"I believe it is time for us to consider the possibility of opening your village to others," Roderick began, standing in the center of the feast hall. The sun filtered through the windows, casting long shadows over the gathered elders. "More people means more hands to work the land, more minds to innovate, and more resources to be shared.”

Ebonheim watched from her place on a raised platform, flanked by the village elders. She watched as Roderick paced back and forth, his hands gesticulating wildly to emphasize his points.

Engin, the self-proclaimed head of the village, nodded in agreement. "He's right, you know. If we bring more people here, we can strengthen our village, and our goddess will gain more followers. It's a win-win situation for all."

"Engin, your faith in Roderick's proposition is admirable, but we must be cautious," said Hilda, her voice strong and steady despite her age. "Inviting the outside world into our village could also bring unwanted attention and danger."

The feast hall echoed with the murmurs of agreement from some of the elders, while others nodded their heads in thought. Ebonheim watched the scene unfold before her, her golden eyes taking in every detail. She felt a strange sense of responsibility, knowing that her very existence was the reason for this gathering.

Engin leaned forward, his green eyes narrowing as he addressed Hilda. "I understand your concerns, Hilda, but we cannot hide from the world forever. With the resources we possess and the protection of Ebonheim, our village has the potential to become a thriving community."

Odette, a gentle voice amongst the elders, spoke up. "I, too, see the value in Roderick's proposal. However, we must consider the dangers as well. Inviting outsiders into our village could threaten our way of life."

"I just don't see the point in inviting strangers into our village," Bjorn grumbled, his arms crossed over his broad chest. "We've built this place on our own, and we've done just fine without outsiders meddling in our affairs. We've lived here for years, hidden and safe. Why risk that now? What's the point of inviting strangers into our home?"

"Progress, Bjorn," Engin replied, his voice firm. "We cannot stagnate. Our village has much to offer, and we have much to gain from the world. With Roderick's help, we can do so in a controlled manner."

Thorsten, stroking his unkempt beard, leaned forward. "We are strong and resourceful, but we are few in number. If we want to thrive, we need more people. More people means more workers, more hunters, and more crafters. It also means more mouths to feed, but that's a challenge we can overcome together."

Roderick flashed a smile, sensing an opening. "Indeed, think of the possibilities! Ebonheim could become a hub of trade and culture, attracting the best minds and artisans from all over the continent. And as your village grows, so too will your goddess's influence."

"Roderick, it's not that simple," Sven began, his brows furrowed as he clasped his hands together tightly. "We appreciate your offer, but inviting outsiders could disrupt the delicate balance we have.”

Bogdan, a stout elder with a bushy mustache, grumbled, "Sven’s right. We've been hiding for a reason. We've managed to survive and thrive without attracting unwanted attention. Why risk it all now?"

Bertram, a wiry elder with a sharp gaze, countered, "But what kind of life is it if we live in fear, forever skulking in the shadows? We owe it to ourselves and our children to explore the possibilities."

The debate continued, each elder voicing their thoughts and concerns. Roderick did his best to reassure them, detailing the benefits of trade and the potential for cultural exchange. He spoke of how their unique resources and connection to a benevolent goddess could make them an influential power in the region.

Corrina, a cautious elder, questioned the merchant. "Roderick, how do we know that you truly have our best interests at heart? You're not one of us."

Roderick paused before replying, his voice filled with sincerity. "You're right, I'm not from Ebonheim. But I have traveled far and wide, and I know a special place when I see one. I believe in the potential of this village, and I only wish to help you achieve it."

The discussion went back and forth, with no clear consensus in sight.

Corinna addressed the room. "We are at an impasse," she declared. "Perhaps it would be wise to take some time to reflect on this matter and reconvene later."

Engin nodded, seeing the wisdom in Corinna's suggestion. "Agreed. Let us take a break and gather our thoughts. We will reconvene in one hour."

As the elders dispersed, Ebonheim approached Roderick, her iridescent hair shimmering like a cascade of stars. “What do you think so far?” she asked.

Roderick smiled, his blue eyes twinkling as he regarded her. "I think they'll come around. It's not every day that someone offers to increase their numbers. That alone makes them curious about what they might gain. But, I understand their reservations. I really do. What you all have now, and what you could have if you choose to open your doors to outsiders—they're two different things. And you can't expect everyone to welcome change with open arms. Change comes slowly, and even then, there will always be those who resist."

Ebonheim cocked her head to the side. "Were you expecting things to turn out like this?"

Roderick shrugged slightly. "It always happens, and it's not just because they see me as a merchant who only cares for profit."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

Roderick sat down on an empty chair. "Well, I suppose I should explain. There's a saying in my homeland, a phrase which I find rather fitting here. It goes, 'The road to the Abyss is paved with good intentions.'"

Ebonheim tilted her head further, studying Roderick with newfound interest. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean."

"It's a saying among the people of my country. It means that people who mean well can still cause harm. In other words, people's good intentions don't necessarily guarantee good results, and their actions can backfire, causing harm instead of good."

Ebonheim's eyebrows rose. "Oh, I don't like the sound of that. Do you mean to say that people like you can cause problems?"

Roderick chuckled. "I suppose you could say I'm the perfect example. I've spent most of my life trying to convince others to embrace change. Sometimes, though, I've found myself making more enemies than allies. People like me often put others in a defensive position, making them wary and distrusting."

Ebonheim placed her hands on her hips. "Hmm, well. I think it's not a bad idea to have more people around. But I trust the elders to make the right decision for our village."

Roderick inclined his head in respect. "I know. Thank you, Ebonheim. I simply wish to see your people flourish. If my proposal is accepted, I promise to do everything in my power to ensure the village's success."

As they left the feast hall, she couldn't help but ponder the implications of the conversation. While she wanted the best for her people, the idea of opening the village to strangers was fraught with potential dangers. It would be a difficult decision, one that would undoubtedly shape their future.

----------------------------------------

They all returned to the feast hall an hour later, each having taken time to reflect on Roderick's proposal. Ebonheim watched as they took their seats, the room tense with anticipation.

Ionus, a thin man with a thoughtful expression, was the first to speak. "I have considered Roderick's proposal, and I must admit it has merit. However, we cannot ignore the potential dangers of opening our village to outsiders. We must ask ourselves if the benefits are worth the risks."

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Engin countered Ionus's argument. "We cannot live in fear of the unknown, Ionus. Our village has the potential to become a powerful force, and we cannot achieve that by remaining isolated."

"Let us not forget the reason we came together in the first place,” Engin continued. “ We came together to escape the gods who have forsaken us and find a new path. We are a village of outcasts, and our strength comes from our unity and our shared purpose. Should we not extend the same opportunity to others?"

The room fell silent as Engin's words resonated with the gathered elders. The question hung in the air, a somber reminder of their past and the difficult choices that lay ahead.

Thorsten nodded in agreement. "He’s right. Who are we to deny others the opportunity to find a home here, as we once did? Our village was built by those who were cast out, and now we have the chance to offer sanctuary to others in need."

Ebonheim's heart swelled with pride at Engin and Thorsten's words. She knew that her people's strength came from their diversity and their shared history of struggle.

Renfred, a scholarly elder, adjusted his glasses and raised his voice. "What of our traditions, our way of life? How can we ensure they are not lost in the midst of this growth you propose?"

Roderick spread his hands wide, as if embracing the room. "Your traditions and culture are what make Ebonheim special. By sharing them with others, you can ensure that they are preserved and celebrated. And, in turn, you can learn from the newcomers as well, enriching your own understanding of the world."

Odette chimed in, "It is as Roderick says. We cannot ignore the potential benefits of opening ourselves up to the world. Our resources, the Ebon trees, and the gold deposits—they could bring prosperity to our village, allowing us to improve our lives and provide better opportunities for our children."

Gunter, a skeptical elder, countered, "But at what cost? How much of our souls must we sell for this prosperity you speak of?"

Roderick spoke up once more. "I understand your fears. I am not asking you to blindly embrace change, but rather to consider the potential for growth and the opportunities it may bring. I am confident that, together, we can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger for it."

Ebonheim listened attentively, her eyes reflecting the flickering light of the nearby hearth. She recognized the passion behind each elder's argument, and the weight of responsibility they felt for the village's future.

Franco, a diplomatic elder, offered a compromise. "What if we were to start small? Allow Roderick to promote our village, but within certain limits. We could set terms, ensuring that we maintain control of our growth and that our traditions are not lost."

The suggestion was met with thoughtful murmurs, as the elders considered the possibility of a more measured approach to Roderick's proposal. The merchant nodded, willing to work within their constraints.

Aleyn, a reserved elder who was also from the Jixishan tribe, spoke up. "I am not opposed to this idea, but I worry about the consequences of opening our doors to the outside world. What if we attract the attention of those who wish us harm, or those who would seek to exploit our goddess and our resources?"

Bertram, a man with sharp eyes and a calculating mind, leaned forward. "True, we must also consider the security of our village. Roderick, you claim that opening our borders will bring allies and connections, but what guarantees do we have that it will not also bring danger?"

Roderick met Bertram's gaze, unwavering. "There are no guarantees, but I believe that the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. The key is to proceed with caution and wisdom."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall, and Ebonheim watched as the elders exchanged glances, the weight of the decision growing heavier.

The debate continued, with each elder voicing their concerns and offering potential solutions. Ebonheim watched them closely, admiring their wisdom and dedication to their people.

Brzenk, a stout elder with a grizzled beard, leaned forward. "Roderick, if we agree to your proposal, what do you intend to do? How will you bring these people to our village, and how will you ensure our safety?"

Roderick scratched his beard, a thoughtful look in his eyes. "First, I will spread the word of Ebonheim's existence and the opportunities it holds. I will use my connections with merchants and traders to establish trade routes and draw people to the village. As for safety, I propose setting up a system of checks and balances to ensure that any newcomers adhere to your laws and customs. Of course, I will defer to the wisdom of the elders and Ebonheim in all matters concerning the village."

Sven spoke up. "If we decide to proceed with Roderick's plan, how can we ensure that the outsiders we bring in will honor our ways and respect our goddess?"

Roderick's eyes flicked to Ebonheim, a respectful nod in her direction. "You could establish a code of conduct, a set of rules that every newcomer must agree to follow."

As the discussion continued, it was clear that the elders' positions were beginning to shift. Some who had initially been opposed to Roderick's proposal now considered the potential benefits more seriously, while others who had supported the idea from the outset began to acknowledge the risks involved.

Brzenk put forth a question. "If we do decide to move forward with this plan, how can we ensure that we maintain our values and traditions? How do we strike a balance between growth and preservation?"

Roderick, prepared for this query, outlined his vision. "By establishing a council that includes both elders and newcomers, we can ensure that all voices are heard and that decisions are made with the best interests of the village in mind. This council can work to preserve your traditions while also adapting to the changing world."

"I have an idea," Franco said suddenly, breaking the silence that had settled over the feast hall. "What if we were to send a small group of our own to accompany Roderick? They could observe the newcomers and ensure that they are trustworthy before inviting them to join our village."

The room buzzed with murmurs and thoughtful nods.

Engin stroked his peppered beard, considering the proposal. "That is a promising idea, Franco. It would give us some control over the situation without outright denying others the opportunity to join us."

Ebonheim, ever watchful, felt the subtle shift in the room. She knew that the fate of her village rested in the hands of these wise men and women, and she trusted that they would make the right decision.

Aleyn, a gentle soul with a love for nature, looked to Ebonheim, his voice soft but clear. "What are your thoughts, Ebonheim? Do you believe that opening our village to outsiders is the right path?"

Everyone turned their eyes to her, who had been quietly listening to the conversation.

Ebonheim shifted uncomfortably in her seat, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on her. She had only recently learned of the existence of the outside world, and now her people were debating the prospect of inviting new inhabitants into their village.

She swallowed, searching for the right words. "I... I think it's not a bad idea. Everyone in the village came from different places. If we stay secluded for years or decades, then if outsiders show up one day, it might be harder for us to welcome them. But if we open ourselves to others starting now, we can build trust and familiarity with them from the beginning. That will make things easier later and..."

She trailed off. She couldn't finish her sentence; instead, she glanced around at her elders, trying to convey her message with her eyes alone.

The elders nodded, their faces thoughtful.

"You've given us food for thought," said Hilda, her tone calm and reassuring. "Thank you for sharing your insight. I understand what you mean, and I believe the same way."

Engin looked around the room, his green eyes sharp and discerning.

"It seems we are at a crossroads," Engin said. "To embrace change and growth, or to hold fast to the way things have always been. I propose we put the matter to a vote. All in favor of adopting Roderick's plan, raise your hands."

One by one, the elders raised their hands, signaling their agreement with the proposal. As the last hand was raised, a sense of unity filled the room. Though the decision had not come easily, they had reached it together, as one.

Engin, his expression solemn, nodded. "Very well. We shall move forward with Roderick's plan. We're not expecting an immediate influx of settlers soon, it'll probably take a couple of years at the earliest. During that time, the village can prepare to welcome them. So, steel yourselves...there's a lot more work to be done."

Roderick, his face a mix of relief and determination, bowed his head. "I am honored by your trust, and I will do everything in my power to ensure the success of this endeavor. Together, we will shape a brighter future for Ebonheim."

With the decision made, the elders began discussing the logistics of implementing Roderick's plan.

Hilda turned towards Ebonheim. "This is a new beginning for our village, and I pray that it will bring us closer to the dreams we have held in our hearts."

Ebonheim smiled warmly and nodded.

Engin walked over and placed a hand on Ebonheim's shoulder. "And you...have the most work to do amongst all of us. You've been lacking in your administrative role and although I am the head of the village, you need to start pulling your weight and help me with the daily tasks."

Ebonheim blinked, her mouth wide open. "...Eh?"