With the completion of Serpent's Cross, Eadric was set on a new path for purpose. After many trials of anguish, despair, yet also succession, Eadric was named the Duke of Ravenhold.

A meeting was set in place for the new Ironfeld Carpentry Guild and the line of command for Ravenhold inside of a quaint newly-built hut . It was Eadric, General Sebastian, and King Gideon's team of treasury who sat at a large oak table. The legs of this table were carved with the artwork of both humans and elves, a very beautiful piece of art it was.

Eadric: Everybody, with the new advancements of trade, wares, and goods of all kinds, we need to expand the town of Ravenhold. Both Ironhaven and Ashenfeld have docks or trading ports if you will, to traverse between one another. We need the same thing for our people here, it will offer new jobs and a great resting point between the two cities.

As he was saying this, the treasury were already taking notes with an ink quill. The contract for this large of a project needed a signature between them and Eadric.

General Sebastian: Yes, I agree with Eadric. With our new school of engineering, word has come as well that a flight port should be added as well. The school is working on an invention to produce arcane powered flight devices. This will cut down the time to traverse from different points of interest.

The treasury nodded, after a few minutes of writing amongst each other, a deal was finalized on paper. Luckily for Eadric, because of his immense help in obtaining the powers of the fountain of youth, the treasury believes that as long as he continues to protect their people and aid in recruitment for guilds or the army, that this project would be of no cost.

They wrote the final words of the agreement and drew two lines at the bottom of the paper, this would be where both parties would sign. Within a short thirty minute meeting, it was adjourned and this new project would take place.

At this moment, a loud knock would come from the outside door. Upon opening the door, Eadric could see one human, accompanied by two elven warriors and their steed.

Warrior: Duke Eadric, I come with unfortunate news! Reports of a major disturbance come from Moonshroud, the civilians have evacuated. I suggest we send some form of brigade to investigate, from what the few civilians I found among the forest told me, a dangerous threat looms!

Eadric's face represented that of confusion. With such little detail of who the threat could be, or what it could be, he knew he needed to be the one to investigate.

Eadric: I appreciate you coming forth and reporting this issue to me. You three look terribly exhausted, please take these three tokens and present it to the inn down the road. You all will receive a room and food. As for myself, I am going to band together my trustworthy soldiers to assist Moonshroud. If any more assistance is needed, please report to General Sebastian, for he will be taking my place in the meantime.

Eadric handed over the tokens, the soldiers nodded their heads in respect and strode off on their steed.

The news of disturbances in the peaceful village of Moonshroud sent a ripple through the tranquil harmony that had enveloped Evermore. Eadric Lightbringer, now the esteemed Duke of Ravenhold, felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect his people and maintain the fragile unity between humans and elves. With a heavy heart, he made the decision to leave Ravenhold and embark on a journey to investigate the troubles in Moonshroud.

Before departing, Eadric called upon his trusted second in command, General Sebastian. He knew that Ravenhold would be in capable hands under the watchful eye of his loyal and skilled advisor. Entrusting the affairs of the town to General Sebastian, Eadric issued orders for the construction of docks along the coast, a testament to the expanding trade and the growing importance of Ravenhold in the region.

As the Ironfeld Carpentry Guild set to work, Eadric prepared for his journey to Moonshroud. He gathered a small band of warriors, a mixture of both elven and human soldiers, symbolizing the unity that he fought so hard to uphold. Their mission was twofold: to investigate the disturbances and, if necessary, to restore peace and harmony to the village.

About one week had passed in on-foot adventure, taking the quickest paths to reach their destination. A sickened face would fall on Eadric and his soldiers as the bore witness to countless bodies of the perished. This was even beyond Moonshroud, Eadric hadn't been to these parts of Evermore prior, all he knew is that he had to keep pressing on.

The southernmost peninsula of Evermore unfolded before them as they approached Moonshroud. Emerging from the depths of the trees, the village, once a serene haven nestled amidst lush forests and overlooking the sparkling sea, now wore an air of tension and unease. Smoke billowed in the distance, and the sounds of distant clashes echoed through the night.

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Eadric's heart sank at the sight of the village in disarray. Homes and buildings had been damaged, and the villagers lived in fear. He knew he had to act swiftly to restore their sense of security and to uncover the cause of the disturbances.

Leading his band of warriors, Eadric ventured deeper into Moonshroud, following the trail of destruction. Along the way, they encountered wounded villagers, both human and elf, who spoke of mysterious raids and attacks by a group of unknown assailants. The harmony between races had been shattered, replaced by a dark shadow that threatened to engulf the village.

Determined to uncover the truth, Eadric delved deeper into the heart of Moonshroud, navigating through dense forests and treacherous terrain. His ancient powers hummed within him, a steady reminder of the responsibilities he bore as a leader and a guardian of peace.

Finally, they reached the heart of the disturbances—a hidden cave nestled amidst towering cliffs. Dark and foreboding, it emanated an eerie presence that sent shivers down their spines. Eadric sensed that this was where the answers lay, where the source of the troubles awaited.

Drawing his sword and with his warriors by his side, Eadric took a deep breath and ventured into the cave. Ancient whispers seemed to fill the air, carrying tales of forgotten battles and ancient rivalries. The further they went, the more the darkness threatened to consume them.

Then, in the depths of the cave, they came face to face with the true culprits behind the disturbances—a group of rogue mages, both human and elven, who had forsaken the unity and harmony that had been achieved. Driven by a thirst for power and dominance, they sought to unravel the fragile tapestry that Eadric and his allies had painstakingly woven.

A fierce battle ensued, magic clashing with steel, as Eadric and his warriors fought to protect the unity they held dear. With each swing of his blade, each surge of his ancient powers, Eadric reaffirmed his commitment to uphold the harmony between humans and elves.

Finally, as the last echoes of battle faded, Eadric and his band emerged victorious. The rogue mages, defeated and disarmed, lay at their feet. Eadric's heart was heavy with disappointment.

As he surveyed the aftermath of the battle, Eadric knew that the road to lasting unity would never be easy. There would always be those who sought to sow discord and darkness. But he also understood that as long as there were leaders like him, willing to stand against the shadows and protect the bonds forged between humans and elves, the golden age of Evermore would endure.

The words of a fallen assailant echoed in Eadric's ears as he stood amidst the aftermath of the battle in Moonshroud. "Be one with the shiftlings," the whispered phrase lingered in his thoughts, a cryptic message shrouded in mystery. What did it mean? Who were these enigmatic beings mentioned by the defeated mage?

Determined to uncover the truth, Eadric knelt down beside the fallen assailant, hoping to glean any further information. But it was too late; the mage had drawn his last breath, taking his secrets to the grave. Frustration gnawed at Eadric's core, fueling his determination to uncover the hidden threats that lurked within Evermore.

With a heavy heart, Eadric bid farewell to the village of Moonshroud, leaving behind a contingent of soldiers to assist in the recovery and restoration efforts. His mind raced with questions as he made his way back to Ravenhold. The revelation that there were forces at work, neither human nor elf, threatened to destabilize the hard-fought unity they had achieved.

Upon his return to Ravenhold, Eadric wasted no time in convening a council of trusted advisors and allies. Together, they pored over ancient texts and consulted sages and scholars, hoping to shed light on the mysterious shiftlings and the imminent danger they posed.

Gradually, the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. The shiftlings, as the legends foretold, were a shape-shifting race capable of assuming various forms and harnessing incredible powers. Neither fully human nor elf, they had remained hidden in the depths of Evermore, their existence mere whispers in the annals of history.

But the fallen mage's words had revealed a menacing truth—the shiftlings had awakened from their slumber, drawn by the fragile unity between humans and elves. They saw it as an opportunity to sow discord and chaos, their ultimate goal shrouded in darkness.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Eadric assembled a task force composed of his most trusted warriors and mages. They would embark on a perilous quest to uncover the shiftlings' lair, to understand their motivations, and to safeguard the unity that had become the foundation of Evermore's prosperity.

Armed with ancient knowledge and fueled by unwavering determination, Eadric and his band of heroes ventured forth, traversing treacherous landscapes and uncharted territories. They faced daunting challenges and encountered mythical creatures, each step bringing them closer to the heart of the shiftlings' domain.

As they delved deeper into the northern hidden realms of Evermore, Eadric couldn't help but wonder how many more surprises and trials awaited them. The fate of their united world hung in the balance, and it was up to them to confront the shiftlings and their nefarious plans.

In the depths of the ancient forests, guided by instinct and intuition, Eadric and his companions discovered a hidden sanctuary—a mystical grove where the shiftlings convened. In the midst of the sacred clearing, the truth of their intentions and powers would be revealed.

With hearts filled with courage, they stepped forward, ready to face the shiftlings and put an end to their malevolent machinations. But little did they know that the confrontation ahead would test not only their physical prowess but also the very essence of their unity and resolve.