Around mid-morning we crest a rise and finally spot the city in the distance.

"Yes!" Amelia exclaims. Pointing to the other side of the river. She says. "See that smudge in the distance? That's a trade convoy, it'll reach the city by tonight. We can join up when they leave for the Capital in a few days."

"Good timing." I agree. Wrapping my arm around the excited blonde's waist. I pull her close. "Glad we took our time getting here then."

"So am I." She says, hugging me back. "Now come on, I've been stuck in Northwood for months tending Auntie's broken leg. I need a real city. And well, Riverton is the best I'm going to get before we reach the Capital." She separates from the embrace and begins bouncing down the road.

"I've been meaning to ask." I hurry to catch up to her. "What can we expect once we reach the city? This is the first time in my life I've left the woods, after all."

"Not much, really." She answers. "Just a bigger, livelier version of Southwood. We're near the border here, but the place gets a lot of people passing through. So, there'll be more of the other races than in Southwood."

"I don't remember seeing any while we were there." I say with an interested look.

"You probably walked right past them without noticing. I've noticed that most of them try to blend in with humans, at least in the smaller towns. There's sure to be a few in the caravan. You'll get to know everyone before the trip is out."

"What about other Awakened?" I ask.

"There might be a few in the city. But, Like I said. We're on the border here, and Riverton is largest city for leagues in either direction. Mages like their creature comforts. And so, tend to stay in or near the Capitals."

"Shame, I was hoping to ask a few questions. But they'll just have to wait until we reach proper civilization." I say with a smirk. "Is there anything we need to do, or buy while we're in the city."

"Aside from your dyes, I'll need to find a good horse." The pain is still there, but she's been dealing with it a lot better. We both have. "We're going to need a good wagon too." Amelia says. "It takes about a month to get to the Capital from here. And, we'll be surrounded by people the whole time... So, no doing whatever we want in the middle of a clearing anymore." A blush creeps up her face at that bit.

"Easily done." I say with a smile. "Any Idea what you'd like, or should I just experiment."

"Let me see what you can come up with." A look of curiosity quickly replaces the blush.

Pulling some wood and cotton from my inventory. I make a few scale models of the standard wagons I've seen since coming to this world. Basically just long, low, open boxes on wheels. The first gets simple ribs and a cotton tarp. Making it instantly recognizable to anyone who knows anything about American history. Secondly, I close off the box and stretch it upwards, finishing it off with a door on the side and a few wooden hatches that can be propped open. Next I take the basic box and make a lip to extend the walls over top the wheels. Bringing the walls up at a slight outward angle I cap it off with a round tarp roof. I add a couple small windows to the side, and a Dutch door to let us guide the horse from inside. Giving me what anyone from my Earth would call a Gypsy wagon, or vardo. Lastly, I go for something resembling a stagecoach. Though I make bit longer and taller to give us some room to stretch out. And add a tarp over the driver's box to help keep them out of the elements.

Presenting the models to my companion. She examines them briefly before discarding the covered wagon. Telling me. "I like this third one." She holds up the vardo. "Move the door to the back, though. Then put this seat on the front." pointing to the stagecoach. "And add a window behind it. Speaking of windows. I like the big ones from the second model, they'll help with the heat on the plains. Add those to the sides, and it should be good. With this we'll be the envy of the whole caravan." She smirks.

After showing her the finished model. She then asks me to remove the roof so we can design the interior. The rest of the walk into Riverton is spent making minor changes. Her showing me what she wants with water magic, and me shifting the model to fit.

The wall surprises me. It's actually much shorter than the pallisade around Southwood. Yes, it's made of stone. But it seems a flimsy defense.

"Guess they don't get a lot of threats around here." I say. Pulling my companion away from playing with the now, fully functional model wagon. She'd made me make all the moving parts function properly. Even down to the tiny door handle.

"No." She replies. Giving the wheels one more spin. "I don't think this border has ever been contested. And, the worst of the beasties stay deep in the woods. Though, we may run across some crossing the plains. But, those barely even pose a threat to a handful of caravan guards. The city militia would tear 'em apart before they even got close. The wall is there because. Well, cities have walls. I suppose." She finishes her explanation with a chuckle.

"Hmm." I muse. And Amelia goes back to toying with the model. We pass through the gate without interest. The guards don't even stop us. We're just two travelers on foot from Southwood, after all. I'm guessing they're just there to tax any shipments that make their way down from the forest.

"Come on." Grabbing my arm with one hand. Her other still holding her prize. "There's a decent inn down this way." She pulls me along until we reach a large building. "The Blue Pony always has the best sweets. That's why I always used to make Daddy stay here when we passed through." Her eyes cloud for a second.

I put my arm around her waist. "Come on. Let's get a room. Then you can show me around town. Maybe get a bit of shopping in." My distraction seems to work.

Lodging for the night settled. We get a late lunch from the kitchens. I'm not feeling very hungry yet, and just order a small sandwich. Amelia, however, orders three different sweet-rolls.

She's munching on them happily when my attention is drawn to a little girl sitting with her parents a few tables over. "Daddy, please. Can't we just ask her where she got it from? It's so pretty, and did you see the door opens and everything." She's clinging to his arm. Looking up at him with big, puppy-dog eyes. Her mother looks a bit exasperated. But, the man just chuckles. "They're eating lunch right now, Pumpkin." He pats her on the head. "Let them finish first. Then we can ask. But." He raises a finger at the look on her face. "Don't get your hopes up. They look like travelers, and it probably came from a different city." "Okay Daddy." She says. A bit downcast.

Chuckling to myself at the scene. I stealthily retrieve some material from my inventory. The previous models having been recycled back in the forest. Being a bit selfish, and not wanting anyone to have a copy of our wagon. I make a low-slung carriage, instead. Nothing too fancy, just a rounded box really. A driver's seat in front and a large trunk above the rear axle, along with a few other small touches. Finishing it up as we finish our meal. I slip it into my pack, which I left sitting next to my chair.

Seeing that we're done, the little girl practically drags her father over to our table. But, seeing me look up at her. She's overcome with a bout of shyness and hides behind his back.

Laughing at her antics. The man introduces himself. "Hello. I'm sorry to bother you. My name is John Fuller. This is my daughter Emily." He tries to bring out the girl, but she just ducks away again. "She's become quite enamored of that toy wagon you have there. I was hoping you could tell me where you procured such a detailed model."

Amelia unconsciously tightens her grip on the model that she hasn't stopping toying with all throughout lunch. Smiling at her reaction. I speak up. "Oh, that? it's just something I threw together on our trip down from Southwood. But, I'm sorry to say." I'm quick to interject. "It's not for sale. See, this wagon is going to be our home for the next few weeks."

"Nuh uh. You're to big to fit in it." Emily pipes in. Before seeing us looking at her, and hiding behind the man's back once again.

"He means that it's the model for a full sized wagon they're going to build." The man explains to his daughter. "They need it to use as measurements for the real one."

"That we do. But," I start. Seeing the dejected look in the little girls eyes. "I do have this one that I finished earlier." Leaning over to get the carriage from my bag. I catch Amelia mouthing 'showoff' at me. But, just smile and set the wheeled toy on the table top. Tiny lanterns, one for each corner of the roof, rock back and forth as curtains billow in the windows.

Emily's expression does a full reversal. And, suddenly over her shyness is gone. She's pressed right up against the table, staring at every detail on display.

"Daddy." She pleads.

"Alright, you got me." The man chuckles. "How much?"

"Oh, you'd have to ask Amelia that." I gesture across the table. "I'm just the craftsman. She's the merchant."

"Well, she must be rubbing off on you, boy. That was masterfully done."

I just smile and let them come to an agreement. After a quick haggling session, not helped by his daughter at all. The father and daughter return with their prize to the rueful smile of the mother. Several coins lighter, of course.

"When did you make that?" Amelia asks as we leave the inn.

"During lunch. I saw her eyeing yours when we were eating."

"I'm glad you didn't just make a copy." Hugging the miniature vardo tight. "You had it right when you said that this is our new home."

"You're not the only one that's a little possessive about it."

"Good." She nods before saying. "We've got to get you some paints, though. I could have gotten us twice as much if that little carriage was finished."

"Add it to the list." I say. "First, I want to find as many interesting seeds as I can. Southwood had a fair selection of fruits and whatnot, and I found a few useful things on our way here. But, I can't help but hope that a trade city will have a nice selection of plants from all around."

"I think I know a place or two that might have what you're looking for." She says quickening her pace. Exciting about the upcoming shopping.

This novel's true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

The afternoon passes quickly with visits to dozens of shops. I gain quite a few new samples, mostly herbs and spices that Amelia was very fervent about having an unlimited supply of. But, the real prize for the day for me, was a living tea plant. Southwood only had dried leaves.

Amelia picked up a few things she wasn't able to get in Southwood, along with the paints and dyes for my creations. I lost track of how many times she said she wished she had access to an Inventory before. With the sun setting she guided us to a horse trader she was familiar with. Riding her choice back to the inn. We arrive just after dark to find the place bustling.

"Looks like the caravan got into town." I say as we dismount and Amelia hands the horse off to a stable boy.

"I was hoping they would stop by here." She replies. "I'll get us signed on with them. Likely even get us a discount if it's a friend of my father."

We step inside to a boisterous atmosphere. All the tables are filled with loud, happy patrons. Some men in the back are cheering each other on at some sort of drinking contest. People bouncing back and forth between tables overflowing with food and drink.

"Lia?" Calls out an older, pot-bellied man, that's still dusty from the road. "Lia girl? Is that you?"

"Lia girl? I thought you didn't like nicknames." I smirk and raise an eyebrow. Getting an elbow to the ribs in reply.

"Uncle Charlie!" She rushes forward and embraces the man. "I was hoping it be you. We saw the wagon train on our way into town." Looking over at me hanging back. She beckons me closer. "Charlie, this is Sorrel, he's travelling with me to the Capital. Sorrel, this is Charlie. He's been friends with my Father since before I was born."

"I take it you father's deal went through? Congratulations. And nice to meet you lad." He eyes me up and down. But, apparently doesn't find anything to take fault with. Smiling, he turns back to Amelia. "Good to see you got yourself a nice looking man. How'd you two meet. Where's your brother? I'm surprised Rodrick let him anywhere near you. he was always the over-protective sort."

Feeling Amelia close up next to me, I slip my arm around her waist and speak up. "Bandits." I say softly. "Just outside Southwood. I heard her scream and came running..."

"Oh." The merchant raises his hand to cover his mouth. "Oh, Lia girl. Rodrick?"

I just shake my head and pull Amelia tighter.

"I'm so sorry girl. I don't know what to say..." He trails off.

"So," Amelia sniffles, pushing forward. "We need to reach the capital. To tell Mom and Daddy..." She starts crying and folds herself into my arms.

"Oh girl. Yes of course." Charlie clears his throat. "You're welcome to join us, I'll find you two a spot on one of the wagons."

"We've got a wagon." I speak up. "Or, will have after tomorrow."

"Good timing that, lad." The merchant says. Unable to deal with the crying girl before him, he falls back into what he knows best. Business. "We're running a bit behind actually, and I was planning to have the caravan head out again in just a couple days. Just have a few things to deal with here in Riverton. So, you two bring your wagon by the east yard tomorrow, and then we can all head out the next morning."

"Thank you sir. We'll be there." I nod to the man. "But for now, I think we're going to make it an early night."

"Of course, or course." He nods back. "But wait, here." He quickly fills a plate full of sweet rolls. "You take these with you. I know it hurts girl, but your brother wouldn't forgive himself if he got between you and your sweets."

Amelia just clutches me tighter. So, I take the plate and guide her up to our room. Hearing the merchant grumble. "Bandits? And outside of Southwood of all places..." Before we move to far away to hear.

Returning to our room. Amelia calms down, but remains subdued. Though, she does end up eating the plate full of sweets after a little while. After that we just lay in bed and hold each other ‘til morning.

Rising with the sun, as has become our habit, we head down stairs. Amelia seems in better spirits as she polishes off another plate of sweets for breakfast.

"You need an empty lot or field to grow the wood for the wagon, right?" She asks me after we finish eating. "Let me ask the innkeep if there's anything nearby. If not, then we can head over to the east yard where Charlie is set up."

"It'll draw a bit of spectacle, but it's probably easiest to just do it in the yard."

"You're going to show off again. Aren't you?"

"What? I just need to grow a tree."

"Uh huh." She says disbelievingly. "Well, come on. Let's grow your tree."

***

"What are you doing now?" Amelia asks. We're in an un-used corner of the yard. "I thought you were going to make our wagon. Not sit on the ground and play with your staff."

*Ding*Ding*Ding* System-chan rings out in laughter.

"Ha. Ha." I deadpan back. "I'm getting the soil ready. I want the best wood possible-"

"Snerk!" *Ding*

"Shut it. The both of ya." I shoot the snorting blonde a stink eye. "So, I need the best soil possible. Plants need food just like animals. Remember when I got all excited about that patch of clover I found?"

"Sweetie." She says exasperatedly. "You get excited over every new plant you find."

"Okay, that's fair. But, anyways. Plants need food, and there's three big ones they seem to need more than others." Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus. "Now, the clover has a way to pull one out of the air itself."

"Isn't air just... well, air?"

"Is earth just earth?" I counter. Picking up a pebble in one hand a some loose soil in the other. "And I'm sure you've noticed that the water we pull from the air feels different than well water. Actually." A thought comes to mind. "Just because it's called Water magic. Doesn't mean that water is all we can affect with it. You should have no problems with any other liquids, like vinegar, alcohol, or oil. Just like I can affect stones and soil with Earth magic."

Her eyes widen. "We will be experimenting with that later. But right now... You." She points at me. "Have a wagon to build."

"Okay, okay." I hold my hands up in mock surrender. "Now where was I? Oh yes, clover. It takes this element from the air, and locks it into the soil. I'm going to copy that, and draw the other foods the tree will need from deeper in the soil."

"Well. Get on with it, already." She flips her hand in a rushing motion.

"I would, if someone would let me." I grumble.

"What was that?"

"Nothing dear. Just getting into position." A slight smile shows on both our faces.

Leaning forward. I send the butt of my Livingwood staff into the ground. Driving it several inches deep.

Closing my eyes. I extend my magic as deep into the earth as I can, feeling out for the nutrients I'll need. Slowly, painstakingly, I begin to pull them closer. Then, only after several minutes, once I feel I can handle it, I split my focus. Starting the nitrogen locking process. This one quickly catches on, allowing me to split my focus a third and fourth time. I infuse water into the soil while aerating it.

This spell should be beyond my meager Earth and Air magics. But my excellent Mana Manipulation, and my cheat-like learning bonuses, let me just manage to pull it off. Turning what once was a dry dusty field into rich black soil.

*Ding*

-You have learned the Skill Fertilize; it is now level 1.-

*Ding**Ding**Ding*

-You have leveled up, you are now level 3-

The rushing sensation fills me up once again, and if I wasn't already seated, I likely would be now.

"What was that?" Concern fills Amelia's voice. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." I reply. A dopey smile on my face. "Better than fine. I just leveled up again."

"Again? What level are you now?" She huffs out indignantly.

"Just three. Don't worry." I re-assure her. "You should be close to leveling soon."

"Hmph!" She just Hmphs

"This is great news, actually." I stand up and dust myself off. "The extra stats will give me the opportunity to try something I didn't think I'd have the energy for."

"Going to show off again?" She smiles, catching some of my excitement.

"Yes!" A manic smile overtakes my face. "But it won't be very flashy. I'm going to alter the very structure of the wood to increase its strength. System-chan please spread my free points between the mental stats, and put that left over one into dexterity." My manic smile morphs into something a little more wicked, as I say that last part.

A blush creeps onto her cheeks. "Um..." She bites her lip. "That's good and all but what does it mean?"

"Simple. Our new home will look and feel like wood, but it will be stronger than steel."

"Is that even possible?"

"Yeah, I've already tested a small sample." I explain. "I had planned to only use it where the wheels join. But, now I should be able to reinforce the whole wagon with the same process."

"Well, get on with it, already." She repeats herself. This time with a cute little stomp on the ground. "I. want. my. wagon." Each word punctuated by its own stomp.

"Yes, Ma'am." I salute, fist to heart. Then, I pull a single cherry from my pocket.

"No snacking, recruit. You've got a wagon to build."

I just roll my eyes and toss the little red fruit into the hole left by my staff.

"You may want to stand back for this... Ma'am." Smirking as I walk passed her. Turning about, I plant my staff once again. Speaking a single word. "Growth!" And the Air seems vibrate but, in actuality, it's the Earth that has started to rumble. A tiny sapling shoots up from the hole and the ground around it begins to crack.

"Ack!" Amelia shrieks as she's tossed from her feet.

Too busy controlling the magic to go to her aid. I can only stand there, supported by my staff, as I command the very forces of nature itself. Sending the sapling's roots deep and wide in preparation for what's to come. I focus on tree's trunk, guiding it upwards. One meter, five, ten, almost twenty meters in height. The trunk fills out as it shoots upward. I make sure to Keep the growth rings tight together as it swells to nearly two meters in diameter. The whole tree is now filled with a long, straight, tightly compacted grain.

*Ding*

-Growth is now level 3.-