The following day, Ebonheim took Xellos out for another stroll through the town. Between their conversations about mundane and everyday matters, she found herself talking about their social structures, their beliefs, and traditions.
He asked probing questions about their rituals and customs, how they organized themselves, how they treated outsiders, whether anyone ever left the town or came from outside.
She answered readily as much as she could, and Xellos listened attentively, though his tone sounded rather detached.
"You've done a remarkable job, Ebonheim," he offered at length as they strolled along the main street. "This settlement thrives. You provide security and safety to those living under your protection. Everyone seems content."
"I've had help," she admitted. "And there's still plenty left to do."
They came to a stop alongside one of the guard towers situated atop the ramparts lining the perimeter. Ebonheim rested her hand against the wall, glancing out towards the forest stretching away into the distance.
"I don't have any special plans though. It's more of a day-by-day thing. Some days go smoother than others. But ultimately, we're all trying to live a good life...together. No real goals beyond that. Life just sorta happens."
Xellos gave a thoughtful hum as he gazed at the vista ahead, his arms crossed casually in front of his chest. He remained silent for several moments before turning back towards her.
"I imagine...it would be difficult to plan for every eventuality without foresight into the future. But still...one must always keep an eye out for opportunities. Which brings me to something I’ve been contemplating..."
The change in direction in their conversation threw her off-guard slightly. She glanced sideways at him. "Yes?"
"I've been thinking about the potential of expanding this sense of community beyond just your domain. What if I could build upon this model elsewhere in the Eldergrove? Maybe create a network of friendly settlements within the borders of this valley. It'd bring more prosperity and security for those who reside here, no?" His voice gained strength with each word.
"You want to establish new communities? Here?" she asked in surprise.
"Well, not quite what you said exactly," he explained. "Think about it. Your influence over these lands has grown steadily over time due to your town's growth and its exports to surrounding regions. Word will spread that the Eldergrove can now be traveled safely thanks to your road...which means people will flock here seeking opportunities."
He paused briefly before continuing, "Many might decide to settle into your domain, but others might seek to create new settlements in different parts of the valley in order to take advantage of resources there. But these people won't have the protection offered by having a patron god. This is still the Eldergrove, after all. Ancient beasts lurk here still and not even a small village would last long without divine oversight."
Ebonheim rubbed the side of her neck idly, pondering upon the idea. She was starting to get what he was going for. And perhaps he was on to something.
"So...you want to help establish a settlement somewhere nearby?" she asked slowly. "To provide patronage to those people and protect them?"
Xellos smiled broadly, clearly pleased. "Precisely. For so long, I've made the mistake of approaching towns with no patron god and trying to win them over for myself. But I failed to consider that they might not have needed a god in the first place. Instead, maybe I ought to aim my sights lower and try to nurture communities with potential. I merely seek to emulate your example and follow in your footsteps. Didn't you do the same for this settlement when first arriving here? You were a pioneer in this valley. And now...so too can I."
His voice grew softer as he spoke, his eyes taking on a wistful gleam.
"In order to achieve this goal, however...I'll need help from a fellow deity like yourself. One whose knowledge and experience can guide me along this path." His gaze met hers again. "So...Ebonheim...would you lend me your wisdom and aid?"
Ebonheim found herself almost swayed by his fervor and enthusiasm. His confidence shone brightly through those black pools staring intently back at her. Could this work out?
His proposal intrigued her, yet it also gave her pause. Xellos still seemed determined to secure a domain of his own, despite his failures thus far. But now he sought to emulate her—and while she didn't mind sharing what she knew, she couldn't help but wonder how much he truly meant it.
Was this another gambit? If he failed to gain anyone's devotion again, would he turn against them?
Her doubts must've shown on her face since Xellos immediately tried to reassure her. "Don't worry. I don't intend to force the issue if those mortals refuse me. I shall accept whatever outcome I receive. And if nothing else...I should at least be able to provide them with guidance as they settle into their lives here. Don't you agree?"
Maybe he had the right mindset this time...though he could've chosen a more opportune moment to spring this upon her. They only finished speaking about this yesterday and he brought it back up today. Was he really as spontaneous as he made himself appear?
Still...she couldn't deny his reasoning. This could potentially work out favorably for both sides involved.
"It hurts to be rejected over and over again," he added softly. "To have the hope of fulfilling my purpose dangled before me only to crumble into dust before my eyes. But I won't give up. Even though others may not welcome me...I won't allow that to dissuade me from trying to help wherever I can...for whatever time I have. It's all I can offer."
His words touched something within her. Perhaps he truly did understand—at least in part. Or maybe he understood enough to sound convincing. She couldn't quite tell. She wanted to believe in him. Something in his tone resonated with her, reminded her so much of her own experiences when first manifesting here.
Perhaps she should take him at his word—give him a chance. After all...she had done her best to make everyone happy in her own way. Why shouldn't someone else try as well? Besides...the prospect of helping someone who lacked direction appealed strongly to her. Just like Ariastra once helped her. Maybe she could pass that favor on.
She gave a short sigh. "Okay, I get where you're coming from. If this is something you want to do...then go for it. Once you're healed up enough, I'll gladly support your efforts. Just know that it might take years for people to decide to settle in such remote territory...but they might come eventually. You'll have to continue wandering until then."
Xellos blinked twice before responding. He clearly hadn't expected her to agree so readily. Then he slowly relaxed, his posture loosening into a more casual stance.
"You have my gratitude for your generosity and acceptance, Ebonheim. I will endeavor to repay you tenfold one day. I swear it upon all my divinity."
Ebonheim's smile faltered slightly. A hint of melancholy seeped into her expression as she listened to his words, an undercurrent of sadness lacing them.
What must it feel like...having no one to turn to? Being all alone? It must've been terribly lonely...
Without really thinking, she reached forward and wrapped her arms around Xellos, embracing him tightly in a reassuring gesture. Her action caught the both of them off guard since neither predicted it. His eyes widened slightly at first as he stood motionless, stunned by the unexpected contact.
Ebonheim suddenly realized what she'd done and let go immediately, stepping back to put some distance between them.
"Sorry...I don't know what came over me." She laughed nervously. "I guess I just thought you needed...well..." She trailed off sheepishly.
To her surprise, he didn't seem angry or upset. Instead...he began to chuckle lightly. It sounded almost like a chortle to her ears.
Xellos raised his hands apologetically. "No need to explain further. I appreciate the sentiment and your willingness to comfort me...despite barely knowing me. But please don't worry. I've always had to rely on myself in everything I do. And while I've gotten used to solitude...I thank you for treating me as a friend and trusting me to follow your path."
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"Oh...okay." Ebonheim averted her gaze awkwardly. Maybe she'd overstepped herself there after all. She cleared her throat awkwardly while trying to compose herself before speaking again. "Well...I've got plenty to do for the rest of the day...so..."
Xellos nodded. "Of course. I won't keep you any longer then." He took one last look around at the scenery surrounding them before turning to leave. As he departed, she caught sight of his smile falling. That faint wistfulness once again returning to his features.
***
Ebonheim sat at the head of the table, facing the crowd with her arms folded over her lap. Kelzryn stood beside her with his hands clasped behind his back.
She had called for the elders and guild masters to the town hall the next evening at her request. It wasn't exactly usual for Ebonheim to call for a meeting at such short notice, but she knew this particular topic needed to be discussed sooner rather than later.
"Thank you all for gathering on such short notice. We have an important matter to discuss. One that may well affect the future of our town and the Eldergrove."
The people gathered in the room exchanged curious glances as they waited for Ebonheim to continue speaking. A hushed murmur started to rise from the audience as they speculated on what might be going on.
"While speaking with Xellos, the topic of new settlements came up," Ebonheim continued in a calm tone. She paused for a moment, trying to gauge their reactions.
No one had spoken up yet, so she continued. "Not everyone wants to settle in an established community like ours, of course—some would prefer to build something of their own. I think having a variety of towns in the Eldergrove Valley would benefit us. There'd be more options for travelers and merchants...which could open the doors for more prosperity. I think this is worth exploring..."
Her voice faded off as a few people started murmuring among themselves.
Roderick scratched his stubby chin, deep in thought. "Hmm...yes...that seems reasonable. During my latest travel, I've asked around the eastern cities if there's been an interest in settling in the Eldergrove. There were no takers as of yet...but it might take time for the word to spread enough to generate any decent amount of migration here."
Engin remained pensive during Roderick's response, rubbing his forehead with his hand in contemplation. "While I'm generally in favor of growth and new beginnings, I worry about the safety of such settlers...as well as the potential drain in resources should these settlers not prove capable of self-sustaining."
Ebonheim glanced towards Engin before addressing everyone else present again. "That's true. But let's not jump to conclusions yet. Let's focus on what could go right, rather than assuming things will fail right out the gate." She smiled encouragingly before continuing. "I just wanted to bring this up now because Xellos brought this matter to my attention first."
"Xellos did?" Engin raised a brow.
"Yes. He expressed a desire to emulate me—to try and establish a settlement in this valley. To become a patron god to the people who choose to move here," Ebonheim clarified.
"Is he fit to do that?" Roderick asked. "From what you told us, he doesn't seem very dependable. Seems like a disaster waiting to happen in my opinion."
Ebonheim winced at his blunt words. "Well...no. I don't necessarily disagree. But I'm not the one he has to impress here. That's why I'd like to extend him an opportunity." She glanced towards the others. "So long as everyone else agrees with this venture as well."
Silence settled over the room. Most of them appeared thoughtful after Ebonheim's statement. None outright dismissed the idea altogether either. Perhaps she made her point clear enough to them already.
Thorsten grunted loudly. "I don't trust that strange god. He gives me bad vibes. But as far as having other settlements nearby goes...I see no problems there. It'll only bolster the economy, I reckon. More people around means more demand for goods. So...whatever."
Roderick grinned toothily at that. "I concur with Thorsten. That's always good for business. But for the safety concerns Engin mentioned...well, that'll have to be on them to resolve. If they choose to move here and create a settlement...they should have the means to protect themselves and thrive on their own."
"Aye...this is a dangerous land. Much work awaits a fresh settlement before it can thrive." Thorsten stroked his beard, musing in thought. "But perhaps we can make provisions for assisting them. Depending on how close these prospective settlements end up."
"Sounds fair to me," Roderick chimed in.
A couple of nods echoed around the table from other people, with many remaining quiet.
"My thoughts as well," Bjorn agreed, speaking for the first time since entering the meeting. "New places present their own challenges. But I see no reason to forbid their creation. Our settlement's prosperity is largely due to our diversity. Let there be a place for those who would wish to forge their destiny elsewhere. We can aid them where we can."
A few more voices chimed in agreement around the room as support began to grow for this initiative. Ebonheim glanced around the table and gauged the reaction so far. People appeared receptive to the concept overall.
A hopeful sign. She'd take what she could get. But she still had to address a final concern.
She turned towards Kelzryn. "What do you think?"
Kelzryn appeared calm and stoic as always. His expression never changed throughout this discussion. His amber eyes glowed faintly in the dim lighting inside the town hall.
"I can't offer advice when I don't possess the entire picture. But the idea of other settlements within the valley would not bode well with the greater spirits who make their homes in these forests. Elmsworth won't tolerate any expansion past the borders set by him, Calyxia and her Seraphidae won't accept outsiders settling within her woods, Liselotte will—as you've already witnessed—slaughter those who dare venture into her territory. Nillen would be the only one who might tolerate the notion."
Oh...right. The Lords of the Eldergrove would still need to be consulted about the matter...and perhaps even persuaded. And she had promised Xellos he could assist in founding new settlements as well. The potential complications kept rising.
"However," Kelzryn continued. "The region that your domain resides in—which lies between Elmsworth's, Liselotte's, and Calyxia's—is vast enough that establishing more settlements would be feasible, so long as they avoid being too close to one another—especially to here."
"So we could make this work?" Ebonheim asked hopefully. "Why would they need to avoid the town here specifically?"
Evelyne leaned forward, raising her hand slightly for attention. "Ma déesse, what Kelzryne is implying is that more settlements can form nearby, but if you don't plan to bring them into your fold and instead allow other gods to claim those settlements as their domain as well..." she trailed off.
"...then there could eventually come a day where the valley becomes the site of a war between competing gods instead," Lorne concluded Evelyne's statement.
Kelzryn tilted his head, looking back at Ebonheim. "I never said such an outcome is likely, but yes, having another god's domain relatively close by would limit your growth as a deity. Gods don't like encroaching on one another's domains. The more ambitious ones will see weaker gods as an obstacle to their dominion. No god wants another close enough to affect their area of influence."
Ebonheim deflated slightly after listening to that explanation.
She hadn't thought about that possibility when discussing the idea with Xellos. She really needed to pay better attention to the details and consequences...
Truthfully, she had no aspirations to spread herself thin and gain a multitude of followers across various settlements scattered about the valley. This town served as the core of her domain, the heart of her realm. She didn't need to branch out elsewhere.
It was enough to make everyone here safe and happy. That was all she cared about.
Besides, Xellos seemed to have no ambition to dominate others—he just wanted somewhere where he could establish himself and have a home. That simple desire resonated within her so much...perhaps too much.
That didn't mean he wouldn't seek more beyond that. Not every god would share the same peaceful outlook as her. But as long as nothing threatened her people...well, she didn't care what went on outside her domain's borders.
She glanced up to gauge the others' reactions. Some appeared pensive—probably contemplating about what Kelzryn shared. Others seemed resigned to accepting whatever Ebonheim ended up deciding to do. No one voiced any opposition outright yet, so she spoke again.
"I don't think that we should worry about potential threats and conflicts right this minute...or even in the near future. Let's give the idea time to percolate among our people. As I said from the beginning...I just wanted to bring this up now. We don't have to decide on anything right away. We just need to be aware of where things may lead if this happens."
Engin chuckled, resting his chin on his linked hands as he regarded her. "Well spoken. A prudent approach...and sensible. I say we table this discussion for the next gathering. Once the harvest season concludes, perhaps."
There came a general murmur of agreement to that proposal.
"Then that settles things for now," Ebonheim concluded. "Again thank you all for coming out at such short notice."
The town hall was adjourned after that. As the people filed out of the chamber, Ebonheim turned to face Kelzryn.
"What do you think?" she inquired. "You seemed on board with the idea. Am I missing something? What else should I consider besides the interests of other gods?"
Kelzryn led the way to the exit as Ebonheim fell into step with him. "It's hard to say without knowing the details regarding how Xellos plans to establish such communities and if they would be amenable to the idea. I can offer advice from my perspective...but it's difficult to judge things properly when I'm unaware of what exactly he intends."
They emerged into the warm summer night air as they exited the building. The last rays of daylight danced upon the town plaza, illuminating the flagstones and wooden buildings with golden hues.
Ebonheim sighed softly. "Yeah...I figured as much."
A slight breeze rustled through her hair, sending locks of silver cascading across her face. She brushed them away absentmindedly. "Do you trust him?"
She didn't bother to clarify who she referred to—she trusted that he would know.
Kelzryn slowed to a halt on the cobblestones and glanced towards her. "I trust you. If you believe he's worthy of your patronage...then there's nothing else to discuss."
She smiled despite herself. At least she had a champion ready to defend her interests should the need arise. And while he wasn't one for idle banter, his presence was a comfort in these uncertain times.
"Okay," she said after a short pause. "I'll keep your advice in mind."
With a small sigh, she continued walking along the road with a slight spring in her step. Hopefully, things would progress smoothly from here...and she wouldn't have to deal with any more surprises.