Tools Of Your Trade

>Like an airplane, I sit in a field and play with my new knife that Rain Drop gave me.

>I mean new in a relative sense.

>As of now, it's hardly useful for little more than a letter opener, but nothing a quick sharpening can't fix.

>I meant to take it to Strong Metal to see what he would want in exchange, but he hasn't been around.

>I suppose I can always just drop a couple of bits to pay for it, but I'd rather save those for something a little more important.

>Possible emergency money.

>On the bright side, it can still cut through the stems of flowers and grass, so I practice with that.

>I'm grateful that I was able to acquire a blade.

>Definitely one of the most useful tools I can have.

>Now next on my list: Acquire a hatchet.

>How the hell I'm going to do that?

>No idea.

>I'm sure it'll work out.

>We found like twelve the other night.

>By "we" I mean them.

>I'm still pretty upset about the whole thing.

>I finally had a chance to prove myself to the others and I threw it away.

>It's kind of depressing, really.

>There will be other chances, but I would like to have a few friends to help along the way, at least.

 

>I spend most of the afternoon playing with my knife, snacking on random flowers I find, and practicing my firemaking some more.

>I think I got it nearly down pat.

>This fire starter was definitely worth finding.

>Granted that Strong Metal was the one who even showed me that I already had it.

>Finding whole logs or branches I can break into smaller pieces is fairly difficult.

>That hatchet would definitely be worth finding soon.

>Perhaps one of the sawmill workers would have one they'd be willing to part with.

>Or the innkeeper.

>Hell, even Strong Metal.

>Anyone with a reason to stock firewood.

 

>I can almost say for certain that I'm ready to give a test run on my camping skills.

>A night or two in the woods would be plenty to see just how far I've come and how far I still need to go.

>What's the worst that can happen?

>I get cold or something and come back a day early?

>Or I lose something important like my map or fire starter.

>Both can be re-obtained, but losing either would severely hinder my ability to stay outdoors.

>I think it would be best to wait until I have the means to replace them quickly.

>A knife is useful, but ultimately not as important.

>I can skin an animal with it and try to get myself a better blanket or try to make a fur tent.

>But I already have those things and although an upgrade would be greatly appreciated, I

don't really need either right now.

>A permanent source of food would be great, too.

>Flowers aren't as filling as I'd like and I'm still hesitant to experiment with the various plants in the area.

>I'm also still wondering if I'm able to eat meat.

>Oh shit.

>I need to figure out how to hunt now, too.

>Unless the animals allow me to just walk right up to them, I'm not going to be able to just chase them down and cut them with my knife.

>And I can't exactly hold a bow either.

>Throwing a spear would be fairly difficult as well.

>If I can figure it out, I could make a decent bit of coin off of it.

>I'm sure the other villagers wouldn't be against trading for the furs and hides of the animals I kill.

>And if someone happens by that eats meat, I can sell that too if I can't eat it myself.

 

>The more I think about this, the more excited I can't help but get.

>The reality of it is still a ways off, but within the foreseeable future.

>I still need to get my metaphorical hands on several more items and refine several sets of skills.

>And there's no better time than the present to start.

>Stamping out the small fire I had going, I put my fire starter and knife in my pack and walk back to town.

>I'll see if I can't find someone willing to accept a favor to trade for an axe.

>The first place I stop is the Mad Stan Inn.

>It's a quaint little place.

>Not much activity aside from a few ponies eating and drinking and generally having a good time.

>Cherenkov Light stands in front of the counter.

>I catch him as he finishes setting up a new sign and takes a few steps back to marvel.

>I walk up beside him and stare at it as well.

>A cloud with a single water drop flanked by olive branches.

>"Beautiful, isn't it?" asked Cherenkov, not looking away from his sign.

"What is it?"

>He finally looks at me.

>"My new line of dandelion wine!" he proclaims. "Rain Drop Wine!"

"Rain Drop? Like the unicorn from our expedition?"

>"Exactly. She saved my life. This is my way of saying thanks."

"Oh."

>Of course, I would have known that had I not been unconcious for several hours.

 

>"So what can I help you with, Blue?" asked Cherenkov. "We have a room available if you'd like. Or maybe you're hungry or thirsty?"

>I shake me head.

"Actually, I'm looking to purchase something else.

>Cherenkov raises an eyebrow.

"You wouldn't happen to have an axe you'd be willing to part with, would you?"

>Cherenkov's smile faulters and he tilts his head at the question.

>"An axe?"

>He thinks for a second.

>"Well, we have just one, but we need it to cut firewood. Why?"

"Same reason."

>"Well I can't really part with it right now. I kind of need it. Sorry."

>I nod in acceptance.

"Yeah, I kind of figured. I was just wondering is all."

>"Well alright. If you need anything else or a place to stay, I can offer you a room for a bit of work."

"I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."

>Exiting the inn, I kick the dust.

>I hadn't thought of that.

>Strong Metal would need his for the same reason and the sawmill probably uses hacksaws to cut trees as opposed to hatchets.

>There's always Silver Tongue's shop.

>I'm a bit hesitant to try to buy something from his store, though.

>He seems like the one to acquire suspicious goods and turn them for profit.

>Or do his best to give you the shit end of a deal.

>But I really don't have much choice in the matter.

 

>A disgruntled-looking customer brushes past me as I go to enter his shop.

>"Blue!" greets Silver Tongue.

>I'm surprised he remembers my name.

>Although it would do a businessman wonders to remember the names of potential customers.

>"How may I help you this evening?" he asks.

"I'm looking for an axe."

>"Doing some adventuring?"

>He reaches under the counter and places a mini battle axe on top.

>"I've got this little baby from... Well that's not important. You like?"

>What.

>I shake my head.

"No, not like that. Like, a woodcutting axe. A hatchet. You wouldn't happen to have one by chance, would you?"

>Silver Tongue touches a hoof to his chin as he thinks.

>"I would need to order one. Considering costs for materials, labor, shipping and handling, et cetera... Twelve bits."

>Twelve bi-...

"I don't have twelve bits."

>"Well what do you have?"

"Ten."

 

>Silver Tongue frowns at my shallow pockets.

>"Well that just won't do," he says with a disapproving shake of the head.

"Would you be willing to trade? Perhaps I can fetch something of equal value?"

>Again, he touches his hoof to his chin.

>"Let me think... How about... Oh! I know!"

>He steps around the counter and points me to a little glass display case.

>It's empty.

>"Tell you what. I've been looking for something real shiny-like to put in that there display. You find me something worth trading, I'll get you your axe."

>I sit there for a moment in thought.

"Anything in particular?" I ask.

>"No, not really. Something that looks good, though. Like a large gem or a magic trinket. Bring it to me and we'll conclude out little deal."

>Sounds like a real fucking hassle.

>But you gotta work for what you want, I suppose.

>I extend a hoof to Silver Tongue and he meets me in the middle.

"You got yourself a deal."

>"Excellent! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get this particular slice of cake to a pretty little mare of mine."

>I lead him out of the shop as he locks the door and trots off.

>Welp.

>I have my opportunity to get another valuable tool

>Now where the fuck am I going to find a large gem or magic trinket?