The air near the riverbank was thick with the scent of wood, resin, and anticipation. The boat, the culmination of weeks of tireless effort, was finally complete. It was a long, elegant vessel, its wooden ribs curving gracefully, its planks fitted and sealed with meticulous care. It sat on the riverbank, a silent promise of distant lands and new possibilities. Borin, his face etched with fatigue but beaming with pride, ran a hand along its smooth hull. It was the finest thing the village had ever built.
The final preparations for the journey were underway. Piles of trade goods were stacked near the boat – bundles of finely woven textiles, sturdy pots and jars, containers filled with preserved grains and smoked creature meat. Paddles, newly crafted from strong, light wood, lay ready to be loaded. Weapons were sharpened, supplies of healing leaves and other necessities were packed into woven baskets.
Kaelen, after much deliberation with the elders, had finalized the list of expedition members. It was a carefully chosen group, balancing strength, skill, and reliability. Lyra, the skilled huntress, and Finn, known for his strength and agility, were essential members. Borin, his knowledge of materials and craftsmanship invaluable, would also go. Several other capable hunters and warriors, individuals who had proven themselves during the creature attack and in the defense construction, were included. The group numbered ten in total, a significant portion of the village's able-bodied adults, a testament to the importance placed on this journey.
Elias, despite his youth, was also to be a part of the expedition. Kaelen had initially hesitated, concerned about the dangers of the journey for a child. But Elias's ability to communicate with Zarthus's tribe, his knowledge of trade, and his unique perspective on the world were deemed too valuable to leave behind. Elias himself was eager to go, the prospect of seeing more of this world, of learning about other cultures and acquiring new knowledge, a powerful draw.
The days leading up to the departure were filled with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. The villagers gathered around the boat, admiring its craftsmanship, offering words of encouragement to the expedition members. Farewell meals were shared, stories were told, and traditional blessings were offered for a safe journey and a successful return. The potential risks were acknowledged, but the hope for what the journey might bring overshadowed the fear.
The morning of departure dawned clear and cool. The entire village gathered at the riverbank to see the expedition off. The Sun-Eye was just beginning to climb above the horizon, casting a golden light on the water and the waiting boat. The air was filled with the murmur of voices, the quiet rustle of movement, and the palpable emotions of farewell.
The ten members of the expedition, dressed in their sturdiest clothing and carrying their weapons and personal gear, stood ready. Kaelen stood before them, his scarred face serious. He spoke to the group, his voice clear and strong, reminding them of their purpose, of the need for vigilance, and of the village that would be waiting for their return. He spoke of the trust placed in them, of the hopes they carried.
One by one, the expedition members embraced their loved ones – farewells filled with quiet words, promises of return, and the shared weight of the journey ahead. Elias said goodbye to Elara, who hugged him tightly, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and worry. He exchanged a look with Kaelen, a silent acknowledgement of the responsibility they shared.
Then, the loading of the boat began. The trade goods were carefully placed in the hull, balanced to ensure stability. The paddles were stowed, the weapons secured. The expedition members climbed into the boat, finding their places. Lyra and Finn took positions near the front, their eyes already scanning the river ahead. Borin settled himself near the goods, ready to protect them. Elias found a spot near the center, his small size allowing him to fit in a relatively small space.
With everyone and everything aboard, Kaelen gave a final nod. The villagers on the bank helped push the boat away from the shore, sending it gliding into the current. The expedition members picked up their paddles, their movements initially a little awkward, then finding a rhythm.
The boat moved slowly at first, then picked up speed as it was caught by the river's flow. The villagers on the bank watched in silence, their faces a mixture of emotions – hope, worry, pride. They waved until the boat rounded a bend in the river and disappeared from sight, swallowed by the dense, colorful forest that lined the banks.
The silence that fell over the riverbank after the boat was gone felt immense. The village was quieter now, ten of its most capable members gone. The remaining villagers slowly began to disperse, returning to their daily tasks, the sounds of their work a determined counterpoint to the quiet that had fallen over the riverbank. The dark metal panel by the entrance stood as a silent witness to the departure, a piece of a past civilization watching as this small community ventured out to seek its future. The river flowed on, carrying the boat and its precious cargo downstream, towards the distant lake and the unknown world that awaited them.