Lily of the Valley

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Part of every Riverian’s education was the Time Before and how the world had transformed over the centuries: it was a necessary lesson that instilled a sense of community into all the young minds who would one day grow up into contributing members of society, who would then continue the lessons to guide the new generations that would come after them.

Lily — or Lillian Marie Kael, as shouted by her father when she did something wrong — had semi-listened for uncountable hours, instead daydreaming of sugary treats, that cute boy who would often come into her family’s bakery, or being absolutely anywhere else whilst the elders prattled on and on about the darkness that had once encapsulated the earth and nearly destroyed all life. Occasionally she heard bits and pieces of how people lived in fear without electricity, how they were desperate and helpless without the technological advancements that they could not even imagine these days, how when the sun eventually shone again blood painted the dirt as man set upon each other for limited resources, and how, finally, small pockets of people came together and worked as one to reclaim society… despite the bands of pillagers who preferred to take rather than contribute.

While Lily strove to be a contributing member of society, she didn’t see the point in focusing so blindly on the past. They had the future to look forward to now — her future, specifically. A new settlement was being built upon the ruins of Old Maryborough and Lily had leapt at the chance to be part of the effort. Her family owned the most popular bakery in the River Cities and the thought of being the one to bring food to the hungry stomachs of the new world was so incredibly exciting. And, she wouldn’t say it out loud, but the thought of being free from her parents was pretty damned exciting, too. She was twenty-two now; it was time to begin her own life.

With thirty other settlers by her side, standing above deck on a standard river barge, Lily clasped the rail and stared across the wastes, lost in wonder as the people around her chatted and laughed. Flat grasslands strewn with broken buildings and cars, overgrown with green vines and twisting trees, slowly transformed into sparse patches of flora and misshapen mounds buried beneath dry, brown dirt. A lone kookaburra perched on a tree-branch waited for its moment then swooped down and pulled a struggling brown snake out from the scraggly bushes, and Lily stared in amazement as the bird flew away with its prize. That was a sight one would never see in the Cities; she truly was in the new world. She peered out the corner of her eye at her fellow settlers and inwardly sighed. None of them had seen it, or if they had they didn’t care.

Mountains rose up on either side of the river then spread outward, showcasing the huge tracts of land nestled beneath the range and the region that would soon be their new home. The Mary Valley. As they were brought closer to the Valley glimpses of the excavation effort could be seen along the nearest mountainside as diggers sought relics from the past and mined up building materials, sending clouds of dust and smoke into the sky over the developing settlement.

From this distance, the settlement appeared nought but a pile of ramshackle constructs, their tin roofs gleaming bright beneath the noon-sun, and was a far cry from the neatly designed architecture prevalent in the Cities. A sudden wave of home-sickness swept through Lily and she quickly squashed it down. This was what the new world was all about: transforming the old wastes into something magnificent — this was just the beginning, and she was going to be a part of it.

Excited chatter rose louder as the barge pulled up to the dock and the boatsmen jumped into action. While they tied the barge to the mooring and started lugging crate after crate out from storage, a plank was carefully laid out from deck to dock and Lily joined the rush of people eager to step onto solid ground after two days swishing and swaying upon the river.

Before they could move more than a few feet from the barge, a voice boomed out over the excitement.

“Gather ‘round.”

Three men — Shields of Hope, judging by their burgundy military uniforms with golden crescents across the shoulders — stood at the end of the dock and waved the newcomers over. The chatter died down and Lily joined the crowd as they moved towards the men, trying to remain steady with each step along the dock. When they reached the end, the tall, grizzled man in the centre folded his arms and looked everyone up and down, then solemnly nodded his approval.

“Welcome to the Valley, folks. I’m Commander Vincent Cox, Second Shield, and I’m here to ensure this region’s defence and success. Good to see some younger faces joinin’ the effort.” He cleared his throat and nodded towards the ongoing excavation. “No point hiding it, you’se will know soon enough. There has been pillager activity in the area. We lost two diggers last week but have since reinforced our ranks to combat the threat. Regardless, every single one of you’se will be undertaking mandatory defence training in coming days.”

Lily looked down at the dirt and shuffled awkwardly from foot to foot, feeling slightly guilty. In her profession she would have no need to fear the pillagers. Most times they sought to disrupt mining operations and plunder valuable relics, other times they would vandalise and ravage farmland, stealing beasts and produce; as a baker, in the centre of the settlement, they would pose no direct threat to her… unlike several of her fellows.

“The Director of Histories is waiting. She’ll get you’se all informed about the going on’s and whatnot and prepare you’se for training on the morrow.” He whistled sharply. “Fifth Shields! Kindly escort our new friends to the Museum.”

The other two men simultaneously saluted then motioned for the group to follow them, leaving the Commander to speak with the barge captain.

“Watch your footing,” said one of the men cheerfully as they side-stepped some old rusty pipes and rotted wooden planks.

Carefully following the Shields as they led them through the debris-field, Lily looked around, wide-eyed. After spending her entire life in the picturesque aesthetic of the Cities, the reality of the world beyond was a harsh eye-opener. It was ravaged. Hearing the state of events from the elders during their lessons was one thing, seeing it from aboard a drifting barge another, but to actually be walking through the remains; it was something else entirely.

After side-stepping around a pile of cracked metal sheets they reached an area where all the rubbish had been swept to one side to form a trodden dirt road, and Lily found herself trying to imagine what this place could look like in the future. In the River Cities the roads were paved with white stone, vibrant trees and colourful flowers filled parks and adorned pathways, and the buildings were lovingly designed and constructed by the finest architects and builders. The Cities took great pride in a flawless appearance that the ancients would be proud of. It would be a tonne of work to transform this ugly, ruinous dust-scape into something akin to that, but it could be nice. It could be beautiful.

The bangs and whirrs of various equipment and machinery reverberated through the air and snapped her out of her reverie as they approached the settlement and the builders there that worked tirelessly. They hastily constructed more and more small, simple dwellings so that everyone would have roofs over their heads, and standing guard were serious-faced Shields, ready to protect the builders at any given moment lest danger dared to approach.

Several streets had already been laid out, separated by the same dirt path that led them from the dock, and they were soon ushered into the centre-square of the settlement where one lone building built to River Cities standards stood tall and proud. The Museum.

In the middle of every settlement was a centre-square where the people would come together, overlooked by a Museum. It was the heart of every township where histories were collected, relics were put on display, scientists deciphered riddles left behind by the old world, and where those in charge chose to hold office. Museums were what held society together. This Museum, though as large and grand as any River Cities Museum, was mostly empty with one small desk and a chair in the far corner and walls that were lit by lanterns instead of generated electricity.

A petite older woman with a mass of greying curls leapt up from the chair and hastily tied her hair into a knot atop her head.

“Ah, you’ve arrived. Welcome!” She hurried towards them with her arms outstretched and a wide, cheerful smile plastered across her face. “It’s such a pleasure to see you. You’re our first official group of settlers — how exciting! Shields, at ease.”

The two Shields of Hope who had accompanied them saluted, turned, and lounged by the Museum doors, quietly chatting to each other while they awaited further instruction.

“I’m Director Ava and have been chosen to take charge of the expedition into the Valley and lead the expansion of the township. Did you know that this area wasn’t originally a valley? Old Maryborough was actually built on floodplains on either side of the great river! It’s absolutely astounding. How did these mountains form? How did this area transform so rapidly over such a short period of time?” She clasped her hands together and laughed. “Oh, I do apologise. This is all just so exciting. You know, Old Maryborough was once a heritage city. We think that means people came from all around the world to indulge in a historical past and, well, with our help people will do so again. I’m looking forward to working with each and every one of you.” Beaming, Ava rummaged through a pocket and pulled out a crumpled sheet of paper. “Okay. Good, good. Diggers! I love to see you. Farmers, perfect. We have cleared some fertile land over near the west bank. Oh, I can’t wait for some fresh potatoes...” Her voice trickled off and she paused, raising a confused eyebrow as she stared at the paper. “A-a baker? We’re not quite built to standard yet… I guess… well, pastries are always welcome. If the, uh, ingredients can be sourced… why would they send a baker during round one?” She muttered beneath her breath.

Lily lowered her eyes and fidgeted awkwardly as a few of the group snickered and murmured amongst themselves. She hadn’t quite thought about how bizarre it would be for a baker to be in an early wave of settlers. There weren’t even any farms yet! She was going to have to ask her parents for supplies to be shipped along the river rather than using locals like she had planned. It hadn’t even been one day yet and she’d made a grievous error. Once the others worked out the baker was her, she was going to be a laughing stock.

While Lily was inwardly berating herself, Director Ava cleared her throat and spoke over the mumblings of the group.

“In any event. As I’m sure you’re aware, pillagers have been a bit of an issue ‘round these parts. The Cities have sent a large defence force of Shields to deter them and secure the Valley, and to train all settlers with basic defence skills. What they teach you might very well save your life if it comes to it. Once all groups have arrived and everyone has been through several rounds of instruction, we’re going to be left with a smaller company for basic protection. Every man and woman for themselves out here, folks.”

The door swung open and a large, burly man covered in dust and smeared with dried mud strode towards them, leaving a light trail of filth in his wake.

“Ah, Flynn.” Ava beamed. “Settlers, Lead Miner Flynn. Many of you will be working under him in coming days.”

“Yeah, hi.” Flynn barked impatiently. “Ava. I need to—“

“Would you care to say a few words to our newcomers?”

The man threw his arms up into the air and rolled his eyes, snorting back some phlegm as he turned his gaze from Ava to the group.

“Listen up. This is how it is: the builders of old were more focused on quantity rather than quality and we have an absolute mess on our hands.” He shot an annoyed glance at Ava and grunted. “What remains of the ruins is crumbling into dust and fumes, and you’se are all gonna need to mask up down there. Clearly they prized items more than liveable homes in these parts.”

“As was the case in most regions,” Ava interjected.

“Ma’am, you really don’t know until you’re choking on asbestos.” Flynn snorted back another load of phlegm and turned his back to both Ava and the group. “Seein’ you’se first thing tomorrow. Make sure she gives you some damned masks.”

He stomped out of the Museum, shouldering his way past the Shields, and slammed the door behind him. Ava shook her head at his departure and offered the group a thin smile.

“He’s always like that. Rest assured that we have safety procedures in place and there will be masks made available.” Placing a hand on her hip, her smile brightened. “Alright. There’ll be a welcoming get-together in a few hours — several, in fact, as more arrivals, well, arrive —“ she laughed. “—but for now, allow me to personally welcome you once more. Take a look around. Choose a dwelling. They’re all the same, and yes, I am aware they’re not as pleasing as the homes back in the Cities, but all will be rectified in time. The Valley will be a jewel of the Cities! Okay. Go, go. Look around. Explore, stay safe, and I’ll see you in a few hours at the get-together. Shields, return to your Commander. Oh, Lillian Kael, could I speak with you for a moment?”

As the group trickled out of the Museum, Lily quietly shuffled towards Ava and tried to exude a confident air as though she belonged there and wasn’t just a useless baker in the wrong wave of settlers. The older woman was bent over her desk, hastily rummaging through a mass of paperwork, then whipped upright as Lily approached.

“Lillian, I presume?”

Lily squared her shoulders and attempted a friendly smile.

“Lily, ma’am.”

“Lily,” Ava nodded and narrowed her eyes as she carefully studied her. “It appears as though, quite inexplicably, your arrival was fast-tracked. Either someone in the Cities is having a laugh or someone paid to get you here sooner than you should be.”

Lily bit her lip and lowered her eyes, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. That could only have been her mother. She knew how desperately she wanted to join the effort and would’ve pulled some strings to guarantee her spot on the settler list.

“My parents paid my way. I-I didn’t realise that, well, that there would be nothing here for—“

Ava raised a hand, silencing Lily.

“I mean, sure. Absolutely. Try your craft in these early days if you’d like, that’s entirely up to you. It will be difficult though. There is no supply chain and we’re making do with a fairly mediocre state of self-sufficiency.” She shuffled through the papers on the desk, almost absentmindedly, then released an exhausted sign. “Oh, I don’t know. Introduce yourself to Hayden at the get-together tonight. He’s our publican and maybe the two of you can work something out. Get back to me. We can’t have you doing nothing. Have you ever thought of fishing? Farming? Hunting? Do you have a secret talent for the scientific?” Before Lily could respond, Ava waved her away. “We’ll work something out.”

“O-okay…”

Ava didn’t say anything else. She plonked herself down on her seat and started scribbling in a large book, engrossed in her task as though she hadn’t been speaking just a moment ago. After several long, silent minutes Lily turned and exited the Museum, feeling completely lost and out of place as she looked around the centre-square at all the people who actually had a purpose.

That was unfair. She had a purpose, it just wasn’t really appropriate at this time. If she could speak to whoever Hayden was, perhaps everything would work out in the end. If not— a short attention-seeking throat-clear made her jump. Spinning around, she found herself face-to-face with one of the two Shields who had escorted them from the dock to the Museum.

“Sorry to startle you, miss. I’m guessing you’re—” He lowered his voice conspiratorially. “—the baker.”

“Maybe.” Lily folded her arms across her chest and stood a little taller. “Oh, everyone will know soon enough. Yes. I’m the idiot.”

“Don’t worry. Won’t say a word.” He winked. “Look, sorry to bother you, but I saw you leaving the Museum and just thought you should know: there’s only a couple of empty dwellings left, both on the north side. Might want to hurry if you don’t want to be cooped up in the share-house.”

Lily paused for a moment as her addled brain slowly interpreted his meaning and then realised he was helping her.

“Oh! Thank you…”

He was already gone.

Rounding the corner, a small handful of people who had travelled on the barge with her came into the centre-square, eagerly looking for the newly-constructed dwellings that were still empty. The helpful Shield was swiftly forgotten and Lily hurried northward ahead of her fellows, preparing to lay claim to a much sought-after dwelling. If nothing else went right here, at least she’d have a home during her short stay.

 

 

I haven't written in an age, so writing this was a nice change of pace for me. 😊

Semi-inspired by the life-sim games My Time At Portia and My Time At Sandrock, I have this idea for a post-apocalyptic slice of life series which I hope I'll be motivated to actually finish for a change.

I've only just discovered that "slice of life" is a legitimate genre, and it fits my inane style of writing quite well, so at this point in time I'm actually excited to be writing something I won't have to force. 😅 Here's hoping I can stay in the zone!

Cheers for reading. ❤️

 

Until next time! 📚📝✨🙃