After my rousing and somewhat preachy speech, I am approached by a few of the town elders, including the pastor.
“So, you really think you can change our lives that much?” an older woman asks hopefully.
“Yes”, I reply, “as long as we work together, we can achieve great things, and since I have this brick that contains so much of my people’s knowledge, we can skip over some of the dead ends, and pain points. It still won’t be easy, but some stuff that took centuries could feasibly be done in weeks, as I have the process already”
An older man, hobbling with his cane, shakes it at me stating “But we've lived our ways for generations. Can you assure us that these changes won't disrupt our traditions too much?”
“There will be changes, but think of it more as enhancements, rather than a complete rewrite. What I am describing here is unlocking a large amount of energy and power for everyone if handled correctly. You won’t have to fear the winter any more, and with the free time gained, even more knowledge can be unlocked, beyond what I know.”
Thallion, hearing me talk, makes his way to this smaller group, of which I am slowly becoming the centre, his expression curious and cautious.
“Yes but that is assuming we can share this power evenly. There have been cases of knowledge being used to harm and held back to have power over another. We must be prudent. Every step documented, every outcome recorded. We can't afford reckless changes."
Maerwen chimes in: "It's all well and good to dream of these wonders, Ethan, but dreams can sometimes lead to nightmares. What safeguards do we have? You speak of these things as if they're simple, but even the simplest changes have waves that touch all shores."
"She has a point.” Thallion states begrudgingly. “It’s not just about making life easier. It’s about understanding the cost, the ripple effects each change could bring. We tread not just on ice but on the fabric of our lives here."
The old man adds in, "Yet, we've faced winters that have taken much from us. If there’s wisdom in this young man’s words that can spare us future grief, should we not at least listen?"
The pastor raises his hand, gesturing to us to calm down and stop talking. “Let us not be swayed by what ifs or fears, we are offered a gift here, a gift of knowledge, and wisdom. We cannot just turn it away out of fear, but should consider it carefully”
A younger man from the back, his eyes bright with excitement, can't hold back his enthusiasm. "Imagine, though! Less drudgery, more time for our families, for learning! Ethan, what’s the first thing you’d suggest we start with?"
This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.
Thinking for a moment, and then remembering the outhouse situation, I reply “simple mechanical improvements, running water, wastewater removal and central heat. These can make a huge impact on our daily lives without risking anything major.”
Thallion, rubbing his chin, looks over at me with a thoughtful expression. "We could start small. A prototype, perhaps? A project that shows tangible results without overwhelming us as well as testing the safeguards, and phased approach that allows us to assess impacts step by step.”
The pastor nods in agreement. "A trial, then. Let us see the fruits of this knowledge in action before we decide how far we go."
As the group starts to disperse, I catch Maerwen whispering to a few wary onlookers. "He’s changing things too fast... might be he’s not just a lost traveler. What if he’s a harbinger of something more unsettling?"
Thallion catches my eye, a silent promise to discuss Maerwen’s murmurs later. As the community begins to buzz with the prospect of change, I feel a mix of anticipation and the weight of responsibility. It's clear that not everyone is ready to leap into the future, but perhaps with careful steps, we can all move forward together.
That night, I meet Lena outside as I return from the outhouse. The ground is still frozen, and I can see my breath, but the snow is thinning and the air is humid. I think it will probably defrost tomorrow.
Locking eyes with Lena, I think about what happened between us after she fell in the river. Her predatory stare at me has me locked and tripping over my words.
“Look, L-Lena, I was trying to help you! You fell in, and were freezing! Probably dying! Y-your brother wanted me to warm you up, so. Yeah. And my body, I cannot control that, it is just normal for that to-”
She kisses me, locking her lips on mine causing me to stop talking. “I know, between you and Thallion I know. I first saw you as a weak young boy, lost and alone and that pulled on my heartstrings, but what you did to save Rynar, to save me, that, that is exceptional. You are definitely not from here, but between us, we are good. In fact more than good. Come with me.”
Entering back into the hall, I see that she has slid her bedroll over to mine, away from Thallion’s and so close to mine that they might as well be one.
I stare for a minute, dumbfounded, and a little nervous as this has never happened to me before.
“Well… you want in?” She asks hopefully.
Staring at the bedrolls a bit longer, I try to think of any reason not to. We are different species, but she is humanoid, I am not of this world, but that does not seem to matter. Ten other reasons quickly flash before me, followed by her waving her hand in my face.
“Ethan, Ethan” she states.
Coming out of stupor, I nod quickly, not trusting my voice and climb into my bedroll. She climbs into hers, and cuddles in behind me. Whispering into my ear, she states “now, we are in the hall still, so no funny business, but when we get home…” she says in a sultry voice.
Immediately I am wide awake again, but she squeezes me around the chest in a deep hug, burrowing further into my back with her cool face. Sighing, seeing that I cannot escape without squishing her, I try to fall asleep.
What have I gotten myself into?!