Week 1

Day 1 - Morning

I really should have expected the yelling. I mean - I did surprise their camp by walking out of the woods, seemingly from nowhere. But did they have to keep yelling for hours? At least they let me keep my diary and pencil. They took everything else. I swear the little one is rooting around my bag to steal, not to check that I don't have weapons or something dangerous. Maybe calling them "little one" is not quite right, or at least not kind. The Bu'nes don't like you referring to their height or comparing them to anyone really. They're one of the smallest beings in the area and they understand the danger that comes with.

Although - really - couldn't it be an advantage to be small and be able to hide from the Creatures? Skies, can the Creatures even pick them up? I guess they don't really need to be picked up to be wounded but it's a thought...

Huh. That's a funny question to ask. They just interrupted my writing (rude, I was on a roll) and asked if I'd brought farian jerky. Farian jerky? What even is that? I guess it has to do with the farians, but like which one? The four legged ones or six legged ones? And when I asked that, they looked at me like I was crazy and went back to yelling. Now that I'm thinking about it - aren't the Bu'nes plant eaters? Why would they need food made from farians? Maybe they're not Bu'nes...I really shouldn't wander when I have insomnia.

Alright, I'm back - had to pause for more questions and I'm feeling less scared now. I am with the Bu'nes and they don't eat farian (thank the Skies, I was about to have nightmares) but they were hoping I had some farian jerky (still figuring out what that is) so they could give it to the Hibatos. I probably looked at them crazy because they decided to explain more to me (yay me). They have an agreement with the Hibatos that they'll share any farian products that come through their village in exchange for blankets. The Hibatos are known for their heavy, nearly weatherproof blankets - my dad said he had to exchange five brand new sets of tools for just one of the blankets (my mom loves the blanket so dad can't complain too much). When I asked why they had this special trade when historically the Hibatos dislike the Bu'nes they just shrugged, said it was out of necessity.

Then they told me the best story. Apparently, one of their babies got lost in the woods and the entire village had been searching for days to find them. I asked them how the baby got lost in the first place when you carry it with you all the time and they looked at me weirdly. I guess they don't carry their babies on them like we do? Which just seems really unsafe...Anyways. After looking for days, a Hibato emerged from the forest and held out it's hands - poof! There was the baby! The family was obviously overjoyed to see their baby and happy that it seemed healthy. The Hibato glared at them, starting to scold them and just when it was getting heated (one of the Bu'nes whispered the Hibato called them small), the Hibato collapsed. Luckily no one was squished - I mean the Hibato is one of the largest beings I've ever seen - and they tried waking the Hibato up. Only after they had left it alone and someone had started dinner did the Hibato stir. Apparently, the Hibato was starving and hadn't been able to find food in lieu of trying to get the baby back to its family. The Bu'nes offered it some food, which helped but it was obvious it needed more. When asked, the Hibato requested farian meat. The Bu'nes were horrified - I guess it's also against their beliefs to eat meat? - but then gave the Hibato their stash of farian jerky. The Hibato apparently was overjoyed and ate five pieces (the one talking motioned with her arms that the jerky slices were as tall or taller then she, even if she stretched her long ears). He then asked he could take the rest of the jerky to his clan, since the Bu'nes obviously weren't going to eat it. They talked back and forth and landed on giving any jerky they trade to the Hibato, in return the Hibatos will provide them with blankets that are too small or have mistakes in them and can't sell to the Bu'nes.

It's honestly a great exchange and a fantastic idea. I do wonder why the Bu'nes haggled over the jerky but I guess you do anything to provide for your family, right? But also, why don't more beings do this? Work together? I have a ton of ideas about what my family and town could do with our tools...I'll have to write some down for when I return.

Well, looks like they're giving my stuff back and want me gone. Not very welcoming, are they? But time to go. Until next time.

Day 2 - Evening

There's not much to report tonight. I've just been walking and observing the landscape. It's different to what I'm used to but also not? I can't put my finger on it...

The ground looks pretty much the same, except for a few mushrooms I've never seen. I also saw a five-legged farian today - but that could've just been an injured six-legged - hard to tell and I didn't feel like getting close enough. It's quiet, with the occasional snap of a twig or whisper of wind. I don't feel unsafe but I'm trying to be more alert. I really don't want to stumble on anybody's village again and make them nervous. 

Maybe that's it? I felt so weird the other day after leaving the Bu'nes. Elated at learning new things but also...uncomfortable. I can't understand why they had such a sharp reaction to me. Logically, it's probably I look out of place in the area but...I can't help but feel it has to do with my appearance. I know my tail can gross people out or remind them of the Rats - but isn't that just stereotypes? I guess, tit for tat with my "small" comment. Still doesn't feel great.

Ah ha! It's not that but the trees. They're skinnier and tall, but not nearly as tall as the redwoods back home. When you look up, you just see the tops of the trees. But at home when you look up, it's like looking into another world. Kinda dramatic but with trees so tall you have to crane your neck, it just leaves you in awe. Plus, the trees are so old - it makes me wonder if they could hold memories, what would they see? What could they share? That would be cool. 

Well, time for me to set up my tent before the darkness descends. Until next time.