reverence. The wariness in Pyro's stance gradually diminished as the elder elf extended a hesitant hand towards him. "Amazing, truly amazing," Findecano murmured, his voice filled with awe. He observed the intricate play of flames within Pyro's coat, the way the fire seemed to dance beneath the surface. "Look at how the flame is woven throughout his fur. And those eyes! They hold the intensity of a blazing inferno," he commented, his previous arrogance giving way to genuine fascination.
Cautiously, he reached out to gently lift one of Pyro's formidable claws, inspecting it closely. "These claws," he noted with admiration, "are incredibly sharp, forged in fire, no doubt." Pyro, though still slightly on edge, allowed the examination, sensing the elf's sincere interest.
Findecano continued his inspection, commenting on the unique aspects of Pyro's physiology, from the texture of his fur to the obliqueness of his teeth. It was clear that despite his initial disdain for Deo, Findecano held a deep appreciation for magical creatures, especially those as rare as a hellhound.
Meanwhile, Eärwen watched the interaction with a smile, clearly pleased to see the easing of tension. Deo seized the opportunity to return to her earlier question. "Yes, growing the thicket has been our number one priority for a while now," he replied. "It's been a vital part of ensuring the safety of Harmony’s Refuge."
With the atmosphere now more relaxed, Deo decided to extend an invitation. "Can I invite you both into my territory for a drink and some food?" he offered warmly. The prospect of hosting these unique visitors within Harmony’s Refuge presented a unique opportunity for further dialogue and understanding.
Findecano, still engrossed with Pyro, looked up at Deo's invitation and nodded. "That would be most agreeable," he said, his tone now carrying a sliver of respect. Eärwen's face lit up at the invitation, her earlier warmth resurfacing.
Deo, accompanied by Pyro, led Lord Findecano and Eärwen through the intricate network of the Ironclaw Bush thicket. As they navigated the natural barrier, Eärwen marvelled at the clever intertwining of the bushes, while Findecano observed with a quiet, almost reluctant admiration.
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
As they stepped into the heart of the hamlet, the lively scene of the harvest unfolded before them. Lena and the halflings were immersed in their work, gathering crops with a rhythm that spoke of practiced efficiency. Deo acknowledged them with a quick wave, guiding the elves past the fields. Eärwen's eyes sparkled with recognition at the sight of the crops. "Ah, Golden Grain – my favourite!" she exclaimed. "And I can see you’ve also grown Crimsonroot and Sylphbeans. Interesting choices.”
Findecano attempted to mirror Eärwen’s enthusiasm but faltered slightly. "Ah, yes, quite the efficient set of serfs working these fields," he remarked, gesturing towards the halflings. His comment, however, drew a puzzled look from Deo.
"They’re not serfs; they're valued members of our hamlet," Deo corrected gently but firmly.
Findecano, momentarily taken aback, responded with a slight blush, "Ah, I see. My mistake, my assumptions on human culture led me astray."
As they walked past the fields, Deo noticed Lena and the others glancing curiously at their guests, but they continued their work undisturbed. The atmosphere of the hamlet was one of focused productivity, underscored by a sense of communal spirit. Deo then led the group to the Hellhound, the hamlet's tavern, with its rustic charm and warm interior, was a hub of communal life in Harmony's Refuge.
Upon reaching the Hellhound, the inviting warmth of the hearth greeted them. Deo ushered the group to a cozy table, his voice tinged with pride as he welcomed them. "Welcome to the Hellhound. I hope you find our humble tavern to your liking. I’m afraid we don’t yet have the distinguished halls for personages of your stature, but I trust it will suit your needs."
Lord Findecano, attempting to navigate the unfamiliar setting of the Hellhound, mustered an awkward comment. "It's quite... delightful," he said, his voice lacking conviction. "I am very pleased with it." His effort to appear at ease was plain, though somewhat strained.
Deo, sensing the need for some refreshments, nodded to Thalen, who was manning the bar. Thalen approached the table, his demeanour professional yet calm. "What can I get for you folks to drink?" he inquired.
Findecano, seizing the opportunity to perhaps reclaim some sense of familiarity, made an extravagant request. "I'll have a glass of Starblossom Nectar, aged in oak barrels from the Elderwood, if you please." His request hung in the air, an exotic order quite out of place in the rustic setting of the Hellhound.
Thalen met the request with a level stare, clearly calculating how best to respond. After a brief, weighted pause, he replied, "I'm afraid we're all out of stock on that one, sir." His voice was calm, betraying no hint of irony. "We do have ale or water, though."
Findecano, slightly deflated but adapting quickly, conceded, "Ale will be fine, thank you."
Eärwen, ever cheerful, chimed in, "Ale sounds lovely!" Her upbeat demeanour was a stark contrast to Findecano's now subdued air.
Deo, following suit, nodded in agreement. "Ale for me as well, Thalen. Thank you."
With the drink orders settled, Deo turned his attention back to his guests, his expression turning to one of polite inquiry. "So," he began, leaning forward slightly, "why were you looking for me? What brings an Ursine and a Melis Druid to Harmony's Refuge?"
Eärwen's face lit up with excitement as she enthusiastically pronounced, "It's to invite you to a party!" Her words were bright and filled with an infectious energy.
Before Deo could respond, Lord Findecano quickly interjected with a correcting tone, "No, it's not exactly a party." He gave Eärwen a mild look of admonishment before turning back to Deo. "We're inviting you to the Quinquennial Druidic Conclave. It's an assembly held every five years, bringing together druids from all over to share knowledge, discuss important matters, and celebrate our connection to nature. We've been touring this region to extend invitations to all druids in the area. Still have quite a few to go."
As he mentioned this, Lord Findecano delved into his voluminous bag, searching for something. His hands moved through various items, revealing glimpses of an assortment of oddities and artifacts one might expect a druid of his stature to possess. Eärwen watched him, a slight smile playing on her lips, as if amused yet accustomed to her companion's penchant for the unusual. As Lord Findecano rummaged through his capacious bag, an assortment of curious objects began to accumulate on the table. Each item he pulled out seemed more peculiar than the last, offering a glimpse into the eclectic and mysterious world of a high-order druid. Among the arrayed oddities was a small jar teeming with unnerving insects. These creatures wriggled over each other in a ceaseless, disturbing tangle, resembling small, burrowing parasites. Beside it lay a crystalline shard that pulsed with a faint, ethereal light, and a bundle of dried herbs tied with a string that released a subtle, earthy aroma.
Deo and Eärwen watched with a mixture of fascination and bemusement as the table became a makeshift display of Findecano's travels and interests. Eärwen seemed particularly intrigued by the jar of insects, her eyes following their movements with an almost childlike curiosity. Finally, Findecano's hand emerged holding a bundle of invitations, each one meticulously wrapped in twine. He carefully untied the bundle and extracted a single invitation, placing it on the table before pushing it towards Deo.
The invitation itself was a work of art, crafted from a blend of leaves and bark, woven together with an enchanting finesse. The border of the invitation featured beautifully rendered illustrations of various forest creatures - deer, rabbits, birds, and foxes - each depicted in a peaceful and natural setting, suggesting a harmonious coexistence with nature. At the centre of the invitation, amidst this wildlife tableau, was an elegantly scripted invitation. The letters were adorned with small, intricately detailed leaves, intertwined with the text.
Lord Findecano gestured towards the invitation with a hint of pride. "This will grant you access to the Quinquennial Druidic Conclave. It's an event of great significance, a gathering of minds and spirits united by their devotion to nature."
As Deo picked up the invitation, he felt the sudden chime of a system notification and it flashed up before his eyes:
[New Quest: Attend the Quinquennial Druidic Conclave]
Quest: Attend the Quinquennial Druidic Conclave
You have been cordially invited to attend the Quinquennial Druidic Conclave, a prestigious gathering of druids held every five years. This conclave brings together practitioners of druidic and nature magic from various regions and races to share knowledge, celebrate nature, and discuss the challenges facing the natural world.
Objectives:
1. Travel to the location of the Druidic Conclave.
2. Participate in conclave activities.
3. Contribute your unique information to the discussions on challenges facing the natural world.
Rewards: Variable depending upon contribution.
Note: This is a time-sensitive quest. Ensure to attend the conclave within the specified timeframe to receive the full benefits of this unique opportunity.
As Deo examined the invitation and the quest details that appeared before him, he looked up at Findecano with interest. "This sounds intriguing. Where and when is the conclave?"
Findecano, a hint of satisfaction in his voice, responded, "The Ancientroot Enclave has the honour of hosting it this time. It's a sacred event for us." He then delved into his bag once more, rummaging through its contents with practiced hands. After a moment, he pulled out a tattered map. The map, though worn, was meticulously detailed. He handed it to Deo, saying, "This will show you the way. The conclave will begin three weeks after the start of spring, amidst the awakening of nature."
Deo accepted the map, noting its intricate markings. The pathways were clearly delineated, converging on a location marked with a symbol of a gnarled root – the distinctive emblem denoting the location of the Ancientroot Enclave.
As they continued their conversation, the atmosphere relaxed into comfortable small talk. They chatted about various aspects of druidic life, the peculiarities of different magical creatures, and the quirks of living so closely with nature. The ale they shared added a warm, convivial tone to their discussions.
Eventually, as the ale dwindled, Findecano and Eärwen rose to leave. "We must continue our journey," Findecano said. "There are others we need to visit before the conclave commences."
Deo rose to bid them farewell, first turning to clasp Lord Findecano’s hand. But as their hands met, an unexpected chime of a system notification rang through Deo's senses, materialising before his eyes with an ominous presence:
[Hidden Quest Activated: Uncover the Hidden Darkness of the Elven Realm]
Quest: Uncover the Hidden Darkness of the Elven Realm
A sinister shadow looms beneath the serene façade of the elven lands. Whispers of unrest, deceit, and a darkness that creeps through the heart of the Ancientroot Enclave have reached your ears. This hidden threat, cloaked in secrecy, poses a danger not just to the elves but to the balance of nature itself.
Objective:
1. Delve deeper into the undercurrents of the Elven Realm. Seek out the source of this darkness, navigating a web of intrigue and ancient secrets.
Rewards: Variable depending upon contribution.
Note: This quest is strictly prohibited for individuals affiliated with or within an elven faction. Discretion is advised.
As Deo read the quest details, a sense of foreboding washed over him. His grip on Findecano's hand faltered slightly, but he quickly regained composure. Trying to sound natural, though a hint of shakiness betrayed his voice, Deo said, "Thank you for the invitation. I'm eagerly anticipating the conclave and the chance to engage with our wider community," injecting a feigned sense of enthusiasm into his words.
After exchanging final pleasantries, Findecano and Eärwen, unaware of Deo’s inner turmoil, warmly bid him farewell and departed from the tavern. Their silhouettes gradually faded into the twilight, melding with the softening light of the evening. Watching them walk away, Deo's mind was caught in a maelstrom of questions and concerns. The stark contrast between the conviviality of their conversation and the ominous implications of the newly revealed quest was profoundly disconcerting. What hidden darkness could be lurking beneath the tranquil surface of the elven realm?
Deo's gaze lingered on their fading figures, holding the invitation to the Druidic Conclave in one hand and the map to the Ancientroot Enclave in the other. He stood there, enveloped in the growing dusk, his thoughts tumultuous with the implications of his newfound quest.