The morning sun cast long shadows through the administrative building's windows as the core team assembled in the meeting room.
AJ settled into his position near the window, his human form steady but his thoughts already turning over the implications of this meeting. Beside him, Sam had his notebook open to a fresh page, ready to document whatever information emerged from this conversation.
Victor positioned himself where he could observe the entire meeting room, his posture relaxed but his eyes alert. Walter took a seat near Maria, his cane resting against the table's edge. Ethan and Lily completed the circle, their expressions reflecting curiosity mixed with wariness.
Before Aldric's arrival, Maria had briefed the team on what little she knew. Aldric Fenway, a representative of an organisation called the River's Eye is here to discuss potential cooperation.
The River's Eye is a group that apparently coordinated the River Pact's operations from behind the scenes. Beyond that, details were scarce. The River's Eye operated quietly, maintaining connections across the region without drawing too much attention to themselves.
"So we're meeting with one of the people who actually run the trading network," Victor had summarised.
"Something like that," Maria confirmed.
Everyone was on alert, though they agreed to approach the meeting with open minds. Whatever the River's Eye wanted, understanding their intentions would be valuable regardless of whether Valentra ultimately chose to partner with them or not.
Aldric then entered, accompanied by Captain Thessa, his understated clothing and confident bearing creating an impression of professionalism without ostentation. He nodded respectfully to the group before taking the offered seat across from Maria.
"Thank you for making time," Aldric began, his voice calm and clear. "I know your community has many demands on your attention."
"We're curious about what the River's Eye can offer," Maria replied. "Your organisation seems to operate differently than the trading groups we've encountered so far."
Aldric's slight smile suggested appreciation for her directness. "The River's Eye facilitates connections between communities, coordinates trade routes, and maintains information channels that help our partners make informed decisions."
"Information channels," Victor repeated.
"Knowledge is valuable," Aldric said. "Knowing which settlements have resources available, which regions face particular challenges, which groups are active in an area—this information helps plan effectively."
Sam leaned forwards slightly. "How extensive is your network?"
"We coordinate with various trading groups and maintain contacts across the region," Aldric replied, his answer deliberately vague. "Our connections allow us to facilitate exchanges that might otherwise be difficult to arrange."
Walter tapped the table with his finger thoughtfully. "And what does the River's Eye want from Valentra specifically?"
"Partnership," Aldric said simply. "Your settlement has achieved something remarkable—stable governance, productive workshops, successful cultivation training, and a reputation that attracts people from across the area. These accomplishments make you valuable potential partners."
"Valuable how?" Ethan asked bluntly.
Aldric didn't seem bothered by the direct question. "Valentra could serve as a reliable point of contact, or even a hub, for this region. Your metalworking produces quality goods. Your food security is notable. Your strength and ability to survive is also not something to be ignored. These capabilities create opportunities."
"We can give you access to distant markets and resources," Aldric continued. "There are settlements significant distances from here that produce quality textiles, medicinal herbs, materials. The River's Eye can help arrange those connections while managing the logistics."
"And information," Victor added, his eyes fixed on Aldric's face.
"Yes," Aldric confirmed. "We can also provide useful intelligence—information about movements in the region, opportunities that arise, developments that might affect operations..."
The team exchanged meaningful glances. The benefits Aldric described were substantial and the implications were clear, they would have to provide resources, information and their services as a member of the network.
"What would you want from us in terms of information?" Sam asked carefully.
Aldric's expression remained pleasant but serious. "General updates about your settlement's development, notifications of significant events in your area, cooperation in maintaining accurate understanding of regional conditions. Nothing that would compromise your security."
"That sounds vague," Walter observed.
"By necessity," Aldric replied. "Every partnership develops its own parameters based on mutual needs and trust. Some communities share extensively, others maintain stricter boundaries. We adapt to what works for each partner."
Maria studied Aldric for a long moment before speaking. "Our concern is what happens to information once it leaves our control. If we share details about our operations, who else gains access to that knowledge?"
"A valid concern," Aldric acknowledged. "The River's Eye maintains protocols about information distribution. Details shared in confidence remain confidential unless you explicitly authorise wider distribution. Our reputation depends on being trustworthy."
"But you do share information between your partners," Victor pressed.
"When it benefits involved parties, yes," Aldric said. "If something affects multiple communities we work with, we facilitate that communication. But specific operational details of our partners remain mostly confidential."
Ethan crossed his arms. "What about conflicts between your partners? If two communities you work with have competing interests, whose side do you take?"
"Neither," Aldric replied without hesitation. "The River's Eye maintains strict neutrality. We facilitate communication and trade, but we don't involve ourselves in disputes. Our value lies in being trusted by all parties, which requires impartiality."
The answer seemed rehearsed, which made Victor's expression grow more sceptical. Before he could voice his concerns, Aldric reached into a leather pouch at his belt.
"I brought something to demonstrate the kind of opportunities our partnership can provide," he said, producing a small cloth-wrapped bundle. "We recently acquired samples of a rare mineral that might interest your researchers and craftsmen."
He unwrapped the cloth to reveal several pieces of refined voidspar, its dark sheen and slight distorting effect around it raising some unpleasant memories.
AJ's form rippled involuntarily, his human shape wavering for just a moment as his substance reacted to the familiar material. The sensation wasn't painful at this distance, but recognition and discomfort flashed across his features before he could suppress the reaction.
The other team members noticed immediately. Lily's eyes widened slightly, Sam's pen froze mid-writing, and Victor's hand moved unconsciously towards his dagger.
Aldric observed their reactions with barely concealed interest, his gaze moving from AJ to the others. "An unusual material," he commented carefully. "We're still learning about its properties."
"Where did you acquire this?" Walter asked, his tone unusually firm.
"Through our trade networks," Aldric replied, rewrapping the voidspar carefully. "It comes from mining operations in mountainous regions. Quite rare and difficult to acquire."
Mining operations in mountainous regions, Victor thought, exchanging a quick glance with the others. The Obsidian Sect. So the River's Eye has connections there.
The revelation shifted the atmosphere in the room subtly. The team's wariness increased slightly, though whether Aldric noticed the change was unclear.
While Maria didn't fully understand the others' reaction she knew better to ask about it now.
"That's certainly an interesting material," She said. "Though we'd need to study it more thoroughly to determine its applications."
Aldric nodded, setting the wrapped voidspar on the table. "Consider it a gift, to demonstrate our access to unusual resources. The River's Eye can provide materials and goods that would otherwise be difficult to obtain."
"We appreciate the gesture," Maria said, though her eyes flickered briefly to AJ before returning to Aldric.
Aldric inclined his head slightly, seeming satisfied that his demonstration had achieved its intended effect. The voidspar remained on the table between them, wrapped but not forgotten—a show of the River's Eye's reach and connections.
Sam cleared his throat. "Let's come back to the topic of information, we'll have to share the settlements overall situation and general happenings. What about the information you can give us? Do we get general updates for free and detailed information at a price?"
"We can give you low level information for free, things like monster movements, extreme weather events, and so on" Aldric replied. "As for the details of what, where and who, that will come with a price tag."
"Ok can you give us some intel on the factions in the region." Sam asked. "What should we be aware of?"
Aldric's expression grew more guarded. "All I can say right now is that this region has a number of established groups with different goals and capabilities, and staying informed about them is valuable."
"But you could provide specific information if we agreed to partnership terms and potentially paid a certain price," Walter commented.
"Yes," Aldric confirmed.
The team fell silent for a moment, considering the implications. The benefits were clear—access to markets, resources, and information that could enhance Valentra's position. But the costs, open and hidden, remained uncertain, particularly regarding what information might leak beyond their borders and who would be able to access it.
"What's the next step in setting up this partnership?" Maria asked.
"A written agreement outlining expectations on both sides," Aldric explained. "Trade terms specifying what goods you want access to and what you're willing to provide. Information sharing protocols defining what you'll report and what you expect to receive. Procedures for addressing problems if they arise."
"And if we want to end the partnership?" Victor asked.
"Either party can withdraw with appropriate notice," Aldric said.
Maria looked around the table, reading her team's expressions carefully. Victor remained sceptical, he saw more risks than benefits. His eyes kept drifting to the wrapped voidspar, clearly troubled by the thought of the River's Eye's connection to the Obsidian Sect.
Walter shared that caution, though his weathered face showed thoughtful consideration rather than rejection. His fingers drummed lightly against the table's edge.
Sam's curiosity was evident, the researcher clearly wanted access to the trade network and information channels Aldric had described. His notebook lay open before him, filled with notes he'd taken throughout the conversation.
AJ's expression was harder to read, though his earlier reaction to the voidspar had created obvious concerns.
Ethan and Lily seemed to be withholding judgement, waiting to hear what others thought before committing to positions. Ethan's arms remained crossed, while Lily leaned back in her chair, her gaze moving between Aldric and Maria.
"This is a significant decision," Maria said finally. "We'll need time to discuss it among ourselves and consider things carefully."
"Of course," Aldric replied smoothly. "I'd be concerned if you agreed immediately without proper consideration."
"How long will you be in the area?" Walter asked.
"I can remain with the River Pact traders for as long as necessary," Aldric said. "Take all the time you need."
"We'll give you our answer within a few days," Maria promised. "Is there anything else we should know?"
Aldric considered the question carefully. "Only that the River's Eye values long-term relationships. Whatever we agree to, we'll honour consistently and without compromise. Our reputation depends on it after all."
The statement was simple, but it carried weight. In a world where trust was difficult to establish and maintain, reputation meant everything.
"We'll consider everything you've shared and give you a response soon." Maria said, standing to signal the meeting's conclusion.
Aldric rose as well, "Thank you for hearing me out. I look forwards to your decision."
As Thessa and Aldric departed, the core team remained around the table. The wrapped voidspar sat in the centre, a tangible reminder of both the opportunities and complications this potential partnership represented.
The room felt heavier somehow, the weight of the decision pressing down on them all. No one spoke immediately, each person lost in their own thoughts about what they'd just heard.
"Well," Ethan said finally, breaking the silence. "That was interesting."
"Interesting is one word for it," Victor replied.
Maria spoke next. "Thoughts?"
"I think we all need some time to process what we've heard." Walter rubbed his temple.
"Agreed," Victor added. "Let's reconvene tomorrow morning. That gives everyone the night to digest the information."
Maria nodded slowly. The decision they faced would determine whether Valentra took its next steps towards further involvement with outside organisations, or maintain its current independence and relative isolation.
Either choice would carry significant consequences for their settlement's future.