The next chapter is posted! Enjoy :)
Galen and Noelle were feeling much better after that refreshing cooldown in that brook.
Even Galen would care to admit, as much as he doesn't like the water, he enjoyed his time in it with Noelle. He may have been annoyed at her at first for pulling a fast one and pulling him in.
But then he pretty much had it coming after he shoved her in first.
Afterwards it turned into an all-out water fight. Tons of splashing was exchanged as well as laughs. There were times they got each other good too.
Noelle got him good in the face once and in retaliation, he dunked her under the water.
They must've been in there for a good ten-fifteen minutes before Galen told her he felt like he was starting to get waterlogged and went over to the edge and got out.
But what the chimp didn't count on was how slippery the rocks were with the moss covering them.
The first time he tried to heave himself out, his grasp slipped, and he went sliding back in and under the water. When he came back up, he heard Noelle laughing at him and called him clumsy.
He rolled his eyes and splashed her again, smirking when he got her good in the face.
When he tried a second time, he was able to heave himself up and onto the rock. He was grateful that the rocks were very low to the water's edge. Probably only about six inches above the waterline.
Noelle stayed in for a couple more minutes, enjoying the cool and refreshing water. Before she too eventually got out.
Amusement lit up her eyes when she saw Galen look down at his wet clothes with a slight grimace. He didn't really care much for the sopping wet feeling that came from his drenched clothes. It also made them feel heavier.
Noelle just told him to wring out his shirt and that it would help.
He tried his best in doing so, but in the end, he just still felt sopping wet. Though it appeared Noelle didn't seem to mind her clothes and hair being wet.
It's been a couple hours since then. They have since moved on from the brook.
But they didn't completely leave the river. Galen informed her that if they follow the river, it could possibly lead them to a settlement somewhere.
Many villages tend to not be situated far from water sources. Because they mainly use them to gather water supplies for themselves.
So far, since they started following it though, they have yet to see any signs of a village or settlement. But Noelle still went along with it. Seeing as Galen knew this countryside and world way more than she did.
"You think we'll be able to find a town before nightfall?" She asks, as they walk side by side.
"I don't know. Though it would be nice if we did. Can't make any guarantees or promises though." He replied.
Noelle was silent for a moment, before speaking up again.
"What if...we are recognized though? In one of these towns or settlements?" She inquires.
His gaze went from looking ahead to her.
"While there is a chance, I don't believe that will happen. The areas around here are so big and vast. There have been many villages we have hit in the past and didn't run into any problems or anyone knew who we were." Galen told her.
Then he eyed her briefly up and down.
"Though, we may have to get you a change of clothes when we do hit a town. Because I'm sorry to say, no one dresses like you here. It will help you blend in more and make people less suspicious." He added.
"So, no one here really wears a tank top or shorts, is what you're saying?" She surmised.
"If that is what the articles of clothing you're wearing are called, then yes." Galen said.
"So, what is the latest in fashion here then?" Noelle joked.
He chuckled a little at her question.
"Well, for one thing, many if not all females here whether they be ape or human wear dresses or skirts. I've never really seen any females wearing pants." Galen informed her.
He watched her wrinkle her nose in a slight grimace.
"Thanks, but no thanks. I'm not one for dresses. I'm all for changing my clothes, but not into a dress. Not to mention, if we are going to continue traveling through the woods like this on foot, then a dress is not exactly something one would wear. Because all it would do is snag on everything and could hinder me if we have to run." Noelle pointed out.
He thought about it for a moment, then nodded.
"I see your point. Though don't say I didn't warn you if you do get some looks for wearing pants. As I said, around here and in this time, it is not common to see females in pants." He cautioned her.
"Ok, got it. This is like the Middle Ages, ape style. Only difference is, the gorilla troops aren't decked out head to toe in armor, like knights." She teased.
He tilted his head at her and wrinkled his nose.
"What are the Middle Ages and what are knights?" He asks.
"The Middle Ages were at least a good couple thousand years ago. It was a simpler way of living for humans than my time. There are actually quite a few similarities from this time and that time.
One being, there doesn't seem to be many technological advancements. Transportation is still done via horses and carts. Everything is cooked over an open fire and there's no electricity, so the only source of lighting at night was with candles.
Many humans had farms where they had their own sustainable sources of food and water. The men did most of the heavy-duty work, while the women stuck to the kitchens cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the kids.
Just like you mentioned here in this time, in that time, women too only wore dresses, and the men obviously wore shirts and pants. By the time my time period came around and we look back at our history, most would agree the way we lived back then was very primitive.
The only difference in this time, is you obviously have the advanced weaponry of guns. Back then, they weren't advanced enough for that kind of weaponry. They either used swords or spears and used the bow and arrow for long range attacks." She explained to him.
Galen mulled over it for a moment, before nodding in understanding.
"I see, there definitely seems to be some similarities. Though you still have yet to explain what knights are. Do they happen to be people who are more active at night or something?" He inquired.
Noelle chuckles at his obviously ignorant question.
"No, Galen. Knights at that time were modern day soldiers that fought in armies. Blacksmiths at that time would forge and shape metal into protective gear to cover one's body. The outfit would cover everything from head to toe. All the way from a helmet that covered the head and face to the metal boots. They would also carry around swords as their main weapon of choice." She told him.
He wrinkled his nose again, "Sounds like it's very uncomfortable and heavy."
"Oh, I'm sure they were. But they weren't meant for comfort. They were meant to help keep you alive during a battle or duel." She replied.
"I still find it strange, that even though it is a little over a thousand years in the future, it's surprising to see that there really isn't much technological advancements in this time." Noelle said.
"Well, we already told you why that is. Technology apparently is not something apes strive to achieve. The most important thing to apes is to maintain a healthy, thriving, and stable society.
Unfortunately, this means a large set of various laws. Many of which can be rather strict. Most were put in place for the humans. But that doesn't mean an ape cannot get into any trouble if he or she were to break these laws either." Galen informed her.
"Makes sense though that a lot of these laws are geared towards humans after what you, Alan, and Pete told me the other day." She replied.
"Yes, it's unfortunate. But that's just how it is. Which is sad, because I feel there really is a lot that we can all accomplish if we simply worked together." He says.
"At the same time, I can see why apes would be fearful of humans though. Because there are still a select few that know their true history and that's what makes apes fear humans." Noelle said.
"Exactly. And there is something else. I know you may not like it. But when we do hit a village or settlement, when others ask, I may have to tell them that you're my servant.
I know it seems demeaning. But it's really for both our safety and to avoid arousing suspicion, mainly with other apes. Because it would be seen as very odd for an ape and human to be seen as traveling companions or even friends for that matter.
I had to do the same with Alan and Pete whenever we hit settlements or villages too. And again, it was mainly for our safety. Theirs especially." Galen informed her.
"I understand. And it's ok." Noelle replied.
"If it means anything. Even though we've known each other a short time, I already do view you as a friend." He admitted.
A soft smile appeared on her face.
"I see you as a friend too. Not only do I find you to be good company, but you did also save me from those gorillas when you cut me loose." Noelle told him.
He smiled back, "And I find you to be of good company as well. Plus, the fact that you saved my life, when you jumped into that river after me and helped me get ashore."
"Guess that means we're even, huh?" She says.
"I suppose. Though, I don't think either of us should make a habit out of it." He replied.
"Yeah, I'm inclined to agree with you there." Noelle told him.
"Well, then. I'm glad we're on the same page." He lightly teased.
She rolled her eyes, but the smile still has yet to leave her face.
"I don't know, I think that is still up for debate." She teased back.
Galen arched an eye ridge, "Is it now?"
"Yep." Noelle says.
"If you say so...Butterfly." He says, with a small smirk.
Noelle arched a brow, "Butterfly? Really?"
His smirk widened a little.
"Why not? It's rather fitting seeing as you have that book, and clearly like butterflies. Many would agree you're beautiful like one too." Galen said.
Though he quickly shut his mouth after that last remark. His eyes widened and his cheeks turned pink when he realized what he had just said.
"No, no, that came out wrong. I mean, no, not that you're not beautiful. It's just I didn't mean for it to come out like that." He stuttered over his words like a bumbling idiot.
Noelle started to laugh a little at how flustered he became. In a way, it was cute too.
"Why so embarrassed? It never hurts to give compliments you know." She said, with laughter in her voice.
Galen coughed lightly into his hand.
"Yes, though nevertheless, wasn't expecting it to come out like that." He said, awkwardly.
Her grin widened, "If you say so, handsome."
His eyes widened a little, and she swore his cheeks turned pink again. This made her laugh a little again.
"Ok, now I'm starting to think you're teasing me." Galen stated.
"Nah, I just gave you a compliment. Take it as is." Noelle teased.
He opened and closed his mouth a couple times, giving the impression of a fish. Something else she found to be a little comical.
"Why do I feel like, you don't always know how to talk to women?" She says.
"I do to know how to talk to them. You...just caught me off guard is all." He said, trying to defend himself.
He did too, he smoothed talk plenty of ape females in his time. But for some reason, this one human female has him all tongue tied and flustered. Not something he is used to happening.
'What's wrong with me!? I'm acting like some awkward teenager!' Galen thought.
Noelle just continued smiling at him.
"If you say so." She replied.
Still a little embarrassed, Galen chose to switch topics to talk about.
"So, is your time as progressive as you say it is? In views and in ways of thinking?" He inquires.
Noelle noted the sudden topic change but thought nothing of it. She figures if he really was that uncomfortable or embarrassed, then it was fine if he wanted to talk about something else.
"Yeah, it really is. Humans have a lot of freedom to do what they want. As long as it is within our own set of laws." She says.
"And... the females of your time, they played more of a role in society?" Galen asks.
"In my time, there are women teachers, doctors, police, firefighters, and soldiers. In high-risk positions, they train the women to fight and use weapons along with the men. They fight on the front lines too.
It's a very progressive time, where everyone is treated as equal no matter your gender, nationality, race, or religion. We've progressed in many things because of these changes." Noelle said.
She paused for a moment before her next statement.
"Do...many women here, really not play much of a role in society?" Noelle asks.
"With humans...no they do not. It's...as you assumed before. They are mainly around to cook, clean, and care for the children. Though with apes, it's a little different. There are many female scientists and doctors. But otherwise, that's just about it." He admitted.
Galen could see this perturbed her a little. But then, she did come from a very progressive time period where men and women were seen as equal, and they could do just about anything men could do.
"If it...means anything. I don't see you as such. From what I have seen so far, you are very strong, independent, and smart." He told her.
A small smile slowly appeared on her face.
"Thanks." She replied.
He smiled back and nodded.
"Welcome." Galen says.
They chatted a little longer. The day started to move on into evening hours.
The pair was starting to get a little tired of walking. But they still moved on, hoping to find somewhere they could settle. Galen still held on to some hope that they will hit a settlement while following this river.
Soon, the trees started to thin out and they noted it started to become a little bare off to the left from where they were walking.
Not several minutes later, Galen thought he heard the faint sounds of grunting. This was off to the left where there were now not many trees.
As they walked along, he started to hear some more sounds. It got him curious, and he decided to let Noelle know what he has been hearing.
"Noelle, I think I hear someone up ahead on the left." Galen told her.
She turned her attention to him, before shifting her gaze ahead.
She tried to see if she could hear anything, but she was coming up short.
"I don't hear anything. What is it that you hear?" She asks him.
"It... almost sounds like grunting and... someone shuffling about. Wherever they are, it's off to the left where the trees are thinned out." He informed her.
Noelle was silent for a moment, before speaking.
"And what? You want to head that way?" She inquires.
"It wouldn't hurt to look." He suggested.
She contemplated it, trying to weigh in the possible dangers. But in the end, she agreed.
"Ok." Noelle replied.
The pair then headed off to the left, where the trees were thinned out.
They passed through the few trees, and both were surprised to find themselves on a wide, dirt road. Not only that, but they spotted something not several feet up this road.
The pair stayed near the trees as they cautiously moved closer.
As the drew nearer, they spotted a cart. Not only that, but they noticed a lone ape, a chimpanzee to be exact. He seemed to be fiddling with something off to the side of the cart.
Once they were within distance, the pair noticed it was a wheel.
The cart was rather cockeyed as it leaned heavily to the right. It didn't take long to realize that the wheel came off of the right side of the cart and by the looks of it, the chimp was struggling to get it back on.
"It looks like he needs help." Noelle said.
Galen couldn't help but agree and they headed on over.
The chimp didn't see them right away, until they were only several feet away.
"Excuse me, do you need assistance?" Galen asked politely.
The poor chimp jumped a little, clearly startled. Then he turned to see who it was.
That is when he spotted another chimp with a petite human female standing next to him. A rather odd pair indeed. Then he remembered what it was the chimp had just asked him.
"Why, yes, I do. The wheel came off the cart and I have been struggling to get it back on." He eventually told them.
Galen nodded, " We can help, if you like."
"Yes, please. Thank you." The chimp replied, relieved that they were their.
"I am Kaylan. This is my servant, Nica. We were traveling to the nearest village when we saw you." Galen said.
"I am Fangor. It is nice to meet you." The chimp said.
"I can help you with the wheel." Galen told him.
Fangor nodded, then gestured him over.
"It's just...this cart needs to be lifted a little to get the wheel shoved on." Fangor instructed.
Galen looked at it and understood what he meant. His gaze then shifted to Noelle.
"Nica, help me lift the cart." He instructed.
Noelle nodded, "Yes, Sir."
She then made her way over to the side of the small, two wheeled cart.
Noelle stood next to Galen on the side of the cart, he then gestured for her to grab the edge. Then he looked to Fangor, who still had the large wheel in hand.
"On the count of three, we will lift it, and you can shove it back on and fasten it." Galen instructed.
"Understood." Fangor said with a nod.
Galen then turned his attention to Noelle who was standing right beside him.
"Ready?" He asks.
"Yeah." She replied.
"Alright, one...two...three!" Galen said.
Then the two of them lifted the side of the cart with all the strength they could muster.
Fangor quickly came in and shoved the wheel in place and fastened it with the bolt that came loose. Afterwards, the pair steadily lowered the heavy cart down.
"Thank you, very much for your help." Fangor said, with a smile.
"You're welcome. But...could you tell us if we're anywhere near the nearest village? We're not from this district, so, we don't really know our way around all that well." Galen admitted.
Fangor smiled, "I can give you a lift. The least I can do for you and your servant helping me out. I was on my way to Ansel when I ran into this issue. I can take you two there. If you wish."
"That would great. Thank you very much." Galen said.
"Yes, thank you, Sir." Noelle added.
"Of course. Though unfortunately, you two would have to sit in the cart. The driver seat is only meant for one." Fangor said, apologetically.
"That would be fine. We are just thankful as it is that you offered to take us to the nearest village." Galen said, politely.
"Alright then, if you're ready, you both may hop into the back." Fangor told them.
"Thank you." Galen replied.
Fangor went to the front of the small cart and hopped into the driver's seat behind his horse.
Galen and Noelle got into the back and sat in the hay that littered the floor of the small cart. Then with a flick of the reins, they were off.
The pair couldn't believe their good fortunes. They didn't think they would find someone on a road they didn't know was there that close to this part of the river.
Definitely not someone who was nice enough to give them a lift to the nearest village either.
Galen and Noelle sat together in the back, grateful to just lean back and relax after a long day of walking through the woods. But most of all, relieved that it appears they will be able to seek shelter and food in a town tonight after all.
Until Next Time ;)