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With his hunger now undeniable, he made his way back to camp, his stomach growling in anticipation of the evening meal. As he approached, the distant aroma of cooked meat and roasted roots filled the air, making his pace quicken slightly.
Lining up with the others, Athan took his portion of food before waiting for the girls. Once they had their meals, they all sat together, eating and discussing the day's events.
Lara let out a deep sigh as she took her first bite. "Finding good stonesā¦ not easy."
Athan glanced at her. "You had trouble?"
She nodded, chewing. "Yes. Many too small. Many too soft. Hard to find right ones."
Kali, sitting beside her, grinned. "Lara put them in pile. Big pile."
Athan smirked. "Not throwing them away?"
Lara shook her head. "No. Maybe you use later."
Athan chuckled, nodding. "Smart."
Lara shrugged. "Better than waste."
Turning to Kali, Athan asked, "And you? How was carrying water?"
Kali puffed up her chest slightly. "Better. Faster."
Lara smirked. "She walk less like baby deer now."
Kali shot her a look before turning back to Athan. "Less spill. More water reach fire."
Athan nodded approvingly. "Good. That saves time."
Lara stabbed another piece of food. "What next, Athan?"
He swallowed before answering. "Tomorrow, more bricks. And I'll work on the bath's base."
Lara exhaled loudly, stretching her arms. "More work, always."
Athan smirked. "That's how we build a village."
Lara scoffed but didn't argue. "Fine. But I take best job."
Kali blinked. "What job best?"
Lara grinned. "The one not too hardā¦ but not too boring."
Athan chuckled. "Let me know when you find that one."
The three of them continued eating, their conversation shifting between work, teasing, and shared exhaustion from the long day.
Once finished with eating and cleaning, Athan pulled out a sturdy log and began carving a wooden pot, wanting more options for carrying liquids or other small necessities. He worked methodically, his knife scraping away at the wood as he shaped the container, ensuring it would hold without leaking. Around him, the other clan members engaged in their own activitiesāsome sharpening tools, others tending to the fire or preparing materials for the next day's tasks. A few were practicing writing on the ground, carefully etching symbols and letters under the dim firelight.
Meanwhile, a small group attempted to play simple melodies on the two flutes the boy had carve, their hesitant notes blending into the evening air. The quiet sounds of crackling flames, murmured conversations, and the occasional off-key flute created a peaceful atmosphere as the evening wound down.
As night fully settled, everyone gradually prepared to sleep. The boy lay down, nestled between Lara and Kali, their shared warmth comforting against the cool night air. His muscles ached, but the satisfaction of a productive day outweighed the fatigue. The rhythmic sounds of the night surrounded them, the distant chirping of insects and the soft rustling of leaves lulling them into relaxation.
Lara let out a long sigh. "Tired."
Kali, already curled up, nodded sleepily. "Much work."
Athan smirked, staring up at the night sky. "That's every day."
Lara groaned. "Too much. Tomorrow, I sleep."
Athan chuckled. "No, tomorrow, you work."
Kali let out a soft laugh. "Lara like best job, no?"
Lara scoffed. "Yes. Still looking."
Athan shook his head in amusement before stretching his sore arms. "At least today went well."
Kali shifted slightly. "Tomorrowā¦ bricks, bath?"
Athan nodded. "Yeah. More bricks, start the bath base."
Lara yawned. "More carrying, more digging."
"You can take it easy,"Ā Athan offered, though he knew the answer.
Lara snorted. "No. If I stop, you work too much."
Athan smirked. "Sounds familiar."
Kali, already half-asleep, mumbled. "Always workā¦ but village strong."
Athan exhaled, a small smile on his lips. "Yeah. That's the goal."
A comfortable silence settled between them. The exhaustion of the day weighed on their bodies, but beneath it lay a quiet sense of accomplishment. Slowly, their breathing evened out, one by one drifting into sleep, ready to face another day.
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As the first rays of the morning sun illuminated the settlement, Athan stirred from his sleep, feeling the comforting warmth of Lara and Kali beside him. During the night, they had instinctively latched onto him, their bodies pressed close for warmth against the lingering chill of dawn.
He remained still for a brief moment, enjoying the tranquility before both girls began to shift, slowly waking. Blinking away the last remnants of sleep, they stretched, their arms loosening their hold on him. Without speaking, the trio rose groggily and made their way toward the basin to wash and prepare for the demanding day ahead.
While Kali moved to activate the water flow, Athan took a moment to observe the morning activity around the settlement. The rhythmic sounds of work had already begun, filling the air with a steady tempo of progress. The scent of damp earth, burning wood, and freshly cut timber lingered in the cool morning air, a testament to the village's growing infrastructure.
The hunters set out for the day, their spears and bolas at the ready. Though the concept of archery had been introduced, they were still inexperience in it, relying instead on their well-practiced techniques with their trusted weapons. Once passing the gate, each step they took became deliberate, their eyes scanning the environment for any signs of movement, ever aware of the dangers lurking beyond the settlement's borders.Ā
The group that was processing materials continued to shape wooden planks and square beams, their hands moving skillfully as they carved the framework of the village. The sharp sound of axes splitting wood and the rhythmic scraping of knives against beams echoed through the settlement. Nearby, the three men worked with precision on the frame of the house, carving the joints Athan had marked the day before. Their task was made easier thanks to the scaled-down model Athan had crafted, which served as their guide. Occasional murmurs and chuckles could be heard as they discussed minor adjustments to their work.
Shala, Kali's mother, along with Nat and Trin, continued to refine their rope-making skills, meticulously twisting and braiding fibers to produce the finest and most durable cords. Each strand was carefully inspected, ensuring strength and flexibility, as they experimented with different materials to improve their craft.
Meanwhile, under the guidance of Rael, she and Meg had begun practicing the art of fabric-making. Using the finely crafted cords, they tested various weaving patterns, adjusting tension and alignment to create consistent, smooth textiles. While they were enthusiastic about the prospect of having more choices for clothing, they lacked experience, and their first attempts were uneven and fragile. The process was slow and labor-intensive, but with each try, their skills improved. They discussed potential dyes and treatments, eager to enhance both the durability and appearance of their creations, envisioning a future where their fabrics would provide not only clothing but also bedding and other essential materials for the settlement.Ā
Lara had already taken on the task of weeding the fields, moving carefully so as not to disrupt the growth of their cultivated plants. The rich, dark soil clung to her fingertips as she worked, carefully plucking weeds and tossing them into a pile. Weeding was a never-ending chore, but she performed it with patience, ensuring that the dandelions, which had now become a staple in their diet, were put to the side, intact. Kali, after shutting off the water, joined her, working with practiced efficiency to pull out unwanted plants, occasionally brushing loose dirt off her hands. A satisfied smile played on her lips as she admired the small but thriving crops they had managed to cultivate.
Athan's attention then drifted toward the stack of bricks that had been fired the previous day. He frowned slightly, realizing that even with this batch, he still didn't have enough to construct the permanent kiln he envisioned. His gaze shifted toward the unfired bricks that had been set aside due to the limitations of the small kiln. Letting out a sigh, he knew he would have to fire them next before he could move forward with his larger plans.
Determined, he turned his focus back to the kiln and began the arduous task of dismantling it and cleaning the area. Using a flat piece of wood as a makeshift shovel, he carefully scooped out the cooled ashes, setting some aside for later use while transporting the rest to the fields. He scattered the ashes evenly across the soil, knowing that they would not only enrich the ground with essential minerals but also act as a deterrent to pests. The fine gray dust clung to the air before settling into the dark soil, blending seamlessly with the earth. He wiped the ash from is arms, watching as the early morning sunlight glistened off the thin layer of soot clinging to his skin, a quiet reminder of the labor that lay ahead.
Once the fields were treated, he returned to the kiln and began dismantling it entirely, knowing that rebuilding from the ground up would ensure a sturdier structure.
He carefully removed the rocks one by one, setting aside those that could still be used while discarding any that had cracked beyond usability. As he worked, small clouds of dust rose into the air, clinging to his rough clothes and settling on his skin.
The smooth walls of the kiln bore the marks of previous use, with deep cracks forming in places where the heat had been most intense. Running his fingers lightly over the roughened surface, he took note of areas that would need stronger reinforcement in the next build.
By the time he had finished clearing the last remnants of the old kiln, the ground beneath was layered with soot and hardened clay, a reminder of the structure that had once stood there. With a deep breath, he stepped back, mentally preparing to start the reconstruction.
Meanwhile, the girls completed their morning tasks. Kali carried the harvested dandelions to the fire pit, where they would later be incorporated into the evening meal. She hummed a tune Athan had played on the flute before, the melody lingering in her mind as she worked. Her fingers brushed lightly over the gathered greens, ensuring they were clean and free of debris before placing them neatly on a rock near the cooking area.
Lara, seeing Athan occupied with the kiln, took it upon herself to replenish the firewood supply. The previous firing had consumed most of their stock, and another session would require a fresh reserve to keep the flames strong and steady. She walked toward the storage pile, lifting a bundle of dried logs and dusting off remnants of bark before carrying them over. The scent of aged wood and sap clung to her hands as she moved efficiently, stacking the wood neatly near the kiln.
As she approached, Athan noticed her effort and offered her a warm smile, grateful for the help she provided. He knew that without her and Kali's assistance, managing all these tasks alone would have been far more challenging.Ā
With careful precision, Athan arranged the limestone around the fire pit, mirroring the process from the last firing. He then began stacking the unfired bricks in a structured pattern, circling the limestone foundation. Fetching water, he meticulously reconstructed the kiln, ensuring its stability and efficiency. If this batch of bricks fired successfully, he would finally have enough to construct a permanent kilnāone that would vastly improve their ability to produce bricks and process materials.
Once the temporary kiln was fully assembled, he turned to see Lara and Kali returning with armfuls of firewood. Their timing was perfect. He gave them a small, appreciative smile before kneeling down to ignite the fire. The slow and painstaking wait for the bricks to harden had begun once again. The flames flickered to life, casting dancing shadows across the ground as the first waves of heat began to radiate from the kiln.
With the kiln steadily burning, Athan allowed his thoughts to wander. He glanced at the bricks that had already been fired, his mind working through his next steps. The heat from the flames radiated against his skin, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Shrugging, he grabbed a hoe and began digging a couple meter away, carving a deep trench and a large hole slightly bigger than what he had originally made for the mud kiln. The added space would accommodate the bricks, as the boy planned to start constructing the new kiln in this very spot using brick and mortar.
Satisfied with the excavation, he uncovered the wheelbarrow, removing the stones and leaf covering that had protected the stored lime powder. Carefully, he poured the lime onto the ground before making several trips to the riverbank, hauling back enough sand to mix with the lime. His muscles burned from the repeated trips, but he pushed forward, ensuring that the mixture had the right balance of materials.
He had developed a keen sense of the necessary proportions, adjusting the mixture until it reached the ideal consistency for cement. The fine grains of sand mixed with the lime and ash set aside before, forming a soft but firm base that he instinctively knew would set properly.
With the cement ready, he carefully arranged bricks around the trench. Using his masonry tools, he spread a layer of cement onto the base before pressing the first brick firmly into place, shifting it slightly to ensure a secure hold. The fresh scent of wet cement filled the air as he continued layering the bricks.
He repeated the process, gradually encasing the feeding conduit and fire pit foundation with bricks, each layer reinforced with mortar to create a durable and well-sealed structure. The rhythmic scraping of his tools against stone and mortar became a steady soundtrack to his work.
As the morning progressed and the sun climbed higher in the sky, Athan finally stepped back and surveyed his work. His gaze settled on the feeding conduit and fire pit of the new kiln, now built from cement and brick to ensure its durability. Though the structure was in place, it was still fragileāthe cement would need several days to fully harden before it could be used. But it was a start.
Not wasting time, Athan gathered the remaining bricks he had and began placing them carefully, methodically building up the kiln's walls. Each brick was set with precision, layered with mortar to create a strong, lasting structure. His hands moved steadily, his focus unwavering as he worked to complete this crucial addition to the settlement.
After a while, the number of usable bricks had dwindled to zero. The new kiln now had a permanent wall approximately 30 cm high. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
Glancing at the remaining pile of cement, Athan turned his attention to the section he had previously leveled and cleared with Lara several days earlier. He loaded granite stones into his wheelbarrow and transported them to the designated area, making sure to periodically feed the kiln's fire to maintain the heat. Once he had gathered a sufficient amount of stone, he transported the cement as well.
With everything in place, he began laying the foundation. Spreading a layer of cement, he carefully positioned the stones one by one, forming a large circular shape. On one side of the circle, he intentionally left a square alcove that slightly protruded inward. As he thought through the design, he removed one of the stones facing the fieldsāthis was where he planned to install a drainage pipe at ground level, allowing dirty water to be emptied from the large bath when necessary.
Once the circle was complete, he added another layer of stones, stacking them carefully to reinforce the structure. After finishing the second layer, he hesitated. The uneven nature of the stones made precise placement difficult, and he feared that if he attempted a third layer without allowing the mortar to properly set, they might become unstable and collapse. Deciding it was too risky, he chose to wait for the first two layers to dry and solidify before continuing with the third.
Using the remaining cement, he proceeded to create a solid floor base. With this, the bath was officially underway. He wanted to ensure that once it was ready, there would be no unwanted leaks from the floor, making durability and proper sealing his top priorities.Ā
Having finished with the cement for now, and with the next batch of lime powder still needing to be processed along with the firing of new bricks, he decided to check whether the kiln required more wood. However, as he approached, he realized that Lara had already been there, adding logs to the fire while also bringing him a fresh supply of dry wood. Appreciative of her help, he made his way to a water source, filling a container to clean his tools. Using a piece of wood as a scraper, he carefully removed any traces of cement, ensuring none of it hardened on his tools. Once finished, he set them aside to dry in the open air.
Glancing around, he observed the gradual winding down of the day. The hunters had returned, with three of them diligently practicing with the bows they had crafted based on the model he had provided. The steady twang of bowstrings and the soft thud of arrows meeting their targets or the ground filled the air as they honed their accuracy.
Not far from them, the group responsible for supplying materials for the future house had finally used up all the logs they had previously cut and dragged to the site. Now, they assisted the three men who were still shaping the final joints for the structural assembly. The rhythmic sound of rocky knife against wood echoed through the settlement as they worked.
Turning his gaze, he spotted Lara and Kali dividing their time between preparing the evening meal and gathering more firewood for the kiln. Their dedication warmed his heart, knowing that their contributions helped sustain the village's growing needs.
A bit away, the group led by his mother, Rael, had successfully produced several small pieces of woven fabric. As he listened carefully, he caught snippets of their conversation drifting through the air. They eagerly exchanged ideas, debating whether tighter weaves would produce stronger fabric or if soaking fibers beforehand would make them more pliable. Others suggested experimenting with different plant materials to see which would yield the most durable threads. Their voices carried a sense of excitement, a growing passion for an entirely new craft.
Hearing them discuss future possibilities made him realize just how far they had come. The sight brought him a sense of prideāthis was tangible progress, a step toward a future where their clothing would no longer be limited to rough animal hides but crafted with skill and intention.
After taking it all in, he turned and activated the watering system, letting the water flow while he sat on the ground, reflecting on everything they had accomplished. Watching the sun slowly descend toward the horizon, he felt a quiet satisfaction settle over him. The clan was evolving. What had once been a scattered group of people trying to survive was now a growing community, steadily advancing in craftsmanship, construction, and daily life.