Ray awoke to the familiar chirping of the alien birdsong, the soft light of dawn painting the interior of their small tent in gentle hues. He reached out, expecting to find the familiar warmth of Clara's sleeping form beside him, but the space was empty. A faint aroma of roasted tubers, similar to yesterday's breakfast, wafted into the tent, easing a momentary flicker of unease. He assumed Clara was already up, preparing their morning meal.
He sat up and pushed aside the tent flap, expecting to see Clara tending a small fire. Instead, a leafy plate laden with roasted tubers and a handful of the tart berries sat neatly just outside the tent entrance. Clara was nowhere in sight. A sudden splash of water echoed from the direction of the nearby spring, followed by a soft humming sound. Curiosity piqued, Ray began to turn his head towards the sound.
"Ray! Don't look!" Clara's sharp, slightly panicked voice cut through the morning quiet.
Ray froze mid-turn, his eyebrows raised in surprise. He could hear the rustling of leaves and the distinct sound of someone quickly moving through the undergrowth. A moment later, Clara emerged from the trees, her cheeks slightly flushed, her long black hair still damp and clinging to her shoulders. She wore the same simple tunic as yesterday, now looking freshly rinsed.
"Sorry," she said, a sheepish grin on her face. "I felt incredibly sticky after… well, you know. No proper bath since… whenever. The spring looked too inviting. I just wanted to wash off a bit." She avoided his gaze, a hint of embarrassment in her tone. "Please tell me you didn't…?"
Ray chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, I hadn't even fully woken up. Just heard the splash. Noted: early morning spring visits are private affairs."
Clara let out a small sigh of relief, a playful jab at his arm. "Thank you for your… restraint. Next time, I'll try to be quieter." They shared a brief, comfortable smile, the initial awkwardness quickly dissipating.
They ate their fill of the simple breakfast, the morning air filled with the sounds of the awakening forest. As they ate, a familiar chime resonated in their minds, accompanied by a new notification in their system interfaces.
"New Mission Received: Surveying the Domain. Objective: Thoroughly map the 5km perimeter of Aethelred's Reach. Reward: 5-10 Native Population (Aetheri) Arrival, Basic Understanding of Local Flora and Fauna, 200 System Points (Each for Lord and Helper). Lord Ray Aethelred has received a 'First Lord's Favor' bonus: Additional 5 Aetheri Arrival."
Ray and Clara exchanged stunned glances. "We did do that yesterday," Clara said, pointing to the mental map in her interface, already filled with their marked locations.
Ray accessed his own map, confirming their extensive exploration of the territory's edge. The system seemed to have registered their efforts. A moment later, another notification popped up: "Mission 'Surveying the Domain' Completed! Rewards Granted: 10 Native Population (Aetheri) Arrival Initiated for Lord Ray Aethelred, 5 Native Population (Aetheri) Arrival Initiated for Helper Clara, Basic Understanding of Local Flora and Fauna added to System Information, 200 System Points awarded to Ray Aethelred, 200 System Points awarded to Clara."
A soft, ethereal glow began to emanate from the center of their territory, near their small campsite. The air shimmered slightly, and a low, melodic hum filled the clearing. Ray and Clara stood up, their eyes wide with anticipation and a touch of apprehension.
From the shimmering light, figures began to materialize. Ten of them in total. They were humanoid in shape but possessed a subtle grace and an otherworldly quality. Their skin had a soft, pearlescent sheen, reflecting the morning light in shifting hues. Their eyes were large and luminous, taking in their surroundings with an intelligent curiosity. They wore simple, flowing garments woven from natural fibers that seemed to subtly shift in color like their skin. These were the Aetheri.
One of the Aetheri, who stood slightly apart from the others, held himself with a quiet confidence. His pearlescent skin shimmered with a faint, silver undertone, and his luminous eyes seemed to hold a deeper understanding. He stepped forward. His movements were fluid and silent. His gaze focused on Ray, and then on Clara, a gentle understanding in their gaze.
"Greetings, Lord. " the Aetheri said, his voice a soft, melodic resonance that seemed to bypass their ears and speak directly to their minds. "We have sensed your arrival and the establishment of your domain. We are the Aetheri, the original inhabitants of this land. It is our purpose to serve the chosen lords."
He gestured to the surrounding forest. "This world has existed for eons, shaped by the flow of mana and the cycles of nature. We have lived in harmony with it, learning its secrets, understanding the properties of the flora and fauna, and the subtle currents of magic that permeate the land. We have no desire for dominion, no inclination for conflict amongst ourselves. Our strength lies in our adaptability and our willingness to aid those who will lead."
The Aetheri's gaze returned to Ray. "We sensed your claim upon this territory. Among us is Lyra. She possesses a heightened connection to the flow of mana and a deep understanding of the natural world. Her skills will be invaluable in guiding your first steps. We offer our knowledge, our skills, and our loyalty. Tell us, Lord, how may we serve you in the building of your kingdom?" The Aetheri inclined his head slightly, his luminous eyes awaiting Ray's command.