??? POV

Tired, so very, very tired. How many days has it been since I left? How far have I pedaled this damned bike while trying to find a safer place? How much water do I still have?

Pulling over to rest in the shade of a now useless, gas station overhang, I'd dig out a folding camp chair from the wagon attached to my bike to sit in. Honestly, other than the constant numb sensation in my legs, and the occasional 'road toll' group, the traveling hasn't been bad. Honestly though, the road tolls weren't that bad, just hand over a pamphlet on basic info and most of those folks were super happy. The 'here's how to identify mushrooms in this area' laminated ones seem to be the most favored one. The 'how to identify and treat poisonous animal bites' is a close second. Real glad I'd stuffed all those in my back pack when I'd given a little visit to a grocery store.

Resting as it's the hot part of the day, while I keep in the shade, it's easy to feel just how much of better shape my legs are in, and it's only been a few weeks since setting out. Taking a drink from my metal water bottle and enjoying the slight saltiness of the electrolyte mix in, I'd sigh.

"Man, I miss music and gaming."

"You and me both, brother"

Sitting up suddenly and looking around, it'd be quick to spot the man walking out of the gas station. Subconsciously moving my hand to grip the concealed derringer stashed in my left pocket the man would smile at me but raise his hands as he saw how on edge his approach made me. Seeing those open, held up hands, and a lack of notable weapon, lets me relax some, but, not fully.

"Whoa there partner, sorry for startling you. Ain't many folks traveling these days, 'specially with a bike and a pull wagon. Where ya headed, and, ya got any goods ya need, or things ya got and don't?"

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"I might. Why?"

"Calm down, calm down, ain't gonna do no funny business. I got water, and still got some canned goods, but I really need either some tools, meds, or even just some sewing stuff. Might have some other stuff too dependin' on what'cha need."

"Can't really help with tools, only ones I have are for keeping my stuff working well enough. Meds...I have some but depends on what ya need really. Do have a few mini sewing kits so I could spare one of those no worries there. Water is always good, food wise it depends on the canned goods ya got. Other stuff I need, well, I could use some camp butane cans, or some cans of that smokeless cooking gel stuff. Could also use some bullets if you can spare any .357. I also got pamphlets on survival info, and a few on first aid I could trade too."

Curator POV

Things seem to be calm for now. Night is passing smoothly and Babe is mostly just, learning her new form some. Makes me kind of curious as to what will happen to Poppit when I give him his long term task and role. Hmmm...actually, what will happen if I name more of the tribals, will they become kobold like, kinda like Vekla did, or will they become other things instead? To many questions, not enough answers or data to pull off of.

There is a quick way to test that might give another data point to use though. Once more repeating that mental imagery and 'slicing' a portion of my mana off into a lump. Pumping it into another one of those yucca like plants, I'd watch, observing as it changes. While not fast, it is fascinating to see a yucca slowly transform into what's basically an agave.

Before I know it, the sun is rising on my domain, and the total number of agave that are in my possession has doubled. From one, to two, and, with how massive those leaves are and how little those tribals seem to need to have enough to eat, that's honestly a ton of food for them. Speaking of those tribals, my thoughts are interrupted by what could best be described as a whisper into me, from Vekla.

'Master Curator, if it would not be too much of a burden, our camp has been packed down and is ready to be moved.'

'Ah, Vekla, one moment and I'll get it sorted. Oh, and just call me Curator. Don't need that 'master' bit or such, kinda makes me feel a bit uncomfortable'

Focusing on that connection I have with the newly minted kobold, my vision would change to see the, former, camp. The tents and structures having already been collapsed down and packed into bundles and similar things, ready to be hauled by the tribals. Lets make the move a bit easier for them either way, even if they could easily move it in this manner. Pulling those piled tents and supplies into my 'pocket' I'd chuckle mentally a bit, every time there was a sudden gasp or shocked, look of awe, from the tribals. From there point of view, it's like things were vanishing like a mirage. Some of them even looked, understandably nervous, good think I'm such a nice person eh?

'Alright Vekla, that's all moved now, how long do you think it will take to get here?'

'Since we don't need to carry anything, we could likely be there before the sun is it's own height above the horizon.'

'Good, good. If you need something while traveling, you know how to reach me. Poppit will stay with you all and protect you as best he can on your way here. Safe travels!'