Mothers Garden

In the four months following the council meeting everyone had made significant progress in learning to use the Focus. Though some faced more difficulties than others, the results were immediate and impactful. Orlok and his war party managed to rescue numerous people from Carja captivity. Among those freed were 38 Nora, 8 Utaru, 9 Banuk, and even 5 Tenakth. However, the latter chose to leave the settlement once they had recovered. We did not stop them for they had their own war to fight on the forbiden west.

The training with the Focus proved great for our missions that would have once seemed impossible were now executed with precision, as the Focus enabled seamless communication and real-time sharing of information. The ability to scan and analyze the environment gave us a distinct advantage over the Carja allowing us to anticipate enemy movements and locate hidden resources.

The rescued individuals brought stories of their struggles, some of the Nora and Utaru shared traditional survival techniques such as advanced tracking and foraging methods, which enhanced our ability to navigate the wilderness and collect better medical plants.

The Banuk, known for their resourcefulness introduced innovative crafting methods that improved our tools and weapons, making them more efficient and durable. These contributions not only strengthened our weapons capabilities but also fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose among the group.

Despite the progress challenges persisted some of the Nora did not like so many outsiders in their sacred lands which tested everyone's patience, mainling Albedo patience.

Some struggled with the constant influx of information finding it overwhelming at times but Albedo's leadership was instrumental in keeping morale high. She often organized communal gatherings to share knowledge, celebrate small victories and address concerns. Her ability to inspire confidence and foster collaboration was a cornerstone of our success.

The departure of the Tenakth was bittersweet. Their stories of resistance against the Carja of daring raids and acts of defiance inspired many within the settlement even as their absence left a void. Still we respected their choice understanding that their journey was part of a larger battle that extended beyond our borders. Their brief time with us served as a reminder of the interconnected struggles againts the Carja faced by all tribes.

These months marked a turning point for the group for with every new skill learned and every life saved we grew stronger and more united. 

One evening as the settlement gathered for a join meal, i, Albedo, and Orlok sat around a small table discussing a new idea, creating a new farming outpost.

"If we're serious about expanding our reach and influence." I began, "We need another base. One far of the contested regions and that can feed us."

Orlok nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It's risky but the advantages are clear. We'd also have a refuge for those fleeing danger. The question is where?"

Albedo leaned forward, her Focus lighting up as she brought up a map. "I've been analyzing the surrounding areas and there's a plateau near the lake, easily defensible and rich in resources. It's a two-day journey from here but it would give us a strategic edge and its perfect for farming."

"We'd need to send a team to scout it out." Orlok said. "And then there's the matter of manpower we can't stretch ourselves too thin."

"Agreed." Albedo replied. "But think of the possibilities. With the Focus we can coordinate between the two locations. Supplies, intelligence, reinforcements, it's all doable."

I tapped my fingers on the table considering. "It's ambitious, but i'm in. But we'll need volunteers to move there, supplies, and a clear plan."

The three of us spent the rest of the evening hashing out details, their excitement growing as the plan took shape. 

We urgently needed a new outpost. There were too many mouths to feed and too little game to hunt. The new settlement would serve as a farm, located away from immediate danger. It would be protected by a sturdy wooden palisade and Nora warriors armed with our newly acquired banuk weapons.

These warriors would ensure the safety of the Utaru who would tend the fields are care for the animals we had gathered to provide food for our growing community.

In preparation for this endeavor we discovered two new Focus devices. I entrusted them to Mira and Kiri.

Rhea would assume the role of protector of the farm for now, with Kael serving as her second-in-command. Kiri on the other hand would take on the critical role of a roving scout. She would patrol the area between the two settlements ensuring no Carja forces or rogue machines posed a threat to our people.

The construction of the settlement began with a clear vision, almost like a roman fort but much larger. The wooden palisade was designed to withstand attacks from machines and humans. Thick wooden beams reinforced with metal brackets salvaged from old ruins formed the backbone of the defenses. Watchtowers were erected at each corner of the palisade providing vantage points for the warriors to monitor the surrounding area.

Inside rows of fertile soil were prepared for planting with irrigation channels fed by a nearby stream. Simple but effective storage sheds were constructed to protect harvested crops from the elements. A communal hall was built at the center of the settlement serving as both a gathering place to eat and rest and a shelter during emergencies.

Rhea and her warriors began rigorous training with the new weapons, familiarizing themselves with their capabilities and devising strategies for defense. They established a rotation system for patrols and guard duties, ensuring the settlement was always protected. 

Kiri's role was equally vital. Equipped with her new Focus she scouted the surrounding area identifying potential threats and securing safe routes between the settlements. She also marked locations where resources like medicinal herbs or salvageable materials could be found. Her reports were instrumental in maintaining the safety of the farm and ensuring a steady flow of resources between the outpost and our main settlement.

One evening as the farm's construction neared completion the key members gathered in the communal hall to discuss the next steps.

"The palisade is strong but we need to ensure we're prepared for anything." Rhea said leaning over the holo map. "Kael, how are the patrol rotations coming along?"

Kael nodded. "We've established a system that ensures there's always someone on watch. The warriors are adjusting well to the new weapons. I'm confident we can handle most threats."

Kiri tapped her Focus bringing up a holographic display of the surrounding terrain. "I've scouted a few areas where machines tend to roam. We'll need to keep an eye on these spots. There's also a potential salvage site of the old ones here." she pointed to a location on the map. "That could provide materials for reinforcing the gates and maybe some new tech, Noir would love that."

"Good." Rhea replied. "We'll organize a team to retrieve those materials, any tech we find only makes us stronger. Kiri, you'll lead that."

Kiri smirked. "No problem. I'll make sure we're back before the next patrol shift."

The conversation shifted to the Utaru farmers with Kiri voicing her admiration. "The Utaru have been incredible. They've already started planting and the irrigation system Albedo and Noir created is working perfectly."

"Their knowledge has been invaluable, i cant belive we Nora never farm before... Or gather animals, we are so behind others tribes..." Rhea said.

As the farm took shape, it became a symbol of hope the combined efforts of the Nora warriors, Utaru farmers, and the leadership of Rhea and Kiri demonstrated the strength of our community.

And just like that, another four months had passed. Time seemed to slip away faster than ever. 

And i needed to get ready. Moving to the Embrace again without being noticed would not be easy. The Carja and the machines patrolled the borders more frequently now, their eyes sharp and their movements unpredictable but the Proving awaited and I would be ready.

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Every 50 power stones a new chapter