Dreiki was surprised how efficient and organized the Tibur were when it came to preparing their meals. Young children had gathered around to prepare fruits and vegetables atop woven blankets while the older xiozians butchered meat to be added to the mix. The smell of freshly cooked Naan wafted in the air as they lined across massive smooth stones heated with fire magic. Large barrels were filled with summoned water, some boiled to create salt, while the other was used to boil vegetables or as drinking water. Herbs and spices laid in large piles separated from the fibrous plants they came from. Any food waste was given to the local wildlife which had crowded nearby in silent expectation of their share.
When they finished preparing the vegetables, The children wrapped them with the blankets and carried them over to a massive wok-shaped vat in the center of the camp. Dreiki marveled at its size. It looked like the adult stirring its contents with a broom-shaped ladle could swim in it if he wanted to. A bonfire of Ingen Tree branches heated the vat, additional water pouring in from thin air and sending a plume of steam out.
It was easy to forget it was winter with how lively and warm it was in this camp. Dreiki had to wonder if the salt circle they’d carved into the clearing warded off the cold and the monsters.
Step ladders attached to the sides of the metal vat, allowing the volunteers to draw the food from it. Dreiki could smell the scent of lentils, poultry, and spices wafting through the winter air. It reminded his stomach that it was empty.
When it came time for dinner, Dreiki let Rixam know about what he had figured out while observing the refugees in camp. Right down to his own issues with how to convince them to accept help.
“I see, well if you’re worried about people not trusting free medicine, why not ask them to pay for it in some way?”
“But what if they can’t pay for it?” Dreiki asked, “It’s also possible they could take offense to that as well right?”
“If they refuse to pay, just act like it’s a big decision and offer to give it to them for free. Act like you’re doing them a favor that you wouldn’t normally do.”
“Does that… work?”
“Everyone’s selfish in their own way, Argo. If you want, I could shadow you and offer to ‘pay’ for anyone who can’t.”
“I would appreciate that, thank you!”
“Don’t mention it. We all got our strengths right? Mine’s talking, yours is figuring out what to do next.”
“Yeah, I guess so.”
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The two of them were standing in line waiting to be served their meal. Dreiki had grabbed two bowls of varying sizes, the larger of which he would be giving to Ezo. He could see Gornax assisting in dulling out meals to the other refugees in the camp. It looked like they allowed him to help, but only under the condition that he fed the other refugees. Perhaps it was a method of disease prevention? Upon closer inspection, however, it was clear it had more to do with the looks of disgust and distrust the nobility gave him. Dreiki wondered if he noticed those looks too and, if he did, how he was still able to smile despite them.
Either way, Gornax had all four of his hands full making sure everyone got their portion.
“Hard at work, Arms?” Rixam said as they held out their bowls.
“Hardly workin’ Wings!” Gornax said, pouring them a helping of stew.
“Let us know what you’ve learned at dinner.”
“You got it, boss. Feel free to come back and get your fill here too. They don’t want anything going to waste, so don’t be shy!”
“Will do.” Rixam cocked his head to the side, gesturing for Dreiki to follow, “I got some seats, we can discuss everything else at the end of the night. Seems like the Tibur like to party at this time of the year, so let’s enjoy ourselves while we can.”
The two of them approached a group at the center of which sat L’maya. Her face lit up when she saw Rixam, gesturing for them to come closer. Dreiki saw a xia about his age sitting next to her, arms crossed defensively. She had her mother’s eyes, and an outfit so loud Dreiki could almost hear what it was trying to say.
Dreiki dug his chin into his scarf when they locked eyes. He looked to Rixam, following his lead and taking a seat across from them. He felt Ezo nudge his leg, asking for the extra bowl Dreiki had filled for him. He set it down.
“Eat slow, alright? Don’t make a mess.”
Ezo seemed to understand, even if its method of eating wasn’t slow at least whatever spill he made was licked up. It was the best Dreiki could hope for.
“You’ve a very smart drake, youngling.” L’maya said.
“Huh? Oh, yeah, he’s pretty smart.”
“What’s his name?”
“Ezopax,” Dreiki said, a word catching in his throat. Was it alright to still use Ezo’s real name? It should be.
“Ezopax, that’s an interesting name. And what’s yours?”
“I’m Argo, ma’am.”
They exchanged small talk, but Dreiki couldn’t figure out why she was so interested. Perhaps it was just something they did over dinner?
“So what brings the two of you to our humble camp all the way out here? I know you said it earlier, but there’s gotta be a reason you’re not in the cities anymore, right? I noticed you’re all real young too.”
“The cities aren’t the most welcoming places this time of year for Noxa like us,” Rixam said, “Rooms fill up, they overcharge to stay in taverns, most of us freeze to death before any monster gets to us. I figured if I had to die this winter it should be like a warrior.”
“The potions and ingredients you brought to the camp were top quality, though. I’m sure you could have made enough to live in comfort this winter and not risk your lives. It’s not every day you see a group of Noxa with high quality goods asking to take part in our ceremony, so what’s the real reason you’re all here?”