A ray of sunshine burst forth from the cold window, right above the second floor meeting room.
The room was built with timber like the rest of the mansion, but it felt much more official.
The chairs were squared, and their legs were round.
The table was round, and the surface was riddled with carvings of bears.
The most significant part was the deep purple fur, coating the legs of the table.
Fang didn't identify the fur, wondering what animal has such an exotic color for fur.
The entire furniture set was dark brown, giving a warmer aesthetic to the room.
Filling the air was a scent of lavender, surprisingly similar to the one on Earth from Fang's memory.
"This smell, Isgram do you recognize it too?"
His friend stroked his mustache, leaning back in his chair and said:
"Ah, such smells remind me of home. Though I can't remember the name of the smell, something with "er" at the end, it sits on the tip of my tongue..."
Fang smiled and reminded his friend:
"It was called lavender back home, I used to smell it a lot cause my neighbor had a whole garden of lavender. She used it for medicine, helping her sleep better."
"That's right, lavender! How memory eludes me with time, I seem to forget our past lives sometimes.
Say, how old were you again when you died?"
At that moment the door silently opened and Alona listened to their conversation.
She made sure to not be noticed and she wasn't, but Isgram had a feeling they'll listen to their conversations somehow so he decided to reveal only non confidential information.
"I was 13 at the time. I died on the streets and to tell you the truth? I'm more than happy to be here instead of there."
His pained smile made Isgram angry at his old world, and even at this one.
The peace they're trying to create, will that even last for more than a minute? Are they truly ready to pay the ultimate price for that too?
On the other side of the door was a shocked girl, almost shaking with anger at the way Fang said it.
'I can't believe it... That boy has been through so much, and now I am still afraid to tell the truth. Pathetic, I am just pathetic.'
Alona now understood the definition of courage, knowing such events didn't stop him from surviving in a forest full of wild animals, fires, and fights.
She knew from her father how dangerous that group can be, as she saw the state of the bear hunters a few days ago.
'Why does he even pursue peace? Didn't he understand how much this world hates magistos? I have to talk to him later, I'll ask father to forward my request.'
Hearing familiar footsteps, she straightened up and waited for her father to arrive.
As he walked up the stairs, he gave her a wide eye smile.
His white hair that was once blonde was a sign of his age, yet his eyes showed determination and readiness for the upcoming conversation.
He signalled for his daughter to wait for him downstairs, and she walked past him.
When she was near his ear, she whispered a few words:
"Arrange a meeting between me and Fang, father. Please."
Knowing exactly why her father nodded and stiffened his expression.
Opening the door, he was met with a sincere smile from a young elf, his eyes dark gold with purple undertones.
'such interesting eyes, there should be a good story on how his golden eyes gained that mana concentrated transformation. Thought it seems he does not understand his powers completely, I will enlighten him once I'll know his true intentions.
Well, it seems that Isgram is back which is a better option than that demon, she is one hell of a scary woman.'
Motioning to them to please sit, he took a sit in front of the duo.
"Welcome, I am Davra's village chief. I am usually not named by others, but feel free to call me Fujin, especially after Isgram's lastest gift."
His smile was genuine as the woods became much too lively to send people there.
'If those three stayed away, we could have entered the forest without fearing random fires or beasts.
And not to mention those traps, no one can even set foot without risking death.
For some reason, I have a feeling they're not here bearing more gifts.'
Fang returned a smile, "Thank you for having us, sir Fujin. My name is Fang.
May I ask you a weird question?"
Curious, Fujin allowed it with a nod.
"I noticed the air is filled with some familiar scent, on my previous life I used to smell it frequently. Very calming.
Is there a name for that incense?"
Seemingly dumbfounded, Fujin chuckled with an eye smile:
"Ah, I was worried for a moment! And yes of course, this is called leir. The humans call it in a different name though, not sure what it is. How about I return the gift and send you both home with some herb bundles?"
"Ah, that would be most wonderful, don't you think Isgram?"
"Indeed, I missed that smell as well."
Seeing the two fall quiet, Fujin initiated:
"So, what did you want to talk about?"
'Lets see what they need...'
"Well, we were hoping to partner with your village on several topics. First and foremost, is medicine. I heard your daughter is a skilled healer?"
Fujin raised an eyebrow, and looked at Fang quizzically.
'Well this is a surprise, the interest in each other is mutual. Alona did ask to talk to him, I guess there is no harm in letting them talk after all.'
"You have heard correctly, my daughter is our village's greatest healer. She is a bronze rank healer, only 18 years old! She is the pride of our village. I will arrange a meeting with her later today. Is there anything else?"
This time Isgram spoke:
"Yes, there are a few projects we're going to need your help with. I need several craftsman to build beds for us, of course we'll pay for the materials and all that is needed with more firewood or Iron ingots If you'd prefer that."
"I will speak with my brother cain, he is the one who made all of the furniture in the mansion. He will tell me the final bill and I'll forward it to you."
The next request was Fang's:
"I also plan to build ourselves trade specialties which is why your daughter is important. I myself have less than basic medicinal knowledge that comes from experimentation.
I plan to plant a large scale herb garden.
This will mean more opportunities for your people. Is that something your men will be interested in?"
"Depends on the pay." Fujin Replied coldly.
"Ten logs of firewood are enough for a family for how long?"
"Around a week." Isgram answered.
Thinking about it deeply, Fang has decided to just work for it knowing it is worth it.
"Then ten logs once a week for every man who works for a couple of hours in the morning."
Fujin was surprised internally but kept a composed face.
'Ten logs per week!? That alone can make the men under those three the richest in the village, especially if they decide to trade it for food.
But to cut down so many trees every week, it will be impossible for him alone.
He must have some secret method for that...'
"I see... Well I will post the request for the villagers as long as you guarantee that they'll be protected by one of you."
"You have my word."
"Good, then I have one request for myself."
Fang saw no trap yet Isgram noticed the tone change.
"I'm all ears."
"The empire will be here soon, possibly sending several hundred men to hunt you.
The day it happens will also be the day they recruit our village in its whole.
While we have no enmity between us, there is an option you and I will find ourselves on the battleground, and not side by side. Don't involve my men please, can you promise me that?"
Fang knew such questions were going to be asked and he didn't need to prepare for it.
Without thinking, Fang responded with a smile on his face:
"If anyone will lay their hand on my people they will not have that hand back.
While I hope it won't come to it, don't rule out our strength. One of the reasons you're short on firewood is that the forest is filled with traps.
The second reason, is that it is filled with plenty of harmful beasts that even the average bronze soldier will have to go all out to win.
But you and I Know the most important reason no one dares to set foot in my forest is that my group is living there.
You see, while expansion wars can be stopped once there is no chance of winning, survival wars can't be stopped.
So in conclusion, I suggest you do whatever you can to keep your man and you out of the conflict."
The silence in the room lingered for a good while.
Fujin leaned back in his chair, studying Fang with a mixture of respect and concern. The sun highlighting the lines of worry etched into his brow.
"You speak with conviction, Fang, but the empire's reach is vast. What you offer may not be enough to deter them from their ambitions."
Isgram shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting between Fang and the chief.
"Fujin, you must understand that Fang isn't just speaking bravado. The traps in the forest are no mere tales; they're real and deadly. Gaia and I... We've witnessed the power of his magic. If the empire sends its soldiers, they'll face more than they bargained for."
Fujin's gaze hardened. "And what of the villagers? My people have lived peacefully for generations. I cannot ask them to bear arms against the empire, nor can I risk their lives in a war they did not choose."
Fang leaned forward, his expression serious. "I don't wish to involve your people in this conflict, Fujin. But you must prepare them. The empire will not hesitate to trample over anyone in their way. If it comes to that, you must be ready to protect your home.
My group will stand guard at the border of the forest, but I cannot do it alone. If the fight extends to your territory, then what? Do you expect us to allow the empire to organize their forces in your village, making it a military camp? No we'll not stand down in that scenario."
A heavy silence fell over the room as Fujin considered Fang's words. He finally nodded, his resolve solidifying. "Then we will prepare. But know this, Fang: If it comes to war, I will do everything in my power to protect my village, even if it means standing against you. I will not let my people become pawns in this game."
Fang met his gaze, a fierce determination burning in his eyes. "Then we will fight together, not against each other. I will not let the empire take what they want without a fight. If they'll wrong your people I will make sure to offer a chance to leave the fight before it gets too messy."
Isgram placed a hand on the chief's shoulder, trying to ease the tension. "Let's focus on the immediate threat. We need to fortify the village and gather intelligence on the empire's movements.
We should also reach out to other villages for support. If we show that we're not going to yield to their demands, we could possibly make the western border flourish and bloom like never before.
Imagine the possibility of winning against the cold weather with our firewood harvesting, and the opportunity of the medicine trade.
If your daughter and Fang can create a valuable commodity then we'll be much more valuable as well."
Fujin sighed, the weight of the impending conflict evident on his face. "Very well. I will call for a meeting with the village council to discuss our next steps. But I urge you both to remember that we are not your enemies. We wish to remain neutral."
Fang smiled faintly, his confidence unshaken. "As long as you stand with your people, I have no desire to make you an enemy. We will do everything in our power to keep the empire at bay. Even if it means killing the king himself."
As they rose to leave, a chill swept through the room, the weight of their decisions hanging heavily in the air. Outside, the sky was darkening, a storm brewing on the horizon—both literally and figuratively.
Leaving the room, Isgram was now deep in thought and asked Fang for some time alone to think.
"Go for an hour, I'll be here again when the sun is in the middle of the sky. I need to have a talk with the chief's daughter anyway."
"Fang, just make sure to stay reasonable. If she shows any hints of worry, don't press it.
She's just a girl, and unlike you she looks much more gentle as well."
"I will keep it in mind, my friend."
The air in Davra felt still, yet charged with the undercurrent of uncertainty, as if the village knew that its safety was fleeting.
The arrival of several magistos is the material of nightmares for those who have only heard of such monsters.
Fang knew the tension will only rise from here, so he went downstairs and saw her waiting for him, leaning against the wall next to the door.
Alona stood there quietly, her face serene but her eyes focused. She had already heard bits of the conversation from her father, but now she wanted to hear Fang's vision for herself. He turned to face her, the warmth of his usual confidence softening in her presence.
"I spoke to your father about the future of this village," Fang began, leading Alona toward a quiet spot just outside the village square. "I told him I wanted to create trade specialties.
something that could benefit both Davra and us."
Alona raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. "And how do you plan to do that?"
Opening the door, Fang gestured toward the land surrounding them, filled with houses and gardens. "I'm no expert in healing or herbalism, but I've learned a bit through experimentation. What I'm proposing is something bigger—a full herb garden. It could provide the village with jobs and resources for trade, while also giving us access to materials we'll need in the future. Especially since I'm planning to stay here for a long while, and I need some money too." Fang's loud laugh ringed in her ears, but she found it less annoying than she thought.
Alona's eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement, though she remained composed. "You'd trust the village to run the operation?"
"I don't see why not. The empire won't stop coming after us, but we need a reason for the village to stand by us beyond just survival. And I have faith in you," Fang added, his gaze unwavering. "Your knowledge in herbs and healing will be the foundation for this. Together, we can turn this into something powerful. If the rumours are true, then I might have a chance to make this dream of mine a reality.
She paused, considering his words. A small blush creeped on her cheeks as she finally understood he values her so highly.
"Is My father on board?"
Fang nodded. "He sees the potential. This isn't just about us fighting battles. It's about creating something sustainable for the future, something that can give Davra a reason to thrive. And if it means helping people heal their wounds and illnesses instead of taking their lives, I prefer it that way."
Alona took a deep breath, then smiled softly. "If we do this, we do it right. I'll help you build this garden, Fang. But know that it's not just plants we'll be cultivating but also a significant amount of danger. If the empire wishes for it to stop, I will have to ask you to not involve the villagers in your conflict."
Fang smiled back, his mind already racing with possibilities. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
Giving her an after you gesture with his right hand, he started walking with her as she shown him several places in the village.
The rays of light ignited a new spark in his eyes, a sight Alona didn't miss.