Future plans

Evan woke up feeling an unusual sense of vitality. He felt as if every cell in his body was humming with energy, pulsing in a rhythmic dance that filled him with both calm and vigor.

He headed downstairs to prepare breakfast. Today was special, the first day of the communal training for the village children, and he wanted to be well-prepared. Whipping up a generous spread of scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and a fresh batch of fruit smoothies, he set the table just as his mother, Mara, walked into the kitchen.

"Wow, what's the occasion?" Mara asked, eyeing the bountiful breakfast.

"First day of training, Mom," Evan replied, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "Thought we could use a hearty breakfast."

As they sat down to eat, Evan couldn't help but share his experience from the previous night. "Mom, something amazing happened during my training last night. It was as if something just clicked, and all of a sudden, the exercises felt easier. It's hard to explain, but it was like I was in total harmony with myself."

Mara listened intently, a knowing smile gracing her lips. "It sounds like you're beginning to understand what I meant about balancing your mind, body, and spirit. When those three are in sync, you're not just stronger; you're in tune with a higher state of being."

Evan nodded, taking in her words. "What should I do to keep improving?"

"Stay focused. And always, always listen to your body and your instincts. They'll guide you better than any textbook can," Mara advised.

They continued their breakfast, and Evan was surprised to find that despite the generous portions, he and his mother managed to finish everything without feeling overly stuffed. It was as if his body was now better equipped to process and utilize the nourishment.

"Seems like you'll need all this energy for your training today," Mara noted, stacking the empty plates.

"Yeah," Evan said, his eyes glowing with a mixture of anticipation and curiosity. "I can't wait to see what's next."

As Evan cleared the table and hugged his mother goodbye, he felt an inexplicable sense of preparedness, like a well-oiled machine raring to go. He had no idea what the communal training would entail, or what challenges lay ahead on this new path of cultivation. But one thing was certain: he was ready to face them head-on, bolstered by newfound insights and the unwavering support of his mother.

With a sense of purpose and a belly full of good food, Evan stepped out of his house, ready to embrace whatever the day had in store for him.

Evan set out for Old Thomas' house, taking a moment to breathe in the fresh morning air. The village was slowly coming to life; a few early risers were already out, and the vendors were setting up their market stalls. But Evan's mind was focused on one thing: the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead for his village.

As he knocked on the door of Old Thomas' rustic home, he felt a mix of eagerness and respect. The door creaked open, revealing Thomas, who greeted Evan with a warm smile. "Ah, Evan, good to see you so early in the morning. What brings you here?"

"Morning, sir. I wanted to talk about the ironbark we harvested, potential weapons we can craft, and some ideas about the village's future. I think it's crucial we act swiftly."

Old Thomas led Evan to his living room, where they both sat down. "You have the right mindset, lad. Time is of the essence, especially given the changes we've seen in the forest. Now, what were you thinking about the ironbark?"

Evan started, "Firstly, how soon can we begin crafting weapons from the ironbark? We need to have better-equipped hunters as soon as possible, especially given the strange animal behavior we've observed."

Old Thomas nodded. "I share your concern. Ironbark takes time to cure, but we can expedite the process to have some ready within a month. The weapons will be heavier and require more skill to handle, but they'll also be much more effective."

Evan's eyes brightened. "That's excellent news. Also, should we involve the younger generation in this? If they learn the craft now, it'll be beneficial for the village in the long run."

"That's a wise thought," Thomas said. "We can start with an introductory workshop for the interested youth. Teach them the basics of woodworking and metallurgy, combined with the specifics of working with ironbark."

Evan then shifted the topic. "About the village's future... I think we should explore further into the forest. If there are more resources like ironbark, or even something entirely new, it could change our lives for the better. Of course, it's risky, but—"

Old Thomas interrupted, "But the potential benefits could be game-changing. I agree. However, that would require a carefully planned expedition, and our best hunters and gatherers should be involved."

"Yes, exactly," Evan said, feeling a bit relieved that Old Thomas was on the same page.

Old Thomas stared into the distance for a moment, lost in thought. "All these developments—the strange footprint, the ironbark growth, the unsettling animal behavior—seem interconnected. We need to tread carefully."

Evan nodded solemnly, realizing the weight of the situation. "I understand, sir. I'll be cautious but proactive."

After discussing a few more details and making some tentative plans, Evan thanked Old Thomas and got up to leave. "We have much to do, but I feel more hopeful about our chances now," Evan said.

"And rightly so," Thomas replied, escorting Evan to the door. "Just remember, the best way to predict the future is to create it."

With those parting words lingering in his mind, Evan set off toward the village square for the communal training. He felt armed not just with plans but also with a sense of direction and responsibility. It was going to be a pivotal day, and Evan couldn't help but feel that it was just the beginning of something far greater.

Arriving at the village square, Evan was somewhat surprised to find it empty. The sky was a canvas of oranges and pinks, as dawn slowly gave way to full daylight. Clearly, he was early for the training session, a little too eager perhaps, but he decided to make the most of the quiet time.

He set his bag down near a tree at the edge of the square and began stretching, taking deep breaths to fill his lungs with the fresh morning air. He remembered the mystical state he had entered last night while training, that zone where every movement felt fluid, natural, and incredibly efficient. As he stretched, he tried to re-enter that state, focusing deeply on his breath and every muscle movement, trying to align his body, mind, and spirit as his mother had advised.

Starting with some light jogging in place, Evan gradually worked his way up to more dynamic exercises—lunges, squats, push-ups. Despite the intensity, he felt invigorated, not exhausted. That strange state from the night before seemed to be within reach, as if waiting for him to step inside it again.

Just then, he heard footsteps approaching. Turning around, he saw a group of children and teenagers entering the square, some with sleepy eyes and others with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Among them, he spotted Joey, who was looking as excited and nervous as he felt.

"Hey Evan, you're really keen, huh? Already warming up?" Joey grinned as he walked over.

"Yeah, might as well get a head start. We've got a lot to learn, and every minute counts," Evan replied, wiping the sweat off his forehead with his sleeve.