"So this… papyrus…" Todone began. "Supposedly this is how it's made?"

"Eeyup. We're gonna work through a few test batches first, mostly to find which plants in the area make for the best pulp. Once we've got that out of the way, we'll be sure to farm them carefully and try to set up a somewhat stable source of the stuff".

I was leaning on a cane, something the 'doctor' suggested I carry around just in case after the last few days I'd spent bedridden. At the moment, I was overseeing the process alongside a couple of younger volunteers carefully applying various plant pulps to primitive screens I'd had someone chord up and use a variation of 'Petrify Wood' on. Funnily enough, it seems as though the transmutation worked even with thin woven strands of wood fiber, something that I'll definitely use to my advantage with said knowledge, though I got my head thwacked by a certain tail for using mana too soon. When I'd mentioned later in the conversation that night about how you could use paper to make scrolls, Marscha managed to get the ear of some of the more open-minded lizards to help me, even the parents. Some of the teens actually seemed to like the idea, though personally I think they just wanted an excuse to get messy and away from chores. Their parents seemed to be okay with it, on the grounds that I would include them in my 'lessons'.

Honestly, while I figured I'd have to teach the lizardmen how to read and write some time soon considering my plans, I sure as hell didn't expect something so soon. It's only been like, what, two and a half weeks I've spent in this world? Whelp, might as well start early I suppose. This should also make for a great opportunity to prove to these folks that I can be trusted. I'm not blind, I know they seem a little leery of me.

Zarusosa took off for his tribe this morning. We had our farewells, but the old lizard needed to get back to his sons. On the plus side, he did say he'd be back to visit sometime soon, possibly even with his kids in tow. I'll admit, if his last name is to go off of, I think I know who those kids are. Would certainly be interesting to have Crusch and Zaryusu introduced to each other at an earlier time than the series. Normally I suppose this would be the part where I'd be worried about the timeline, but man fuck the timeline and all that butterfly effect shit. Just my being here is enough to say that there's no point in avoiding that shit.

Todone's obviously still with me, the poor kid can't really go back until winter time, and that's still a ways off. At the very least, the lizardmen have developed a begrudging respect for the kid. He's got a lot of fight in him, and he fights as fair as it gets out here, and that's something that the locals seem to admire.

"How does this sheet look, Mister Potts?" One of the tween lizardboys asked me. God does 'Mister' make me sound old or what? Cane sure as hell don't help.

I lean over and inspect the aforementioned sheet he was talking about. "Hmmm… this is the willow pulp batch, correct?"

The boy nodded, giving me a smile. "Correct sir!"

I rubbed my chin and squinted at the sheet. It certainly seemed smoother than the other batches, I'll give it that. My money's on this probably being our best choice honestly, some of the other batches were okay but we're going to need quality if we wanna do our job right.

"I believe we'll start using that material in particular for when more space is cleared on the other frames," I began, leaning up to air my thoughts to the rest of my 'class'. "Remember children, I'll go ahead and let you keep your sheets once we're done, these were just a matter of proof of concept! You can use them to draw on if you'd like, or maybe just hang it up as is with pride! Either way, it's something that you can show off and go 'look what I made!'!"

Honestly, I wasn't expecting to be more or less babysitting of all things. Truthfully, I think they're only near me because of Crusch. Speaking of which, she seems absolutely fucking goofy. I guess there's a difference between seeing it animated and seeing it in real life, but she looks absolutely goofy with a bush on. I'll have to stitch her up a cloak or something some time, I can hear the other kids snickering at her when they think we can't hear, and I can tell it's getting to her. Kids, some o' the cruelest bastards around.

"Remember kids, after this batch is done, we'll start practicing the alphabet! Rome wasn't built in a day, and I doubt you kids were hatched yesterday either, so just remember that if you feel like progress is slow don't be afraid to come to me!"

As it turns out, writing is a… unique prospect. Because of the shape of their claws, handling ink and quill is going to be a bit of an issue unless I can think of a work around for that. Thankfully, Todone was able to find a few flat rocks to act as slabs and we snagged some charcoal from a couple of campfires being cleaned out, so we'll be doing the old chalkboard method until I can find something they can use effectively. Luckily, Crusch's petite and smooth build means that she won't have many issues when the time comes, so she's still good to operate as a 'research assistant'. But I can see why some things around here that would normally require fine manipulation are… shoddy, at best.

Either that or they're just all thumbs by chance.

"Speaking of progress, how's yours coming along Crusch?" I asked the lizard girl in a bush.

"I-it's challenging, admittedly. But it's also fascinating! To think, we lizardmen will finally have a way to record things other than through word of mouth".

I nodded at that. "Keep in mind writing is for more than just recordkeeping and research. Many nations have used it for the sake of signing and recording treaties, keeping a bill of sale when trading commercial goods, or even purely for entertainment"

She cocked her head at that. "Entertainment?"

"Well yeah, I'm sure your people have old tales and stories you tell around a campfire, of exploits made by heroes past right?"

"Of course we do, many of them often teach lessons… Oh! I see what you mean now!"

I grinned, patting her back. "Now you've got it! Remember, with the power of writing, you can share knowledge from yourself personally, often reaching well beyond your own expiration date. In a way, it's like a message from beyond the grave for all to hear your voice"

A bit of a dramatization, but it certainly seems to have put a glimmer in her eyes.

"Ah, what I'd give to be able to share some of my books from back home for you. I'm sure you woulda loved 'Where the Red Fern Grows'. Real heartwarming that book," I reminisced, thinking back on the bookshelves worth of reading material I had in my studio apartment.

My words do seem to have had some impact on the kid, going from glimmer to awe. Ah, what I'd give to experience discovering my bibliophilia all over again. I continue on my slow walk through the frames, eyeing the kids up slowly. God that sounds worse than you'd think, believe me. I was doing it more or less to get a gauge of them, because while I was still bedridden I tried to do something out of curiosity, which actually worked. Using Insight Checks silently, that is. I seem to have mixed results unfortunately, I'm uncertain whether it is a matter of proximity, their level, or my overall level, but I've been getting enough readings to come to a conclusion.

Todone really is a fucking mutant. I mean, sure, they're technically different species, but both of them are receiving roughly similar stimuli from what Todone says. Most of these teens and tweens would barely scrape level ten, the adults holding their own anywhere from fifteen to nineteen. But Todone, despite his young age, is already at seventeen now and putting some of the adults below him on the rungs? Yeah, I gotta find out what his momma's feeding him.

Couldn't get a read on the old medicine lady in the hut though, something tells me I'd need to get into physical contact with her to pull that off. At best I've only managed to get a status condition out of her which… wasn't a good idea. Seems as though she's suffering from some kind of chronic illness she's been hiding, and it's not the friendly kind. The Insight Check wouldn't go into any specifics, but I can see why she was adamant on keeping Crusch around for passing her own knowledge down onto. Honestly, I'm amazed she's swinging her tail around all cheery like. But unless I can bring it up in such a way that doesn't point to my er, abilities, I'm… wait, no, Talents are a thing here.

If I wasn't such a frickin' idiot I'd bring that up as an excuse. Unfortunately, I should probably be saving that as a trump card for a true emergency. Makes me feel like dog shit, but she seems to be living well enough with her condition.

"Alright kids, I think the frames will be okay for the time being. Y'all ready to practice English writing?"

A chorus of 'Yes Mister Potts!' greeted my ears, and I had to hide a shiver of faint loathing at the title. I'm twenty-five damn it, not an old man. Cane notwithstanding.

The kids were scribbling at the slabs of stone with their pieces of charcoal. I was starting them off simple, practicing the actual letters themselves. Hopefully once its more than chicken scratch, they should be capable of handling simple words, like 'wood' or 'stone'. Then it's off to basic grammar and… ah, I don't even need to say it, pretty basic shit really. I was peering at the group as they copied my letters. I'll admit, my handwriting isn't the best, but hopefully they'll be able to emulate it well enough.

One of the kids, a rascal I'll admit I can't quite remember the name of, seems to actually be chugging along fairly well, though his letters are a bit big. Maybe these kids can do it after all. After I've taught them how to read and write, they should be able to read notes and store information, that'll sure help when it comes to the late term logistics of running things. I steadily shuffle my way to under the tree, where Crusch was safely practicing under the shade of the old willow with a blanket I decided to lend her draped around her form. Something she seemed extremely grateful for.

As for Todone… he seemed to be struggling. I let a small breath out through my nose, and carefully sat down next to him. He barely even noticed my presence, too intently focused on the slab.

"Everything alright kid?"

"It's… annoying. Why are you even having me learn to write as well? I'm a warrior, not some li… er, some softie"

I really need to talk to him about those 'catches' he makes. He seems to be making a genuine effort to stop himself from saying things, but it's almost like he's too used to it being a different way. A more uncaring and snobbish kind of way, really.

"Well…" I began. "As a warrior, I'm certain that your goal would one day to lead warriors of your own, yes?"

"Yes, but what would-" He began, but I raised my hand to interrupt him.

"It has a lot to do with things, actually" I began my explanation. "One of the things I plan on scribing down for the villagers once we've secured a decent stockpile of paper is war tactics. Guerilla warfare, skirmish strategies, hit and runs, that sort of thing. I don't have much experience with actual long term and by the tens of thousands warfare, but I know enough that it would translate easily into more tribal wisdom. That said, that's not going to stop others from transcribing their own thoughts. In much the same way we can write our knowledge of science and magic down, so too can we do the same with maneuvers and tactics. Not only that, but as this language is, to my knowledge, completely unknown outside of myself and those I've been teaching, that means you can use it to send orders and messages without worrying about outsiders knowing what the letters mean. With such knowledge at your fingertips, you stand at an advantage.

This is all very long term, and I truthfully don't expect pieces to fall into place for quite some time for this project. By having knowledge your enemy lacks, you in turn provide yourself with an advantage. To quote an old general renowned for his wisdom and countless victories… know neither yourself, nor your enemy, and you shall face endless defeat. Know yourself, but not your enemy, and for every victory shall come a cost. But know yourself and your enemy, and you shall fear not the outcome of a thousand battles. Tell me, Todone, in that situation, would it not be wise to deny your enemy knowledge of yourself as much as possible, by risking messengers that deliver your orders only for them to be captured and tortured for their information? Or would you rather have a secured message sent across lines, the contents of which said messenger does not know and will refuse to read the contents of, to your enemies?"

Todone's maw was gaping like a fish at the speech I gave, and the murmurs of wows I got from the other kids seemed to indicate that they were listening. Might as well play off of this to inspire them some more. I use my cane to get back up, slightly annoyed with myself for only sitting for a moment, but this held enough gravity that I best get up to continue.

"That is the power of the written word children, for it is only as strong as the wits and flair of the ones who wield it. For in your hand, the written word is more than just scribbles of ink. It is a teacher, giving knowledge and slating the curiosities of those seeking it. It is a warrior, passing on the wisdom of their fights long gone. It is a bard, inspiring and weaving tall tales of maidens and dragons, and of knights to save the day. It is a farmer, a carpenter, a tinkerer or even a merchant. At the end of the day, the written word has endless possibilities, bringing forth the chance for everyone to prosper if they know it. That is why, when all is said and done, I wish to teach as many as I can of your tribes on how to read and write. So that you too, may experience all the warmth that comes from reading a book by the candlelight, curled up on a rainy evening. And in my opinion, that makes the pen far mightier than the sword"

There was silence. I could hear the wind whispering through tree leaves, faintly so. Then…

"Wow, I never thought that reading was so… awesome! Why haven't we learned this stuff before?!"

"I think I wanna write things for people when I'm old enough! My mom has a lot of old folktales passed down through the family, I think it'd be nice to share that with everyone!"

"What's a pen?"

I smile at that, glad to have created a new breed of bookworms. Yes, soon I will have my army of dark librarians, yessss… one of you little shits better write a bestseller.

"My goodness, you sound like you have nothing but absolute love for books Nolan," Crusch interjected amidst the cheerful murmurs of children excited to learn.

"Ah, yeah…" I sheepishly admit, realizing I almost lost my balance and had to re-align myself on my cane.

She was drinking again. She always was, but this was one of the worse times. Thankfully, she hadn't found my spot yet. I hid away in a crawlspace, hidden by a painted over piece of plywood in the back of my closet. Back there I had a bag of chips I… 'found' at the cornerstore, as well as my water bottle and a few books I'd tucked away.

I grabbed one of the books I was becoming increasingly infatuated with as of late, that I found being thrown out by the library. It was old, missing the cover, and the pages were yellowed and slightly moldy by this point. But it was still legible.

The book was called 'White Fang'

"... yeah, books are wonderful. I wouldn't be half the man I am today without them," I murmured thoughtfully, thinking back on the 'good old days'. "We should probably get these kids back on track, don't wanna spend all day talking about learning without actually doing it"

She chuckled at that and nodded, helping gather everyone's attention. Say what you will about the kid, she knows how to get the crowd to look at her. Everyone had begun to settle down, and she nodded to me, giving me my queue. I cleared my throat to continue speaking.

"Remember children, all of this comes with learning to read and write, but you must also consider that it is going to require effort on your part. Once you know how, it'll be so easy you could do it like it was as simple as going for a walk or takin' a leak"

The children chuckled at that last part and I smirked. "Now, back to our ABC's kids, we've got sunlight to burn".

I sigh in relief, glad that the day was over. I mean, I loved it, but this mana exhaustion was really starting to kick my ass. At the moment myself and Todone were staying in a spare hut the tribesmen had to offer, so I was making my way there. As I moved, I noticed I was passing by the 'fishery' that was in progress. From the sounds of it they managed to snag a few breeding pairs of carp and brought them over to some artificial pools. Not the best tasting fish in my opinion, but they're hardy as hell and eat whatever's in front of them.

"So, quite the interesting day, yes?" I heard from behind me, startled that she was following me home.

"L-lulu, the hell are you doin' tailin' me woman?" I asked in surprise, my drawl slipping through.

She mere giggled at that. "Just making sure you get home safely is all. You're technically on my watch after all, and Miss Runo would have my head if I didn't take good care of you"

Who… oh, right, Marscha. I sighed at that, shaking my head. "I done told y'all I'm fine. I know I'll need the cane for a few days but I also know that all this ain't necessary. And something tells me you don't fully believe it neither"

She giggled at that again, shaking her head from under the makeshift blanket robe. "You're somewhat right, I suppose. I'll admit, it's nice that you're just… talking to me, more than anything. I suppose I'm just looking for excuses to talk"

I cocked a brow at that. "Now why in the hell would that be an issue?"

She was quiet at first, looking down. "Despite our skill in magic, many of our people see my white skin and red eyes as a… bad omen, that it means we are in some way evil. It doesn't help that we burn at the slightest light of the sun, only further leading to support such rumors. Even if you aren't a lizardman, you don't seem to care"

I blinked at that, shaking my head. "Fuckin' superstitions… look, kid, where I'm from, your condition was actually something seen in humans as well, we called it 'albinism'. Sure, they were pale with hair white as snow, and red eyes like you, but at the end of the day they was just folks that lost the genetic lottery. In your case, I suppose you're lucky that somewhere in your genes albinism links up with magic proficiency, but you're not hideous or nothin' because you was born that way. Hell, I'm surprised you don't get swarmed by boys with how bright you are"

I couldn't see it, but I could tell she was probably blushing profusely underneath her hood. "N-no, me? Surely there's no way…"

I scoffed at that. "Kid, it's a matter of perspective. Ruby red eyes that glisten like a setting sun, scales as lustrous as a winter's first snow, and you're as smooth as a marble statue? There's gotta be someone out there into you, or else this gene of yours would have never cropped up in the family tree to begin with".

She's sputtering and stuttering at that, and I can't help but laugh. I pat her back and shake my head, stepping up to my 'door'. I turn to her for a moment before heading inside however, to give my parting words.

"I know what it's like to be an outcast though, to be nothing more than a fly in the presence of others. So if you ever have the free time and feel like it, my doors always open for conversation. I'll even put some tea on".

She's still sputtering meekly, before giving a high squeak and nodding, scurrying off. I shake my head smirking, and as I walk inside I stop, realizing my words.

"Wait… isn't that kinda… ah fuck it, maybe I'm just overthinking things…" I mutter to myself, before turning in for a simple plate of fish for the night.

Zarusosa Shasha has left the party! Crusch Lulu has joined the party!

Nolan Potts, Human (Karma: 50 [Neutral]) [17/21 Spell slots used]

Classes: Brawler (5), Ranger (3), Druid (4), Clothier (3). Total Level (12).

Spells (Druid): Frostbite, Entangle, Create or Destroy Water, Guidance, Jump, Cure Wounds, Dust Devil, Protect from Poison, Hold Person, Spike Growth, Lesser Restoration, Water Breathing, Darkvision, Sleet Storm

Spells (Ranger): Animal Friendship, Speak to Animals, Ensnaring Strike

Gear: Canvas Clothes (Sturdy, Weathered), Oak-Handled Brush-hook, Canvas Coyote Pack of Holding, Bundles of Herbs (Medicinal), Bundles of Chitin, Pot of Tannin, Bundles of Smoked Bug Meat, Dried Deer Hide, Bones, Bone toolkit

Items of Note: {Humble Beginnings}, {Emerald Moon}

Party Members are as follows…

Member One: Todone, Son of Kodrotti, Toadman (Karma: -30 [Neutral])

Classes: Toadman Warrior (9), Brawler (8), Total Level (17).

Member Two: Crusch Lulu of the Red Eyes (Karma: 50 [Neutral])

Classes: Awakened Elder Blood Lizardman, Lizardman (1), Druid (6), Spirit Shaman (3), Summoner (1), Total Level (11)

AN: Alright, so remember when I said there may be times that I won't be able to post for a bit? That might be coming soon. I recently nailed an interview with a place I wanna work at, so I'm gonna have to do a few things to get my affairs in order, and that's gonna have me a little distracted. I'll write when I can though, seeing how much fun I've actually had weaving this story so far.