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Chapter 35 - When the Flowers Bloom
🕑 Added 2025-04-10 21:00:15 +0000 UTCOnce they had finished their work, they headed to the basin to wash up, removing the layers of dried clay and dust that clung to their skin. The cool water refreshed them, washing away the exhaustion of the day.
Kali, however, frowned as she scrubbed her hands. "Clay… under nails. Don't like."
Lara chuckled, rinsing her arms. "You get used to it."
Kali shook her head, still digging at the stubborn bits stuck beneath her fingernails. "No. Too much. Stays there."
Athan, washing his own hands, glanced at her. "Use a small stick. It helps."
Kali huffed, trying exactly that, but still looking displeased. "Still there."
Lara smirked. "Then stop looking."
Kali shot her a glare but didn't argue, instead splashing water on her face with a sigh. "Work messy."
Athan rinsed off the last of the clay and dust. "That's how you know it's real work."
Kali muttered something under her breath but didn't complain further, instead focusing on getting as clean as possible.
After cleaning up, Athan decided to inspect the fields, something he had neglected over the past few days due to his focus on construction and crafting. As he approached, a pleasant surprise awaited him—Field 2's vines had begun to bloom! Delicate purple flowers, their petals thin and almost translucent, adorned the plants, signaling the early stages of fruit development. Turning his gaze to Field 1, he noticed a single bright yellow flower had appeared, its broad petals spreading wide, standing proudly among the greenery.
Excitement bubbled within him. This was a significant step forward for the settlement. These flowers were proof that their efforts in cultivating the land were paying off, bringing them closer to a sustainable food source. He crouched down, carefully inspecting the blooms, his mind already racing with thoughts of the harvest to come.
Quickly surveying the other fields that had already sprouted, Athan noted how much space the plants were beginning to occupy. The fields were alive with growth, each one exhibiting unique characteristics that hinted at their future yield.
In Field 1, the plants had climbed steadily along the stakes he had planted earlier, their tendrils wrapping around the wooden supports for stability. Several vines intertwined with each other, forming a web of green. Large, broad leaves stretched outward, their surfaces reflecting the soft glow of the setting sun, creating a dense canopy that blocked some sunlight from reaching the soil below. The whole plants had begun developing thicker stems, reinforcing their ability to support themselves.
Field 2 exhibited similar growth, though its vines and leaves were noticeably smaller and more delicate in appearance. Their slender tendrils curled tightly around the stakes, yet despite their fragile look, they had spread aggressively in height, covering nearly the entire support structure with thin but abundant foliage. The contrast between the two fields was striking—one thick and robust, the other delicate but sprawling. Athan noticed that some of the vines were starting to develop small buds, hinting at the early formation of fruit.
Field 3 had progressed well, with stalks now standing at approximately 50 cm in height. Long, firm leaves framed the sturdy central stems, their sharp edges indicating a plant built for endurance. They had endured the heavy rain from days prior, initially bending under the weight of the downpour but now standing resiliently tall with just a bit of his help, their bases reinforced by layers of compacted soil. Small nodes were forming along the higher sections of the stalks, a promising sign of future growth.
Field 6 displayed similar growth patterns, though its stalks were noticeably thicker, giving the impression of a heartier plant. Its leaves, however, differed—wider and heavier, they drooped slightly instead of standing firm, as though weighed down by their own mass. Some of the outer leaves curled downward, a sign that Athan made a note to observe for potential over-saturation or imbalance in the soil's moisture. The roots of these plants were partially exposed in places, likely due to the rain loosening the soil, prompting him to consider adding more earth around their bases for better stability.
Field 5 featured smaller plants with delicate, oval-shaped leaves, their bright green color contrasting against the darker soil. Unlike the others, these plants remained closer to the ground, their stems still fragile, swaying gently with the breeze. He noticed that while their growth was slower, their coloration remained vibrant, suggesting healthy development.
Meanwhile, the seeds in Fields 7 and 8 had finally broken through the soil, bringing fresh signs of life. Field 7 displayed thin stalks, each lined with a scattering of tiny leaves, growing steadily though at a slower pace than the others. Some of the young plants leaned slightly, prompting Athan to consider reinforcing them with small stakes. Field 8, on the other hand, had emerged with young sprouts that bore two distinct leaves per plant, their structure already showing promise for a stable, well-rooted crop. The arrangement of the leaves suggested an organized growth pattern, an encouraging sign for future cultivation.
Excited by these developments, Athan rushed to retrieve his notebook, where he diligently recorded his observations. He carefully sketched out the patterns of growth, noting variations in leaf shape, stalk thickness, and height. He also added small notes about potential adjustments—supporting weaker plants, checking soil conditions, and monitoring water distribution to ensure optimal growth. Every small change in the fields was a step forward in their agricultural progress, and he was determined to track it all with precision.
Once back at the fire pit, Athan saw that Lara and Kali were already busy preparing the meal of the day. It seemed the hunters had once again managed to catch one of the enormous rabbits that roamed the area. While bringing water for the already boiling cooking pot, Lara was instructing Kali on how to properly butcher the animal.
Lara pointed at the carcass, her brow furrowed in concentration. "You cut here," she said, dragging her finger along the leg joint. "No cut bone, only meat."
Kali nodded, gripping the knife tightly. "Like this?" She pressed into the flesh, but Lara quickly stopped her, placing her hand over Kali's to guide her.
"No, no. Not hard. Soft hand, feel knife," Lara corrected. "Slide, not push. If push, meat break."
Kali frowned in frustration but mimicked Lara's movement more carefully, sliding the blade along the muscle instead of forcing it. The knife glided more smoothly this time, separating the meat from the bone in a cleaner cut.
Lara grinned. "Good! Now take skin. Pull, not cut. Skin come easy."
Kali hesitated before gripping the loose hide and tugging it back, revealing the lean muscle beneath. Her eyes widened slightly as the skin peeled away without much resistance. "It work!"
Lara nodded in approval. "Yes. Now, big piece better. Small piece bad for smoke, become hard. Smoke on big piece make strong, keep long."
Kali looked at the pile of meat they had already cut and then back at Lara. "More big? We fix?"
Lara smirked, handing her another piece. "Yes. We fix."
Smiling at their discussion, preserving meat this way would extend its longevity, providing food for the coming days. Athan then walked over to store his notebook, pen, and inkwell in a safe place. As he did, his eyes lingered on the large roll of paper his parents had carefully preserved. It had been a while since he last updated the village plans. Feeling a sudden urge to do so, he retrieved the paper and unrolled it, noting the changes that had taken place since his last draft.
He carefully sketched in the newly added features: the completed drainage system for the toilets, the five conduits that allowed water to pass through the defensive wall, and the first bath, which, though still incomplete, had seen significant progress. Next, he outlined the structure of the permanent kiln, its construction well underway. Finally, he redrew the rectangular outline of the first house, adjusting it to reflect the work that had been completed and the modifications they had made since the initial design.
The village was slowly transforming, growing more structured with each passing day. As he continued to refine the map, he couldn't help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction. What had once been an unorganized settlement was now beginning to take the shape of something far greater—a foundation for a true community.
Once he was finished, Athan left the plan to dry in the open air before retrieving his bowl. A few minutes earlier, Lara had announced that the meal was ready. Before going in line to eat, he decided to change into his new clothes, hoping to make his mother happy.
He carefully put on the garments she had crafted, adjusting the fit and smoothing out the fabric. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out of his shelter, eager to surprise her and see the joy in her eyes at the sight of him wearing her work.
Nearby, the rabbit had been fully skinned, its pelt handed over to Medi, who would handle the tanning process to preserve the fur. The meat was now smoking over the fire, carefully positioned away from the direct flames to ensure an even cure.
Tonight's meal was a fish soup, enriched with root vegetables and dandelions to add both flavor and nutritional value. Since the introduction of the cooking pot, the only nights the group had gone without food were those when heavy rain had prevented them from using the fire.
As he waited with Ok for his portion, Athan's mind drifted to future projects. Once the house and toilet were completed, he wanted to build a designated shelter for the fire pit—an area that would allow them to cook and eat without worrying about the weather. He envisioned a slightly sloped floor made of rock and cement, designed to drain rainwater outward, preventing flooding near the flames. A high roof would allow smoke to escape while still providing enough coverage for people to sit and eat comfortably even during heavy rains.
Ok interrupted his thoughts, nudging him slightly. His eyes scanned Athan's new clothes with curiosity. "This new?" he asked, reaching out to touch the fabric. "Feels soft. Warm?"
Athan nodded. "Yes. My mother made it."
Ok's face lit up with interest. "Good clothes. Strong? Better than fur?"
Athan thought for a moment before responding. "Not as warm as fur, but better for work. Lighter."
Ok grinned. "Maybe all wear soon. No more only fur."
He then nodded in approval before shifting back to the topic at hand. "The walls will be ready tomorrow," he said, carefully forming his words. "Only a few pieces left. After that, we assemble the house."
Athan glanced at him, surprised by their speed. "Already? How?"
Ok straightened slightly, his chest puffing out with pride. He gestured with his hands, mimicking the motion of hammering wedges. "We worked fast. The bow drill made the holes beforehand, so no slow work. Now, we just fit the pieces together, lock them tight. Once in place, they won't move. The house will stand strong for a long time."
Athan nodded in understanding, picturing the final assembly in his mind. "That's good. Tomorrow, we start early. We finish soon."
Ok grinned, pleased Athan understood. "Yes. Soon, a real home."
Athan smiled, feeling a sense of pride. Soon, their settlement would take another step toward becoming a true village.
Once his bowl was served, Athan went to sit near his mother, his father, and Kali's mother, who was nursing Mir while engaging in conversation. The gentle crackling of the fire provided a steady background to the warmth of the gathering. He patiently waited for Lara and Kali to join them before beginning his meal, savoring the scent of the freshly cooked fish soup. However, he didn't miss the warm smile his mother gave him when she noticed he was wearing the clothes she had made for him. Her eyes lingered on the fabric for a moment before she reached out, smoothing the sleeve with a look of quiet pride.
When the girls arrived, the group began discussing the latest developments in the village. They spoke about the fields, now blooming with flowers—vivid purple blossoms covering the vines in Field 2 and the broad yellow flowers standing tall in Field 1. Talk of the future fruits and vegetables they would soon be able to harvest that the boy was describing, brought an air of excitement, as each person imagined the meals they could prepare with fresh produce.
The conversation shifted to the house, which was set to begin construction the next day. Ok, Yun, and Wade had ensured that the necessary beams and columns were ready, and with most of the joints pre-drilled, the process was expected to go faster than anticipated. His father nodded approvingly, clearly invested in the work he had helped with, while Kali's mother listened attentively, her free hand gently rocking Mir as she took in the discussion.
They also talked about the bricks Athan had prepared, many of which had already been used to construct the new permanent kiln. The remaining bricks were still inside the old kiln, gradually cooling down before they could be retrieved. The nearly completed drainage system for the toilets was another point of pride, as it would make life significantly easier once finished. The women, in particular, were eager for their completion, as they disliked the lack of privacy when relieving themselves outside the walls.
The bath project, though still in progress, had already drawn interest from several villagers, eager to experience the convenience of washing more easily—a concept that was entirely new to them. They spoke with curiosity and excitement, imagining what it would be like to wash without relying solely on the river or rainwater, something they had never known before.
The sense of progress was palpable. Despite the challenges ahead, the group shared a moment of quiet satisfaction, exchanging glances that spoke of resilience and determination.
Once the meal was finished, while the others went about their activities, Athan turned his attention to completing the large wooden pot he had carved from a tree trunk. He had spent days hollowing it out, smoothing the interior, and ensuring it would be functional for brewing beverages.
Taking the pot to the fire pit, he placed several heated stones inside, allowing their intense heat to scorch the inner walls. This process would harden the wood, seal any small pores, and prevent splinters or unwanted residues from affecting future drinks. He carefully rotated the pot, ensuring the entire interior wa30s treated by the heat, before removing the stones with a wooden tool and setting the pot aside to cool.
His gaze then shifted to the dandelion roots that had been drying under the sun for the past few days. Some of them were now brittle and ready to be used. Without hesitation, he placed a fresh set of stones in the fire, preparing for the next morning. He planned to brew a drink—one that, while bitter, would provide an energizing effect for those willing to try it. With everything set, he felt a sense of satisfaction. Tomorrow, they would experience something new.
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The next morning, Athan woke up quickly, eager to begin his task. He carefully untangled himself from Lara and Kali, making sure not to wake them as he slipped out of their shared bedding. Moving quietly, he retrieved his wooden pot and stepped outside, inhaling the crisp morning air.
He made his way to the river, where he washed himself, the cold water fully waking him. Filling the pot with fresh river water, he took a moment to observe the surroundings, the gentle mist rising from the surface of the water as the first rays of sunlight touched it. Satisfied, he returned to the fire pit.
Using tongs, he carefully retrieved the heated stones from the previous night and dropped them into the water. A loud hiss erupted as the liquid began to boil rapidly, the heat transferring instantly from the stones. Steam rose in curling wisps, carrying the scent of fresh minerals.
Taking his mortar and pestle, he methodically crushed one of the dried dandelion roots into a fine powder before sprinkling it into the boiling water. The mixture darkened as it steeped, releasing its earthy aroma into the air. He let the brew sit for a few minutes, allowing the root to infuse properly while he watched, satisfied with his preparation.
As he watched, Wade, his father, approached with curiosity, eyeing the steaming pot. "What you making?" he asked.
Athan stirred the liquid with a wooden spoon before answering, "I'm making coffee."
Wade's brow furrowed in confusion. "Coffee?"
Seeing his father's puzzled expression, Athan explained, "It's a drink. It's bitter, but it gives energy. Helps work better during the day."
Intrigued, Wade glanced at Rael, Athan's mother, who had been watching from nearby. He raised an eyebrow in silent question. Rael simply shrugged, giving her approval. As far as she knew, the roots Athan had used weren't harmful.
Encouraged, Wade nodded toward the pot. "Alright… let's try… this 'coffee.'"
The boy gestured for Wade to hand him his bowl, carefully pouring some of the brewed mixture while using a wooden spoon to prevent any solid particles from falling in. The dark liquid swirled in the bowl, steam rising in delicate tendrils. Wade lifted it to his lips, taking a cautious sip. Almost instantly, his face twisted in surprise—the drink was indeed bitter and scalding hot. He smacked his lips, exhaling sharply before blowing on the surface to cool it. After a moment of hesitation, he took another sip, his gaze fixed on the fire as he slowly adjusted to the strange yet invigorating taste.
The earthy aroma of the brew drifted through the air, drawing the attention of others. Curiosity spread among the group, and one by one, members approached, their eyes flicking between Wade and the steaming pot. Hesitant but eager to try, they extended their bowls, mirroring Wade's actions as they cautiously sampled the concoction.
Reactions varied—some immediately grimaced, their faces scrunching up at the intense bitterness, while others swallowed thoughtfully, feeling the warmth spread through their bodies. A few muttered in low voices about the strange aftertaste, but several nodded in appreciation, recognizing the sudden alertness that followed each sip.
Athan observed their expressions with amusement, taking mental notes on their reactions. The drink might not be pleasant, but it served its purpose. Satisfied that his experiment was being shared, he handed the wooden pot to his mother for safekeeping. Wiping his hands on his tunic, he then made his way toward the irrigation system, ready to activate the flow of water and ensure the fields received their morning hydration.
As he activate the water, his mind wandered back to the conversation he had with Ok the previous evening. The walls of the house would be ready to be assembled today, which meant they would finally see the first true structure of the village take shape. However, a troubling realization nagged at him—how were they going to work at height? They had no ladders, no platforms to stand on, making it impossible to properly secure the upper beams and connections.
He frowned, considering their options. They could try stacking logs or using makeshift supports, but that felt unstable and dangerous. Perhaps they could build scaffolding? The thought excited him—if they could construct a temporary framework, it would not only make this job easier but could also be reused for future buildings. He needed to discuss this with Ok before they began.
With this new problem in mind, Athan let the water flow for a few more minutes before carefully shutting it off. Satisfied that the fields had received enough hydration, he wiped his damp hands on his tunic and turned toward the worksite. With a determined stride, he made his way toward the construction area, ready to address the challenge ahead.
Arriving at the construction site, Athan took a moment to assess the materials available. His eyes moved over the pile of planks, the remaining beams, and even the smaller ones that had been shaped but were too short for major structural use. He tapped his chin in thought, considering what would be needed for the next stages of the build.
