After leaving Aren and his troops to their practicing, Aisrin set about gathering Hunters, Foragers, other soldiers and some teachers.
"You few have been selected for three first expedition, or survey of land. These hills have untapped mining potential. If we are to continue progressing as smoothly as we have been, we need to procure metals. So I will have half of you go do that, while the other half goes with me across the river.
I think we could find other needed resources much closer and faster going that route, especially for wood. Now before the complaints, I have heard that demons occupy past the river, but since no one has been across the river, I have reason to doubt that. Besides, I'll be with you." Aisrin began discussing his plans.
"I have no complaints. I only have worries that you may be underestimating the lands beyond our land." A hunter voiced.
"That's understandable. But, I've fought monsters with strength that far surpasses what you fear. Besides, have I ever shown you any reason to doubt me?" Aisrin countered.
"Of course not my Lord. But, we have lived in fear of what lay beyond for our whole lives. Simply saying that there's no reason to fear, can not ease our fears. If that makes sense." The hunter continued.
"It does. And I hope it makes sense that you just volunteered for the first position on my team of explorers. I hope you like water, cause that's all you'll see for the first two days." Aisrin replied. This made the hunter go quiet. The others now feared to speak up. Aisrin noticed this.
"I think you have me wrong here. Im not making him go for speaking up, I'm making him go so he can witness the truth for himself. There is no reason to fear the other side as much as you do." Aisrin corrected their collective thoughts.
"What about the ones exploring for... mines? What do we look for?" A teacher asked. Her body exuded milf energy. She had a slender waist accentuated by her thick ass and the modestly larger boobs. Aisrin stared for a moment, the question processing slower than the naked image he was burning with his x-ray skill.
"Uh huh. Indeed. Ahem, uh there are large rock outcroppings dotting the area. They look like cliffs when approached. They'll most likely be the best bet. I'll have you map them out. That's why I have two teachers mixed into this group. The teachers are charged with rough mapping, while the hunters and foragers are charged with noting future hunting and gathering grounds. I'll also add a blacksmith to each team and I'll be taking a wood smith." Aisrin answered after a brief moment.
"Why do your eyes shine red sometimes?" A kid had wondered over to the gathering and was listening to the discussion.
"Because, sweetheart. I use magic, and most of my spells come from visualization." Aisrin told the little girl with a smile.
"I wish I could to do that. That looks really cool! You look like a crazy demon, but as a good guy." The little girl bluntly stated with an innocent yet dejected smile.
"But you can. All you need to do is believe. There's magic inside you, you just need to find it." Aisrin told her. He could hear the awes of the adults as they thought Aisrin was just trying to cheer the girl up.
"Really? You think I could?" The girl brightened.
"No, I don't think you can. I know you can." The girl looked as if she was gonna cry until Aisrin spoke the second sentence.
"But, how will I know to find it?" The girl continued asking.
"Hmm, it's like... how would a kid understand... it's like the warm feeling you get when your mom hugs you or the tingles you get when you see something really cool." Aisrin told her as he lifted his hand and lit a fire. He then made the fire change colors and shapes. Until he then finally turned it into a wolf and made it run around his palm.
The girls eyes brightened and the biggest smile lit up on her face.
"Magic is feeling. It stems from emotions and imagination. That's why I have my Core Lines in my eyes." Aisrin told her as he cut the magic off.
"I'm going to go find my magic!" The little girl ran off excitedly. Aisrin stood up, a slight smile on his face.
"You're so good with kids. But, don't you think she'll be sad when she realizes she can't use magic?" The hot teacher stated.
"I rather think you'll be surprised what a kid can do with a little encouragement and a shit load of excited determination." Aisrin replied.
*The following week*
Aisrin was loading the barge with a couple weeks worth of food and ushered the terrified Explorers he had chosen. A wood smith named Egbert. Two hunters, Lila and Dar. Two Foragers, Zeal and Frinz. A Blacksmith named Gorl. The hot teacher, Mila, pronounced My-La. Three soldiers Grole, Ben, and Sam. Ret decided she was coming as well, so Aisrin allowed her.
As soon as the barge was loaded, Aisrin used wind magic to blast the ship into deeper water. He the spun the ship until the bow was pointed towards the opposite shore and then directed his magic at the single sail. The barge lurched forward, throwing the new sailors onto their backsides.
"Time to get some sea legs! Hahaha!" Aisrin laughed at the wobbly group.
"How do you stand on this? It's constantly moving." Ret tried walking and ended up falling face first into the mast. Aisrin was dying, this was entertaining. No matter how much the group tried, they were unable to adjust. By the end of the day, they just laid on the deck, trying not to be sick.
"Its better if you move around. Just laying still without being used to the gentle swaying of the water just makes it harder to keep your stomach down." Aisrin commented. Natural wind had taken over so he was now focusing on directing the ship. The barge had no rudder, since he only knew what they looked like but not the inner workings.
Aisrin rather enjoyed the trio across the vast river. If only he knew what he was sailing towards, maybe he'd have heeded Dar's warnings.