As Belle foretold, the announcement of the barrier weakening and being damaged beyond repair. Had sent a wave of panic and confusion throughout every corner. Remmy had reopened the forge and all the old employees or their offspring came to her for work. In a matter of days they prepped the work space and lit the forge. The only new thing added to the forge was a daycare center for the employees to let their children run and play.
The building itself was almost a school gymnasium, and they named it the Long House. Big and spacious with furniture along the walls and one corner. It was being run by a Drider, a lithe ashen elf upper body and a red tarantula lower body. Her name is Flare, she had long platinum blonde hair with two pointed ears poking out on the sides of her head. Her spider half was similar to a tarantula except for being more fluffy with hair than sleek and smooth.
She wore a long blue top that was tied to her waist and spilled a little in front of her like a dress. The last interesting feature she had was three eyes instead of five. She had two normal eyes and one big one in her forehead. The eyes themselves were black iris colored and thanks to a head piece used to hold her hair down. Her forehead was free of hair and easily stood ten feet tall.
As it would turn it out, she also had a daughter that was basically a miniature version of her. The exception to their likeness was that Flare's daughter had scarlet hair and stood at five feet. I would be introduced to her and learn her name is Scarlet Rose. She was a shy one and didn't like loud noises. The latter is something I agree with.
The other kids that were present in my group were; Hal, a Minotaur calf with brown fur, small horns from the sides of his head and yellow eyes. Emerald, Jade and Amethyst, Three Fiends that closely resemble humans except their horns, two spade tipped tails and blue skin. Emerald and Jade were twin brothers, they had green eyes and short red hair. Amethyst had gray eyes and long brown hair. All three of them had horns that originated from the back of their heads that curved around the sides and stopped at their ears.
There was also Addy an Ogre, Little Hammer an orc and Cecilia a dark elf. Ogres in this world are yellowed skinned and always have black hair. In Addy's case she had short black hair and brown eyes. Orcs have red skin and like humans can vary in hair color, in Little Hammer's case he had short curly brown hair. As for Cecilia she had dark ebony skin, long blonde hair and red eyes.
"Alright children, play nice and stay in the Long House," Flare stated letting us run about.
I enjoyed getting out of the house not to mention finally being allowed to run around was a treat. I felt restless and I wanted to burn some energy. Now I can finally do it without being interrupted. I just have to remember to share the space I'm in with others. Almost like clockwork, I bump into Little Hammer who seemed to be looking elsewhere.
"Sorry about that, you ok?" I stopped and asked.
"I'm ok, just how did you get there?" Little Hammer assured me then asked me.
"I was running around a lot?" I guessed aloud.
Little Hammer seemed satisfied with my guess. Nodding an 'Oh I see,' moment and then wandered off. What had caught his attention to begin with? I looked at the general direction he was staring and saw nothing that really caught anyone's glimpse.
I decided to move along but, I got pounced on and flattened to the floor. Before I could even try to wriggle an escape, my tail was caught by someone. I don't usually mind playing rough but I don't like getting my tail grabbed for any reason. I fought to free my tail from whomever and eventually got a small reprieve of freedom. Then I felt someone's entire body wrestle with my tail to pin it down.
Flare stepped in and I felt both my tail and self free from whoever pinned me down. When I got up to face my attackers Flare made sure I couldn't retaliate. I saw her and Addy and Hal both of which looked at me shocked.
"Why did you two jump me?" I asked more confused than bitter.
"A good question," Flare said, impressed.
"We caught and pinned him down like a wild hog," Addy admitted with an enthusiastic tone.
"Addy said she went hunting and I wanted to see how she hunted," Hal admitted bashfully.
"Addy what's the first rule of the Long House?" Flare asked with a level tone.
"No rough housing," Addy said bitterly.
"Hal, do you agree with miss Addy?" Flare continued.
"Yes," Hal admitted.
"Now apologize to Shard and mean it," Flare ordered with an air warning.
"We're sorry," Addy and Hal said out of sync.
"Alright then it's a time out for the both of you to come with me for a spell," Flare finished up
While Hal and Addy complained and tried to wriggle out of Flare's grip. I dusted myself off and saw that Emerald, Jade and Amethyst were playing a game of tag. I decided to join them, and they welcomed me in and explained the rules. We had to be within ten steps of each other and try to tag someone else. Tagging by someone's tail didn't count and that was about it.
Sure enough my stockpile of energy was spent in a matter of minutes, with continuous running and dodging. The game was short, sweet and simple. By the time we exhausted ourselves and made our way to the closest wall. We collapsed happily to be off our feet and calm our heart beats. As soon as we were a little calm the questions came flooding.
"Shard, do you have dad?" Emerald asked.
"No," I answered honestly.
"Do you have any brothers and sisters?" Jade asked.
"Nope just me," I answered again.
"Don't you get bored having no else to play with?" Amethyst asked.
I actually had been stumped on the last question. I mean Remmy and Belle certainly didn't let me get bored but they're not kids my age. Although I don't think I can make that distinction for myself anymore. I mean reincarnation means a second life so how do I fit in?
"Bored, maybe a little but mom doesn't let it stay," I answered more unsure of myself.
I didn't realize that my answer made the trio appreciate my honesty. Apparently Cecilia and Scarlet Rose overheard our conversation and joined in.
"So what you are saying is you're grateful to your mom," Cecilia said introducing herself into the conversation.
"Cecilia, it's rude intrude," Scarlet Rose said in quiet disapproval.
"I guess," I said, trying to get read on Cecilia.
The conversation would soon turn to the topics of our parents with the exception of Addy, Hal, Little Hammer and Scarlet Rose. Emerald and Jade's dad worked the forge and their mother passed away last year. Amethyst had both her parents worked the forge as well. Cecilia's dad sponsored the forge and her mother worked on supply procurement. My mom owned and worked in the forge so not much to tell.
Once our parents came and picked us up from the Long House. It was already evening with the sun setting. Time flew by and I wish I had more time to stay. Remmy was surprisingly clean and free of work grime. In fact so were the other parents.
After all the goodbyes and then the walk home being mostly silent. I thought Remmy had a rough day but once we got home she asked me about my day.
"I played tag with Amethyst, Jade and Emerald," I started seeing Remmy blink with surprise.
"That sounds fun," Remmy chuckled.
"It was then we chatted and," I hesitated to continue.
"Shard, did something happen?" Remmy asked.
"No, just really happy to have a mom like you," I said brushing off my doubts.
Remmy hugged me and I could tell she wasn't entirely convinced but she needed to hear that.
"I'm so glad you made so many new friends," Remmy chuckled.
Did Scarlet Rose and Cecilia also count as my new friends? I guess they do but, Cecilia really got in my head. I have to learn how to read her, or she'll be messing with my head. That's a problem for another day, for now Remmy needs me.
"Mom, why don't we get ready for dinner," I suggested with my stomach growling.
"Sounds like a plan," Remmy agreed.
My days at the Long House were joyous and always were spent with my friends. Remmy couldn't be more overjoyed that the Long House worked out so well. While the forge itself didn't do bad in business. Remmy clearly hit a bind and her troubled expression at the end of day spoke volumes. On one of her days off she had taken me with her to town.
Getting to see the town was a treat all on its own. Stone buildings and towers, windmills in rows at grass plains, and a dock that lined with market stalls. The ships were either docked or sailing. This town was never idle and everyone in it always did something. Remmy and I stopped at a building that reminded me of a bank.
A stone building with big doors that welcomed anyone. Stone columns that were evenly spaced along the walls of the building. The steps leading to the doors were carved stone. Remmy and I climbed up and entered the building and much to my surprise, it wasn't a bank. Inside the large building was a restaurant filled with tables, chairs and many customers.
"Welcome to Travelers Stop may I take you," An Ashen Cyclops with a green eye offered until he saw Remmy.
"Why don't we have a table for three and catch up," Remmy offered and was led to table with me in tow?
After being seated and joined by my mysterious uncle. Remmy made an order and in the next few minutes it arrived. It was a small pot of rice, cooked meats and mixed vegetables topped with a cheese sauce. We also received drinks of non-alcoholic pear cider. Remmy served everyone their portions and after all was said and done. The tension had only gotten worse and I seemed to be the only one who wanted to eat.
"Remmy, why are you here?" My uncle asked suspicious of her.
"Is it wrong to reconcile and reconnect with you Darius, or is that too much for my little brother?" Remmy countered with her own question.
"No, just last time we spoke dad basically disowned us and you said his loss not ours," Darius elaborated.
"Is that why you never write to me or even try to maintain contact with each other?" Remmy asked, shocked.
"Yes, this is how I have dealt with the stress," Darius admitted.
"It's good to see you have your act together," Remmy said relieved.
"Thanks Remmy," Darius thanked and the tension between the two vanished.
They joined me and ate the portions they had been served. When they finished up with their meals, they casually sipped their drinks and resumed talking.
"Alright, what's the real reason you showed up?" Darius asked.
"I actually have a need for a cook," Remmy clarified.
"You want someone with my recommendation, I can do that," Darius chuckled.
"Thank you," Remmy sighed with relief.
"So who is the little one with you?" Darius asked, pointing at me.
"That's Shard my son," Remmy answered causing Darius to nearly fall out of his seat.
"So you really did it," Darius said shocked.
Remmy and Darius got caught up on events. Seeing the two them reconcile and talk things out was different. I thought the two of them hated each other's guts. I was soon properly introduced and acquainted with my estranged uncle. Unfortunately, we had to make our way back home now.
We said our goodbyes and began our trip back. I didn't know what to expect from the infamous uncle Belle didn't like. I thought he was a scam artist or a thief. Somehow this made my wild expectations seem far fetched. Although I did learn my grandpa is a jerk who went to the extreme with his own kids.
Once we were home, I had to ask her.
"Hey mom why does aunt Belle not like uncle Darius?" I asked.
"I guess it would have to do with a fight the two got into?" Remmy pondered.
"A fight?" I said confused.
"You're a little too young to fully understand everything now," Remmy yawned, ending the conversation.
If only Remmy knew how much I could understand. This is one of those drawbacks of being reincarnated isn't. No matter how much time passes this gap will always be there. My memories seem to be more of a con now. I think I'll leave this thought here and move on.