Jacob continued drinking the awful potion whenever the healer brought him one. He also decided to continue his lessons in leather working. He always went to see Master May after breakfast and would work with her until lunch. After lunch, he would always work on his exercises, this included, stretching, push ups, pull ups, sit ups, and running. During his runs, he would carry hot water from the kitchen to the healers. The route between the two was mostly empty. Only people running for water and back travelled that route. The wounded were carried in a different way.
At first Jacob found it to be impossible to run while carrying the hot water. He didn't have heat resistance like the others doing the run. Plus, the kettle was heavy, making it hard to move quickly while holding it. Jacob had been burned more than once before he learned how to protect himself better. He hated having to ask for gloves to protect his hands and other equipment to protect the rest of him.
Thankfully, Master May was teaching him how to make such things out of leather so that he could repay everyone's kindness. It was Jacob's desire to be useful and earn his keep that pushed him to learn as much as he could and help as much as possible. His hard work pleased many adults in the underground shelter. Unfortunately, this caused some tension between the children and Jacob.
" Hey you!"
Jacob just continues running with his kettle. A boy steps in front of him. Jacob barely manages to stop. The water in the kettle splashes the lad in front of him. Jacob frowns at the wet floor. He wasn't worried about the kid because he already knew that the children here had heat resistance. There was no point worrying about the child, instead he was upset by the boy's rudeness.
" I was talking to you," cried the boy.
" Really, I didn't hear my name being called. Do you need something from me?" Jacob replied with irritation in his voice.
The boy growled, " I think you need to slow down."
Jacob blinked in confusion. " Would slowing down make me stronger?"
The boy frowned and thought to himself, what is with this kids need for strength.
Jacob noticed the boy's hesitation, " I do not plan on wasting my time. Please move."
The boy's face crumpled in anger and he started moving his arm back to punch Jacob. As he was about to release his punch, he felt a arm grab his.
" Your jealousy is really sad. If you can't stand your parents talking about how good the stranger is, then get off your rump and do some good yourself."
The boy turned his angry face toward the person holding him. Sudden shock showed on his face.
" Elder brother?"
" Oh, so now you remember that I exist."
The child paled, meanwhile Jacob decided to continue on with his work after cleaning the water on the floor.
" Brother…"
The older boy just snorted in contempt and released the younger one.
" Go back to mom and dad now and tell them what you have done and don't bother trying to put it off either. As soon as I apologize for your behaviour, I will go see if you have actually done as I said."
The boy winced and ran away. The elder watched him leave and shook his head in disappointment. Then he turned to walk to the healers station. Jacob had just finished giving the water to the healers and turned back to get more. He frowned when he saw the elder boy heading towards him. The boy bowed.
" I am so sorry about my younger brother."
Jacob scratched his head in confusion.
" I don't understand what I did to upset him and I honestly don't see why you feel the need to apologize."
" Part of my job of being an elder brother is to teach my younger siblings how to behave. I have clearly failed in that area." He hung his head in shame.
Understanding suddenly flowed through Jacob. How many times had he also apologized for his brother's antics?
" There is only so much you can do. It is up to your siblings to learn your lessons or not. I understand your position well. I have two younger brothers."
The boy looked up and studied Jacob for a moment before relaxing a bit and giving an awkward smile.
" My name is Aiden. May I know your name stranger?"
Jacob laughed before shaking the other kids outstretched hand.
" Yes you may. My name is Jacob."
The two began working and talking together. Aiden was also working on leatherworking, however he always did so later in the evenings in order to calm himself after a busy day. Jacob decided to switch to working in the evenings as well. He really enjoyed the other boys personality. Jacob reminded him about his brother. Aiden just laughed.
" There is no need to rush. My parents already knew before I stopped my brother from hitting you."
" Really!?"
" Yeah, that's why they sent me to fetch him."
" Does your brother get jealous of everyone?"
" Pretty much. He hates being compared to others. The thing is that my parents were not comparing him to you. They were just happy you were working so hard and he happened to hear it."
" Sounds as if he has a complex."
Aiden deeply sighed. The two continued their quests to get stronger.