Today I have taken the first tentative steps away from my bunk and into the village center!

Rena and Nera were actually the ones who suggested it as I myself had been on the fence for some time. Fortunately, they were supportive and I was at a state physically where I could do so without too much struggle.

Upon my entrance into the village central I was met with the view of a most beautiful fountain. Viera sat in quiet contemplation around it, gazing up into the canopy of the wood or meditating in silence. Some chatted idly around the exterior of the platform, but I was still hesitant to utter even the smallest of sounds.

Rena reassured me that talking was permitted so long as it was not overly disruptive, as the more focused Viera could put all but the loudest sounds out of their mind while they listened to the silent words of the wood.

Some Viera gave me cautious sidelong glances, but most were uninterested with my presence. A few greeted me warmly with a smile or a nod, so I did not feel like I was a trespasser, but I could not shake the realization that I was still an outsider. An obvious fact, to be sure, but still unpleasant to confront.

I walked with Nera and Rena around the areas of the village I was permitted to travel, enjoying the fresh air and asking questions about the architecture and arrangement of the wooden platforms as we went. Lattice wooden screens denoted areas I was not permitted to enter under any circumstance, as they led to the posts and personal lodgings of the villagers and the wood warders did not want me infringing upon their privacy.

I asked if there was some taboo about harvesting the wood for crafting purposes, but Rena said that the wood provided all they would need. So long as they did not harvest to unneeded excess, the wood would grow far faster than than they could consume.

As we walked near the Salve Maker huts, I had the privilege to witness their craft first hand. Mysterious herbs and oils were processed and ground into concoctions I could not begin to understand the significance of, but the salve makers prepared them all without any hesitation. The aroma of spice and natural perfume filled the air and I felt my head begin to swim. Nera and Rena laughed and guided me away, saying that many of the salve maker’s poultices were too strong for most Humes to inhale without experiencing clouding of the mind.

As we left to return to my hut, we came upon the village elder Jote, performing what I assumed were her normal rounds.

She greeted me very succinctly, commenting rather matter-of-factly that I was now fit to walk. I simply offered confirmation, not looking to speak in a way that would expel me from the village. She merely nodded and reiterated that I was welcome to stay so long as I abide by their customs. I silently nodded in return and we parted ways.

After a distance, Rena and Nera both commented that it seemed I was in good favor. I of course was puzzled, as I had gleaned nothing from our interaction. But Nera and Rena were both resolute that my presence had become somewhat normalized in Jote’s eyes.

Perhaps it is wishful thinking on my part, but as I reflected on the encounter over the course of the next few hours, I did notice that Jote did not present a time frame that I had to adhere to. I dare not even write my hopes down, but I admit the prospect of an extended stay here fills me with a sense of excitement I have not felt for many years!
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Meet Jote! The Eruyt Village Elder and matriarch of the female Viera.

Her duty to the wood and her people is of her greatest concern, and she has kept her kind safe for generations.

Her love for her sisters weighs heavily on her heart, as the allure of the outside world calls to them. A part of her resents them for this, but she loves them unconditionally nonetheless.

While she may have a youthful appearance, her age is far greater than one would assume. With it, she has gained a great wisdom and deep connection to the wood, making her an effective leader of her kind.