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Hisako. I do not have much hospitality to offer yet, but what I do have is yours. Now please come see my village.”
    The party continued walking forward, and the various new settlers of the Mist Village looked up as they passed. Whatever tasks they were attending to were forgotten. How could carrying water compete with the Master of their new home being accompanied by a squad of armed sprite warriors? By the time they had walked to the foot of the hill leading to the first floor of the catacombs, more than a hundred villagers had gathered. Richter partly climbed the hill and then turned to look out at his people.
    “I was planning on gathering everyone later, but enough of you are here now. This is Lady Hisako, the leader of the wood sprites. They are our friends, and we are lucky to have them. This is the first time she has graced us with her presence, but I look forward to a warm and profitable relationship between our two peoples for many years to come. The benefits of our friendship start for us today. The Hearth Mother has come with a blessing. We will be planting an enchanted tree, and the blessing will make sure that it grows strong.” The people nodded and smiled. It wasn’t exactly a resounding cheer, but it seemed they were on board, so Richter would take it. He hadn’t really thought about the logistics of keeping close to three hundred people happy when he had recruited them, but he had a feeling that morale wasn’t something he just wanted to ignore.
    Richter looked at Hisako, “When should we do this?”
    “I see no reason to wait,” she said. “The weather is clear now, but there are clouds on the horizon. We can do the ceremony before the weather breaks.”
    Futen floated towards them from the entrance to the catacombs. “My Lord, am I correct in assuming that you plan to plant a Seed Core in the village?”
    Richter was somewhat surprised that the remnant knew what the Seed Core was. Futen had been around for tens of thousands of years, but his memory was fragmented. “That is what I’m planning. What do you know about the Seed Cores?”
    “Only that they are powerful relics, and that several previous Masters have attempted to obtain one but had no success. They always lamented that the sprites would not provide one.”
    Hmmmm , the remnant’s memory seemed to be improving, Richter thought. “Do you remember anything else?”
    “No, my Lord, many specific details still remain beyond my grasp. I would offer a suggestion, however. I heard the sprite Mother suggest planting the Seed now, but I believe tonight would be better.”
    “Why do you say this,” Hisako asked. She was looking at the remnant with curiosity, but also with caution. Richter didn’t understand why she looked so pensive.
    “I believe you are operating as if you were at your own Place of Power, Master Hisako. I can sense that you are a Master of Light, Life and Earth. Were we planting the Seed at your seat of power, then this would be the perfect time . The Mist Village, however, is built upon a nexus of Life, Dark, Water, and Air. The most auspicious time would be when the environment compliments those Powers. I suggest that we wait until nightfall. That will coincide with our Dark Power. The presence of the storm will fulfill the obligation of the Air and Water Powers. The Seed Core itself is Life magic. I believe that waiting will provide the highest chance to obtain a powerful tree.”
    Richter looked at Hisako, “What do you think?”
    “His reasoning is sound. When I advised to plant the Core now, I admit that in the back of my mind I was applying reasoning that would be best for the Hearth Tree. The blessing will easily last until tonight. It will also let me find the best place to plant the Seed Core.”
    “Okay then,” Richter said. I will let you all explore and relax after our trip. If you need anything, just ask. I’m going to check in with my people.” He looked over at Sion, who, as usual, had not been