The brick kiln finally cooled down completely.
Eric and the Dwarves all stood anxiously at the kiln's entrance.
When a Dwarf pushed out a small cart laden with bright red bricks, Chief Joseph was the first to pick one up. He then excitedly held it high, cheering to his tribesmen.
This batch of bricks was even sturdier than the ones he had fired himself, with good material and uniform dimensions. The other Dwarves also cheered in excitement. After inspecting the bricks, Eric timidly entered the kiln to retrieve his pottery.
In the dim light, his ceramic jars and bowls were all arranged neatly. Fortunately, not a single one had cracked.
He touched the large ceramic jar. Although his technique was still poor, resulting in uneven thickness, the ash glaze he had applied was a great success. It felt warm, smooth, and refined to the touch.
Eric happily hugged his ceramic creations. Leo balanced a few bowls and plates on his head, and the two of them carefully walked outside.
Under the sunlight, the pottery he fired was a pale yellow color, its smooth surface reflecting the light, making it exceptionally beautiful. The Dwarves admired them in amazement, even the uneven large jar was passed around and touched repeatedly. It was the first time they had ever seen pottery with such a smooth surface and delicate color.
"I told you it's a real pity you're not a Dwarf!" Luban laughed heartily, patting him on the waist (as he couldn't reach his shoulder).
Am I not short enough or what? Every time I look at Max, I have to tilt my head up 90 degrees. How is that any different from a Dwarf?
Eric grumbled internally.
He was infected by their cheerful atmosphere, and the thought that he wouldn't have to worry about pottery from now on made him break into a wide smile. He tossed Leo into the air and caught him again.
Robin and a group of other cubs watched with envy, also clamoring for their parents to toss them up to play.
Meanwhile, the cement that Eric had mentioned before had also been successfully created by the Dwarves.
Chief Joseph insisted on building a new house for Eric first, but he refused without a second thought. Seeing that winter was only two months away, and the Dwarves couldn't handle the cold as well as the Snow Wolves.
Currently, the Dwarves were divided into three teams: one for firing bricks, the second for building houses, and the third for firing cement and glass.
The task of making brick molds had been contracted out to the Dwarf and Snow Wolf cubs. Every day, each one of them would be rolling around in filth, even competing to see who could make more and better-formed ones.
Eric took his pottery to show Thomas. Thomas caressed the bowls and jars, unable to put them down. After learning that Eric had fired them himself, he was so happy he slapped his thighs repeatedly.
He decided on the spot that he had to find Snow Wolves to come and learn from Eric, so that in the future, they wouldn't have to spend their furs to trade for pottery.
The superior quality pottery once again won over the Snow Wolves. When they heard from Thomas that they could learn pottery from Eric, they eagerly signed up.
Eric first chose Jessica, then bluntly rejected Sam.
That glutton could make food, but asking him to do anything else was a no-go.
He then chose Grass and Michael but still felt he was short on people. After racking his brain for a long time, he resolutely looked toward Luci for help.
Luci caught his gaze and smilingly pointed at Max: "Max will definitely be good. He has the best skill in the tribe for processing furs."
Michael immediately chimed in: "Right, right, Max can definitely do it."
Perfect!
Eric cheered internally. It was perfect to choose both of them, they could nurture their relationship together.
He clapped his hands and said: "Alright then, this many people is enough for now."
He led the group to the brick-making area, where the prepared clay was.
He demonstrated first, taking a lump of clay and showing them how to form a large ceramic bowl.
His foot pushed the wooden board to spin, and his hands followed the motion of the clay, slowly giving it shape.