Arc 721, 32 Ymiden
Leading Herman, Miles and Melinda out of Haven House…..oh, and Storm, who wasn’t about to be left behind, Elisabeth closed the door behind her and began walking with the small group into Haven proper. They were quickly joined by all three Haven guards, which the young leader found...odd, but didn’t call attention to it, amused. “Herman, Melinda, Miles….you’ve already met Balder and Silk, so please let me introduce you to Ronan. All three are Haven settlement guards.” The guards and Cadouri spent a few trills exchanging pleasantries until Elisabeth gently, but pointedly, spoke to the guards. “I’m sure you three have other things to do?”
It was almost comical the way all three guards spoke the word “No” at the same time, with a bit of emphasis. Unable to deny them the experience, she gave in, inviting them to join the group. “The more. The merrier I suppose.” Herman smiled at Elisabeth, nodding his head. “I agree! It’s wonderful that so many people in Haven are involved in what happens here. That is how it should be!” Of course, she knew the guards’ interest was less in the project and more in the guests, but she let it be, continuing the conversation with Herman. “It’s my philosophy that when you live in a community like this, everyone should have a say in what it’s identity is, and what happens within it. For example, moving here was a settlement decision. Discussion was had and votes were placed.”
As they moved into the area with the housing structures, Elisabeth pointed out a few things. “These are the extent of our current building abilities. They work for what we need them for and held through the storm in Ashan. We aren’t able to worry too much about aesthetics.” Inspecting the exterior of one of the structures, Herman nodded. “Solid basics. Good foundations to work from. If the settlers you mentioned were involved in the building of these then I have no doubt that we will work wonderfully together.”
They passed the research station, with Elisabeth explaining about the agreement with the University and some of the items they were studying, such as the Ignis clam and Rubrum Berry plant. Everywhere they walked, Haven people smiled and greeted the Cadouri happily.
Soon enough, they found their way to Edward Munny’s house, and Elisabeth noted that Edward, Bran and Gilbert were outside, waiting for them. Introductions were made and it was agreed to continue to the proposed farm site.
As they walked, Herman gently spoke to the young mage, giving her a warm smile. “The people here are happy. That is a good sign that what you are doing here is positive and good. Worry less about that and continue to be who you are.” Elisabeth turned to regard him, considering what possibly made him say that, and started to ask such, but was cut off by a dismissing wave of his hand and smile. “All good leaders, and teachers, worry about those they are responsible for and their impact upon them. When you stop worrying is when you need to stop, period.”
Elisabeth glanced back, noticing that Miles and Melinda had joined the settlers in their group, and they were all quietly talking amongst themselves, causing her to smile. It was a ridiculous notion really, but it made her happy seeing the settlers enjoying time with guests. The settlement was still in the early stages of being easily accessible, and while the people were more than capable of being social, they hadn't had the opportunity to be so for awhile, and seemed thrilled with company.
It was evident as they approached the proposed farm site that the settlers had done what they could to prepare for Saoire's building mentor. The dimensions for the farm house and barn were outlined with stakes and string, looking similar to Elisabeth's childish drawings. Herman and his two companions got to work immediately making notes and asking questions. Elisabeth stepped back with the guards and allowed Edward, Gilbert and Bran to confer with the builders, understanding that her place at the moment was to trust and support those that knew better than she.
Storm was in full supervisor mode. Following the settlers and Cadouri around the site, he showed them how gracefully he could crawl under the string without it attacking him, looking extremely proud of himself when he came out on the other side. Then, weaving in-between people's legs, he almost managed to trip a few until Gilbert chuckled and scooped him up, setting the cat on his broad shoulders. "Is that girl of yours not giving you enough attention? Shame on her." The man cast a glance Elisabeth's direction, giving her a good-natured wink, then moving along with the group as they measured and made notes.
Finally, Herman waved over Elisabeth, nodding and smiling. "So, good news! We have a plan, and it's very much in line with what we already spoke of. Luckily, for a project like this, manpower is really the biggest need. You have the materials already so I'm confident that we can set a date to come back with a few more of our students and between them and the people here, we can get things done quickly. It will be a four trial build, I think." Nodding her understanding, Elisabeth smiled. "We would be honored to host you and your students overnight during that time." A smile lit up his face at the offer. "Lovely! One of the settler's mentioned bonfires. I think it would be wonderful to stay here during the project. Before we talk about that though, let's go over the parameters of the build quickly and make sure everyone is on the same page."
Edwin joined Elisabeth on one side, Bran on the other, and the group walked the site slowly with Herman explaining what he understood to be true. "Alright, so here is where the house will be built for Mr. Munny and his family. Large enough for four adult, three bedrooms, a large common room and kitchen. Mr. Munny tells me that his wife has requested a large room spanning the back of the house to serve as a 'nursery' area for plants that might need a bit of additional attention in the colder months. I assured him that isn't an issue." Elisabeth nodded, smiling at Edward. "I think that's a wise call on Jolene's part. Never quite know when things are going to get weird weather-wise. The more areas we have that we can use for cover for various things, the better."
Moving over to the barn area, Herman showed Elisabeth the quick sketch he had made of the what the barn would look like. "One level, as we discussed. It's going to be about three times the size of a current structures in the settlement. The size will easily allow you to use it for multiple purposes, determined by settlement needs. Something that I thought about, as a way to perhaps mentor Mr. Peake in the construction of such, is that in the end of the barn, we will add a few stalls. This will allow the barn to be used to house a few animals if needed and allows the settlement building team to learn techniques that would perhaps allow them to build a stable in the future. What do you think, Elisabeth?"
Considering the idea quickly, she nodded her head. "I agree. I've been considering that very thing - bringing a few horses to the settlement - but I didn't want to do so until I was sure we could properly take care of, house and feed them. And I'm sure the experience will be appreciated." All the settlers present nodded, so it was done deal as far as Elisabeth was concerned. "Excellent, excellent...I'll add that to the sheet here," Herman said, going over the final details.
Herman asked Miles and Melinda a few questions, focused mostly on what they had observed and written down, making sure he had all the information he needed. "Alright then, let me look at my schedule." Consulting a smaller book, he showed her a gap in his scheduled. "How about the 42nd through the 46th? I had something scheduled but that got canceled, so we could come back then and get this project going, if that works for you?" Looking at the others, Elisabeth noted that they were all nodding their heads so she smiled at Herman, nodding hers. "Seems like that will work just fine. We really appreciate this." Sorting all his notebooks and papers, Herman patted her arm again. "It's our pleasure, Elisabeth. Our pleasure indeed. We look forward to coming back and spending time with this lovely settlement and its people!"
Farewells were made all around, and as Elisabeth and the settlers turned to head back to the settlement, she noticed that Storm was missing. Looking around, glancing off at the retreating forms of the Cadouri trio, she saw the feline following them, howling his displeasure. "Storm!" Running after him, she quickly caught up with him, scooping Storm up and laughing softly. "What are you doing, silly cat? You can't go see Saoire right now. I'm sure she will come see you soon enough."
Scratching his head gently, she turned to rejoin the others, and head for home.
OOC
Saoire's offer to assist the building of the Munny farm is here. I also obtained permission from Pegasus to begin building. NPC Herman McGerman borrowed from Saoire's Dream
