When they were ready, Alden instructed Samuel to start the fires in the furnaces. Samuel gathered dry logs and kindling, meticulously arranging them inside the furnaces. With a swift spark, the fire roared to life. The crackling wood and rising warmth infused the room with a palpable sense of urgency and anticipation.
Alden started preparing the materials for the lye. He filled a pot with water and carefully poured the wood ashes in a measured amount while stirring the mixture. "We're using ashes from hardwood trees because they're rich in potassium carbonate," Alden said. " When you mix this with water, it makes lye, which is important for making soap. The quality of the soap depends on the type of tree, the oil we use, and our technique."
As the fire gradually heated the water, Alden set up a makeshift filtering system using a cloth to filter the lye solution, removing any solid impurities. The clear liquid that collected in a separate pot was their homemade lye. Meanwhile, the plant-based oils were heating in another pot, filling the room with a faint, nutty aroma.
"Now comes the critical part," Alden said, focusing intently. "We must carefully combine the hot lye solution with the heated oils. It's a delicate process; the mixture can react violently if not done correctly."
He guided Samuel through the steps, carefully adding the lye solution in small amounts to the heated oils while stirring continuously. The mixture thickened, a sign that the soap was starting to form. They took turns stirring, ensuring the mixture was smooth and well-blended.
Alden felt both nervous and excited. He knew this was a gamble; it was his first time experimenting with soap-making. He also lacked detailed knowledge about all the ingredients and their interactions. For future reference, he set up a sand hourglass to keep track of the time, noting each step in a small notebook. He carefully recorded the type of wood used for the ashes, the specific oils, the amount of each ingredient, and the duration of each step. This way, they could replicate the process or make adjustments in future attempts.
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Alden's mind wandered as he stirred the bubbling concoction. He thought about how, in medieval times on Earth, soap was often made using animal fats mixed with lye from wood ashes. The process was labour-intensive and often produced a harsh product, depending on the ingredients and the soap maker's skill. The use of animal fats also limited the types of scents and textures that could be achieved.
"Imagine," Alden said, his eyes sparkling with excitement, "a world where everyone can enjoy the luxury of clean skin and a pleasant scent.
Samuel's eyes widened with wonder as he listened, his imagination racing with possibilities.
The mixture simmered over the fire, demanding their constant attention. Alden and Samuel meticulously monitored the temperature and texture, their patience tested by the slow passage of time. Finally, when the mixture reached the desired consistency, Alden added a few drops of essential oil. The fragrance quickly filled the room, mingling with the scent of burning wood and warm oils.
With anticipation, they poured the thickened soap mixture into the wooden moulds they had prepared earlier. The moulds were simple but functional, lined with cloth to prevent sticking. They knew it would need several weeks to cool and harden.
"We'll let these sit for a while," Alden said, wiping his brow. "Once they're hard, we can cut them into bars and let them dry out. The longer they cool, the better they'll be."
Samuel stared at the filled moulds, his eyes wide with amazement. "This is so cool!" he exclaimed, grinning. "We made something new!"
"Yeah, this is awesome!" Alden exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. "We're not just making soap; we're starting something huge!"
Once the first batch was poured into moulds, they moved on to a second set of ingredients. This time, Alden switched up the oils and used different wood ashes to see how it would change the soap. They repeated the entire process, carefully noting the differences they observed. Alden recorded the variations in scent, texture, and the rate at which the mixture thickened. Each experiment brought new insights and challenges
As they cleaned up the workspace and put away the equipment, Alden felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. The day had been a success, not just in creating soap but in the sense of purpose and partnership he shared with Samuel. The farmhouse, once a quiet and forgotten place, had come alive with the promise of discoveries and innovations. And this was just the beginning.