Side Story 1.13: Donna's POV: A Typical Day in The Village
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Hello! My name is Donna Campbell. I'm 15 years old and currently living in this village. This is my perspective on life here—enjoy!
Although my time in the village has been relatively short, I've seen enough to know that this place is different from all others; it's special, truly one amongst many.
It would be unfair to compare it to well-established villages that have the backing of powerful kingdoms or even the empire itself. This settlement exists outside those influences, yet it thrives in this great forest—a place feared by many who depend on the protection of distant kingdoms and the Empire.
Here, villagers constantly strive to strengthen themselves every day without fail. They only rest when they're too battered to continue their daily activities, and even then, it's with reluctance. For me, this mindset was a strange new experience, but gradually I've tried to emulate their lifestyle. It's been challenging to fully assimilate as an outsider, requiring considerable effort to adapt to their rigorous routines and unwavering discipline.
I've taken a particular liking to the support roles within our community, as I deeply admire Aunt Theressa, who serves as the mother figure for all the children. In my eyes, she embodies the definition of a true woman—respected and valued unlike those beyond this village's borders. Outside, men look down on women simply because of their gender, but here, Aunt Theressa commands genuine respect. When she orders someone to rest, her word is absolute; there are no ifs, ands, or buts. That's the kind of person I aspire to become.
Now there are three members on the support team, including myself. It's been about two to three weeks since we arrived, and just a few days ago, August approached us as the de facto leader of the village. Despite being four years younger than me, he's remarkably different from other children his age—thinking maturely when necessary while still maintaining the playfulness of youth, especially around his peers.
When August approached Uncle Andy and me, he informed us that our temporary status as residents had been lifted. I believe it had something to do with what Aunt Theressa had mentioned beforehand about the vetting process concluding. We're now full time residents of this village! I had expected it would take much longer to be accepted, but time flew by surprisingly quickly.
August has assigned us to Aunt Theressa's support team, where our primary role is to assist the two established teams that operate on the front lines. I've been training under Aunt Theressa's guidance, and Uncle Andy and I have joined the mandatory morning training sessions. Maintaining strong, healthy bodies ready to face any challenge is essential for all residents here.
It saddens me that the other two girls from our original group Adarna and Hiraya remain unwilling to participate, clinging to their fears. Still, I'm confident they'll eventually overcome their hesitation given enough time and encouragement.
During my training with Aunt Theressa, I've learned numerous skills—from food preparation and cooking, to housekeeping and maintaining our surroundings. While others contribute to these tasks occasionally, they constitute our main responsibilities. Additionally, we undergo combat training to ensure we can protect ourselves when necessary.
My favorite aspect, however, is undoubtedly the healing training. Who knew you could treat wounds so effectively using just a handful of herbs? It's a remarkably useful skill that doesn't require mana, making it accessible even to those without magical abilities.
Speaking of remarkable things—did you know there's an enormous flying beast under August's charge? When I first encountered Aetherwing and his flock, my body froze in terror. I was completely paralyzed, unable to move a muscle. In my peripheral vision, I distinctly remember seeing Uncle Andy tumble backward in shock.
Thankfully, nothing threatening occurred during that encounter. The beast merely inquired about our names, which I answered with complete honesty—no falsehood would have saved me from those massive beaks and talons anyway! The experience was both terrifying and awe-inspiring, and it's one of the many unique aspects of life in this extraordinary village.
The daily rhythm here differs vastly from my previous life. We rise with the dawn, often greeting the morning mist that blankets the forest. Breakfast is a communal affair, with everyone gathering to share the first meal before dispersing to their respective duties. The support team prepares provisions for those venturing beyond the village boundaries, ensures the infirmary is well-stocked, and maintains the living quarters.
Between chores, Aunt Theressa teaches us about the local flora—which plants heal burns, which soothe fever, and which should never be touched. She possesses a wealth of knowledge about the forest that seems almost limitless. When she speaks of the land, her eyes light up with reverence and understanding that I hope to one day share.
In the afternoons, we tend to the garden fields, cultivating vegetables and herbs crucial for our sustenance and healing practices. The soil here is remarkably fertile, yielding abundant harvests that I heard would sustain us through changing seasons. Working the earth alongside others creates a sense of connection—both to the land and to one another—that I've never experienced before.
I should go now; the other girls are waiting for me to join them in the garden fields. Until next time!