Chương 29: Special Announcement

You learn to make do with what you have in the wilderness. Whether from what she provides or what you can take, everything is free game out here, as long as you can handle the consequences. —The Artificer's Guide to Frugal Living A rather concerned Danny led his wife out of the small medical station, shooting more than a few suspicious looks between the glowing wall and me, despite Nancy's assurances that it was her own decision to nearly bottom out her mana.

Finding myself alone for the first time since arriving, I rummaged in my pack for my last set of clothing. I didn't have enough supplies for a week, much less enough for another adventure. The rough linen tunic felt comforting, and I quickly swapped clothes. I left my things and settled onto a rough stump near a kitchen fire to enjoy the warmth emanating from the small furnace. Delicious smells of seasoned meats hung in the air of the longhouse, wafting their way among the diners.

Darby spotted me and wove his way through the makeshift tables between us.

"You look better already! I take it Nance took care of you then?" He looked down at my side, now covered by the fresh tunic.

"She did. Got a new ability that mostly fixed me up, but I think it was a bit much for her. Danny took her to bed." My stomach growled loudly, and Darby laughed.

"I was gonna ask you if you were hungry, but I think that answers my question. I'll get something together for you. Most of the others have already eaten, and we were just prepping for tomorrow." I nodded my thanks, but he was already turning away to fetch my dinner. Across from me, a small crowd had gathered around Emmie and Greg in rapt attention as they spun their tale of the afternoon's adventure, each attempting to outdo the other in their embellished retelling.

"And that's when the tree in the middle of the room turned into a giant monster, like a huge treant!" Greg spread his arms out with a grim smile.

"Logan had turned away, just for a moment, and that's when it struck!" He clapped his hands together loudly, making the children jump. Gene scoffed loudly into his cup, where he was sitting, two small stone tables over. He met my eye and shook his head in amusement. I almost got up to join him, but I found myself too tired to be bothered. Besides, the old grump had probably had enough of my company over the past day. Emmie nodded and took over.

"That's when I jumped over twelve skeletons to save him!" She paused and dramatically looked over her missing leg.

"A boss skeleton grabbed my leg and bit it off! But… I didn't let that stop me. I—""I thought you lost your leg, like, forever ago." Little Abbie looked at her doubtfully, her face scrunched up into a frown. One of the adults behind her laughed, pulling attention away from Emmie, and Greg picked up the tale. A tap on my shoulder interrupted the moment, and I turned to see Joann.

"By the sounds of it, it's amazing that you all made it out alive!" She laughed and sat next to me.

"I know you are probably tired, but I wanted to bring something up while you were available."

"Of course, what did you need?" I was tired, but I could always make time for the absolute gem that was Joann. She pulled something from her pocket and held it out, revealing a glowing concept.

"I got this while knitting some bedding. It's a Lesser Concept of Order." I cast [Inspect] and was met with the expected prompt. > Lesser Concept of Order > Born from the inspiration of a Seamstress, this concept reflects the order required of the craft. > Material"That's amazing! You didn't want to use it with something you create?" She shook her head.

"Normally, I would. But I'd much rather have a tool that helps me make things. I'm not sure how that would work, but I assumed you might have an idea." Stolen story; please report.

"You know, I think I might." The possibilities were already flitting by, and I took the small, blue pearl from her hand.

"I'll think on it. When I have something, I'll run it by you." She shook her head again and smiled warmly.

"Don't bother. I've seen your work, and I trust your judgment. Whatever you make will be perfect!" Darby returned, and she stood up.

"I'll leave you alone and let you eat! Thanks for indulging!" Darby raised an eyebrow after she left.

"What's that all about?"

"Got my first customer in Mossbrook!" My smile dropped.

"Ah, shit."

"Remember something?" He placed my plate in front of me, and I just stared for a moment.

"Yeah. I was supposed to make Perry some slings, and I completely forgot." The smell wafting up from the plate grabbed my attention and whisked away any thought of crafting. Small, crispy greens were mixed with a dark brown sauce poured over steaming slices of what looked like chicken. Which had to be impossible, because we had no chickens. I looked up at Darby questioningly.

"Tim trapped some birds only this afternoon. It's fantastic!" He motioned at the greens.

"We've been collecting plants nonstop, slowly testing them. I found some that have an incredible depth of flavor. Let me know what you think!" It was odd to see Darby cook something that looked and smelled so good. Back on Earth, before all this, I'm pretty sure the only thing I'd seen him cook was ramen in the microwave. He was always ordering delivery on our game nights. Tabitha must have been imparting some real wisdom the last few days. I took one bite and became lost in the flavors.

The next morning arrived with a very specific kind of energy. The contrast of the warm and cheery interior against the cold, dreary weather outside made for the perfect cozy fall atmosphere. I stretched and grimaced at the slightly uncomfortable feeling coming from my side. My wound wasn't quite healed yet, but was no longer a threat. The handmade mattress crinkled when I sat up. The fern-stuffed bedding had made for the most comfortable sleep I'd had since arriving.

Joann was really pulling her weight and deserved something special. I patted my pocket to make sure the concept was still there, and left the small room that they had assigned to me, Gene, and Darby. I must have overslept, but who could blame me? The day before had been a long and rough one. Breakfast was already underway, and I joined the morning procession.

"We have just two announcements to make today!" I watched Ernie step on top of a stump stool, positioning himself for a better view of the room.

"First is the elections! You may talk to me at any time if you are interested in being on the council, and your name will be added to the list. Same goes for the mayoral position, and we will vote in three days to give everyone a little time to finalize their intentions." He adjusted his vest and smiled.

"And the other, more important matter: I am happy to announce the first fall festival of Mossbrook village!" A round of applause rose from those watching, and I felt something stir inside me. If someone asked me a year ago if I wanted to attend a fall festival, I'd have immediately turned them down. Community had never been 'my thing', but the world had changed, and I must have changed with it. The dangerous nature of this world changed us, for the better.

The common neighborly squabbles—arguments over who left their trash can out too long, didn't cut their grass low enough, or even who allegedly cheated during bingo night—were no longer a problem, for we had much bigger ones to worry about.

"That's right! In two weeks, we will kick off a three-day festival filled with as much food as you can eat, some surprise activities, and a special treat or two!" He gave a mischievous grin.

"I won't say any more, but if you'd like to assist in preparations, please talk to Tabitha or Tim. That's all! Enjoy your breakfast, and stay warm. It's getting pretty chilly out there with the rain!" The rain! My bricks! Dammit! I was so tired I completely forgot… I held my plate out as Darby set some sort of flatbread on it, accompanied by a pile of greens and poultry from the night before.

"What's got you so glum? You not excited for the celebrations?"

"No, it's not that. I've been drying those bricks for the charcoal kiln for days, and I just realized that I left them in the rain." I sighed.

"It shouldn't absorb that badly, but it'll add a bit of time. I'm not sure how wet they got."

"Oh, that's all?" Darby chuckled.

"Don't worry about that. A couple of us moved 'em down here as soon as it looked like it might rain."

"I could kiss you, Darb." He scoffed in response.

"Please don't."

"Seriously though, I appreciate it. Where did y'all take them?" He didn't look up from his task.

"Darb?" He continued to ignore me for a few seconds before finally replying.

"Um, they're still there. Mostly," he mumbled, and I just barely understood him. It was at that moment that I recognized the material from which the small flatbread furnace beside us was made.

"Did you steal my bricks, Darby?" This time, I couldn't make out his mumbled reply.