Understanding, but Troubled

Your mother is in deep deliberation with her fellow Druids as you return to Westwood, to the Druid’s Hall, and from the chatter your Elven ears pick up, no doubt they were talking about the recent monster attacks and refugee crisis on their doorstep.

“We must do something about this! We cannot leave things be!”

“The monsters are the greater threat, we cannot help the refugees resettle and we certainly do not have the means to do so!”

“But should we really concern ourselves with these refugees?”

At the sound of your footsteps nearing, Shala silences the debate with a raised hand as she turns to you, and her furrowed brows tell the story of her mood.

“What do you think we should do, son?” She asked.

You stroke your chin carefully for a moment, carefully deliberating your next words as all other Druids focused their eyes on you.

Then, you said, “I say we take in the refugees.”

Almost immediately, there are muttered whispers among the Druids, some clearly not approving your decision.

You quickly add, “This is not out of mere sympathy or anything similar; the refugees will provide us the population with which to repopulate some desolate parts of the Dessarin, and have we not had plans to expand beyond Westwood and into Kryptgarden Forest?”

Some Druids quickly relent and nod, agreeing with your logic.

“And besides, if we plan to expand our territory, other lords and nobles will most certainly take notice,” You said, “If we take in the refugees and assimilate them to our culture and customs, it will spread good repute across the North, leaving a positive impression on all who hear. Even better, some may be more inclined to seek closer dealings with us in the future.”

“It’s all a good plan, and it does have its merits, but do tell me,” Said Shala, “How will you deal with any following political fallout? Say, if any nobles take offense to our accepting of refugees and threatens war over such?”

You had to admit, you did not think of such a scenario. But you are a man of ambition; you know that to rebuild Illefarn, the Elves’ slow birth rates will not do; your fellow Elves have proven spells of fertility, healing bodies tired from childbirth, but cooperation and integration with Humans among other races will prove exceptionally vital to its survival.

As such, you said, “Even if we do nothing and, say, let the supposed nobles take back the refugees. What then? Do you expect them to simply leave us be?”

“Well, yes?” Said one of the Druids.

“Then would you like to cater to the nobles and kiss their hand in peace, and pray he doesn’t decapitate you because he feels like it?” You question.

The Druid in question quickly shrinks away before you, and you turn your eyes to the rest of them.

“My son speaks truly,” Said Shala, “We will have to take them in, one way or another.”

“That, and we need to expand our territory; it’s what we must do if we are accepting these refugees.”

Your father, Keadan, strolled into the Druid’s Hall garbed in his Hunter’s gear, looking rather upset. He always was a stern man, slow to speak or express himself, but count on his bad emotions being a sign of trouble.

“Recently, the Lords Alliance has been in disarray with some of their number trying to **** the rest of them,” Said Keadan, “Some skirmishes broke out between them, and with monster raids complicating things, they fled here. Hence, the refugee crisis.”

With the Lords Alliance being the premier society in the North, your father – whilst not a member – was ambassador to their ranks out of necessity, for it was the Lords Alliance that held order and peace in the region despite its dangers, the Lord of the nearby town of Amphail being one of them.

And if the Lords Alliance were in disarray, it was dangerous news indeed.

“If that’s the case, we need to take matters into our own hands,” You said, “What of the other nearby duchies, for that matter?”

“Stable, all holding together for now,” Said Keadan, “But we cannot delay.”

“Agreed, I will organise the training of our new soldiers,” Said Carberos.

“I’ll go talk to the refugees’ leaders and see what I can do,” You said.

The refugees remain in a camp outside the town of Red Larch, mostly keeping to themselves under the watchful eye of your troops as they hurriedly partake of food rations gifted to them. They are as filthy and ragged as before, though just ever so slightly pacified.

As you approach, you say to the refugees, “Who amongst you is your leader? I would speak to him or her and hash out terms for your stay here.”

At this, many of the refugees are hopeful whilst the rest remain cautious. One among their number stands up and approaches you, wearing armour caked in dirt and shining with a dull lustre. She is similarly haggard, but carries herself with an energy borne of desperation to survive.

You had to admit, she was a beautiful Human; a tall woman towering above others by a few heads, she had vibrant ginger red hair tied in a messy-looking thick braid, pale skin adorned with freckles and piercing red eyes. Her garb seemed more reminiscent of those the Illuskan wore, a pelt of fur adorning her cloak.

She spoke with a harsh Northlander accent, saying, “I am the leader of these poor souls you see here. Name’s Vethraga Bronzespire, wandering Shieldmaiden turned Shepard of poor folk.”

“I am Elaxalim Thaeral, Lord of Dusk Circle and heir apparent,” You said, “I am here to offer you all sanctuary in exchange for your service.”

At this, Vethraga lets out a small sigh of relief, saying, “Now that’s the first good news I’ve heard in a long time. So, what do you want us to do, My Lord?”

“Simply put, we plan to recolonise Red Larch and Kryptgarten Forest, and to build a new fortress-city in-between Westwood and Kryptgarden,” You said, “We are in need of new population, but I must ask you first: Are you comfortable working with non-Human races?”

The inhabitants of Luskan – an Illuskan city to the North of Dusk Circle – have long disliked non-Human races in general, and were you to have such people in your fledgling domain, it could cause friction down the road.

Thankfully, Vethraga merely shakes her head, saying, “As long as it gives us food or shelter, I can deal with Elves and other non-Humans.”

That was the first step done. Now to fully facilitate their integration into the new realm.