Savage Forest - Chapter 145.2

When Piache saw Enya’s transformation, becoming as healthy as the other women in Nervana, she would often shake her head in disbelief. Sometimes, she even wiped away a tear, recalling the past. Piache occasionally muttered to herself while looking at Enya.

“If I had known you’d be this healthy, I would have…”

Each time, Enya would smile as though comforting Piache. Without her, neither Enya nor Tarhan would have made it this far. Enya felt a deep gratitude toward Piache that was hard to express.

As she walked slowly along the forest path, Enya spotted a familiar figure. It was Jahan.

He seemed to have finished his work for the day, as he was sitting on a sunlit tree root, busy making something.

“Is it your free time?”

Enya approached him naturally and asked. Jahan greeted her warmly.

“Oh, Enya. On your way to see Old Lady Piache, right? Are you helping with the lessons today too?”

Recently, Piache had been struggling to teach the Nervana people, who had no written language.

She had developed a new script by combining the Aquilean writing system with the phonetics of Nervana’s language.

But the response had been lukewarm.

“Writing? Why do we need something like that?”

Older tribe members like Kiyan and Lehijin weren’t keen on it, and even younger people she had trusted, like Yaru, weren’t enthusiastic about the new writing system.

Of course, Fiarca passionately defended the writing system.

“Well, it would be used to record things like making storage supplies, managing stores, or preparing medicinal herbs.”

However, the reaction from the people of Nervana Forest exceeded Fiarca’s expectations.

“Why bother storing food? We can just pick it fresh when we need it.”

“There are herbs lying all around. Look, here’s one right here.”

Reyhald pulled up a plant stem from beneath their feet, shook off the dirt, and waved it in front of Piache’s face.

Piache sighed in frustration, clearly struggling to understand.

But it wasn’t that Piache couldn’t understand the mindset of the Nervana people.

Fundamentally, the forest’s resources were far more abundant than the plains. The plant that Reyhald showed them was a rare one in the plains, but in the forest, such things were abundant. The Nervana people didn’t feel the need for storerooms because resources were so easily accessible.

Moreover, the climate in Nervana Forest was warm and humid, similar to summer all year round.

Unlike the sharp and quick-witted people of the plains, the forest dwellers had a more relaxed, laid-back personality. This difference reflected the contrast between settled people with strong instincts to protect and own, and the free-roaming, nomadic people.

“Still, now that Nervana has decided to settle down, Piache’s point isn’t entirely unreasonable.”

Enya defended Piache’s view. The writing system would give the skilled Nervana people even more potential. Enya genuinely believed this, and she persuaded the leaders of Nervana. Tarhan also supported her.

Not long after, Piache’s lessons began.

“So, how are the lessons going?”

Jahan asked.

Enya shrugged and smiled.

Aside from a few Nervana people who had quickly recovered after receiving treatment from Piache, most of the students were children.

However, the class gained popularity in an unexpected way—among the mothers of Nervana. While working, they had previously taken turns looking after the children. Now, with Piache’s lessons, they had more free time and were enjoying it immensely.

Piache also believed that children would learn the writing system faster than adults, so they were mutually benefiting from the arrangement.

“I hope it goes well. If you ever need a substitute teacher, call me.”

Jahan smiles proudly. He recalled the memories of learning to write under the flickering candlelight with Silanda and Romba in the cave, even while getting smacked on the backside.

“Come to think of it, Silanda’s group still hasn’t returned yet.”

While laughing with Jahan, Enya suddenly stopped smiling as a face came to mind.

Silanda and Cugnac’s group, who had been dispatched to bring back the lepers, still hadn’t returned.

When Silanda’s name came up, Jahan’s expression immediately darkened.

“It’s alright, it’s alright. I know exactly how things are over there. Silanda probably took a fortnight to convince Romba, and then another fortnight to pack everything up. It’s obvious they’re running behind. I could’ve told you that without even seeing it.”

Jahan grinned mischievously, showing his teeth. He grumbled a bit.

“With so many old folks and people without limbs, the pace will naturally be slow. Especially Romba, who has to sleep for more than 12 hours a day or else she’ll cause a fuss. Of course, that’s going to delay the journey. Honestly, I’d think it’s weird if they arrived any sooner.”

Jahan shrugged with a tone that sounded much older than his years.

Enya felt a sense of relief listening to Jahan. He had essentially started a new life in Nervana, separated from the people of the leper colony, who had been like family to him. Enya had been worried about him in many ways.

‘At least it seems like he’s not feeling too down.’

Jahan now fidgeted with his hands, his fingers moving quickly. In his hands was a game board, looking like something he had recently started working on. It was finely crafted, the wood carefully shaved with a knife.

“How’s it going?”

Enya asked.

“It’s going alright. Once it’s done, I’ll give it to Yasmin as a gift.”

Jahan smiled proudly.

Enya smiled too, watching him.

‘Come to think of it, just like Tarhan said, Jahan really seems to be growing taller.’

Looking at him closely, Enya noticed that not only had his hair grown thick, but his shoulders were also broadening, and he no longer looked like the small, skinny kid he once was.

“Silanda will be surprised when she gets back. I think you’ve grown a few inches, Jahan.”

Jahan smiled a bit shyly at Enya’s words.

“It’s not that much of a growth.”

“Who says?”

“Brother Zechariah.”

Jahan now seemed to be learning hunting techniques from the young men of Nervana.

‘Still, I’m sure he misses his family… I’m glad Jahan’s adapting well.’

Enya sighed in relief.

The sunlight was strong over Jahan’s forehead. It was bright enough to almost be blinding, but he didn’t move from the spot where the sun hit him directly.

Enya thought that Jahan seemed like a child who belonged in the sun more than anyone.