Snowflake

  Solen and Galen left to scout the surrounding areas. They both had the strength to deal with mid stage dire cubs and if alate stage dire beast cub appeared they would be able to escape. So, with them doing some reconnaissance, the rest of the group was busy with dealing with the hunted prey. Firstly, they skinned the animal and threw the skin and fur on one side for usage when winter arrives and left some of the meat to dry. They had decided they would celebrate today, and every person would get some dire beast meat. 

It took quite a while before they were able to clean and skin the animals. And roughly about the same time when they had finished Solen and Galen had returned. "We didn't find anything in the outer edges of the woods, but we suspect that a group of dire beasts reside in the core area in the middle of the basin, presumably predators." Solen said. 

"We didn't dare go further but I believe we should be able to handle it if we could advance to level 7. So, Eldric, I want to ask you if we could scour the area to specifically hunt dire beasts. The wild beasts don't boost our strength and is too weak Dire beasts." 

"Mhmm... alright, but I suggest that you two, Cael, Evander and Lachlan form the group. With you together I could rest assured, and you could boost the last few to your level. Me and the rest of the group will still hunt wild beasts as they still hold value to us." Eldric suggested. 

And with that suggestion a hunting party was established for the sole purpose of hunting dire beasts. The group gathered around the campfire as they celebrated another joyous occasion. 

And with that the night soon began to fade and the morning rays started to shine. Eldric had woken up bright and early and he walked toward the House. When he was at the House, he could hear the sound of metal being pummeled from a building just beside the House. He decided to see how the tools were coming along. 

As he stepped through the massive wooden doors, a wave of heat and the rhythmic clang of hammers greeted you. The interior was a cavernous space, bathed in the warm glow of flickering hearths. The air is thick with the scent of burning coal and the symphony of metal meeting metal. 

A makeshift stone anvil could be seen already scarred from countless strikes. Surrounding it are workbenches and tool racks, each meticulously organized to ensure efficiency in the forging process. The walls are adorned with racks of shells for the weapons to be displayed. 

At the heart of the workshop is the mighty forge itself. A roaring fire blazes within, its flames dancing and casting a mesmerizing glow. Adjacent to the forge, a bellow stands ready to breathe life into the fire, stoking the flames to searing temperatures necessary for shaping metal. The heat radiating from the forge is intense, enveloping the workshop in a comforting warmth. 

Caspian, moved with purpose and precision. Sparks flew as he tirelessly hammered and shaped molten metal on the anvil, his skilled hands coaxing out the desired form. The symphony of his craftsmanship fills the air, a testament to his dedication and skill. 

Eldric stood at the side and watched Caspian absorbed in his work. After a while the whole process was finished and with it came the design and body of a steel sword. A rank 1 mid-grade sword. Interrupting his work Eldric asked, "What's it called?" 

Caspian muttered not at all surprised by Eldric's presence as if he knew he was there from the beginning, "Snowflake" 

"It may not be my best work, but it is my first piece created being a part of the House of Snow." he added. 

"Haha, Caspian even if it is just a mid-grade rank 1 weapon for us, now. It is the most suitable one." Eldric said patting Caspians shoulders. "Now come, it looks like you didn't get any sleep last night. Rest, before you start beating yourself up by forging again." he said quickly seeing Caspians expression. 

Caspian could only agree and left the workshop to rest. Eldric went about the shop and found the pieces of tools for the House. A few farm tools were created, some iron steel axed, pickaxes and shovels and things alike. 'With this we should be able to boost our productivity.' he thought. 

  It was not long after he saw the tools that he could hear footsteps outside, he saw a group of men before the workshop and Eldric said," Quick, inside is a few tools. Get a suitable tool and let's get to work." 

The men went their separate ways, some went to the field to till the ground using the pitchforks and shovels they had gained. After that they were able to finally plant some seeds. As the winter was still about 3 months away, they would be able to have a harvest before then if the crops were taken good care of. 

The men with the axes went to chop down some trees, the big oaks cracked as they started to fall. The woods were filled with deafening "Booms" as they hit the earth. They were then chopped into smaller pieces, some for the construction of new buildings, some for the campfire wood and some were sent to the workshop to be used. 

And lastly the men who went to the mines, took a pickaxe and some shovels for use. They plowed through the stones and with the rhythmic sound of clangs a bubbling tune could be heard: 

"In the depths of the earth where the darkness resides, 

  We venture forth, where the treasure hides. 

With pickaxe in hand, we dig deep and wide, 

For the precious ores that we'll bring to light." 

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I created a discord server to show designs and so on.

https://discord.gg/DdWHs6xg