Chapter 19: New House Ceremony
Eighty semi-subterranean houses stood neatly arranged in the open space of the Silver Moon Tribe, creating an unprecedented spectacle. Their walls, a mixture of clay and grass, were thick and sturdy, while their thatched and clay roofs were perfectly pitched, providing both drainage and insulation. In front of each house, a small open area was reserved for growing herbs or storing tools.
All the tribe members gathered in the newly built central square, their gazes mingled with anticipation and trepidation. Elder Shi Yan stood on a raised platform, two large clay pots beside him: one held wooden plaques inscribed with the numbers of all the families, the other empty, ready for the drawing of lots.
"Today will be a historic day for the Silvermoon Tribe!" the elder's voice boomed, unable to conceal his excitement. "Thanks to everyone's hard work, we finally have enough housing for everyone!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, and many people had tears in their eyes – moving from a dark and damp cave to a bright and dry house was a change they had never dared to imagine.
Lin Chen and Cang Lan stood side by side in the front row. Over the past few weeks, Lin Chen had been working almost day and night to guide the construction of the houses and solve various technical problems. Now, looking at the rows of new houses, his tired face was filled with satisfaction.
"All this is thanks to your wisdom and persistence." Canglan said softly, his silver-gray eyes full of pride.
Lin Chen shook his head: "It's the result of everyone's joint efforts. Without everyone's efforts, it would be impossible to complete so many houses in such a short time."
The drawing of lots began. Elder Shi Yan first explained the rules: "Each household sends a representative to draw a number from this jar, and then draw the house number from that jar. A fair distribution, heaven and earth are witnesses!"
The first to step forward were the old sub-orc Aoba and his partner. With trembling hands, the old man pulled out two wooden plaques. When he saw the numbers on them, tears welled up in his eyes: "Sunny location, near water! Thank heaven and earth!"
Next, the family representatives came forward one by one. Some cheered for getting their dream seat, while others were disappointed for picking a more remote spot, but they all accepted the result—a choice made by tradition and luck, fair and impartial.
Yunshan drew a house near the central square and jumped up excitedly, "Great! It's close to the workshop and the herb garden!"
The house Berry drew was near the herb garden. She nodded with satisfaction, "It's very convenient for taking care of the herbs."
When Hong Yan stepped forward on behalf of the members of the Liuhe Tribe, the atmosphere was somewhat tense. Although they had become official members of the Silver Moon Tribe, some people still worried about being treated differently.
Hong Yan took a deep breath and reached out to draw a wooden card. When he showed the result, his face showed surprise - his team had drawn several connected houses in a good location.
"Look! There is no difference in treatment at all!" A young man from the Liuhe tribe said excitedly, and the last trace of estrangement disappeared.
Canglan was the last to draw. As the hunting captain, he insisted that everyone in the tribe choose first. When he drew his number, the crowd erupted in good-natured laughter—his house was at the very edge of the tribe, close to the wall.
"It's just convenient for patrol." Canglan smiled indifferently, not minding at all.
Lin Chen patted his shoulder: "I can help you design a better defensive perspective."
After the drawing of lots, Elder Shi Yan announced, "The next three days will be the moving period! Help each other, especially the elderly and families with young children! In three days, we will hold a new home banquet!"
The relocation process began, and the village was filled with a busy and cheerful atmosphere. Young people took the initiative to help the elderly carry their belongings, mothers excitedly planned how to decorate their new homes, and children chased and played between the houses, getting familiar with their new environment.
Lin Chen walked around, instructing everyone on how to best utilize the space: "Don't put the bed directly against the wall, leave some space to prevent moisture." "The location of the fire pit should be considered for smoke exhaust." "The storage area should be dry and ventilated..."
Canglan organized the hunting team members to help carry heavy objects, while ensuring that the patrols of the wall were not relaxed due to the relocation.
In the afternoon, Lin Chen went to Qingye's new home. The old couple stood in the empty house, bewildered, stroking the smooth walls, feeling both happy and bewildered.
"We'll help you set up." Lin Chen smiled and called to the young man behind him, "The furniture is ready."
When the simple wooden bed, storage cabinets, tables and chairs were properly placed, and animal skin curtains were hung on the doors and windows, the empty house suddenly felt like home. Qingye's wife touched the tabletop, tears welling in her eyes: "I have lived in a cave all my life, and never thought I would have a home like this..."
Lin Chen felt a mixture of bitterness and warmth in his heart: "This is what you deserve."
Over the next two days, similar scenes played out in each house. Tribal members helped each other adapt to their new homes as quickly as possible. Lin Chen's ventilation and drainage system was effective, keeping the houses dry even in the occasional drizzle.
By the evening of the third day, all the families had moved into their new homes. Smoke rose from eighty chimneys, filling the air with the aroma of dinner—cooking had become much easier thanks to better stoves and exhaust systems.
A new house banquet was held in the central square. Each household brought a dish prepared in their new kitchen to share the joy of moving. The table was filled with a variety of delicacies, many of which used newly discovered seasoning plants, creating a fragrant aroma.
Elder Shi Yan surveyed the packed square, his voice choking with emotion. "I once thought I'd never see the Silver Moon Tribe flourish so prospering in my lifetime... I'm grateful for the changes Lin Chen has brought, and I'm grateful for everyone's hard work!"
Everyone raised their glasses to salute Lin Chen. Lin Chen stood up and returned the greeting, saying sincerely, "It was the Silver Moon Tribe that first gave my family warmth. These houses are not only a place to shelter from the wind and rain, but also the starting point of our common future."
At the banquet, everyone shared their feelings about living in their new homes: "No more worries about water leaks on rainy days!" "The kids slept incredibly soundly last night!" "Cooking has become so convenient!" "Stored food keeps better!"
The oldest member of the tribe, a nearly blind old orc, stood up with the help of his grandson. "I've touched every wall with my hands and sniffed every corner with my nose. These houses are filled with care and love. The Silvermoon Tribe is ushering in an unprecedented era!"
The banquet lasted late into the night. After most people had left, Lin Chen and Canglan walked side by side among the neatly arranged houses. Each house was filled with warm light, and the occasional whispers and laughter of families could be heard.
"Listen," Canglan whispered, "This is the voice of peace."
Lin Chen nodded, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Suddenly, he noticed some movement near a house—several young men were secretly installing something.
"That is..." Lin Chen squinted his eyes and looked at it.
Yunshan and the other young men noticed they were being noticed and stepped away sheepishly. "We want to hang a small wolf carving on each door lintel, symbolizing the protection of the Silver Moon Tribe... We've also made special ones for you and Captain Canglan."
She displayed two exquisite wood carvings: one of a wolf guarding the stars, and the other of stars surrounding the wolf.
Canglan took the carving and gently stroked the lines with his fingers. "It's beautiful. Thank you."
The young men happily continued their secret mission. Lin Chen looked at the carving in his hand, a warm feeling welling up in his heart: "This tribe has truly become a whole."
They stopped in front of Canglan's house at the edge of the tribe. Although the location was remote, the view was wide, and they could see the mountains and the starry sky in the distance.
"Would you like to come in and sit down?" Canglan invited, with a barely perceptible hint of nervousness in his voice.
Lin Chen nodded. The room was simple but comfortable, with some personal touches: hunting tools hung on the wall, and a few intricately carved wooden objects sat in the corner.
Canglan lit the ceramic oil lamp, and a warm glow filled the space. "This place is not bad, although it's a bit far from the center."
"I like it here." Lin Chen said sincerely, "It's quiet, the view is good, and..." He smiled slightly, "It's convenient for a hunting captain to patrol the wall at any time."
Canglan's ears turned slightly red as he handed him a wooden cup: "Try the vanilla tea I brewed in the new kitchen."
Amidst the aroma of tea, the two sat by the window, gazing at the moving lights of patrol torches in the distance. Inside, they felt warm and safe, while outside, the community was peaceful and orderly.
"Eighty houses, each one is full of people." Lin Chen sighed, "From the original cave to now..."
"It's the miracle you brought." Canglan finished his words, his silver-gray eyes unusually soft under the light.
From outside the window came the gentle howl of a wolf—the patrolling orcs' way of announcing safety. Then, echoing howls came from other directions, like a lullaby from the primitive world.
That night, everyone in the Silver Moon Tribe slept soundly in their new home. As for Lin Chen and Canglan, in their simple yet cozy wooden house, a single ceramic lamp illuminated the approaching figures and the beginning of a story.
The new house has been built, but the story of the Silver Moon Tribe has just turned a new page.
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