8.
Working with Robin was far more comfortable than when she worked with any of the past self -proclaimed "strong women" in the city. Robin felt no need to point out her strength as she chopped down tree after tree, she just grinned at the hard work. Rei admired that cool confidence the older woman had, wishing she had a fraction of it as she worked. Together the two of them managed to chop enough wood for Robin to start assessing the type of remodel.
As Rei picked strawberries and made tea, Robin circled her house.
"So, this is going to sound funny, but where do you shower?"
"Oh," Rei blushed, "In the pond….it's clean water, a little cool, but the public bathhouse is kind of inconvenient of a walk."
Robin shook her head in awe. "You are a surprising young lady. A true wilderness survivor if I say so."
"Nah, I'm just lazy and forced into doing what I have to do. Plus I don't want to repel any future friends in town."
Robin chuckled. "Well, in that case, I'm going to place a bathroom in here as well. And before you protest, it's on the house. I've been admiring how you've adapted, especially when half the town still seems to think you're spying on them for Joja."
Rei blanched. They thought she was a spy? Guess her namesake traveled far and carried a weight.
Robin softened at her expression. "Don't worry, I know the truth. You don't seem like the type to be malicious. In fact, you remind me of Sebby sometimes. You just want your independence."
She felt tears prick at her eyes, but she carefully blinked them away as she offered Robin some tea.
"Thank you."
Robin smiled, a twinkle in her eyes "I'll start first thing tomorrow morning."
That night, she walked to the community center once more, but this time with a small bundle in her arms. Kneeling by the plaque, she found that she could understand the language. And she set down her offering of spring forages and crops.
"Please accept my offering forest spirits, I will try my hardest to do my best by you." She whispered, feeling like a prayer was needed.
She never believed in Yoba, and her family was staunchly atheist. But her grandfather always seemed spiritual. Maybe this was his religion: a worship of the land and sea, the forest and all living things. As the Junimos appeared before here to lift up the package, she felt a small tug at her heart strings, a little connection to the land of the Valley.
Above, the night sky twinkled. Owls hooted, frogs croaked and crickets chirped. The sonata of nature announced another day ending, and readied for the dawn. A wizard in his tower peered through a scrying orb at the image of a young girl with raven colored hair, walking peacefully in the night towards her land.