Complete Private Pormont The Farm

[Kamala Graham]

The Farm
Somewhere in Pormont

Spoiler: Theme

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Let's see if this actually works. It works!

Back in the real world, outside of the game, Kamala was used to performing farm work. In fact, she craved it. As an environmentalist, or more precisely a volunteer, she worked hard on making sure her city, and hopefully her country, would become more sustainable than wasteful. Unfortunately, she and her compatriots were still far from making that dream into a reality. Others were still skeptical that their ideals would survive the harsh truths of more practical necessities and financial wants, and a part of Kamala wasn't quite sure, too.

But here, inside the game, in Falderen's bountiful region of Pormont, the bread basket of this nation, her ideals went hand-in-hand with the people's practical necessities and financial wants. There were no social media or video games to distract them, which is a little odd to think of, considering this was technically a video game in itself, but Kamala was just pleased she could play farmer/savior in a world that doesn't belittle this aspect of community even for a bit. Then again, she could just be living, or more appropriately playing, in her little bubble again. As idealists wont to do. Wait, who is that?

Kamala squinted as she tried to make out the form of the person approaching. As much as the sun was a helpful friend in times of sowing, it had its moments when it proved to be a little bit more adversarial than needed. This was one of those moments. Yet Kamala could still tolerate it, as she does everything else, working instead to better her view instead of wasting her time on unheard complaints. She smiled when she realized who the person approaching was, relieved that it was a friend and familiar face, not a threatening stranger to fend off with violence.

"Leyna!" (She rushed towards the elf with a wide smile on her face and arms ready to capture her for a tight but brief embrace.) "How are you? Are you hungry? Thirsty?" (She started to gesture for someone else to come assist her and her friend.)

@Leyna

 

[Leyna]

She have heard of the farms of Pormont that one of the beast girl is working on. Of course, it's from @Kamala Graham herself. She seemed to be quite enthusiastic and rather fond of it, so Leyna decided to inquire more about it. The reply was nothing short of a passionate invitation that she happily accepted. She never really set foot in a farm before and this opportunity is something she will gladly accept. First of all, she loves nature. Secondly, she like to help around and farms could use more helping hands. That's what she thought anyways.

She refused her offer to go there together as she would like to explore the city more before going to another new region. She's still a bit new and it would help to know her places first-hand. On the day that she's satisfied with what she've seen, she prepared herself to depart for Pormont. It is perhaps not that far, it's still a new region for her and she's not that strong yet. Just to be careful and prepared.

She adventured on her own and eventually made it thanks to the beast girl's directions and guide as she started seeing farming plots in the plains. She continued walking along the road under the hot virtual sun towards any significant landmark and saw a figure going towards her amongst the waving mirage in the distance. Soon enough, the figure turns out to be Kamala who very kindly greeted her before she could greet the beast girl. She smiled happy seeing her even under the droplets of sweat on her face.

"Hello, Kamala. I am.. I am a bit thirsty, to be honest. The sun isn't so friendly upon my weak, pale body. This is a really nice place you have. I see why you like it now."

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Retired old lady mode.

At the honest revelation of @Leyna, Kamala turned towards the farm hand that approached them, a pale woman that looked like she was suited more to the pursuits of the mind than the more arduous task of growing food for everyone to consume. She was a non-Player, which Kamala had assumed after realizing she had no idea where Mumbai was. Or what a curry was. Even the non-traveled Player would at least know that second part. Curry was famous throughout the real world, not just in India and Japan.

"Would you be so kind, Anisa?"

The woman named Anisa was quick to follow, offering both of the other women her best smile before heading straight into the humble house not too far from them, to which Kamala began guiding Leyna towards as well. She was glad to have a familiar face from Stokbon, another Player, to share this day with. Of course, there were other Players who worked on the farm, as the farm wasn't just Kamala's. It was more of a community thing, where everyone was free to come and take and give and go. Just as the world was always intended to be.

"Oh, I wouldn't say that. You have a really nice body. I like your body."

With a hand on Leyna's back, Kamala offered her a warm smile, and as they approached the humble house, they took flight upon the quaint stairs to the patio where wooden rocking chairs waited for them, separated by small wooden tables. It was the perfect retirement home for aged adventurers. Or in their case, a quaint getaway from the excitement of cities and perils of adventures. She turned towards the view as she continued speaking, elated and hopeful at the promise tomorrow always brings!

"Come, sit, my friend. While we wait for your water. The farm isn't much, nor does it have an actual name at the moment, but it is a wonderful commune to all, to rest, and to refresh yourself."

 

[Leyna]

"Thank you. Sorry to bother you amidst your work. It must be a tough job."

She thanked both Kamala and the pale woman, Anisa, for their generosity. It feels like she's disturbing them with her presence as they have to tend to her now too. But Kamala showed her nothing but kindness and warmth so she felt a lot more at ease. It feels homely. She followed @Kamala Graham towards her humble abode as her journey is about to be met with rest.

"Well, I don't really hate it since I chose it myself. But sometimes I wish the cost to pay isn't a burden to be carried even on a normal day. Though I must say, that's a statement I like hearing from a genuine person like you. Ehehe."

Eventually Kamala lead her onto the patio where her legs could get some break from supporting herself. She sat onto one of the rocking chairs and got a bit agitated as it sways. Whoa! She never sat on one before. Though it didn't take long before she took a liking to it and started rocking herself back and forth like a kid on a swing. She stopped after a bit of swinging before blushing as she realized she's in someone else's home.

"When you always have things that are too much, sometimes the things that aren't much is very refreshing for a change. It's a wondeful place and it is indeed very refreshing. I've taken a liking on it already."

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Retired old lady mode.

Kamala tried her best to dissuade any negative feelings within @Leyna, reassuring her of the truth. Most people would find farm life boring, but Kamala? Kamala enjoyed it. Immensely. It was a pleasant surprise when she found like-minded people in the game, both Players and non-Players alike.

"Oh, it's all right! You're a welcome respite from the doldrums of farm life."

The woman named Anisa was quick to return, offering both of the other women a cold pitcher of water with ice and their respective glasses. Kamala mouthed gratitude toward her, and once she was done pouring them refreshments, did the same for the woman, which she accepted with a smile of her own. They both drank at the same time and expressed delight at being refreshed at the same time. Anisa then slowly walked back inside to let the two Players talk alone. This was a normal gesture for people at the farm. When Anisa had someone over, Kamala did the same.

"It's only the truth, Leyna, though I can only imagine the burden you must carry. I might have different experiences as a Beastfolk, though I believe we have more similarities than differences. In this community, we celebrate both: similarities and differences."

Kamala nodded as she watched the elf with glee. There were elves among their ranks, and Leyna wasn't the first elf to walk these lands. Kamala herself was welcomed by an elf prior to establishing the farm with others of similar minds. As she sat on her chair, slowly rocking herself, she admired the peace and tranquility simple living had afforded her. The life of an adventurer brought new perils, even if this was just a game. Kamala was just glad she had somewhere to take things slow when necessary.

"Agreed! How are your adventures, my dear friend? Met and made a lot of new friends, I hope? This world is vast and strange and filled with all sorts of possibilities! I can only imagine the extent to which we could explore. I believe we've yet to scratch the surface of it all."

She heaved a sigh before taking another sip of her water, cooling herself.

 

[Leyna]

(´◡`)

It calms her down to know that she's genuinely welcome here. It has been on the back of her mind since she embarked on her journey here. It all disappeared away seeing @Kamala Graham's continuous warmth and kindness. Since farm is all work and resting takes place elsewhere, it wouldn't be nice to disturb them. But the resting is much more worth it from the looks of it. Kamala seems relieved of some sort.

"Doldrums of farm life.. That's quite the choice of word. It must be a tough, hard work to run a farm. What's driving you to do all these things that you do, if I may ask?"

To do farm works in the streaks of burning sun, that must take quite an amount of motivation to be able to smile happily and kindly at the end of the day. She's curious. Most likely she could learn from her. Soon, the woman named Anisa came and brought upon them some salvation, hydrating, water. She only drank after their interaction is finished.

I suppose this is the normal for them.

"I'm glad to hear that. Everyone is celebrated... That's a really good way of seeing things. I suppose by being different we support each others' weakness and being united together makes us stronger as a whole. That's a nice community to be in. That's really sweet."

Not that she never thought of it. But the community she's in is rather.. selfish. Indifferent. She spent too much time in such community that she forgot what it's like looking ahead.

"Well, I have been exploring here and there. Just discovering new places and seeing new sceneries. Nothing too big. It feels a bit overwhelming at times, so I just travel on my own. But I agree with you. We barely find anything, and there's more to come! The thought excites me."

She smiled at the prospects of being a grand adventurer.

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Retired old lady mode.

"It is, but it's definitely worth it!"

Kamala found herself once again asked the toughest question she has ever encountered in her entire life. It's a little strange, however, that even after all those times, all these years, she still hasn't come up with a quick answer to fend the curious off. Why does she do what she does? Seems simple enough, but the simplest of questions often open the doors to the most complicated of answers. Or the ones not yet discovered.

"Hmm... That's a tough one. There's so many reasons, truly, but I suppose it's just my mission. Even in the real world, this is what I love to do."

Kamala was also curious if @Leyna had the same thing, if she had her own version of Kamala's farm, the one thing she keeps doing, regardless of where she was, what she loved to do. She thought about asking the question, but when the elf spoke about about exploring, she realized it was a good enough answer to satiate her curiosity. She'd rather not press further, not wanting to intrude upon her privacy.

"Oh, well, that does sound very exciting! Have you plans on joining the Adventurers Guild? Or maybe the Explorers League would be more your fancy?"

 

[Leyna]

(´◡`)

"It's worth it." Sweats. Hardships. Effort. All these and much more are poured into something they love, fueled by passion and nothing less. It's all worth it — that's what this girl is saying. That's what this girl believe in. That's what @Kamala Graham is definitely sure of.

"I'm glad it worked out that way. If it's worth doing something you love, I guess no one can stop you other than yourself."

She herself believes in what the beast girl is saying. She doesn't need contemplating. She doesn't need persuading. It's what she live for. It's what driving her. To find someone with similar thinking somewhat relieved her — it's assuring to know she's not the only one and alone.

"It's not a common occurrence that people get to do what they love without paying for a cost one way or another. You're kind and genuine. Allow me to be happy for you and bask in your happiness~"

She drank some of the water to soothe her still warm self. She looked out into the scenery of the farm and admired the view. It must be nice to live here. Sure there's hard work needed to be done — but it's definitely worth it.

"Hmm.. Not particularly. I don't really have any intentions to join such groups. At least not yet. Not quite sure what I would do. For now I would like to roam freely, even if for just a bit more. What do they often do anyways?"

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Retired old lady mode.

"Thank you! Your words very kind and very much appreciated, my dearest friend!"

Kamala turned toward @Leyna with the warmest of smiles, genuinely glad at the compliment. They were both in agreement with a lot of things, which lightened the burden in her heart. The past few days have been quite challenging, but a conversation with a kindred spirit always helped better her mood. There wasn't a drought of that on the farm, but it was always a welcomed respite from the more serious problems of the world, where in this or the other one.

"Well, let's see... The Adventurers Guild mostly caters to adventurers, new and alike. It's like, well, a guild, or maybe more a union. They find you jobs, you do the jobs, and then they help you get paid."

If she remembered correctly, Chrys was a full-pledged member of the Guild. It made sense. He liked money, and the Guild dealt with a lot of money. They were, perhaps, the most of the factions to deal with money. The Lions didn't really seem like they cared much about money. Or that they had enough.

"The Explorers League is a little riskier. People tend to die venturing forth into unknown places, but they have cool whistles?"

It was a hard sell, the League, especially since her own experiences left much to be desired. But it is what it is. They didn't sugarcoat the risks or the importance of their job. Kamala didn't think Leyna would be suited to it, or that she deserved such pain, but everyone needed to find the answer to their own questions.

 

[Leyna]

(´◡`)

"Anything for a good, hardworking friend."

She smiled and giggled upon seeing her reaction. Anyone would appreciate kind words. But something tells her that she needed it. Call it a hunch. What better time for kind words if not in hard times? Regardless, she would have said it whether or not she was facing it.

"Adventurers Guild is like that, hm? That's the kind of guild you'd see in fantasy settings — like in anime. That sounds simple enough. It's a familiar system."

She said as she nodded a bit. The Guild finds a job and players do the job. It's simple enough. If she were to join anything, this would probably be it. Instead of roaming the world and hoping to stumble upon something, the Guild would just hand it to you. Sure it would take the exploration and freedom aspect away for a tad, but being put directly into action would compensate for that. At least that's what she thought.

"Yeah, if I were to join to one of them, it would be the Adventurers Guild. Explorer's League.. Exploring into unknown places does have its charm.. But the prospect of dying isn't really preferable, to be honest. A tit for a tat, I suppose. Well, I'm not in a rush to join any of them so I have a lot of time to think. Kind of interested in both, you see. Who can turn down a cool whistle?" (chuckle)

@Kamala Graham

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Retired old lady mode.

Kamala could only smile at @Leyna's kind words. It wasn't the first time she'd been described as "good" or "hardworking," and Kamala doubted it would be the last. Has she built her entire life on those words? Did it really even matter? She shook those thoughts out of her head and focused on the conversation at hand.

"It is! I've never really had the time for...anime, but I've heard others make the same comparison."

All her life, Kamala's parents made sure that she had little time for anything else but plants and farming. Animation and video games had always been out of reach for her. Until now, when she can afford things for herself, the little joys and curiosities that made life interesting.

"That's very fair. Take your time. This world has plenty to offer."

She nodded in agreement with Leyna's statement until she caught a glimpse of Anisa whispering to two others near the doorway inside the house. Raising an eyebrow, their eyes met when Anisa began walking toward her, excusing herself to Leyna for the intrusion, before whispering something terrible to Kamala. Leyna could have perhaps heard the words "illness" and "spread" if she was observant enough, as Anisa wasn't that great of a secret keeper.

"Oh, dear."

Kamala heaved a sigh of sadness before nodding at Anisa who then went on, excused herself again, and disappeared back into the house. Slowly, Kamala rose from her seat, looking more concerned than ever before.

"It seems I am much-needed elsewhere, my dear friend. Will you be staying?"

She turned to Leyna with the same look of concern. Clearly, whatever had just been whispered to her was very problematic to Kamala. Something along the lines of a familial emergency. Except in this case, more than just one family was in danger.

"I believe Anisa can make the necessary accommodations if you are."

There was a hint of apology in her voice, feeling a great sense of remorse on having to break up their cozy conversation this day. She knew she didn't have much of that, and now, a problem has arisen to once again drag her out into this world.

 

[Leyna]

(´◡`)

"I certainly would. It's quite amazing, the world."

The elf girl admired that the beast girl somehow never really watched anime. That would be a proof that she's a hard worker in real life. As for herself, yes she has quite some free time to spend for these kind of stuffs. But she would like to consider herself to not be a total opposite of 'hard worker'. She still do some stuff other than just playing games and watching anime. She still like helping people, so some of her time is used for that.

Deep in shallow thoughts, she spotted the other girl, Anisa coming up towards @Kamala Graham and whispered something. Just like that, the beast girl's expression and mannerism changed. She picked up some words like "illness" and "spread" since Anisa didn't exactly whispered silently. Kamala seemed much more concerned and apologetic. Sadness was hinted in her sigh. This doesn't seem to be a good moment.

"It sounded quite an emergency. Please, do not let me slow you down. Worry not about me. I will choose to stay here. Maybe there are things that I can do to help. There must be something."

She replied to her urgency with a tone that match her concern. Her friend seemed to be distressed, so the least she could do is not be in her way.

"Good luck, and take care."

 

[Kamala Graham]

‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧

Kamala walked closer to Leyna and held her hands in her own, apologetic eyes staring deeply into Leyna's. She appreciated the elf's candor and support, most especially of the farm, and wanted to stay but knew she could not. Kamala may not be the best adventurer in the world, or anything close, but she always tried to help where she could. It was just in her nature, in this world or in the other one. It should be the final death of her someday.

"Thank you for your understanding, Leyna."

With one final warm smile, she then proceeded to move back and turn around, just in time for two others with bows and quivers strapped to their backs to meet with them. The boy did not wear a smile, though the other girl did, seemingly excited to depart for danger. Between the two of them, the boy was wiser, though the girl had suffered a lot more. Kamala trusted them both with her life, and from the farm, they were her closest friend. They exchanged pleasantries for a bit before the boy reminded them of how time was of the essence while the other girl excitedly professed her ideal strength.

Kamala turned to Leyna one last time and gave her a nod, appreciating her presence but taking her leave. She tried to put on her best smile to keep her friend from worrying too much. She knew she herself would appreciate the effort if she was in her shoes, though people were different at times.

"We'll be back as soon as we can. Enjoy your stay, dear friend!"

And with that, Kamala left with the rangers, Tim and Colleen. Where they'll go, good things should grow. For better or for worse, though Kamala hoped it would be for the former. As with all things, she always hoped her intervention would lead to better things. Nothing hurts more than helping, only for matters to get worse.

T H E ‧͙⁺˚･❀･˚⁺͙‧ E N D.