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Chapter 31 to 52 Already there!
Chapter 53 June 21, 2025
Chapter 54 June 25, 2025
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As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Athan stirred from his sleep, feeling the warmth of two bodies beside him. Lara and Kali slept soundly, their breathing slow and steady in the quiet of the early morning. The embers of the fire still glowed faintly, casting a warm, flickering light over the shelter. The air was crisp, carrying the distant sounds of the waking clan as they began their morning routines.
Stretching his stiff muscles, he sat up and rubbed his eyes. Today was a new day, and with it came new responsibilities. The excitement from the previous night's lesson in music still lingered in the air, but Athan knew there was much more work to be done.
His gaze fell on the unfinished flute resting near his tools. He had started carving it the night before but had only managed to hollow out the inside before exhaustion forced him to stop. Picking it up, he ran his fingers over the rough outer surface, still uneven and in need of shaping. The instrument was far from complete—he would need to smooth the interior and exterior, carve the finger holes precisely, and refine the mouth hole before it would be ready to produce proper sounds.
Already determined to complete it after the evening meal, he set the flute aside and stood up, stepping outside to observe the camp.
First, he made his way toward the basin near the waterfall, but before he arrived, Kali was already ahead of him, heading to activate the watering system. She glanced at him and said confidently, "This I do," before splashing some water on her face. Athan smirked, shrugging to himself. Though she was about two years older than him, she often acted more childishly than he did. Of course, he still carried his adult consciousness, but it was moments like these that made him aware of the differences in their perspectives. Sometimes, such reflections made him uneasy, which was why he tried not to dwell on them too much—he preferred to focus on his work.
Moving on, he checked the wood that had been left near the kiln to dry. It was still in good condition, slowly drying as expected. Satisfied, he then walked over to inspect the drying bricks. Lara had already started flipping them over, ensuring they dried evenly, and Kali would soon join her. Leaving them to their task, he turned his attention toward the fields.
Scanning the crops, he made sure everything was progressing well. Then, something caught his eye—fields seven and eight had started sprouting. Tiny green shoots had begun emerging in field seven, and in field eight, a larger stalk had partially broken free from its seed shell but still broke off from the ground. In field six, more and more seedlings were pushing through the soil, while in field five, it seemed most of the seeds had sprouted at nearly the same time.
Excited by the progress, Athan quickly retrieved his notebook, flipping to the pages where he recorded his observations. The minimum sprouting time seemed to be seven days, with some plants taking up to eighteen days to break through the soil. He carefully noted his findings—growth stage, color, soil moisture, stalk size, and any other visible traits. Every detail mattered. These records would be crucial in the future when he wanted to replant certain species and properly manage the waiting period between planting, sprouting, and when the plants would finally bear fruit or vegetables.
Once he had documented everything he could, he left his notebook in the shelter to dry, securely closing his ink pot. Then, he returned to the construction site, where Ok was adjusting the beams, ensuring they fit perfectly with the columns.
Arriving at the site, Ok greeted him before pointing at the beams. "Do we try them now?"
The boy inspected the beams carefully before nodding. "Yes, we can test them."
Ok gestured for Wade and Yun to come help, a signal that must have been planned beforehand, as the men immediately got to work. While one held the column upright, another positioned the beam in place. Athan observed closely, watching the wood interlock as intended. He quickly noted a few minor adjustments needed to ensure a better fit. Fixing the issue, they tried again, repeating the process until every problem was resolved. Once satisfied, they moved on to the next piece, following the same meticulous approach. This cycle continued for a while, each attempt improving the structure's integrity, until the boy was finally content with the results.
Sweat glistened on their foreheads as they set the heavy beams back down. Muscles strained, and breath came in ragged gasps as they took a well-earned break. Athan wiped his brow and stretched his aching fingers, feeling the toll of the laborious task. Despite the fatigue, he couldn't help but admire their progress. The skeleton of the structure was slowly taking form, an achievement that filled him with quiet pride.
After catching his breath, Athan grabbed his measuring tools and marked the next set of dimensions on the wooden columns. With renewed focus, he and Ok resumed working, this time carving reinforcements for the structure. Each cut had to be precise, ensuring stability against the unpredictable forces of nature. The sound of blades scraping against wood filled the air, rhythmic and steady, as they chipped away at imperfections, refining the supports. Small curls of wood fell to the ground, accumulating at their feet as the structure slowly took shape.
The constant work took its toll, the weight of the day settling into their bodies. Ok rolled his shoulders, loosening stiff muscles, while Yun stretched his arms, warming them up for the next column he had to hold in place. Wade cracked his knuckles before picking up the beam again, preparing for another round of lifting and adjusting. The process of reinforcing the structure required patience. Each connection had to be inspected, every joint carefully carved to ensure a perfect fit. Athan meticulously double-checked the placement of each beam, making sure there were no misalignments that could weaken the future building.
When the reinforcements were ready, they immediately tested them with the help of the two other men. The adjustments went smoothly, and once Athan was satisfied with the results, he took further measurements to begin crafting the rafters. These rafters would connect at the central column's peak, extending outward to meet the side columns at their highest joints, supporting the roof. The placement had to be exact; even the slightest miscalculation could compromise the entire structure. Each beam was carefully chiseled at the ends to interlock with the main supports, ensuring a tight and stable fit.
The work was exhausting. Athan's arms ached from constant carving, his fingers sore from gripping his tools for hours. Despite this, he pushed forward, driven by the desire to see the structure completed. Ok, Wade, and Yun worked beside him without complaint, their focus unwavering. The rhythmic sounds of chiseling, hammering, and murmured instructions blended into the natural symphony of the camp.
As they worked, the sun drifted lower in the sky, casting elongated shadows over the camp. The golden light reflected off the wood, emphasizing the grains and grooves left by their tools. The scent of freshly carved wood mixed with the earthy aroma of the soil, creating an almost meditative atmosphere. Time slipped away unnoticed, and before they knew it, the last traces of daylight faded into twilight. They had no choice but to stop.
With tired but satisfied expressions, they stepped back to admire their handiwork. The eastern face of the building now stood sturdy on the ground, a testament to their effort and collaboration. Though incomplete, much work remained—the western, southern, and northern sides still needed to be assembled. These would be tackled in the coming days, each step bringing them closer to transforming the settlement into something greater than just a gathering of tents and temporary shelters.
After a long day of labor, they gathered for a meal prepared by the girls. The scent of roasted meat and freshly gathered herbs filled the air, a comforting reminder of the small joys in their daily struggles. The warmth of the fire crackled beside them, providing much-needed comfort as they ate in contentment. As they ate, Athan overheard that after returning to camp, the hunters had spent time practicing with the bow he had created. Some were refining their aim, while others had eagerly begun crafting their own bows and arrows, inspired by the weapon's potential. This news filled the boy with satisfaction. Once the men became proficient, future hunts would not only be more efficient but also far less dangerous.
After dinner, the clan members each focused on their own activities—some practiced carving, others continued writing, and a few played music, an art introduced only the night before. The rough, untrained notes of their instruments echoed through the camp, occasionally grating on the ears, a clear sign of their inexperience. The flute's pitch wavered, and the rhythms were inconsistent, but the enthusiasm was undeniable. The music, though far from refined, blended with the crackling of the fire, creating an atmosphere of shared discovery. A small group had gathered around a central fire, exchanging knowledge and techniques, discussing ways to refine their crafting methods and improve their hunting tools. Despite the imperfect melodies, laughter and determination filled the air as they embraced this new form of expression.
Athan used this time to finish carving the second flute, shaping its form with careful precision. He worked patiently, smoothing the rough edges and ensuring the holes were placed perfectly. He blew into it for the first time, and a clear, steady note filled the air. He adjusted a few spots, fine-tuning it until the sound was just right. Once he was satisfied, he carefully polished the surface, giving the flute a smooth, lustrous finish, just like the first one. The warm sheen of the wood reflected the flickering firelight, enhancing the beauty of his craftsmanship.
As he played a soft melody, heads turned in his direction. A few clan members stopped what they were doing, their gazes settling on him, curiosity gleaming in their eyes. The music was something new, something foreign yet strangely comforting. It was no longer just a novelty—it was becoming a part of their daily lives.
Kali, sitting nearby, listened with a thoughtful expression, her fingers tracing the flute she had been given the night before. She lifted it to her lips, attempting to mimic Athan's notes, but the sound came out uneven. Instead of frustration, there was a quiet determination in her eyes. Athan caught her glance and gave an encouraging nod.
At that moment, all the men of the group gathered together and went to find their women, presenting them with the combs they had been working on for days. The final comb had been completed that very evening, marking the end of their labor. The women, delighted to finally receive their own, showered their husbands with affection, their voices rising in playful chatter and gratitude. The camp briefly filled with a cacophony of laughter and doting words as multiple women sought their husbands' attention at the same time, their joy evident in every embrace and whispered appreciation.
Pleased with his work, Athan placed the flute down, stretching his tired arms. He was about to settle in for the night when Kali suddenly appeared in front of him, her expectant gaze fixed on him. "Mine?" she asked, her tone direct.
Athan blinked, his tired mind taking a moment to catch up. When realization struck, a wave of panic flickered across his face—he hadn't made a comb for her. Swallowing the slight embarrassment rising in his throat, he quickly offered a reassuring smile. "Tomorrow. I'll make one for you first thing in the morning."
Kali narrowed her eyes at him, studying him for a moment, before nodding in satisfaction. "Promise?" she asked, her tone serious.
"Promise," he affirmed, relieved that she wasn't pressing the issue further. Seemingly content with his answer, Kali turned and wandered off, leaving Athan to exhale quietly.
From the corner of his eye, he caught Lara watching the entire exchange. Her expression was a mix of amusement and pity, her lips curving into a small, knowing smirk. Athan groaned internally—he would never hear the end of it.
Tomorrow would bring more challenges, more hard labor, and now, another promise to fulfill. But for now, he allowed himself a rare moment of peace, listening to the quiet hum of the camp, the distant crackling of the fire, and the lingering echoes of his music.
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As the first light of dawn filtered through the settlement, Athan stirred awake. His routine was well ingrained by now—he stretched, pushed himself up, and made his way toward the basin to wash his face. However, as he arrived, he noticed Kali had already opened the water flow, standing with her arms crossed and watching him expectantly. Her narrowed eyes alone were enough to remind him of the promise he had made the night before.
Sighing, Athan knew there was no escaping it. He splashed cool water on his face, shaking off the last remnants of sleep before giving her a small nod. Kali, satisfied that he hadn't forgotten, allowed herself a smug smile before stepping aside, letting him continue his morning routine. The water was refreshingly cold, waking him up fully as droplets dripped down his chin. He ran his fingers through his hair, feeling the morning breeze dry his skin as he turned toward the construction site.
Leaving the basin, Athan walked toward the structure where Ok was already busy finalizing the eastern face of the building. The man worked with focused precision, his strong hands fitting wooden beams into their designated slots with ease. The crisp morning air carried the scent of damp earth and fresh wood shavings, remnants of yesterday's labor. Birds chirped in the distance, their songs mixing with the rhythmic sound of wood being shaped and secured.
As Athan approached, he exhaled and casually mentioned his predicament. "I promised Kali a comb last night. I need to make it today."
Ok froze for a moment before bursting into laughter, nearly dropping the wooden beam he was securing. "We not think it would bring you trouble when we gave last night, sorry!" he said with an amused grin, wiping sweat from his forehead. "She really wants that comb, huh?"
Athan smirked, shaking his head. "It's fine. But I need to fix my mistake before she really gets mad."
The boy began measuring the next set of beams, carefully placing precise markings on the three columns where the upcoming beams for the southern and northern faces would be inserted. He took his time, ensuring the alignment was perfect before stepping back to assess his work. Satisfied, he turned to Ok. "Do you think you can carve those while I make the comb?" he asked, his tone hopeful yet firm.
Ok eyed the marks before nodding. "Yes, no problem. Go make comb before Kali get mad," he teased with a chuckle, giving Athan a playful shove toward the work area.
With that settled, Athan retrieved a fine piece of wood and began carving. He selected a piece with a smooth grain, ensuring the comb would be both durable and elegant. As his knife scraped against the wood, shaping the delicate details, he answered Ok's occasional questions about design and discussed structural ideas between cuts. The soft rustling of the trees and distant chatter of the clan members created a calm ambiance, blending with the rhythmic sound of carving. The sun slowly rose higher, casting long beams of light through the gaps in the settlement, warming the earth beneath his feet. Time passed swiftly, the shavings piling up at his feet as he worked.
After a few hours, Athan had completed the comb for Kali. Remembering how much she enjoyed using the watering system and watching the flow of water, he carefully etched a cascading waterfall design into the wood. He took extra care with the details, ensuring that each line captured the sense of flowing water. The carving was delicate, requiring patience and precision to make the effect as lifelike as possible. Once he was satisfied with the design, he carefully polished the surface, giving it the same smooth, waxed finish as Lara's. The carved lines shimmered subtly under the light, creating an illusion of movement, as if the water was truly cascading with each tilt of the comb.
Satisfied with his work, he set the combs aside and returned to Ok, assisting him in adjusting the connections before beginning to carve the joints for the next beams. They worked with quiet determination, carefully chiseling out the precise shapes needed to fit the upcoming structural pieces. Moving to the central support columns, the biggest of the columns, they started crafting the interlocking designs that would hold the middle section of the building together. The sound of tools striking wood echoed through the camp, a steady rhythm of progress. The day wore on, and beads of sweat formed on Athan's brow as he worked, his muscles aching but his mind focused.
Unfortunately, the day slipped by faster than anticipated, and before they could finish, the sun began to set once more. Accepting that they would have to continue tomorrow, Athan set his tools aside and headed to wash his hands. On his way, he glanced toward the fields and noticed that Kali had already taken care of watering the crops for the evening. The plants were thriving, their leaves standing strong, soaking in the last remnants of daylight. He knelt briefly, running his fingers along a sprout, noting its growth before standing and heading back to camp.
With his hands clean, he returned to the fire, where Lara greeted him with a warm smile and handed him a bowl of food. The group gathered together to eat, the warmth of the fire casting flickering shadows on their faces. The rich scent of roasted meat and cooked roots filled the air, making Athan realize how hungry he was after the day's work. However, as he ate, he noticed that Kali remained quieter than usual, stealing occasional glances in his direction.
Sighing softly, he reached into his pouch and pulled out a small packet wrapped in a large leaf. He extended it toward her without a word.
Kali, startled, blinked in surprise before setting her bowl down. With quick, eager movements, she unwrapped the leaf, her eyes widening in awe as she took in the intricately carved comb. For a moment, she was speechless, her fingers tracing the delicate waterfall pattern in admiration.
Then, without warning, she launched herself at Athan, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight embrace. "Thank you!" she exclaimed, her voice full of joy.
Fortunately, Athan had set his bowl down in anticipation of such a reaction. He chuckled, patting her back awkwardly as the other clan members watched with amused smiles. Wade and Ok exchanged knowing looks, while some of the other women whispered amongst themselves, giggling at the scene. Lara, rolling her eyes but smiling nonetheless, gently pulled Kali back to her seat.
With everyone settled, they finished their meal, while Kali spent the rest of the evening turning the comb over in her hands, admiring every detail. The firelight reflected off its polished surface, highlighting the careful craftsmanship. Every now and then, she would glance at Athan, her expression full of gratitude.
As the embers of the fire crackled softly, Athan leaned back slightly, taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the night. The day had been long, but it had been a good one. Tomorrow would bring more challenges, more work, but for now, he allowed himself to relax, listening to the quiet hum of the settlement, the distant chirping of nocturnal insects, and the gentle murmur of voices around the fire.
The night ended with laughter and quiet contentment, the settlement slowly winding down, each person retreating to their shelters, resting in preparation for another day of progress.
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Waking up the next morning, Athan found himself once again sandwiched between Kali and Lara. Kali had been particularly clingy during the night, pressing close to him for warmth. Lara, seemingly jealous, had done the same, making it difficult for him to fall asleep. Their shifting throughout the night had left him restless, but it seemed he was slowly getting used to sleeping in a human sandwich. He let out a long sigh before carefully untangling himself from their embrace and slipping out of bed, taking care not to wake them.
As Athan sat up from his sleeping spot beneath the open shelter, the cool morning air greeted him, carrying the fresh scent of damp earth and dewy grass. The first rays of sunlight peeked through the trees, casting long, golden streaks over the settlement. He stretched his arms over his head, rolling his shoulders to work out the stiffness from sleeping in such close quarters. A few minutes later, Kali stirred beside him, rubbing the sleep from her eyes before pushing herself up. Still groggy, she walked toward the watering system, her steps slow at first but growing more purposeful. With practiced ease, she adjusted the wooden troughs to direct the flow of water precisely where it was needed. Seeing her so focused, Athan couldn't help but feel a bit of admiration for her dedication.
After cleaning, he decided to check on the bricks that morning. It had now been a week since they were placed on the drying racks, and the past few days had been warm, which should have helped in the drying process. Making his way toward the shelves where they had been neatly arranged, he reached for one and ran his fingers along its surface. The texture was rough but completely dry, a good sign. Carefully, he lifted it and examined it closely, then tapped it lightly with his knuckles, listening for any signs of retained moisture. A hollow sound echoed back at him. He hit it slightly harder, nodding in satisfaction. If the bricks had still held moisture, they would have produced a dull, muffled sound instead.
Taking that as a good sign, he called Lara and Kali over to help him transport the bricks to the kiln. The girls arrived quickly, each picking up as many bricks as they could carry. The three of them worked in sync, forming a small line to move the stacks efficiently. Lara, though focused on the task, had a flicker of excitement in her eyes—she, too, understood that this was another major step forward for their settlement. Kali, on the other hand, moved with a mix of curiosity and eagerness, clearly thrilled to be involved but uncertain of what Athan was planning to do with the bricks. She kept glancing at him expectantly, as if waiting for an explanation, but for now, she followed his lead, anticipation keeping her engaged in the task.
Using a hoe, he reshaped the fire hole where the heat would concentrate. Before stacking the bricks, he first placed limestone inside, intending to cook them simultaneously. He arranged half the bricks behind the stones. His hope was that by keeping the limestone closest to the fire while using the bricks as a thermal buffer, he could reduce the time needed for the limestone to break down into powder. He also made sure to leave a gap where he could check on the stones' progress without disturbing the structure. The placement had to be strategic—too close, and the limestone might overheat unevenly; too far, and the bricks wouldn't efficiently transfer heat to them and not cook with them.
Once everything was positioned near the fire hole in a design the boy thought to be the most effective, he fetched some water and began constructing the kiln around the pile. He worked meticulously, ensuring the structure was sturdy enough to withstand the heat without collapsing onto the materials inside. As he carefully stacked the layersof rock and mud, he continuously checked their stability, reinforcing any weak points before sealing the kiln's shape. By the time he finished, the morning sun had fully risen, casting long shadows across the settlement. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead as he took a step back, wiping his brow and admiring their progress with a sense of accomplishment.
When the kiln was complete, he packed dry grass and firewood into the fire hole, feeding it through the underground channel designed to direct airflow. He retrieved a piece of hot charcoal from the central fire pit using a pair of tongs and carefully placed it into the dry herb. The embers smoldered for a moment before the flames flickered to life, quickly spreading through the dried grass and wood. The scent of burning wood filled the air, and a faint haze of smoke began to rise, swirling upward into the morning sky. Athan crouched close, watching the fire for a moment, ensuring the initial burn was strong and stable before turning to the others with a nod of satisfaction.
Afterward, Lara and Athan explained to Kali the simple but crucial process of maintaining the fire.
"The heat must never drop inside," he emphasized, using a stick to gesture toward the base of the kiln. "We need a constant burn, which means a lot of firewood. If it cools down too much, the bricks and limestone won't set properly."
Kali nodded and casually added a few dry branches to the fire, ensuring it stayed well-fed. She watched the flames rise slightly before turning her attention elsewhere, occasionally tossing in more wood as needed without much concern.
Using the wheelbarrow, they gathered wood scraps and shavings from around the settlement, remnants from carving projects. Athan moved between the kiln and the construction site, marking areas for future connections, assisting Ok where needed, and taking turns monitoring the fire. He checked the stability of the kiln periodically, feeling the heat radiating from within, making sure it remained steady. Occasionally, he would run his hand close to the structure, gauging the intensity of the burn. His skin prickled from the intense warmth, a reassuring sign that the fire was maintaining the necessary temperature.
Meanwhile, Lara and Kali worked tirelessly on transporting more firewood, knowing that their current supply wouldn't last until the next day. The stack grew steadily, but Lara, ever observant, noted that they would still need more by nightfall. Despite that, they had at least secured enough fuel to keep the fire going for a few more hours without interruption. She wiped her brow, smearing a streak of dirt across her cheek, but she didn't seem to notice.
The day passed in a steady rhythm of gathering wood, feeding the fire, and carving the future house's framework. The steady hum of work filled the settlement—axes chopping wood, knife scraping against beams, and the occasional crackling of flames as new logs were added. Progress was made, though slower than usual, as Athan had to divide his focus between tasks. Every so often, he would step back, stretching his sore arms and rolling his shoulders before returning to his work. Sweat clung to his skin, the heat from the kiln adding to the already warm air.
Despite the exhaustion creeping into his limbs, the thought of finally completing projects that required cement filled him with excitement. First, he needed to finish the base of the toilet with cement, ensuring it was properly set before they could build the structure above it. Next, he would work on constructing a permanent kiln using bricks and cement, providing a more efficient and reliable structure for future use. Once that was done, he planned to create drainage beneath the walls to prevent rainwater accumulation, an essential improvement for long-term stability.
Beyond those tasks, he envisioned building a proper bath area and a second one to differentiate by gender, improving hygiene and comfort for the settlement. Once those were completed, the next major endeavor would be laying the foundation for a second house, marking another step toward expansion. Before reinforcing the settlement's perimeter wall with cement and stone, he wanted to extend their control to the other side of the river, reaching up to the cliffside. By placing a fortified wall there as well, he would ensure that no one could enter or leave the settlement except through the main gate. Once that was secured, he would focus on strengthening the existing perimeter wall, making it more resilient with cement and stone to ensure long-term protection.
Every step forward was another step toward building something permanent, something greater than what they had before. With each new achievement, his vision for the future village expanded. What once seemed like simple survival had grown into an ambitious dream, a settlement that could rival even the strongest of established communities. The more progress he made, the more he desired, pushing himself forward, even as his body begged for rest.
As the afternoon progressed, Lara and Kali left to begin preparing the evening meal, leaving Athan alone by the kiln. He remained seated, feeding the fire with steady hands, watching the flames consume the wood with a quiet intensity. The rhythmic crackling was almost soothing, a constant reminder that their hard work was paying off.
Meanwhile, Yun and his father Wade noticed Ok struggling to handle the workload alone. After exchanging a few words, they decided to leave the group of women to continue shaping beams and planks while they moved to assist Ok. Their main task became helping move the heavy logs for the group, easing the burden of lifting and positioning them for carving, while also assisting Ok in carving the connections. To ensure precision, the three men relied on the scaled model that Athan had previously created, using it as a reference for the connections and measurement. With their combined efforts, progress on the structure advanced more quickly. Athan, relieved that he didn't have to divide his attention, focused solely on directing them, marking where connections needed to be carved and specifying the lengths of the beams and columns.
As the sun began its descent, the orange glow bathed the settlement in golden light. Athan took a glance at the kiln, ensuring the fire was still strong before rising to stretch his stiff limbs. Deciding to make use of the moment, he walked over to the watering system and adjusted the wooden troughs, activating the flow of water to hydrate the fields. The gentle trickling sound filled the quiet air, blending with the crackling of the fire behind him. He let the water run for a short while, ensuring the plants received enough moisture without over-saturating the soil. Once satisfied, he carefully shut off the flow to prevent flooding before returning to his spot near the flames, steadily feeding the firewood as the heat radiated against his skin.
A short while later, Lara and Kali returned from their cooking preparations, carrying their bowls with them after ensuring everyone had been served. Like every night, they had prepared a hearty stew, its rich aroma of slow-cooked meat, root vegetables, and herbs filling the air. The comforting scent clung to their clothes as they sat nearby, catching their breath after a long day of work, their skin lightly smudged with dust and soot.
He let out a small chuckle, shaking his head before sitting beside them. "Tired?" he asked with a smirk.
Lara huffed, blowing a strand of hair from her face. "You think?"
Kali simply grinned, holding her hands close to the fire, watching the flames dance. She didn't seem as tired as Lara, but Athan could see the satisfaction in her expression. He glanced at both of them and offered a small smile. "Thank you both for your help today," he said sincerely. "We got a lot done, and I couldn't have done it without you."
The night would come soon, and with it, another long shift of keeping the fire alive. But for now, they could enjoy this brief moment of rest before continuing their work. The warmth of the fire flickered against their faces, and for the first time all day, Athan allowed himself to close his eyes for just a moment, feeling the peace of a hard day's work well done.
After a while, Athan's father, Wade, and his mother, Rael, came to sit near the trio. Wade asked if it was like last time when they had to feed the fire until morning. The boy nodded in confirmation. Rael then suggested that, as before, they take turns keeping watch over the fire throughout the night, allowing everyone to rest while ensuring it remained well-maintained.
Relieved, Athan accepted the plan. Rael took the first shift, bidding them goodnight before settling in by the fire. The other shifts were divided among them, meaning Athan would only need to take over in the early morning, ensuring he would be alert to determine the right moment to let the fire die down.
As the others went to sleep, the rest of the clan continued their evening activities. The hunters remained focused on crafting and refining their bows and arrows, adjusting them for better accuracy. Meanwhile, several women amused themselves by tracing words in the dirt, practicing their writing.
Exhausted but content, Athan finally drifted off to sleep with a smile. His clan—his large family—was improving their lives day by day, and the future felt more promising than ever.