A New Companion from the Forest — The Livestock Introduction Project Begins!
The bustle of the “Spring of Life” had become part of daily life, bringing energy and abundance to the villagers. For the sake of further stability and development, Akio had begun seriously considering the next step: introducing livestock. Meat, eggs, milk, even labor — the benefits livestock could bring were immeasurable.
Akio gathered Sylvia, Ayane, Kina, and several villagers skilled in hunting and animal knowledge from the forest for a meeting on the subject.
“As you all know, we still rely heavily on hunting, foraging, and farming for our food. But if we want stable supplies of meat, eggs, and milk that aren’t at the mercy of the weather, raising livestock is the best way forward.”
Everyone nodded seriously at his proposal.
“The question is, what kind of livestock, and where do we get them?” Dolgan added.
“There are wild boars and deer-like animals in the forest, but domesticating them won’t be easy,” Leonora analyzed coolly.
At that moment, Kina raised her hand.
“Hubby, I might know just the thing! Some beastfolk tribes keep ‘Forest Chickens’ — they’re a bit small, but they lay plenty of eggs — and ‘Rock Goats,’ tough little guys that thrive even on rocky ground and give both milk and meat. Maybe we could strike a deal with them and get a few!”
Her information was exactly the ray of light they needed.
Akio decided to follow Kina’s lead and seek out contact with that beastfolk settlement. A few days later, he, Sylvia, Kina, and Leonora — serving as guard — set out with modest gifts: iron knives forged by Akio’s people, Sylvia’s herbs, and bread baked by Ayane.
This was not Kina’s home village, but a tribe friendly with her people. They lived in harmony with nature, their culture distinct from Akio’s budding settlement. At first the beastfolk were wary, but seeing Kina’s familiar face and Akio’s group’s sincerity, their hearts gradually softened, and an audience with the elder was granted.
Akio spoke honestly about their village’s origins and why they sought livestock. The elder, listening quietly, seemed to sense something in Akio — perhaps the blessing of the Tree of Life or the sacred beasts — and after long consideration, said:
“Very well. Kina’s word carries weight, and I sense a new wind blowing from your village. We shall give you a pair of Forest Chickens and several young Rock Goats. But in exchange, we ask for some of those iron blades. Good tools are indispensable for survival in the forest.”
Thus, through barter, they secured their first livestock.
A few days later, the village welcomed its new residents: lively Forest Chickens clucking around and adorable Rock Goats bleating. Both children and adults were overjoyed at the sight of their very first domesticated animals.
Ayane, Miko, and Yume eagerly volunteered to care for the chickens. Alto and Kenta, guided by Dolgan, threw themselves into building sturdy pens and shelters for the goats. Sylvia began researching the right herbs and feed to keep the animals healthy, while Kina shared her beastfolk knowledge of husbandry, from daily care to milking techniques.
A new breath of life had come to Akio’s village. These animals would enrich their diet, aid in working the fields, and — most importantly — teach the children the preciousness of life itself. The small community deep in the forest had climbed yet another firm step on the ladder of growth.
What do you think about this chapter?
