The stories wind down as the fire begins to settle into glowing embers. Most of the high elves are still relaxed, some leaning back with satisfied expressions while others engage in quiet conversation.
I lean forward slightly, drawing the attention of those nearby.
[Wright] "So, about tomorrow. We should figure out what we're actually planting."
Eldrin straightens, his expression becoming more focused.
[Eldrin] "Of course. What did you have in mind?"
[Wright] "I was thinking staples first—Wild Onion, Root Tubers, Carrotroot. Things that store well and fill people up. Then some varieties with fruits—Golden Grapples, Sunfall Fruit, Wild Strawberries, Citruspear."
Liora nods approvingly.
[Liora] "A balanced selection. The root vegetables will sustain people through difficult times, and the fruits will keep morale up."
[Wright] "That's the idea. There's just one problem."
I pause, scratching the back of my head.
[Wright] "I gathered seeds when I was planning to feed just myself. Now that we've expanded the field and we're looking at feeding multiple nations... I don't have nearly enough."
Kara leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees.
[Kara] "How short are we?"
[Wright] "Pretty short. I'd say I have maybe enough for a small garden plot. Not acres of farmland."
Nym frowns thoughtfully.
[Nym] "We could send foraging parties into the forest to gather seeds from wild plants. It would take time, but it's doable."
[Rhevan] "My hunters know where the wild berry patches and fruit groves are. We can collect seeds from those."
[Wright] "That would help a lot. We'll need as many sources as we can get."
Eldrin strokes his chin, considering.
[Eldrin] "We should also include Silverwheat. It can be milled into flour for bread, which would add another staple to the food supply."
[Wright] "Good call. Bread goes with everything."
Liora speaks up again.
[Liora] "How should we organize the planting? Different crops have different needs."
I think it over.
[Wright] "We should section the field. Root vegetables in one area since they need deeper soil. Fruits along the edges where they can get more sun. Not sure about the Silverwheat though."
[Liora] "The center would be ideal. Silverwheat is hardy. It can handle being packed together without much issue."
Nym nods.
[Nym] "That makes sense. We'll need to divide labor as well. Who handles planting, who handles harvesting, and who manages processing and storage."
[Kara] "I can oversee tool production and storage structures. We'll need bins, crates, and preservation methods."
[Rhevan] "My hunters can assist with heavy labor when they're not out gathering meat."
Liora clasps her hands together.
[Liora] "I'll lead the planting teams. We'll need to ensure proper spacing and depth."
[Eldrin] "I'll coordinate with the neighboring kingdoms to establish distribution channels. Once the food is ready, we'll need a way to transport them to those that need it."
I look at Nym.
[Wright] "You and I will handle growth acceleration. Once the planting is done, we'll use magic to accelerate the growth overnight. If we time it right, everything should be ready to harvest the next morning."
Nym's eyes widen slightly.
[Nym] "Growing full crops overnight? That would take an enormous amount of mana. Even with both of us working together, sustaining that kind of magic across a field this large..."
She trails off, clearly calculating the mana requirements in her head.
[Nym] "It's... theoretically possible, but the drain would be immense. You'd need reserves far beyond what most mages possess."
I shrug.
[Wright] "I'm confident we can handle it."
She looks at me like she's trying to decide if I'm serious or overconfident. Then she nods slowly.
[Nym] "Alright. If you're certain, I'll follow your lead."
Sylphaeris giggles from nearby.
[Sylphaeris] "You're going to give her a heart attack when she sees how much mana you actually have."
Nym shoots Sylphaeris a sharp look, but says nothing.
Eldrin stands, brushing off his robes.
[Eldrin] "Then we have our plan. Tomorrow, we gather seeds, prepare the field sections, and begin planting. Once that's complete, Wright and Nym will accelerate the growth overnight, and we'll harvest the following morning."
[Liora] "It's ambitious, but with everyone working together, it's achievable."
[Wright] "Good. Let's get some rest, then. Tomorrow's going to be busy."
The group begins to disperse. High elves rise from their seats, stretching and yawning as they head toward the barracks. Some linger to clean up the remnants of the feast, stacking plates and tidying the area.
Sylphaeris drifts over to me, her expression shifting to something a bit more apologetic.
[Sylphaeris] "I should probably mention—I need to leave now. Something I need to take care of."
I blink.
[Wright] "Oh. Everything alright?"
[Sylphaeris] "Just something that slipped my mind until now. Good luck with the planting."
[Wright] "Thanks for all the help today."
She smiles.
[Sylphaeris] "Anytime."
With that, she dissolves into a gentle breeze and drifts off into the night.
I watch her go, then turn toward my cabin. Donny is already waddling in that direction, churring contentedly after his massive meal.
[Wright] "Come on, buddy. Let's get some sleep."
We head inside. The cabin is quiet and cool, a welcome contrast to the warmth of the fire outside. I collapse onto my bed, and Donny settles into his usual spot near the door.
Tomorrow's going to be a long day.
But for now, I close my eyes and let sleep take over.