To Our Final Home – Blessings of the Forest and the Journey of Selection
Under Dolgan’s guidance, the first firing of the iron furnace was a success, and a new light of hope was kindled in the village. Though production was still small, the fact that they could now create iron with their own hands marked a major step forward for the village’s self-sufficiency and security. However, as the number of refugees continued to grow, their current settlement was becoming increasingly cramped. Akio made up his mind to find a new location within the forest—one that could become their true and lasting home.
“Sylvia, Ayane, Dolgan-dono, Leonora-dono, and Kina—I want to ask for your wisdom. I’d like us to go and seriously search for a place where we can build our new village.”
At Akio’s call, the chosen members each nodded, a shared sense of mission in their hearts.
Several days later, with food and camping gear loaded into a handcart, Akio’s party ventured deep into the forest. Their destination: an area Sylvia had identified as being filled with the “ancient energy of the forest,” with several candidate sites for their new home.
Guided by Sylvia, they advanced along animal trails and, at times, through trackless terrain.
“This area has abundant water flow and fertile land. But… it’s a bit too open. That could be a disadvantage in terms of defense,” Leonora remarked as she scanned the surroundings with sharp eyes.
“Hmm, the ground seems solid enough. Looks like we could get decent stone materials too. But being this close to the river… it might be a problem during heavy rain,” Dolgan said, tapping the ground with his staff as he considered the site carefully.
Kina paused from time to time, sniffing the air and ground intently.
“There’s a big beast’s territory nearby in this part of the forest. But along that stream over there, there seem to be lots of small animals and nuts!”
Ayane also evaluated the area while searching for medicinal herbs, considering factors like sunlight, airflow, and whether children could safely play in the space.
“If it’s around here, we’d have plenty of room for an herb garden and fields. And the sunlight is gentle—it feels like a pleasant place.”
Akio listened carefully to everyone’s insights, mentally sorting the potential and challenges of each site. Sylvia stayed by his side, sharing her sense of the unseen powers of the land—like whispers from the spirits.
“Akio… this place feels gentle, but it also carries a trace of sorrow. But over there, on that hill… there’s a strong energy, as if it’s welcoming a new beginning.”
As dusk fell, they arrived at a broad plateau. Surrounded on three sides by low hills, the area opened gently to the south with a sloping plain, and a clear river glimmered in the distance. Behind them stretched a dense forest, seemingly rich in resources.
“This is…” Akio held his breath.
“Easy to defend, good visibility, and water should be accessible,” Leonora nodded.
“Hmm. This bedrock could support sturdy buildings. The airflow is just right—this isn’t bad at all,” Dolgan agreed, arms crossed.
Sylvia closed her eyes and took a deep breath. A gentle smile rose on her face.
“The flow of energy here is clean. This land is full of life-giving power, Akio.”
Ayane and Kina also felt the uplifting atmosphere of the place, their faces brightening naturally.
“Alright. Let’s make this our first candidate. Tomorrow, we’ll survey it more thoroughly.”
Everyone nodded firmly at Akio’s words. That night, gathered around the campfire, they shared dreams of their new village. They fell asleep wrapped in hope. Akio and Sylvia, hand in hand, envisioned the future they would build upon this land.
What do you think about this chapter?
