Little Friends

Aeden and Mihael woke up from their meditation as the sun began rising. It was still dark but it was slowly getting lighter. So they got up and began to work. Walking out next to their cabin they carried the hoes with them and began clearing an area for a farm. They could use magic for it but they didn't mind the physical exercise. Also it would make sure they kept their muscles in shape. 

Working away the small red fox and black snake sat at the edge of the clearing watching them work. Aeden and Mihael noticed them but pretended that they didn't to not spook them off again. 

As time passed they cleared enough of a field to plant all of their seeds. Moving up and down the field they planted rows of cotton, wheat and the various vegetables that they bought. It took them around 4 hours in total to finish everything but they were satisfied with how it turned out. They decided to sit on the ground and take a break. 

As they spoke with each other they noticed the fox and snake coming closer very cautiously. Once the two animals got close enough to reach out and touch they stopped and waited. Aeden and Mihael stopped talking and observed the two of them.

The fox and snake slowly got closer and Aeden had a great idea. He pulled out a piece of dried meat from their inventory and offered it to the snake. Mihael smiled and did the same offering a small piece to the fox. The two animals sniffed the meat before the fox yipped and took it from Mihael. Soon after the snake took the meat from Aeden. 

The two animals seemed happy getting some meat before they took off again leaving Aeden and Mihael alone in the clearing again. 

Well that was cute Mihael said. I hope they come back.

I think they will Aeden replied. Especially since we gave them food. Now let us get back to work.

The two of them got back to work on their farm making sure to remove any small weeds and finishing up with giving the seeds a good watering. 

Hey Aeden can I try something out Mihael asked.

Depends, what is it? Aeden replied.

I want to try a different form of magic apart from our normal casting. Mihael said with a smile. Also this should help the plants grow faster.

Very well Aeden said. You lead and I will follow.

Mihael and Aeden took opposite sides of their farm and then Mihael prepared to cast the spell. Mihael focused on enchanting the ground with his spell and began singing. 

Ah I see what you are doing Aeden said before joining in. 

By filling their voice with mana they were able to cast spells like they would normally. But the advantage was that it would also pull in some of the mana from the surroundings so that they wouldn't spend as much of their own mana. The downside was that it took more time to cast. But they could probably lessen the time a little with practice. As they finished casting the spell they noticed the ground glimmering a little as the seeds they planted earlier began sprouting and growing little leaves. 

They watched with smiles on their face as their garden began growing. 

After taking another quick break and rehydrating they decided to set out to go hunting. 

Walking through the forest they suppressed their mana to not alert other animals. They used their <Mapping > skill to not lose their way, making sure to move slowly and silently through the forest. 

After around 30 minutes they came across a small stream with a deer nearby. Aeden and Mihael aimed their bows that they prepared before setting out. It was just a simple wooden bow with a temporary string of mana. The arrow they used was also just made from wood. 

Taking aim they both sat there waiting for the deer to stop moving before they released their arrows. 

The arrow soared through the air both arrows piercing through the neck of the deer causing it to grunt and bleat in pain. Aeden and Mihael walked over placing their hands on the deer.

Thank you for your sacrifice Aeden said.

We are sorry to have to do this to you Mihael said.

The deer quickly bled out before fully passing away.

They stored the deer in their inventory before heading back home. Once they got home they pulled out the deer carcass as they hung it to drain all of the blood. They used a bucket underneath the deer carcass to catch all of the blood. 

They used a little bit of water magic to make all of the blood flow out faster. After a few hours they had finished and could begin butchering.

Taking the deer carcass down they began skinning the deer trying not to cut up the pelt too much but it was their first time so they made a few mistakes. After struggling with it they managed to get the skin off and stored it in their inventory. As they began carving up the meat and storing it they noticed that their fox and snake friend were back and came closer with less caution although the two were still cautious. Carving up all of the meat and saving all of the organs and bones in their inventory. 

They took the meat over to a fire pit they set up nearby and began roasting the meat. The fox and snake were visibly drooling at the smell. Aeden and Mihael smiled and cut off a piece for the two before making a small plate out of a rock and setting it next to them. The fox and snake jumped towards the meat like they were starving causing Aeden and Mihael to giggle. 

The two animals quickly ate their serving of meat and passed out next to Aeden and Mihael. As they ate and got ready for the night they didn't want to leave the two animals outside so they carefully picked them up before carrying them inside and laying the two of them on their bed. 

The two sat on the floor cross legged and meditated through the night refilling their spent mana and adding a small amount to their main and sub cores.