Post by Deleted on May 13, 2020 21:49:02 GMT -5
The sun would set in a few hours. Amara found herself enamored by one of the new arrivals. A little boy by the age of six. His head came up to Amara’s waist. His family was attacked by a group of rogues while traveling several months before. He was the lone survivor. The attack left him with a scar which covered one side of her face. It didn’t distract from the brightness of his innocent eyes and overall cuteness though. He had auburn hair which was short and curly and too many freckles to count. Amara’s heart melted when she first met the boy. Amara first saw the child from a distance, drawn in by a sadness that was so deep that she wondered how the child had managed to keep from being completely drowned in it. But the moment their eyes met the child’s pensiveness seemed to melt away. Apparently he’d seen every cover and spread of The Conversationalist that Amara had ever been featured in. Since that moment the child had occupied so much of her time that she’d completely neglected uncovering the secrets of her grimoire. The Grimoire Acceptance Ceremony was two days earlier and she’d learned nothing new about it or its magic that she didn’t learn the moment she received it.
Amara had begun teaching the boy to read. A skill the girl was most thankful for. Yet it was the art of making clothing, designing patterns, sewing, and knitting that the boy was really excited about. They were on their way back from the market where Amara purchased fabrics and simple sewing materials for him when they spotted a most peculiar site. There was a hummingbird attempting to draw nectar from a nearby flower blossom. It was determined to feed from that one flower blossom, despite the fact that a praying mantis stood atop it. The two little creatures went back and forth. The insect would extend its dangerous front legs outwards when the hummingbird was near which prompted the tiny avian to retreat. The mantis would pull back, so the hummingbird would inch its way closer. Why were they both so determined? What was so special about that one flower blossom that kept the little feathered creature from seeking another, not guarded by another creature intent on ending its life? After a minute or so the hummingbird stood, or rather hovered, victoriously. The mantis eventually overextended its legs and fell from the flower it was guarding. The tiny bird had its full of nectar and then flew off on its merry little way.
“I was so scared for him.” The boy, Jared said, taking in a deep inhalation of breath. “I think I was holding my breath the whole time.
“The whole time?” Amara laughed, hiding the fact that she’d pretty much done the same. “Come.” She continued. “Let’s get you back home so that you can start learning to make the clothes you’ve dreamed of.” She said, offering a free hand which he quickly took.
They arrived at Kikka’s Branch of the Clover Kingdom Orphanage in no time at all. Once there they were greeted by the sight of Hotah working the front yard with a farm axe. He was surrounded by a bunch of kids who watched, unamused at his efforts.
Amara was taken back to her days of living on the property several months ago. There were times when she could look out of her window and see the young man spending time playing games with the children, or making sure that they’re being fed. He was always so happy. Now however, he looked worried.
The sudden clinging of metal hitting rock intermingled with the sound of wood breaking as the young farm hand brought up the wooden handle that once held the metal head of a farming tool. The thud of the farm axe head hitting the dirt was followed by an exacerbated sigh from Hotah.
“Okay” Hotah began. One of the smaller boys went over to the newly discovered rock and attempted to move it, first with his bare hands, then with magic. The large rock shook a bit, but didn’t budge. She tried once more, straining her while body. She lifted her arms upwards, and with that, the rock budged. It was an impressive feat considering the rock she’d just dislodged had to weigh about twenty pounds or so.
“Sorry guys but this is no place for kids.” Hotah said, grabbing the rock with one arm. “You could get hurt.” He waved the kids off and was met with a symphony of disappointed groans. “Yeah I know I know.” He continued. “I’ll let you know when it’s time to get to the fun part.” The group divided, some running into the large home, others running past Amara and her young sewing protege.
“Jared.” Amara said. He looked up at her. “Could you take everything up to your quarters? I’ll join you in a moment.” She continued. “I need to speak with Hotah for a moment.” Jared gathered the materials and began towards the house.
“Hotah.” Amara called out. This immediately drew his attention. He carried the rock to the yard’s boundary and dropped it by the fence.
He could guess what she was going to say. He was preparing the land on the property for food production. He was attempting to turn a greenspace that Headmistress Rosalie had always kept open into something more. To Headmistress Rosalie and many others throughout Clover Kingdom, a front yard, a backyard, a courtyard which contained only grass and decorative flowers was a sign of a successful household, wealthy even. It was a way of saying we don’t need to grow food, we can have others grow it for us and then deliver it. The greenspaces of this property were left as is because Headmistress Rosalie demanded it.
Only this greenspace was never green. There were a few patches here and there, but there were mostly dry yellowish spots, barren dirt patches and the occasional inedible weed. Yet here he was preparing the front yard, back yard, and courtyard to be made ready for gardening, perhaps even farming. And this was no easy task. The dirt was packed around rocks which were likely once used to form walkways. He’d already broken one farm tool when he found one.
Hotah was putting so much care and focus into the land, knowing that it was his way of taking care of the kids while he was away. He couldn’t bring himself to tell the kids, or even Amara, that Headmistress Rosalie had decided to send him to the Noble Region to join Amara. This wasn’t so that she could have an ally or confidant at the main branch. No. It was so that the conniving women could have two candidates present that could gain her notoriety among the noble houses. If there was a chance for Hotah to serve her in the same way as she’d hoped Amara would it was worth sending him away.
Hotah resisted her. His lack of intimidation was viewed as sheer defiance in her eyes. But rather than attempt to break him, she offered him a deal. He could have the yards to grow food for the kids he’d be leaving behind. He could prep the land now and teach them to plant crops. He could visit as often as he’d like to educate the children on proper farming techniques and assure that the food is growing on schedule. However in exchange, he would head to the Noble Region without any questions asked. Be a good and obedient boy just this once, and you won’t have to watch the other children go hungry.
“I won’t be here forever.” Hotah began, looking at Amara. “So she said I could start a garden, and even get a small crop going.” He finished, leaving out the most important detail of his arrangement with Headmistress Rosalie.
“You know, you have a spectacular grimoire now.” Amara began, looking at the book fastened to his waist with a makeshift book holder.
“I have a nice grimoire...” He said with a hint of sarcasm. He tilted his head over in the direction of Amara’s own magical tome.
She nearly forgot that it was there, floating beside her head, always remaining close but keeping its distance. Like the hummingbird. She was thankful for the fact that it behaved in this way. Her book was far too large to carry around all the time, luckily, it followed her around of its own accord.
“Right, but back to YOUR grimoire.” She said, smirking. “You wield both gold and diamond elements simultaneously.” She continued, thinking back to her countless hours researching different magic attributes in the state archives in the capital.
“Both are incredibly durable. Surely you can manage to find a way to use your power in a way to make this work easier.” It was then that her forehead was lit aglow. A soft light came from it, curving and bending like living smoke on its way to the broken farm axe head. It enveloped the broken tool and lifted it from its resting place.
A moment later Amara brought it down with enough force to break the clumped dirt. She lifted the metal head and began to repeat the process.
“I have no experience farming so this is really all I can think to do.” She began. “But you Hotah, you have such a long lived connection to the land, to the idea of growing your own food. You can probably do so much more.” She finished.
She continued using the broken tool to loosen the packed dirt.
Inspired, Hotah took his grimoire in hand. He gripped the gold and diamond encrusted book firmly and knelt. He dug his free hand into the dirt and began to ponder over his connection to farming, to the ability to provide food, care and even protection to those he holds dear.
His grimoire began to radiate with a brilliant, warm light as he poured his mana into the ground.
He stopped when Amara struck another rock.
“Apologies.” Amara laughed lightly. A second tendril of curving, dancing light stretched forth from her temple and plucked the rock from the ground.
Hotah continued doing whatever it was he was doing. He closed his eyes and poured all of his concentration into the one task. He only wanted this one thing for now.
“Work damn you.” He muttered to himself. “Work. I need this land to be ready. I need it to grow something useful…” And with that, the ground began to quake.
Tiny specks of gold began to peak up from the surface. A large rectangular area of the ground began to shift, displaced by these gold speckles created by the young farm hand. Two feet by five feet, and then three feet by seven feet. And then finally a gold speckled area three feet by just about ten feet began to shift.
When Hotah opened his eyes they were met by his grimoire. The book flew from his hand and opened all on its own.
The gold etched pages now had golden lettering which appeared before his very eyes. Then, there was an image drawn with golden ink. There was a long stem, no, a stock. Then another, then another, and then hundreds more. It was some kind of crop? It was wheat! It was a field, no a wall of wheat!
When the writing finally stopped, Hotah knew what it was. He knew what he needed to do.
He stood. With both hands outstretched he read the words gifted to him by his grimoire.
“Fields of Gold Magic: Bountiful Harvest”
And with that, a large wall erupted where the speckles of gold once were. It ripped through the dirt, lifted all rocks hidden beneath the surface and held them up several feet high.
Amara released her hold on the broken darm axe and let it fall to the ground. The sight before her was nearly as beautiful as the first time she’d seen Hotah’s magic awake just days ago. It was a large bush, no, a wall of golden wheat with shimmering white diamond berries at their very tops.
She didn’t know what to expect from Hotah, but it wasn’t this. Using this spell, he would have the land prepared and ready for the growth of food in no time.
She approached it, carefully reaching out with little sensing abilities she had. It didn’t seem dangerous.
“It’s not dangerous.” Hotah said.
Next she reached out a hand. The wall was so smooth, so cool, so impossibly dense. This spell lifted every hidden rock in this section while simultaneously separating the dirt. Her attention was pulled from the spell before her by childish shouting and laughter.
Little heads peaked out from windows to see just what all the commotion was about and then joined in with their own noises. One head in particular peered at the event, but it was no child. It was Headmistress Rosalie who simply smiled. Amara could guess what she was thinking. This young man will hold his own in the capital, just like the first young adult she sent. With these two, there was no way she wouldn’t achieve favor with interested nobles. She may achieve upward social mobility sooner than she thought.
Soon Hotah once more found himself surrounded by children. Only this time, they were smiling, laughing, engaged. This new magic of his helped him to restore something. It was something in himself and something in the children who loved and admired him.
Amara had begun teaching the boy to read. A skill the girl was most thankful for. Yet it was the art of making clothing, designing patterns, sewing, and knitting that the boy was really excited about. They were on their way back from the market where Amara purchased fabrics and simple sewing materials for him when they spotted a most peculiar site. There was a hummingbird attempting to draw nectar from a nearby flower blossom. It was determined to feed from that one flower blossom, despite the fact that a praying mantis stood atop it. The two little creatures went back and forth. The insect would extend its dangerous front legs outwards when the hummingbird was near which prompted the tiny avian to retreat. The mantis would pull back, so the hummingbird would inch its way closer. Why were they both so determined? What was so special about that one flower blossom that kept the little feathered creature from seeking another, not guarded by another creature intent on ending its life? After a minute or so the hummingbird stood, or rather hovered, victoriously. The mantis eventually overextended its legs and fell from the flower it was guarding. The tiny bird had its full of nectar and then flew off on its merry little way.
“I was so scared for him.” The boy, Jared said, taking in a deep inhalation of breath. “I think I was holding my breath the whole time.
“The whole time?” Amara laughed, hiding the fact that she’d pretty much done the same. “Come.” She continued. “Let’s get you back home so that you can start learning to make the clothes you’ve dreamed of.” She said, offering a free hand which he quickly took.
They arrived at Kikka’s Branch of the Clover Kingdom Orphanage in no time at all. Once there they were greeted by the sight of Hotah working the front yard with a farm axe. He was surrounded by a bunch of kids who watched, unamused at his efforts.
Amara was taken back to her days of living on the property several months ago. There were times when she could look out of her window and see the young man spending time playing games with the children, or making sure that they’re being fed. He was always so happy. Now however, he looked worried.
The sudden clinging of metal hitting rock intermingled with the sound of wood breaking as the young farm hand brought up the wooden handle that once held the metal head of a farming tool. The thud of the farm axe head hitting the dirt was followed by an exacerbated sigh from Hotah.
“Okay” Hotah began. One of the smaller boys went over to the newly discovered rock and attempted to move it, first with his bare hands, then with magic. The large rock shook a bit, but didn’t budge. She tried once more, straining her while body. She lifted her arms upwards, and with that, the rock budged. It was an impressive feat considering the rock she’d just dislodged had to weigh about twenty pounds or so.
“Sorry guys but this is no place for kids.” Hotah said, grabbing the rock with one arm. “You could get hurt.” He waved the kids off and was met with a symphony of disappointed groans. “Yeah I know I know.” He continued. “I’ll let you know when it’s time to get to the fun part.” The group divided, some running into the large home, others running past Amara and her young sewing protege.
“Jared.” Amara said. He looked up at her. “Could you take everything up to your quarters? I’ll join you in a moment.” She continued. “I need to speak with Hotah for a moment.” Jared gathered the materials and began towards the house.
“Hotah.” Amara called out. This immediately drew his attention. He carried the rock to the yard’s boundary and dropped it by the fence.
He could guess what she was going to say. He was preparing the land on the property for food production. He was attempting to turn a greenspace that Headmistress Rosalie had always kept open into something more. To Headmistress Rosalie and many others throughout Clover Kingdom, a front yard, a backyard, a courtyard which contained only grass and decorative flowers was a sign of a successful household, wealthy even. It was a way of saying we don’t need to grow food, we can have others grow it for us and then deliver it. The greenspaces of this property were left as is because Headmistress Rosalie demanded it.
Only this greenspace was never green. There were a few patches here and there, but there were mostly dry yellowish spots, barren dirt patches and the occasional inedible weed. Yet here he was preparing the front yard, back yard, and courtyard to be made ready for gardening, perhaps even farming. And this was no easy task. The dirt was packed around rocks which were likely once used to form walkways. He’d already broken one farm tool when he found one.
Hotah was putting so much care and focus into the land, knowing that it was his way of taking care of the kids while he was away. He couldn’t bring himself to tell the kids, or even Amara, that Headmistress Rosalie had decided to send him to the Noble Region to join Amara. This wasn’t so that she could have an ally or confidant at the main branch. No. It was so that the conniving women could have two candidates present that could gain her notoriety among the noble houses. If there was a chance for Hotah to serve her in the same way as she’d hoped Amara would it was worth sending him away.
Hotah resisted her. His lack of intimidation was viewed as sheer defiance in her eyes. But rather than attempt to break him, she offered him a deal. He could have the yards to grow food for the kids he’d be leaving behind. He could prep the land now and teach them to plant crops. He could visit as often as he’d like to educate the children on proper farming techniques and assure that the food is growing on schedule. However in exchange, he would head to the Noble Region without any questions asked. Be a good and obedient boy just this once, and you won’t have to watch the other children go hungry.
“I won’t be here forever.” Hotah began, looking at Amara. “So she said I could start a garden, and even get a small crop going.” He finished, leaving out the most important detail of his arrangement with Headmistress Rosalie.
“You know, you have a spectacular grimoire now.” Amara began, looking at the book fastened to his waist with a makeshift book holder.
“I have a nice grimoire...” He said with a hint of sarcasm. He tilted his head over in the direction of Amara’s own magical tome.
She nearly forgot that it was there, floating beside her head, always remaining close but keeping its distance. Like the hummingbird. She was thankful for the fact that it behaved in this way. Her book was far too large to carry around all the time, luckily, it followed her around of its own accord.
“Right, but back to YOUR grimoire.” She said, smirking. “You wield both gold and diamond elements simultaneously.” She continued, thinking back to her countless hours researching different magic attributes in the state archives in the capital.
“Both are incredibly durable. Surely you can manage to find a way to use your power in a way to make this work easier.” It was then that her forehead was lit aglow. A soft light came from it, curving and bending like living smoke on its way to the broken farm axe head. It enveloped the broken tool and lifted it from its resting place.
A moment later Amara brought it down with enough force to break the clumped dirt. She lifted the metal head and began to repeat the process.
“I have no experience farming so this is really all I can think to do.” She began. “But you Hotah, you have such a long lived connection to the land, to the idea of growing your own food. You can probably do so much more.” She finished.
She continued using the broken tool to loosen the packed dirt.
Inspired, Hotah took his grimoire in hand. He gripped the gold and diamond encrusted book firmly and knelt. He dug his free hand into the dirt and began to ponder over his connection to farming, to the ability to provide food, care and even protection to those he holds dear.
His grimoire began to radiate with a brilliant, warm light as he poured his mana into the ground.
He stopped when Amara struck another rock.
“Apologies.” Amara laughed lightly. A second tendril of curving, dancing light stretched forth from her temple and plucked the rock from the ground.
Hotah continued doing whatever it was he was doing. He closed his eyes and poured all of his concentration into the one task. He only wanted this one thing for now.
“Work damn you.” He muttered to himself. “Work. I need this land to be ready. I need it to grow something useful…” And with that, the ground began to quake.
Tiny specks of gold began to peak up from the surface. A large rectangular area of the ground began to shift, displaced by these gold speckles created by the young farm hand. Two feet by five feet, and then three feet by seven feet. And then finally a gold speckled area three feet by just about ten feet began to shift.
When Hotah opened his eyes they were met by his grimoire. The book flew from his hand and opened all on its own.
The gold etched pages now had golden lettering which appeared before his very eyes. Then, there was an image drawn with golden ink. There was a long stem, no, a stock. Then another, then another, and then hundreds more. It was some kind of crop? It was wheat! It was a field, no a wall of wheat!
When the writing finally stopped, Hotah knew what it was. He knew what he needed to do.
He stood. With both hands outstretched he read the words gifted to him by his grimoire.
“Fields of Gold Magic: Bountiful Harvest”
And with that, a large wall erupted where the speckles of gold once were. It ripped through the dirt, lifted all rocks hidden beneath the surface and held them up several feet high.
Amara released her hold on the broken darm axe and let it fall to the ground. The sight before her was nearly as beautiful as the first time she’d seen Hotah’s magic awake just days ago. It was a large bush, no, a wall of golden wheat with shimmering white diamond berries at their very tops.
She didn’t know what to expect from Hotah, but it wasn’t this. Using this spell, he would have the land prepared and ready for the growth of food in no time.
She approached it, carefully reaching out with little sensing abilities she had. It didn’t seem dangerous.
“It’s not dangerous.” Hotah said.
Next she reached out a hand. The wall was so smooth, so cool, so impossibly dense. This spell lifted every hidden rock in this section while simultaneously separating the dirt. Her attention was pulled from the spell before her by childish shouting and laughter.
Little heads peaked out from windows to see just what all the commotion was about and then joined in with their own noises. One head in particular peered at the event, but it was no child. It was Headmistress Rosalie who simply smiled. Amara could guess what she was thinking. This young man will hold his own in the capital, just like the first young adult she sent. With these two, there was no way she wouldn’t achieve favor with interested nobles. She may achieve upward social mobility sooner than she thought.
Soon Hotah once more found himself surrounded by children. Only this time, they were smiling, laughing, engaged. This new magic of his helped him to restore something. It was something in himself and something in the children who loved and admired him.
