undefined

Granpa and Granma had been kind to me despite Scalus’ disapproval. They served lunch, and we ate together. 

It was a kind of fruit or grain that I saw for the first time. It had a slimy texture yet was juicy inside. It has bitter after taste. I did not like it yet it would be inappropriate of me to complain.

I struggled to put it in my mouth. Thankfully, I was able to finish my plate. I hope that Granpa and Granma did not notice my dislike to the food.

Granma cleaned up after while Granpa produced a knapsack. He placed a rusted dagger on it.

“Granpa, what are you doing?” I asked.

“I am going out to gather food. Don’t we need to eat, eh?” He answered with a smile.

“I will help.” I stood up.

“Oh no! Is it not dangerous outside, eh? Let Granpa do the work!”

“Is it not more dangerous for you to go alone? What if beasts attacked you?” I asked.

“Don’t worry about him, sweetie. The oldie has some tricks, that’s why he’s alive ‘til now!” said Granma.

“Okay, I will take your word.” I sat back down.

Granpa went out as he carried the knapsack on his back. After Granma was finished cleaning up, she laid down a cloth on a table. She also obtained a small wooden box with tools inside. Somehow, all of the needles were crooked and curved.

“I will help.” I offered as I reached out to one of the needles.

“Don’t worry, sweetie. Granma can do it alone.” She replied as she started sewing.

“Is there anything I can do to be of assistance?”

Granma silently stared at me. After a short pause, she sighed.

“Here then, sweetie. Make sure to properly sew this end until the other end.” She handed me a part of the cloth.

“I will do my best.” I grabbed a needle and started sewing.

I was unable to do this kind of craft before. I just imitated what Granma was doing. Unfortunately, it did not appear like I was successful. After just a short while, I already tore three threads.

“Sweetie, no need to pull it with much force,” she instructed.

I tried to do as she said. Yet when I did not pull enough, it became loose. Yet when I added more force, it began to break.

“Just sit and watch for now,” said Granma.

As all I did was fail, doing nothing was better. I merely watched as she did all the work.

“Hey! What’s up Golla?” A guy greeted.

“Harus? Are you even allowed to be here?” Granma asked after she dropped what she was doing.

“Scalus said it should be alright, so heck why not check the new kid out?” The upbeat guy waved at me. “Hey there, kiddo!”

“Hello, my name is Sven. Nice to meet you.” I gave him a slight bow.

“Nice meeting you too! The name is Harus!” He walked nearer to me. “So how do you see me?”

“You appear sociable” I answered.

“Not that! I mean physically!”

“You have green eyes with a weirdly shaped beard. You look perfectly normal except for that wooden cart that is tied to your waist. What is that for?” I inquired.

“Cart?” Harus then looked behind him. “Oh this? You can say that it is something that I was born with.”

“Born with a cart?” I was unable to comprehend.

“It is like a family heirloom, sweetie. It was decided for him to carry it even before he was born.” Granma explained.

“Yes, that’s right! It is a heirloom.” Harus nodded.

“I see.” 

“If Scalus agreed to let you see him, I guess it would be okay for him to go out?” Granma inquired.

“I think so, I don’t think he cares about the kid that much.”

“Sven seemed bored. Why don’t you introduce him to the others?”

“Alrighty then! Hey kiddo, why don’t you ride on my cart?” Harus pointed behind him.

“If it is a heirloom then it would be improper of me to ride it.” I replied.

“It’s alright! Just hop in!” 

Harus lifted me and placed me on the cart. Without further warning, he bolted off with me behind him.

Lord Korumples Creator

Unfeigned Haven is a novelette created in participation for the WK Owl Tribe Activity