Deo frowned, momentarily taken aback by Freya's abrupt question. "More cousins?" he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion. "I thought you and Hilda were already cousins of Braldin. Are there more dwarves looking to join us at Harmony's Refuge?"

Freya nodded, her expression a mix of excitement and slight exasperation. "Well, you know what dwarves are like. We're a big clan, us Stonehewers. Cousins, second cousins, third cousins twice removed – there’s loads of us."

Hilda chimed in, her voice carrying a note of pride. "Our cousins heard about the progress we're making here, and they were jealous! Life in a hold like Embercore is so regimented, you know? They're skilled craftsmen though, just like us, and they would be more than eager to contribute to the growth of the hamlet."

Deo considered this for a moment, his mind already racing with the possibilities and challenges that new arrivals could bring. "I see," he said, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Well, Harmony's Refuge is always open to those who want to contribute and live in peace. When can we expect them to arrive?"

Freya grinned, her eyes sparkling with delight. Then she looked down at the floor, slightly sheepish as she replied, "Ah, only a couple of hours away."

"So, you already assumed they would be welcome here?" Deo said, raising his eyebrows.

Hilda replied, "You've just been so busy the past few days, Deo, we didn't want to disturb you."

"It's fine, it's fine," he responded, waving his hand dismissively. "In fact, it's more than fine, it's great news. I still have plans to expand our hamlet. But after we've reached the level of a village, we probably won't be able to accept too many more. I wouldn't want to stress the surrounding ecosystem. Anyway, let's get ready to meet them!"

The late afternoon sun found Deo, Lena, and the dwarves standing at the edge of the hamlet, ready to welcome the newcomers. The air was filled with a mixture of anticipation and excitement as they waited, their eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the approaching dwarves. Deo couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as he looked around at the small gathering. In such a short time, Harmony's Refuge had grown from a solitary outpost to a thriving community, attracting people from all walks of life.

"Becoming quite the pattern now, isn't it?" Deo said to Lena with a grin.

Lena nodded, her own smile mirroring his. "Yeah, I can't believe how quickly the news spreads. It seems like every time we turn around, there are new faces arriving."

Meanwhile, the chatter from the dwarves bubbled around them, snippets of conversation reaching their ears. "I wonder if Dagmar still has that awful beard," one of them mused, while another chuckled, "Balder is coming? As if that old coot has finally uprooted himself!"

Deo's attention was momentarily diverted by a short message from Jerome.

[New Message from Jerome]: "Dwarves sighted – shall I let them pass?"

Deo quickly replied, "Yes," his fingers tapping out the response with practiced ease.

Within minutes, he received a second message, stating, "Dwarves entered."

Soon, the group could spy a band of ten individuals making their way toward the hamlet, trudging along with a couple of handwagons and overflowing backpacks. As they drew closer, the dwarves' distinctive features became more apparent – their stout, muscular frames, intricately braided beards, and travel-stained clothes.

Freya, Hilda, Braldin, and Kiera exchanged excited glances, their feet almost bouncing with anticipation as they recognized familiar faces among the newcomers. Deo and Lena, while not as personally invested, couldn't help but be caught up in the infectious energy of the moment.

As the group approached, Deo's attention was drawn to two figures at the front. The first was a middle-aged dwarf wearing a formal outfit consisting of a well-tailored, deep green tunic with gold embroidery, a pair of pressed brown trousers, and polished black boots. Perched on his nose were a pair of wire-rimmed spectacles, which glinted in the sunlight as he walked with a statesmanlike gait.

In contrast, the second dwarf was clad in more comfortable attire – a worn, leather jerkin over a simple linen shirt, paired with sturdy, yet scuffed, boots. His face was lined with age, his white hair bedraggled, and his cheeks smudged with dirt, giving him a formidable but cantankerous appearance. Despite their stark differences in choice of appearance, both dwarves had a green hammer stitched prominently onto their clothing.

Walking behind the two older dwarves was a gaggle of younger dwarves in a variety of outfits, ranging from practical work clothes to more colourful, embroidered garments. They chattered amongst themselves, their voices filled with excitement and curiosity as they took in the sights of their new surroundings, pointing out curiosities as they walked past them.

When the group reached the welcoming committee, the dwarves of Harmony's Refuge gave short, respectful nods to the two older dwarves at the front, acknowledging their status and leadership within the clan. Then, unable to contain their enthusiasm any longer, they rushed past the elders to embrace their family members, their voices rising in a joyful chorus of greetings and laughter. The formally dressed dwarf observed impassively as his compatriots streamed past, his expression unchanging, while his companion wore a scowl. After a moment, the formal dwarf turned to Deo, his features settling into a practiced, polite smile.

"Greetings, Stoneheart. I am Tordik Ironforge, Ambassador of Embercore Hold. And this," he gestured to his companion, "is the esteemed alchemist, Balder Stonehewer. We come bearing gifts and goodwill directly from Thane Veldora. We thank you for welcoming us to your beautiful home."

Deo smiled warmly, inclining his head in a respectful nod. "Greetings, Tordik, Balder. We are delighted to have you join us here. How about we retire to my home, and we can discuss matters further in a more comfortable setting?"

Tordik returned the smile, his eyes glinting with appreciation. "That would be delectable," he replied, his tone conveying genuine pleasure at the invitation.

Beside him, Balder let out a noncommittal "Hmmph," his gruff demeanour unchanging even in the face of Deo's hospitality.

Turning to Lena, Deo spoke in a low voice, "Lena, can you welcome the other dwarves to the hold and handle their initial settlement? I'll just have a brief greeting with them before we proceed."

Lena nodded, her eyes understanding as she replied, "Of course, Deo. I'll make sure they feel right at home."

With that, Deo walked past the two older dwarves, addressing the group of younger dwarves who stood behind them, their faces alight with curiosity and anticipation.

"Welcome to Harmony's Refuge," he began, his voice carrying a note of pride and sincerity. "As you can tell by the name, we place great emphasis on existing in peace with nature. My right-hand woman, Lena, will arrange plots of land where you can build your homes. I look forward to getting to know you all in due course. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to direct them to Lena, the steward of our hamlet."

As he spoke, he gestured once more to Lena, who stood ready to guide the newcomers and assist them in their transition to life in Harmony's Refuge. The younger dwarves nodded, their expressions a mix of excitement and gratitude as they took in Deo's words. Some of them were already whispering among themselves, pointing out various features of the hamlet and discussing the possibilities that lay ahead.

Deo turned back to Tordik and Balder, a warm smile on his face. "Shall we?" he asked, motioning towards the path that led to his home.

Thorin nodded, falling into step beside Deo as they began to walk. Balder followed a few paces behind, his eyes taking in every detail of the hamlet with a critical gaze. As they walked along the path towards Deo's home, Tordik made small talk about the formidable barrier of thorned plants surrounding the settlement. Balder kept walking, a scowl permanently attached to his face.

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Once inside, Deo seated them at the table and went to the stove, retrieving a kettle of hot water. He poured the three of them a cup of rooibos tea before settling down.

"So, I'm sure you're wondering why we're here, Stoneheart," Tordik began.

Deo nodded, encouraging him to continue.

"Thane Veldora wishes us to set up a permanent embassy here in your hamlet, as well as one in the Halfling settlement nearby. We are looking to expand our influence in the world once more, after the travesty caused by Forgemaster Orik. I'm also joined by members of the Stonehewer Clan who are seeking a new life here, including Balder," he pointed towards the sullen older dwarf, "as they seek advancement in pastures new. I hope this proves amenable to you?"

Deo sat thoughtfully, quietly mulling over the ramifications of this proposal.

Tordik hastened to add, "And we bring gifts, of course. As you know, the more niche or specific a class, the more powerful their skills are. I, for instance, have the ability to instantaneously communicate with Thane Veldora. And not just this, but I can," he started to flourish his hand performatively, "also instantaneously transport goods from one settlement leader to another." As he finished his sentence, a brief glow of light encompassed his hand, and a large box fell into it.

As the box settled into Tordik’s hands, Balder stood up, took it from him, and set it down before Deo. With careful movements, he opened the lid, revealing a diverse collection of seeds in all shapes and sizes inside.

Balder began to gruffly recite, “This is a comprehensive seed repository from Embercore Hold. It includes everything from herbs and plants essential for crafting all manner of my potions—from healing elixirs to invigorating tonics—mushrooms, and other fungi that thrive underground, to more conventional flora such as evergreen trees and blossoms. I trust you recognize the favour we're extending. Do not squander these resources.” As he spoke, Balder gestured to each section of seeds within the box.

"I’ve also brought my own supply of alchemical ingredients," Balder continued, his tone slightly softened by nostalgia, producing a much smaller box. "Should you accept our offer, I’d appreciate it if you could grow some for me here. Bronik, that stubborn old codger, grew all my plants back home but refused to move here with me."

Deo reached for the smaller box of alchemical ingredients, pausing as he noticed the stern look that crossed Balder’s face.

“May I?” Deo asked.

“… Fine,” Balder grunted, his consent grudging.

Reverently, Deo opened the box to discover an exotic array of dried herbs, potent ingredients, and corked solutions.

“So, you’ve got your bases here, the active ingredients in this box, and—” Deo began.

Balder straightened noticeably, a flicker of interest piercing his gruff exterior. “You’re a practitioner of the craft?” he asked, a smile creeping through for the first time since Deo had met him.

Tordik, however, gave a slight cough, interjecting, “Ah, if I may. Can we resume the negotiations before we dive too deeply into the depths of alchemy?”

“Of course, of course,” Deo agreed, closing the box quickly.

"So, our proposal?" Tordik prompted. "May the Stonehewers and I join your settlement and establish an embassy?"

Deo sat back, drumming his fingers on the table as he pondered the request. The prospect of having a direct line of communication and trade with Embercore Hold was enticing, and the gift of seeds was incredibly valuable, especially for his work as a Green Mage. However, he also knew that accepting an embassy would come with its own set of responsibilities, ties, and potential complications.

After a moment, Deo spoke, his voice measured and thoughtful, "I am honoured by Thane Veldora's proposal and the generosity of your gifts. An embassy and a strengthened relationship between our communities could bring great benefits to both."

He paused, taking a sip of his tea before continuing, "However, I must also consider the impact this may have on the delicate balance we've strived to maintain here in Harmony's Refuge. I would need assurances that the embassy, its activities and the new inhabitants will not disrupt the harmony we’re working so hard to cultivate. And I expect every member of our community to contribute; how they do so is up to them, but our small settlement cannot afford to accommodate any idlers."

Tordik nodded, his expression one of understanding. "Of course, Stoneheart. It is our intention to integrate seamlessly into your community, to contribute and support, not to disrupt. We will respect the customs of Harmony's Refuge and work towards our mutual benefit."

"Awesome," Deo replied with a broad smile. "In that case, I gladly accept both your proposal and your generous gift. Let us work together to build a strong, prosperous future for both our peoples."

As they shook hands, sealing the agreement, Deo held up a finger. "One moment, please. It would be remiss of me not to repay your generosity in kind."

He excused himself and walked into his laboratory, carefully stepping over Pyro, the hellhound blissfully snoring in his bed. The room was still cluttered with his array of alchemical equipment sprawled all over, but Deo quickly located what he was searching for – the basket filled with the shimmering, golden-green Celestia fruits. He carefully selected around a half dozen of the most perfect specimens and made his way back to the waiting dwarves.

"Here, Tordik," Deo said, presenting the fruits to the ambassador. "I have five of these rare Celestia fruits for your Thane and Forgemasters, and one for you, of course."

Tordik accepted the fruits, turning them over in his hands with a slightly puzzled expression. Meanwhile, Balder's gaze was intensely fixed on the fruits in Tordik’s hand.

"Ah, thank you. I'm sure the council will appreciate these delightful... apples," Tordik remarked politely.

"They’re not apples, fool! Bite into one!" Balder blurted out, his irritation breaking through as he shot a pleading look at Deo.

Tordik, somewhat taken aback by Balder's outburst, hesitantly raised one of the fruits to his lips and took a tentative bite. As he chewed, his eyes grew wide with wonder. "Oh my!" he exclaimed, his voice pitching higher in surprise. "They've boosted my vitality!"

Deo grinned, enjoying the ambassador's reaction. He then turned to Balder, who was practically vibrating with envy, and pulled one last fruit from his robe pocket. With a deft toss, he sent it arcing towards the old alchemist. "Don't worry, I didn't forget about you," he said with a conspiratorial wink.

Balder snatched the fruit out of the air, his eyes alight with joy and gratitude as he cradled the fruit in his hands like a precious gem.

Once Tordik regained his composure, he nodded appreciatively. "A princely gift indeed. Embercore Hold thanks you for the favour you show us." With a grand gesture, his hands swept through the air, and a shimmering light enveloped the five remaining fruits, making them vanish from sight.

The conversation then shifted as Deo, intrigued by his craft, eagerly quizzed Balder about alchemy, admitting he was still mastering the art. Balder, in turn, shared anecdotes from his extensive experience. He confided that he had reached a plateau in his work and, as the shadow of mortality loomed closer, he hoped that new encounters in this land might provide the breakthrough needed for his ascension.

As the hours slipped by and the sun began its slow descent towards the horizon, Deo glanced out the window, noting the lengthening shadows. "Right," he said, rising from his seat, "let's go see how your family is settling in, shall we?"

The three men made their way out into the heart of Harmony's Refuge, the air filled with the sounds of industrious labour and the excited chatter of the Stonehewer clan. They found the younger dwarves hard at work in the fields, their faces flushed with exertion as they laid the foundations for their new homes. Lena, was stood to the side, supervising their efforts. When she saw Deo approaching, she broke away from the group and came to meet him, a look of satisfaction on her face.

"I've given them these plots here, next to the other dwarves," she reported, gesturing to the neatly marked areas where the Stonehewers had begun their construction. "They think it'll take a couple of days to get the new homes built, and in the meantime, they'll be bunking with Freya, Hilda, Braldin, and Kiera."

Deo smiled, his eyes sweeping over the bustling scene before him. "Fantastic," he said, the pride in his voice unmistakable. "No trouble, then?"

Lena shook her head, her own smile mirroring Deo's. "None at all. They're a hardworking bunch, and they obviously already know our current dwarven residents. I think they'll fit in here just fine."

“We’ve got Brom, Fargrim, Helga, Eitri, Brok, Dagmar, Rurik and Valda,” Lena continued. “I'm still getting to know their specific trades, but it's clear that we'll have a few more guards to place under the Jumping Jacks' command at the very least. Brom and Brok, in particular, seem to be seasoned warriors."

Deo nodded, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "That's excellent news. A stronger defence will give us all a bit more peace of mind, especially as we head into winter. "

He then made his way over to the group of dwarves, who paused in their labours to line up and greet him once more. One by one, Deo shook their hands, taking a moment to attempt and commit each of their names to memory and express his gratitude for their decision to join Harmony's Refuge.

As the last of the introductions were made and the shadows grew long across the fields, Deo bid the Stonehewers a good evening, encouraging them to get some well-earned rest in preparation for the busy days ahead. With a final wave and a smile, he turned and made his way back to his own home, his mind buzzing with the events of the day.

Once inside, Deo settled into his favourite chair, Pyro curled up at his feet, and opened up his quest log to review the progress he had made:

Quest: From Hamlet to Village

Upgrade your hamlet to the level of a village, by completing the following milestones.

Progress:

1. Designate a unique specialty or trade for the hamlet: Complete

2. Ensure safety measures for all inhabitants: Complete

3. Build 3 production buildings: Complete

4. Initiate a community celebration tradition: Complete

5. Have a hamlet population of fifty: 21/50

"Getting there," he muttered to himself before heading to bed.

As the first light of morning streamed through his window, he travelled downstairs, eager to inspect the collection in the new seed repository he had received as a gift. As he perused the assortment within, he plucked up a dark brown seed, flat and triangular, a couple of centimetres in length. He tossed it up and down in his palm, contemplating its potential. "I know just what to do with you," he said with a determined nod before making his way to the exit of his home, ready to begin another day of work towards transforming the hamlet.