Queen's Note: You know editing is taking me longer, and spelling of things. I can not tell you how many times I misspelled Deegan's name... and gourd.

Welcome to the Wasteland

Chapter Three

Cabins

There was sometimes a misconception about ghouls, the lake of a nose did not mean the lack of a sense of smell. Not really, maybe a muting but no lack of smell. Just a lack of protection for the sinuses.

The scared ones back home had to make sure to wear adaptive scarfs in winter. Masks for those in dustier areas and such.

The Lost Ones as Lana knew the ferals by first, were deceptively adept with their sense of smell. Nearly as good as some animals at shorter ranges. Lana remembered the theories back in class, mostly, as she was concentrating right now. Something that happened in the mutation, a blocking out of once higher thoughts or a reverting back to primal state.

She did know that she was one of the very few unaltered humans that did not over worry about. Not with the scent of Deathclaw on her clothes, the black leather of her outfit was special. For a few reasons but the most was that Lana smelled like Valory.

Lana did not smell like most people the Lost Ones were used to chasing, far from it. She knew how to use it to her advantage.

The young woman had lighter steps then Deegan, able to slip around him and into the spot just to the side of the door of this first cabin with little creeks in the porch. Waiting for the man to get up next, he was not as used to how to stay quiet with boots but reached for the door, peering through the windows.

"Just one in here." Deegan said, his voice a low rumble that reminded Lana of her Uncle. The man reached for the door with his left hand, his rifle in the other but stepped to the side. Blue and red eyes met hazel, noting the notched arrow and how she was completely covered, and then opened the door fully.

There was no rush to start shooting, but a soft whistle from Lana that had the crumpled form inside stirring. Uncurling from the loose fetal position the once human, gargled an attempt to...mimic? The soft sound.

It was an odd moment, watching the feral get to hands and knees, but not rushing at the human… it seemed confused, worried almost as it sniffed.

"Come on, stand up." Deegan encouraged, making his voice reassuring in the way he found ferals responded well to him when he was alone. Them seeing him as another of them just...taller, and bigger. More than once over the centuries Deegan had woken up in a seemingly empty place with a feral trying to curl up beside him.

Not the best way to wake up…

This feral was shivering, standing in the middle of the room, glassy grey eyes roaming around as if trying to find something. It took a first one shuffling step, then another. Standing beside Deegan's outstretched arm, head tilting to the scarred hand.

"I'm sorry." Lana said softly, pulling back on her bow a little more and that titch sound and the feral wheezed. Boney hands starting to lift before sagging.

Deegan caught the feral, tilting his head to avoid the arrow and pulled the limp form out of the cabin and down the stairs. "Not bad Lana." The man pulled out the arrow, using a boot edge to be sure little clung to it as he handed it back to the woman, feathers first. "As far as I can tell nothing is under the cabin from here."

Lana nodded, notching the arrow again, it was one of her metal ones for being reused many, many times for clearing out like this at closer range.

"Thanks," Lana smiled and nodded to the next cabin down from this top one. "Shall we go counter clockwise, and just start with the cabins?"

"Yeah, I think that would be a good idea." Deegan glanced to where the herd was. Some of his rope used to make a new lead to keep the brahmin tied to a tree. The moose lingering near, cows alternating between nibbling and keeping watch while Buck stood only about ten feet away. Head and horns held high and watching the once settlement intently.

A chuffing like sound from Valory turned his attention to where the deathclaw was. Valory was crouched beside the second biggest building, thrumming a low subsonic sound to wake up what was inside and drive them out to get to the ferals.

The bull moose followed Lana more than Deegan as they made their way to each cabin. Lana looked interested in the cabin that had no back wall, touching the edges of damage before walking to the next place. She was happy to be able to clear most of the co-op without having to resort to their guns. If only because Lana did not like the idea of all the Lost Ones running around at the same time.

That sort of thing was a pain, harder to pick a target and could draw even more attention from other sources.

Deegan had pulled out a long combat knife as they found a cabin with two ferals. Deftly quiet and efficient with the blade after coaxing a Lost One near him, making sure that the stab of the blade was quick. Though seeing one that had the dregs of a dress clinging to them and a little wooden toy car clutched in hand, trying to lean against Deegan's shoulder with a wheezing sigh nearly broke Lana's heart.

She still fired her arrow behind the man's back and into the eye socket of the Lost One.

Lana was rolling over the words of an old pray, something she had learned so long ago she could not remember, wishing the feral beings some peace in a long sleep.

"I've always wondered how much really remains," Lana said softly, watching the scarred man set down the last Lost One in the spring grass outside the last cabin. She glanced back over her shoulder to see Valory caring away those they had already laid outside four at a time to the south west.

"Maybe a little bit, but not that much." Deegan said as he rested his clean hand on Lana's shoulder, giving a reassuring squeeze, heading to the largest building. Checking the outside much like the cabins.

Lana used a wrist to rub the side of her head through her hood and mask before walking after. "I wish they weren't so aggressive but, well, I am happy they can finally rest too."

"Interesting way of putting it." Deegan thought aloud, "Richard I think said something alike that. He used to clear buildings for settlers back in the day."

"I was taught the Lost Ones can be left alone for the most part, but if possible it was good to help them rest finally. I don't think we have any in a few hundred mile radius out of the park."

"Park?" Blue and red eyes glanced over, noting the dimming light of the day. Inside the bigger building, small warehouse, there was only one feral that had not made it outside. An arrow took care of them.

Lana slung her bow and moved to help drag the creature outside with Deegan, not that hesitant with grabbing a limb. Though careful with the arm as it seemed… loose.

"Yeah..." Lana hesitated before shrugging as they were outside, the feral resting with the others that Valory had taken care of. All together about a dozen or so in the co-op. "One of the national parks. The town in the valley below was cleared, survivors taken back to the bunker while they finished changed after the bombs dropped."

"You're grandfather and uncle had their heads on right." Deegan approved, though he always liked finding more people that really did value ghouls. His extended family included.

"I'd like to think so." Lana paused and grinned as she pulled her mask off starting back to where they had left the brahmin. "Random Deathclaws aside."

"Some sheer dumb luck regardless for that." Deegan shook his head, scanning the cabins and pointed to the last one they had cleared. "That one would be the best to camp the night in. we can put the packs in the warehouse next to it and the fawn."

It was oddly nice saying that last world, something that echoed from the past in a good way.

"Shouldn't be hard to keep the critters in, or make a barrier that the girls can get over but the kids can't." Lana glanced back, turning to walk backwards for a few moments, taking smaller steps until Deegan caught up. She reached to Buck as he came over, seeming much more relaxed. "That way the moose can get some grazing in before bed… I probably won't hang the doe carcass up in there though."

"That doesn't seem right, but there's here." Deegan motioned to the second largest building. "It should be good for the night, at least until morning."

"I think you're right, I'm a lot more tired than I thought." Lana agreed as they retrieved the animals while Valory cleaned up the bodies. By the time it was hung on a chain and hock from Lana's pack, and the deathclaw had settled down the sun was setting.

Lana was carefully dropping the saddle packs as Deegan cut some food cuts of meat. The man paused as he listened to the big, virtual ground dragon walk by….and he turned back to the hanging rad stag. Doe? Deegan cut a few more bigger chucks to add to the try he was using. Re-wrapping the carcasses after he was done.

He could put away a few good stakes, and Lana showed him what size she wanted. It still seemed wise to cut something for Valory.

Judging by the purr as he passed Valory to the cooking fire they had set up, good idea. "Didn't know what cuts you like, hope a rump roast is okay?"

"I do not mind, had some earlier. But cooked meat seems...sounds good." Valory said as she was shifting on the soft grass, curling her tail around her legs. Killing claws tucked up as the matriarch just seemed happy to be off her feet.

There was a grill over top of the fire now that was not there before, and a cast iron pan heating up. The man smiled as he settled carefully on one of the chairs brought over. There was a small bag that was filled with several jars of dried season and one wet. Deegan picked that up and opened the lid, giving an experimental sniff.

"It's a little spicy." Lana warned coming out of the warehouse building, she had her sleeping roll, two moss filled pillows and fur blanket in her arms.

"It smells like jalapeno peppers…?" Deegan looked up with a questioning tone, and could not help but smile and brighten up. "God, it's been a long time since I had anything with proper heat and flavor."

"It has jalapeno and yellow wax peppers in that jar. Plus a LOT of tomatoes, a type of tato and a bunch of seasons all fermented into a marinade." Lana explained as she walked to the cabin they had picked. "I got the other pillow for you, I just saw your blanket."

The man smiled as he found a spoon and brush that smelled like the peppers, and a canteen of clean water, though 'stew start' was written on the side. Deegan paused and picked up the canteen, tapping it and realized it was not metal or plastic, but felt like wood?

He shook his head and turned to the steaks, using the food brush and smearing a semi thin layer of marinade on the steaks. Dropping a few chunks of fat he had cun into the pan first. Picking out some dried herbs that he knew for the carrots and other vegs in the bag.

"Do you like the marinade Valory?" Deegan asked, glancing up, still investigating the little cooking bag of goodies. Finding salt and… pepper corns?

Definitely worth staying and making peace as well as friends.

"Yes...please." Valory opened her eyes, head resting on the ground still. "Not all the way cooked?"

"She likes it warm and just seared on the outside. I have a lot more marinade." Lana called, translating partly.

"Steaks or full roast?"

"...thick cut- steak? With sea-son on one side?" The deathclaw asked, the voice had a neutral growl but also just a simple honest hope for the thing. Not unlike a child asking for something.

Valory knew perfectly well that this was a human skill, cooking and frying was for smaller hands. Best to stay polite!

Deegan agreed, chuckle as he set the first stakes into the heated pan and grease, "I can do that."

"Thank you."

"I'll try to start up a stew tomorrow for everyone." Lana said from the porch, tossing out the old mattresses over the railing. Two thick tarps folded up on the bed frames inside, another frame had been brought over and pushed inside, as well as a low steamer trunk at the foot. Lana was trying to keep Deegan's height in mind so the man could prop his feet up instead of them dangling off the bed.

"How do you like yours Lana?"

"On the more done side of mid rare please." The young woman said coming down, plopping down in a chair and propping her own feet on a rock. Bow and quiver were carefully dropped beside her.

Tired from the long trip, used to the safety provided by her guardian and pack sister she does after a minute. Zoned out maybe as the adult moose wandered past. Freed from packs and saddles they were grazing almost gleefully on the fresh grass.

Deegan could take a moment to sit back, smiling to himself at this odd family. Letting himself enjoy the moment of peace he did not find too often outside of the Manor.

He could understand Lana relaxing before cutting up the carrots, two types, one being a dark orange, thick but not as wide as the ones Deegan had gotten used to. Sweeter too when he was given a slice to munch on, though the other type was a bit earthy in comparison and white-

"Are those parsnips?" The scared man asked taking the offered, second white disk.

"Yep!" Lana grinned, motioned to the cow Grace, who had her fawn well trained to follow her around and was already producing milk for a snack. That had Lana starting to eye with a thoughtful look. She had been keeping an eye on her moose as they started to bag up (started to produce milk) only a few days ago before meeting the ghoul.

When she spoke up again Lana was a little distracted, honestly thinking of some gravy to go with the venison steaks. "One of the few things I grow on the road, they just grow on the outside of the mail packs in a modified grow bag."

"That's not such a bad idea, do the moose mind the extra weight?" Deegan asked, not yet aware of the plotting. He flipped the steaks and brushed a little more of the marinade on.

"No, we travel relatively light on the way out to a place. Dried food and water filter, but normally have more of the moss than anything to spread."

"Moss?" The scared man looked up, blue and red eyes blinking before lifting an eye ridge, "What moss?"

Lana brightened up and got up, "Oh! I didn't explain that to you yet! It's really neat, and something that mutated-semi developed in the wild around home and we rely on it."

The young woman dipped into the building that had her packs, coming back with a few egg gourds in hand. "It's the same moss that's in the pillows but that's dried. I only have three pillows worth left outside of what I'm using for the seeds and feeding the rabbits."

Rabbits?

"So that's what's in those cages." Deegan said aloud, and at a puzzled look he grinned. "I was wondering but...Luna you called her? Did not seem happy with me too close to her."

"She's a bit grumpy." Lana agreed, paused and added with a snicker, "Well, grumpy on good days, bitchy and bity on bad days. I'm lucky to be one of the few people she likes, so that's why I brought her. Also really good defense at night."

Valory gave a soft huff and a low, tired chuckle. Her eyes closed but the deathclaw was still listening in.

"...when the blatant defense lady is sleeping or off hunting and scouting." Lana added, and rolled her eyes. "But that's why the animal cages are with Luna, she'll defend them out of spite to the world. Keeps the buns and birds safe."

"May I ask what you have?" Deegan asked, turning to face Lana, elbows on knees and looking slightly too big for the chair he was sitting in. Motion to the gourds and then to where the critter cages are.

"Animal wise I have a breeding stock of a quail mix, and a rabbit mix that's been our staples." Lana explained, "I can show you in the morning when it's light out, the rabbits are just in breeding size but I've separated them for a while. And this is some of our radexes."

Lana held one of the small gourds, it was about the side of her hand and in a rough egg shape. Maybe a little more like a Mirelurk egg in mini. It had a twin hinge set on the back and a tie in the front. When Lana opened it she showed Deegain the greenery starting inside.

It was moss, a healthy dark green shade that was a mix of thick strands. Like...well a moss, rounded and peeking through was several white sprouts, just starting to think about making leaves.

Deegan reached out, a mix of confusion and some surprise. The gourd was smaller in his hands, sitting in his palm as he touched one of the unfurling seeds. It was one thing to know there were pre-war plants still around, and another to see it. Even the second time as the spiced scent rolled up out of the pan.

"We use radexes for a lot of things, on the buildings out of the bunker. Roofs and walls, it's pretty heavily mixed with wild plants now. It grows rapidly with radiation and converts it to non harmful energy. Makes up most of the diet of the moose and elk back home. Also good cushioning for hatchling deathclaws and kids alike." Lana laughed, happy to talk about the moss.

"It uses radiation?" Deegan asked looking up, stopping most thoughts from their swirl in his mind. Letting this fact sink in.

"In basics it eats rads. The moss mutated like a year or three before the bombs dropped." Lana explained as she opened another gourd to show a mix of the dark green moss and plant starts that were a little bigger, farther along with closed leaves. "Grandfather's team back then noticed it as they were drilling out the seed bunker. At first it was pretty invasive but after the bombs dropped something happened at a generic level. I'm not exactly sure, my Aunties are better at that part of botany. I'm more use to the practical side… will probably take a class once I'm back home."

Lana looked up, and reached to take the steaks off. The motion gets Deegan to automatically move to offer the plastic plates he had in his pack. The filled the cast iron pan with as much of the cut roast as it could hold to cook one side as requested.

"You said this moss was used in buildings? Does it damage them?" Deegan asked as he turned to Lana again, letting this new factor settle in his mind and giving himself a chance to understand what he was learning. Not unlike how Edward did when listening to Jack rant away when he had a glass or two too many of whiskey or, gods forbid, bourbon.

"No, maybe a milometer or two of a surface is technically used as an anchor. Pre and post war vines still can do more damage than the moss." Lana held up chunk or living moss, only shifting as she moved it. It was not alive like a horror movie, just moss. "It helps insulate against radiation heavy rain, the water filters out mostly clean. We still clean our water though, you know with bugs and such."

"Lana," Deegan hummed and looked up as his thoughts started to settle. "This is truly safe?"

The young woman paused at the time she heard, head tilting at the soft spoken intensity. Trying to identify what she heard. "Yes, we wouldn't use it so much if it wasn't. I mean we can't really get that much use out of radexes other than utility or for grazing animals… but it's a safe building block for ecosystems to try and rebuild. Invaluable for helping crops, and well, insulation."

Lana set her gourd down and reached to touch the man's closer wrist, the sound off the pan hissing softly beside them. "I wasn't kidding that those of us that travel spread it. It's not a trail for others to follow but to try and get something, anything growing again in areas that were more devastated. Something to help people heal and rebuild."

"It's a good thing you have someone protecting you," Deegan glanced at Valory, who had opened a golden eye to quietly watch. "Honestly if you didn't I would offer to take you back to the Manor. As it is, I would like to stay a while to make sure you're safe. That you two know what's around the Commonwealth." The man turned his hand, shifting the sort of pot that held the seeds that looked a little familiar. Wrapping the scared fingers around the smaller hand.

"I'd appreciate it, there's always threats that even Valory can't beat into the ground, or be skewered on antlers." Lana gave a smaller smile.

"I need to find a map tomorrow." The scarred man said with a deep breath, letting himself start to think again, to skim through names and faces again. He huffed and smirked, "Wouldn't have watermelon in those magic bags would you?"

"Not the melons, some butternut and acorn squash." Lana tilted her head, thinking, "Got some seeds though."

"...I think I'd fix that porch for some of those seeds, and to look at any others you have."