Two weeks flew by, and honestly, the difference in Oakhaven was like night and day. The place actually felt alive now. You could hear the sound of hammers and saws all day, and people were talking and even laughing instead of just huddling inside their homes.
The townsfolk, especially the women, had really warmed up to our little group. Since everyone thinks we're just helpers sent by the baron, Aurelia and Cassandra fit right in. You'd see them helping hand out food rations, taking a turn stirring the big stew pots, or sitting with the local craftswomen, learning all about how to weave that special Ghost-Moss and the glowing Glimmer-Rush.
Meanwhile, Vance became a total hero with the men. He wasn't just standing around giving orders after all; he was right there in the thick of it, hauling timber and driving nails. The guy was a beast. He even started joining the hunting parties, and let's just say nobody's worried about going hungry when he's around.
