The next morning, I woke to the sun rising and a chill in the air. I shivered at the cold bite of frost that was already warming on my skin. I stared up in irritation. If they were going to send me to a place falling apart due to neglect, couldn't they send me during the summer? Even though spring was more abrupt here, it did get steadily warmer in its own way. So, sending me a week before summer instead of the first week of spring would have been better.
Still, I couldn't let myself dwell. I had radishes to grow.
The air outside the shack was still crisp but amazing to the taste. The feeling of the first rays of the sun that filtered through the trees made me tingle wherever it touched my skin. Just living in this holy space was a feast in and of itself.
And if I wanted to stay, I had to get to work on growing those radishes.
I shook my head. I quickly put on my extra set of clothes and put away the ones I'd hung on the railing outside. After, I gathered my new tools clumsily in my arms. The nymph doctor I'd 'consulted' before coming here had explained that if I just concentrated right, I could sense where the best place to plant the seeds would be. I'd just have to be careful, as my magic wouldn't respect land boundaries.
Still, I'd run into the rock fence if I tried going into Charge's land, and the mountain range would be distinguished by rocks and tiny minerals. Nothing would grow there before a sacrifice was given to the spirits in the holy land.
So, I closed my eyes and let my instinct lead me. With my feet bare and senses open, I took the therapist's words perhaps too literally. I didn't know quite how I felt about the feel of the dirt and bits of grass under my toes, but I supposed it wasn't completely horrid. It did grate against what I'd been taught growing up. In the city, you wear shoes. Not wearing them meant you'd most likely step on something sharp and end up with some sort of infection that would rot your feet.
Now I dug my toes into the clean dirt underneath my toes. The energy that coursed through me from it was another amazing blast of power. Then there was the sun itself. I'd been too nervous when I'd first arrived to notice, but now I could really feel its effects. As I heard, I didn't feel nearly as hungry as I should after not eating for so long. Really, I should have started to feel dizzy and sick to my stomach after not eating for so long. I still felt detached and a bit chilled, but there was something about the dirt under my feet and the sun on my skin that rejuvenated me and made me feel better than any meal in rehab or even home ever had.
The feel of freezing, running water woke me from my musing. Apparently, I'd been concentrating so hard on the sensations of Four Seasons that I hadn't been listening or watching where I'd been walking. Still, this was the place that felt right to start my work.
Not the river, but the clearing next to it. Time to get to work. Because while I wouldn't need to chop down any trees, I had to till the soil and remove a few rocks before I could start sowing the seeds.
The grass had grown long enough that it needed the scythe to cut, and since I didn't have good clippers, I ended up using the ax to clear the bushes. Then I had to create a space where the beginning of the garden would be. It wouldn't have to be as intricate as most nymphs might make theirs, but I did have to reach into the very earth itself with my magic to make sure only the radishes would grow in my garden. Not that weeds couldn't sneak in, but this would help keep those at bay.
My nails and fingers hurt by the time I started to sow the radish seeds, and the cool air felt weird against the heat that seemed to be spreading through my body in waves. The sensation ate through my skin and sent a strained but almost pleasant tingle through my entire body.
When I'd worked for Charge, I'd mostly tried to push strength into already harvested but rotting produce. At school, the dirt to grow anything had always felt dry and lifeless, and something important wasn't just missing in the little gardens, but the composition of it felt off. I'd never quite understood what was wrong when the nymphs in class would somehow do better than I did, despite what I was. Now, every lesson I could recall made more sense.
I still didn't understand why I hadn't been as good as they were, but I hoped I wouldn't lose this position at Four Seasons.
For a moment, I imagined the nightmare possibility of the government sending me to the front lines. The earth there is a crisp death under my feet. Assigned to fight against the dark creatures we were supposed to have a treaty with, or perhaps I'd be placed at the edges, where I'd try to drag life back to those barren lands until my magic and life were exhausted to a husk.
Then I pushed those thoughts away. I needed to concentrate on what I would do now, not what could happen if I screwed up.
Speaking to the plants had never been the correct way to explain what nymphs or those like me would do when working with vegetation. It was more like a play of understanding between us on a level that language couldn't properly explain. How would I explain how I moved my magic and thoughts through the earth to interact with the roots I found and pulled at the life within the earth itself? It would be like trying to explain how centaurs were able to read the stars to tell their messages and moods every night.
When I stood from my rows of radishes, I stumbled, the world spinning, and a headache making itself known. I hadn't exercised my magic or my body so much in a long time. The last time I'd used my magic, it had been to abuse it over and over again until I felt dry and shaking for Charge. The memory of that strain was already there in my skin and hands. It ate at my memory, and unconsciously I slapped at my pockets for the shot of drugs that would recover if enough, so I could keep working. Then I would spend days or even weeks in exhaustion and misery, unable to do what was required of me. Then I would shoot up again, so I would go to work or just not feel like brittle deadwood.
Pushing myself to my feet, I hastily went over to my pail and grabbed it before dunking it into the river, feeling the cold water lap against my skin. I couldn't help but raise my head to the sky. The feeling of the sun was intoxicating. It drowned out that need for something sharp and addictive to recharge my energy. A need that became a fuzz under the surface, a shake that could end this exhaustion, but I couldn't risk it. Plus, I didn't have the drug on me.
I shook my head. First, I needed to water the new seeds, then I could sunbathe to recharge. That was the socially acceptable way of getting the body and magic mended.
Once the seeds were happily growing, the rate of which was astonishing even at this early stage, I let myself relax. By tomorrow, the seeds would be sprouting from the earth. It would be ten days or less before the radishes would be ready to harvest. Now I just needed to make sure the seeds got what they needed to grow.
Gathering all my supplies together, I decided that now I deserved a little time to sunbathe and rest. I probably needed it after all the work I'd just done. At this rate, I'd have this month's work done by the end of the next week by this rate of growth. I tried to remember how the months worked in the holy space and even made an aborted move to look at my pad. But, in the end, I let my hand fall and simply curled up on a warm rock with my foot in the dirt and my hand in the cool running water.
After letting out a rather ridiculous groan of contentment, I let myself drift off into a map.
At some point, hands held me, and then soothed me when I groaned and swatted and tried to stay in my spot. I was used to my space being invaded and my wants and personal autonomy taken from me, so eventually I let the therapists lift me and take me back to my room.
Except, when I woke up properly, I remembered I was no longer at the institution.
"Ah, he's awake!" yelled a feminine, booming voice. I couldn't help but wince a little at the volume before I looked into the sun when I tried to look at her. I couldn't help but be a little surprised when I realized the yelling person was a satyr. A creature born of the new times with a mix of light and dark magic. Somehow, her magic was a reflection of both harmony and chaos. "Hello, dear."
"Ah," I said stupidly and then shook my head. "Sorry. Um, how did I…?"
"I couldn't find you!" yelled a high-pitched voice. I turned to see a dwarf with a scruffy beard and a plunging shirt that showed she was quite well-endowed for her size. "Sorry if I messed something up, but when Philip and I found you, we couldn't move you, and I was worried that you'd…"
"She called me, and everything is fine now," said the satyr, as she clapped her hands. Her agitation was belied by a slight shake of her horns and the pawing of one of her hoof's against the ground as she said it. The dwarf rolled her eyes.
"Yes, yes, the nymph's fine. He simply overexerted himself and was recharged in the sun as nymphs do," said the dwarf. I quickly touched my sunglasses. Sure, they were on my nose, and I was hoping that in my half-asleep state, I hadn't given anything away. I suppose that I'd know for sure if people started treating me like I was going to fix everything, or pushing me to work in the holy space and act as a prophet or holy representative.
"Um, thank you so much for your help," I said, stuttering a little and blushing as I did so. The satyr snorted.
"I hardly helped," she said, lifting her pipes and playing a quick tune that I felt go right to my bones. Then she pointed to the dwarf. "It was Philip who found you and got us to help. Really, I was just here to keep an eye on Cora. Don't let the dwarf fool you and swindle you out of your money just to check up on this old shack, or let her charge you more for the fixin's it's going to need."
"I would never," snapped the dwarf, though her nose and tips of her ears were red. "Anyway, you wanted something from him as well."
"Yes," said the satyr, then turned her smile on me. "But don't feel pressured, dear. I was hoping that this Friday, my kids could visit the farm, and you could tell them a little about what you're doing here and how you grow things. I run the local orphanage, and for the last few months, they've been hearing all sorts of interesting half-truth rumors about who you are and what you'd do. They've become quite interested in starting our own little garden."
"Oh, um…" I said. I'd never been interested in being a parent or a teacher. But despite the fact that she said not to worry about helping me, I still felt indebted to her. If only so I could keep her on my good side. I already appeared to be an annoyance to Cora, though I hoped the dwarf just had an irritable personality.
In other words, a stereotypical dwarf.
"Oh, but don't worry. While I would love for them to see your garden once it's fully developed, what you have so far is perfect. If you're worried about them ruining what you've grown so far, don't. I'll give you my word, they won't touch anything. There are only a few orphans in my care at the moment, and I'll bring and watch over them even during any actual planting we do. I just want them to meet you and see Sunshine. Ray wasn't very interested in allowing field trips here. I never wanted to see the old goblin thrown from Four Seasons like that. He was happy here, in his own way."
"Sure," I said. Then smiled at her when she lifted an eyebrow as if to ask if I was sure. "As long as you don't expect much."
"No, of course not. You just moved in," said the satyr, her smile turning motherly. "And you let me know if you need us to leave early. I can understand how moving to a new place can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. The fact that you're considering this and not currently cussing at me is a better start to our relationship than many of our past and current residents."
The satyr smiled at Cora, who huffed and looked away.
"Anyway, we'll plan on Friday then. I put my contact information into your cheery little box. It should update to your pad later tonight if it hasn't already. Once you have a person's contact information, the pad or box will share information, and you can contact or send materials to your neighbors," she said with a smile before trotting off back toward town, playing a jaunty tune on her pipes as she left. I wondered if she was trying to play herself off as a kind stereotype to put me at ease.
"Hmph, nagging horse," snorted the dwarf. The dwarf then turned on me, her eyes narrowed as I must have made a noise of surprise at her word choice. "You have something to say?"
"Ah, well…" I tried to figure out how to scold her for saying a slur and also getting the slur wrong, of all things. Well, and wondering if I really should. She obviously knew what she said, and she was the one who was supposed to be able to help fix my new home. Still, I might as well say something at this point. I'd already basically stuck my foot in my mouth. Might as well say something like I'd always wanted to but had been too shy to even try. "Ah, well, she's not a horse, more of a… well, the stereotype is a goat, right?"
She looked at me and then snorted, shaking her head. "Yeah, I suppose the horse would be my husband."
"Ah, right. That's…um… what…?" I said babbling nonsense. Cora nodded, while still glaring in the satyr's direction. I tried to salvage the conversation. "She seems nice though."
"Yes, well, Lily has always been kind," said the dwarf. Then she turned her glare on me. "Unless you mean she's nice even though she's part chaos. In which case, I'd get rid of that mentality immediately. Many of our residents are children of chaos, including our doctor."
"Really?" I asked, eyes widening. "Is the doctor an Orc? I heard that their innate strength and knowledge of the body actually helped in healing, especially…"
"No," said Cora, blushing horribly for some reason. "She's a harpy."
"A harpy?" I asked, then looked up at the sky. "Wait, that means she can fly, right? That's amazing!"
"More amazing if she'd stick around for more than one week at a time," said Cora slowly, watching me bounce on my toes with a suspicious tilt of her eyebrows. I blushed and stopped jumping like a child. I wasn't actually that excited to see a harpy. I'd always imagined that it would be amazing to fly. Being a higher creature with the ability to fly seemed more exciting than just being excellent at growing things.
"Anyway, we should go over what I found," said Cora, taking out her own pad. She then glared at me and pointed to her side. I blushed and hurried over to her. "As you can see. Some of the repairs to your house can wait a bit. A lot of the damage done is superficial, but some repairs do need to be addressed yesterday. What's your current budget? We can decide what we can do after the necessary repairs once I have a better idea of what we have to work with.
"Oh, um…" I quickly went and brought out my own pad. Sure, I probably didn't have anything, but I didn't feel like I could simply say it. So, instead, I turned the pad on and started tapping at it. Cora scoffed and stood closer to take control. I had to bend down a little to accommodate. She quickly hit the app I needed, only to then freeze when the number of supposed gold I had was revealed.
"230 gold," she whispered, and then glanced at me. From her tone alone, I knew that she wasn't impressed. Maybe even surprised at the low number. "That's not even enough for a cup of coffee."
"Oh," I said. Then looked away from the gold and tried to smile. "Well, I mean, most of my funds went into my rehabilitation. I'm surprised I have anything."
"Rehabilitation, huh?" asked Cora. "Then I'm guessing the gold you have is your part of Philip's rent, then. Not much, but most of it must go to the government. It is technically their land. Still…"
"You can't fix anything," I said with a sigh, as I stared at the number. There were other apps and information to explore, but I didn't really want Cora poking around my information more than she already had.
"Well, no, but…." She let go of my pad, returning to her own. "I can't really give you the discount that you need to get even the necessary work done, but we can work out a deal, especially with the necessary work. Let's see. We need to get your windows fixed and plug the leaks in your roof. Really, most of your roof needs to be replaced, but we'll discuss that later. There's some rot in the foundation that Ray ignored, and the electricity needs to be fixed before it starts a fire from faulty wiring. Electricity is the most pressing issue. That will cost you 1500 gold, and that's the cheapest fix. If you cut down some trees for me and cut them the way I want, depending on the type and the… well, anyway." Suddenly, Cora looked at me instead of her notes. "I'll send you a manual on how you can cut the wood, so I can give you the best deal. I can even tell you the best type of trees to cut down and take half the gold I'd usually need by substituting them for those trees. I'd suggest sending me some of the wood and sending the rest to the government. That way, you can start getting the gold you need as well, and hopefully, you can earn enough so you can safely use your electricity soon."
"Um, right. Thank you," I said, blinking stupidly before looking down at the pad where the number 230 glared back like a neon badge of shame.
I supposed it was better than nothing.
Still, half of 1500 was 750 gold. How much would I even get for the wood I cut? How long would it take to earn enough to safely use my electricity? At the very least, I had to charge my pad every night.
"Don't worry about it right now," said Cora with a huff. She started to play around on my pad again. She brought up a map of Four Seasons. "Since you have no food, and can't just live on sun and water indefinitely, I'll show you the best places you can go to scavenge for food. I can't promise anything. A few people pick whatever berries and goodies grow naturally around here, and unfortunately, spring is almost as bad as winter for finding edible plants, but hopefully, you should be able to find enough for now. Your best bet, in my opinion, is if you can find some clams or whatever on the beach before our nautical members get them in the morning. You don't have a fishing rod, so you'll just have to scrounge up what you can on the beach, but the clams have lots of nutrition. Even for plant-based creatures like you."
She looked me up and down and sighed.
"I'll send you some emails. Come visit me if you have any questions. I have more I should tell you, but… probably not today. We have the time, but I don't want to negatively affect your impressions of the system here, and it's more important to get you fed. So instead, let's go see if we can pick some mud berries," she said. Thankfully, she had turned her back to me, so she didn't see me make a disgusted face. Those things always had a strange texture that took away the little taste they had.
Still, she was right; while sunbathing had helped, I still needed food to survive.
I was already starting to feel a little lightheaded.
Thankfully, we didn't have to go far in order to get to those mud berries. Cora gave me a little of it to try as she rambled about how to find and distinguish the berries from similar poisonous ones. She laughed when I expressed that they were actually pretty good.
"Just be careful as you get closer to the mountains," said Cora, as we headed back to my new home. "There was an incubus that was sent here a few decades ago, and they said that he disappeared into them not long after he first arrived. No one knows how he gets the food he needs to survive. Ray and Philip swear they've only glimpsed him, but an incubus can get rather desperate, like any of us, when they're hungry, and he needs more than just regular food if you know what I mean."
"I'll keep that in mind," I said, then bit my lip, mulling over a question I decided it was worth asking rather than staying silent. "Um, I was brought up in a fairly secluded neighborhood. Even when I worked with Charge, I was still mostly in contact with other nymphs or woodland magical creatures, so I don't really know what I'm looking up, so I don't offend anyone here."
"Why don't you just look it up?" she asked with an unimpressed sneer.
"I've tried, but there's a lot of misinformation even in what people say are credible sources," I said, playing with my glasses. Cora practically growled her annoyance. She grabbed at my hip, which had me jumping, but she was just going for my pad again. She brought up the map and then jabbed at a spot in the village.
"That's the library. When you have time, ask Melissa for any suggestions for websites or even books on the subject. You can take out one book at a time to start, and as you show you're reliable, you can take out more. Reagan also works at the library as an assistant, she's a nymph-like you. She should be able to point you to credible sites on different species if you're uncomfortable taking advice from others."
"Oh, um, thank you," I said. Cora shrugged and glared up at the sky, ending the conversation before I could say Melissa would be fine.
"It's getting dark. I should go see my family," said Cora. "I'll send you more information about fixing this dump to your email in the morning, so make sure to check it by the afternoon. Try not to freeze tonight."
We both gave a low bow to each other before she fast-walked her way out of sight. The sun was just starting to set. I watched the sky darken, reflecting how, in the past, this was when I used to start my day.
Now, I just wanted to curl up in my destroyed bed and let my aching body sleep. Still, for another moment, I let myself lean against a tree, feeling it grow and echo with my magic.
A part of me realized that, at that moment, I could use my magic to move easily and chop down trees.
Then I stood up straight abruptly because I couldn't remember if I had seen my tools back at my shack. It wouldn't be that much trouble to find my garden, but I really was so exhausted that it seemed like more than a chore. I started to look around for them and found them on my porch, thankfully. They had been cleaned and taken care of. I winced a little as I realized how much I was starting to owe my new neighbors two on top of the people I already owed.
Taking the tools in hand, I put them away carefully inside. I then put my pad to Charge where the coming rain wouldn't reach it. I couldn't imagine how much gold it would take to replace.