On the bank of River Dismas, was the second village on the route, aptly named the Dismas Village. It was a bigger settlement than Semros, almost as large as a small town. Anthony estimated that there could be a thousand settlers there, and a few hundred travelers stopping by. The size and the business could be blamed to its good location. The river provided a stable livelihood for those searching for a place to call home and because it was in the middle of the route towards North Alendia, it was a popular stop over.
There were multiple inns, and by the looks of them, crowded, and on every corner was a carriage or a wagon.
But Anthony could not be tempted, with the memories of the unfortunate events still within clear recalling. He had learned his lesson and went past the houses, past the bridge and set up camp for the night on the other bank.
Overlooking so many lights and hearing distant sounds of merriment, cast a dark contrast to their cold and silent wagon. Irene, didn't cast a single glance at him, and assumed a blank expression throughout their meal. Even when they went to bed, side by side, there was no warmth felt, no spark, a far cry from just a few weeks ago. Whom to blame? What to do? The questions would fill his mind as he struggled to go to sleep and avail of the brief respite, unconsciousness give.
When he opened his eyes the next morning, Irene was not inside the wagon. His first guess of her of just taking a walk, was proven wrong when he stepped outside the door, and found her vomiting. The pups were with her, oblivious that their mistress was not feeling well. Alex even sniffed the vomit and would have eaten it, if Irene did not pick him up.
With both pups in her arms, she turned around for the wagon, and revealed to Anthony, was her sickly complexion.
"Are you alright?"
"I just need some rest." she replied weakly and walked around him, her eyes looking at anything but his eyes.
He followed her back up, and to the bed, where she covered herself again with the covers.
"I can concoct a potion for you."
"Please don't."
"You need to take one, you are not fine."
Irene raised the blanket up her head, as if to cover her ears. Anthony sighed and gave up in his attempts. And he badly hoped that it was, as she thought, just a headache that could be solved with sleep.
As all babies do, David, started crying just out of the blue.
"Just rest up, I'll take care of him. We'll make a stop here, until you are better." he said when he saw her about to get up.
Anthony made his way to the crib, and took a look why the baby was crying. Utilizing the things he had learned from observing Irene, he inspected his nappies, and was relieved to find, there was just pee and no poop.
He could feel Irene looking at him, as he changed the baby's cloth diaper, perhaps making sure that he did it right. But Anthony had noticed, that he had become a fast learner since he came to the world, and was able to fold the linen to a nappy, cleaner than Irene's best.
When he turned his eyes towards Irene, their gazes met. This time, she did not immediately look away. For about three seconds, he was able to look deep into her eyes, the first time since the incident. He saw sadness that might have been greater than his, and something her eyes carried even as she looked away, until she closed them again to resume her rest.
He picked up the now grinning David, whose mood has changed due to dry linen and his presence. The baby had grown dearer to him, and unlike his auntie, their relationship had only gone warmer.
He hated children back when he was on earth. But that was a sentiment made out of ignorance. Ron had not held a baby, until he had crossed into another world. The reason being was that no one trusted him enough to let him carry their baby. Even his own family. And it was well-deserved he thought, no one would entrust such a delicate thing to a drunkard.
But David was, and slowly, he understood the appeal.
He entertained the baby with a game of peek-a-boo, making David, laugh and giggle until he could, no more. As he lay the sleepy infant back to his bed, a profound sadness washed over him. When will he see her smile, giggle and laugh again? A glance at her told him, it wouldn't be soon.
He needed something to do to make things bearable, a distraction. Just idling around would allow his thoughts to tear a hole in his heart.
Hunting was out of the equation, leaving a baby and a sick woman, near a busy town was just asking for another unfortunate incident. Thus, he needed to find another option.
Fortunately, he was rich with tokens, having in his account, seven hundred thousand. Nearly a million. And with that, he could buy any occupation C-Rank and below.
But ultimately, with where he was, and with his current circumstances, he had only one real option.
[Are you sure you want to buy Fisherman Occupation?]
[You have spent Tokens x30,000]
[You have learned F-Rank Occupation Fisherman]
[You have learned 'Instant Fishing']
[You have learned 'Patient Fishing']
[You have learned 'Masterful Fishing']
The Fisherman occupation, he knows, everybody knows. But what he got was a curious set of skills. And so, he had to take a look at the details.
[Fisherman Skill: 'Instant Fishing'
Grants the fisherman an instant bite, but does not promise a good catch.]
[Fisherman Skill: 'Patient Fishing'
Grants the fisherman a bite after five seconds. Promises a decent catch.]
[Fisherman Skill: 'Masterful Fishing'
Grants the fisherman a bite after ten seconds. Promises a good catch.]