"Jingle, jingle."
Dense branches burst from the earth.
Gnarled trunks stood all around, becoming load-bearing spines.
New leaves clung to the branches above, nestling against one another as they spread, joining into an emerald roof.
Lush willow boughs hung like curtains from the eaves of the treehouse. When the breeze quietly curled them aside, rows of cotton-stuffed hammocks could be seen hanging above a vivid floor of flowers.
"Three hundred beds should be enough for your entire tribe. As for food—"
The druid, clad in a green robe with two magnificent antlers rising from his forehead, waved his staff.
A golden bell was tied to the staff, swaying continuously as he cast his spell.
Amid the jingling, thick tree trunks rose from the ground one after another, clustering into a grove. Flowers bloomed and fruit ripened upon their forked branches, and before long, they were laden with soft baguettes. "These are bread trees. Their texture is a little softer than rye bread. Pick one, and by this time tomorrow, another will have grown. They can serve as emergency meals.
Although Ebony Forest does not forbid meat, slaughtering, skinning, and other such social activities are strictly regulated. If you find plain bread too bland, you'll have to collect meat from the town market yourself—each person has a limited daily allowance.
Or, you can visit the association's restaurant and sample Ebony Forest's local dishes.
You don't need to pay gold, but you must exchange a gift of equal value. For example, help the owner wash some dishes. If he's in a good mood, even a kind smile alone may be worth the same."
"Th-thanks? Damn it, that's how you say it, right?"
Shivana scratched her head, feeling awkward no matter how she said the word.
At her wave, the orcs dispersed where