Chicken Farmer

<h2>Chicken Farmer</h2> <h4><span class="emphasis">Main Menu</span></h4> [[Start]] [[credits]]

You are the child of a weaver who lives in the countryside outside the citadel. You're no weaver yourself, never had much talent for it, and not for lack of trying. But trade? That's something you picked up from following your father to the market place as a child. While your father would stitch up little commissions for passing customers, you would sell the larger pieces. Even with your childish voice, you had the confidence and the technical know-how to duke it out with even the most seasoned hagglers. Nowadays, your father stays in his studio to weave. Thanks to you, he's made enough big sales not to have to take any daily commission work. In his place, you [[ride into the citadel|cycle1]] every market day with his latest tapestries, mats, and wraps, to sell them. {<script>A.track('theme').loop(true).play();</script>}

In order to reach the citadel you must pass through the agricultural ring which spreads from the stone walls far into the country. You always take the same road and always pass the same scenery. When you were younger, you found this trip dull, and preferred to daydream than watch the fields pass. But as you grew up you started to find a fascination in the little changes in life you would witness [[week after week|cycle 1]].

Today, the sky is clear, and the air is crisp. The sun is just rising as you leave home. Amber light pours out from the horizon, flooding over the grains and greens. The breeze tastes like earth. The fields adjacent to the road are littered with the occaisonal barns, stables, and farmhouses. Most of the farmers have worked these fields since you made your first trip into the citadel. And you know them, in a cursory way, they've seen you every week for years. Except, halfway on your morning journey you see a [[new face|chickenboy1]]. { (click-replace:"clear")[blanketed with clouds] (click-replace:"blanketed with clouds")[clear] (click-replace:"clear")[blanketed with clouds] (click-replace:"blanketed with clouds")[clear] (click-replace:"clear")[blanketed with clouds] (click-replace:"blanketed with clouds")[clear] (click-replace:"clear")[blanketed with clouds] (click-replace:"blanketed with clouds")[clear] (click-replace:"clear")[blanketed with clouds] (click-replace:"blanketed with clouds")[clear] (click-replace:"clear")[blanketed with clouds] (click-replace:"blanketed with clouds")[clear] (click-replace:"clear")[blanketed with clouds] (click-replace:"blanketed with clouds")[clear] (click-replace:"clear")[blanketed with clouds] (click-replace:"blanketed with clouds")[clear] (click-replace:"crisp")[humid] (click-replace:"humid")[crisp] (click-replace:"crisp")[humid] (click-replace:"humid")[crisp] (click-replace:"crisp")[humid] (click-replace:"humid")[crisp] (click-replace:"crisp")[humid] (click-replace:"humid")[crisp] (click-replace:"crisp")[humid] (click-replace:"humid")[crisp] (click-replace:"crisp")[humid] (click-replace:"humid")[crisp] (click-replace:"crisp")[humid] (click-replace:"humid")[crisp] (click-replace:"crisp")[humid] (click-replace:"humid")[crisp] (click-replace:"earth")[mint] (click-replace:"mint")[honey] (click-replace:"honey")[earth] (click-replace:"earth")[mint] (click-replace:"mint")[honey] (click-replace:"honey")[earth] (click-replace:"earth")[mint] (click-replace:"mint")[honey] (click-replace:"honey")[earth] (click-replace:"earth")[mint] (click-replace:"mint")[honey] (click-replace:"honey")[earth] (click-replace:"earth")[mint] (click-replace:"mint")[honey] (click-replace:"honey")[earth] (click-replace:"earth")[mint] (click-replace:"mint")[honey] (click-replace:"honey")[earth] (click-replace:"earth")[mint] (click-replace:"mint")[honey] (click-replace:"honey")[earth] (click-replace:"earth")[mint] (click-replace:"mint")[honey] (click-replace:"honey")[earth] }

The farmhouse that had been empty for months seems to have a new coat of paint. And as you pass you see <span class="emphasis">a figure</span> emerge from behind the chicken coop with a bag of feed and a chicken in arm. Long black braids and a plain blue skirt blow behind her as the wind picks up. You wave at her, like you do with most of the farmers you pass. She squints at you. You assume when the chicken flaps up a storm of feathers that it's waving back for her. [[Next Week|cycle2]]

Yes, most market mornings go [[much like that]] and now you have a new sight to look out for. It's good to see that people are moving into the empty farmhouses, it means the citadel is prospering. It should be an excellent harvest this year.

A week passes and you're back on the road to the market. You whistle as you ride, the pace slow under the weight of your supplies. The grains that meet the road whisper at you, and you listen carefully for whatever secrets the fields have to share since you last saw them. Just over the sweet music of the land you hear [[singing|chickenboy2]]. { (click-replace:"whistle")[hum] (click-replace:"hum")[whistle] (click-replace:"whistle")[hum] (click-replace:"hum")[whistle] (click-replace:"whistle")[hum] (click-replace:"hum")[whistle] (click-replace:"whistle")[hum] (click-replace:"hum")[whistle] (click-replace:"whistle")[hum] (click-replace:"hum")[whistle] (click-replace:"whistle")[hum] (click-replace:"hum")[whistle] (click-replace:"whistle")[hum] (click-replace:"hum")[whistle] (click-replace:"whistle")[hum] (click-replace:"hum")[whistle] (click-replace:"whistle")[hum] (click-replace:"whisper")[sigh] (click-replace:"sigh")[whisper] (click-replace:"whisper")[sigh] (click-replace:"sigh")[whisper] (click-replace:"whisper")[sigh] (click-replace:"sigh")[whisper] (click-replace:"whisper")[sigh] (click-replace:"sigh")[whisper] (click-replace:"whisper")[sigh] (click-replace:"sigh")[whisper] (click-replace:"whisper")[sigh] (click-replace:"sigh")[whisper] (click-replace:"whisper")[sigh] (click-replace:"sigh")[whisper] (click-replace:"whisper")[sigh] (click-replace:"sigh")[whisper] (click-replace:"whisper")[sigh] (click-replace:"sweet")[familiar] (click-replace:"familiar")[soothing] (click-replace:"soothing")[sweet] (click-replace:"sweet")[familiar] (click-replace:"familiar")[soothing] (click-replace:"soothing")[sweet] (click-replace:"sweet")[familiar] (click-replace:"familiar")[soothing] (click-replace:"soothing")[sweet] (click-replace:"sweet")[familiar] (click-replace:"familiar")[soothing] (click-replace:"soothing")[sweet] (click-replace:"sweet")[familiar] (click-replace:"familiar")[soothing] (click-replace:"soothing")[sweet] (click-replace:"sweet")[familiar] (click-replace:"familiar")[soothing] (click-replace:"soothing")[sweet] (click-replace:"sweet")[familiar] (click-replace:"familiar")[soothing] (click-replace:"soothing")[sweet] (click-replace:"sweet")[familiar] (click-replace:"familiar")[soothing] (click-replace:"soothing")[sweet] }

You see her, the <span class="emphasis">chicken girl</span>, tossing seeds out in an arc around her, singing a fieldwork melody. Her voice rises high and smooth above the squacks of the chickens that flock around in a worshipful ring. She looks up at your passing and her voice sinks low and rich. She lets her bangs fall into her [[face|market1]].

As you hang tapestries from your stall in the market square and lay out your smaller wares you asks your neighbor, a beekeeper who sells honey and wax goods, whether she knows the new farmers. "No, no, not yet at least. I heard new folks had taken up the land there, though. They seem a quiet sort, there's not much talk about them as far as I can tell." You mention the <span class="emphasis">girl</span>. "A girl? No clue. But you know farm families rely on their older children for a lot, if they have a daughter she'll be hard at work like the rest of 'em." [[Next Week|cycle3]]

Next week's trip is made difficult. The season's rainstorms bathes the roads in mud. You and your horse are caked in it by the time you've managed to leave your father's land. You have to wrap the goods in old muslin to protect them from any backspray. It's a dreary trudge. But while the wet may keep people from some duties, there is still work to be done. Those who work the fields and with animals are used to the [[muck|chickenboy3]]. { (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"snowmelt")[rainstorms] (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"snowmelt")[rainstorms] (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"snowmelt")[rainstorms] (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"snowmelt")[rainstorms] (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"snowmelt")[rainstorms] (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"snowmelt")[rainstorms] (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"snowmelt")[rainstorms] (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"snowmelt")[rainstorms] (click-replace:"rainstorms")[snowmelt] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"a spare blanket")[old muslin] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"a spare blanket")[old muslin] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"a spare blanket")[old muslin] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"a spare blanket")[old muslin] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"a spare blanket")[old muslin] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"a spare blanket")[old muslin] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"a spare blanket")[old muslin] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"a spare blanket")[old muslin] (click-replace:"old muslin")[a spare blanket] (click-replace:"dreary")[sleepy] (click-replace:"sleepy")[patient] (click-replace:"patient")[dreary] (click-replace:"dreary")[sleepy] (click-replace:"sleepy")[patient] (click-replace:"patient")[dreary] (click-replace:"dreary")[sleepy] (click-replace:"sleepy")[patient] (click-replace:"patient")[dreary] (click-replace:"dreary")[sleepy] (click-replace:"sleepy")[patient] (click-replace:"patient")[dreary] (click-replace:"dreary")[sleepy] (click-replace:"sleepy")[patient] (click-replace:"patient")[dreary] (click-replace:"dreary")[sleepy] (click-replace:"sleepy")[patient] (click-replace:"patient")[dreary] (click-replace:"dreary")[sleepy] (click-replace:"sleepy")[patient] (click-replace:"patient")[dreary] (click-replace:"dreary")[sleepy] (click-replace:"sleepy")[patient] (click-replace:"patient")[dreary] }

From a distance you see the <span class="emphasis">chicken girl</span>, and she looks the same. But then you notice her blue skirt is a skirt no longer. The legs half-splattered with mud, are separated from eachother. The stitching is messy craftsmanship, one of the few things you can recognize in work, thanks to your familiarity with textile work. But it seems to offer her more mobility as she wades towards her birds. She is too focused on her task to notice you. [[Next Week|cycle4]]

When you aren't working the market you are budgeting or organizing around your father's studio. Market day is the highlight of your week. If it weren't nothing would get you out of bed this early in the morning. Today the night frost is fading as you ride out. It glistens on the leaves of trees, and on the roofs of buildings. You imagine it, sweet upon your tongue like sugar. Each little glitter seems to absorb the world, leaving only quiet light behind. When you pass by the <span class="emphasis">chicken girl's</span> coop, you don't see her...[[at first|chickenhand4]]. { (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"morning dew")[night frost] (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"morning dew")[night frost] (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"morning dew")[night frost] (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"morning dew")[night frost] (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"morning dew")[night frost] (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"morning dew")[night frost] (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"morning dew")[night frost] (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"morning dew")[night frost] (click-replace:"night frost")[morning dew] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"sparkles")[glistens] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"sparkles")[glistens] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"sparkles")[glistens] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"sparkles")[glistens] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"sparkles")[glistens] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"sparkles")[glistens] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"sparkles")[glistens] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"sparkles")[glistens] (click-replace:"glistens")[sparkles] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] (click-replace:"ambrosia")[sugar] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] (click-replace:"ambrosia")[sugar] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] (click-replace:"ambrosia")[sugar] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] (click-replace:"ambrosia")[sugar] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] (click-replace:"ambrosia")[sugar] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] (click-replace:"ambrosia")[sugar] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] (click-replace:"ambrosia")[sugar] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] (click-replace:"ambrosia")[sugar] (click-replace:"sugar")[nectar] (click-replace:"nectar")[ambrosia] }

There is a huddle of chicken's in front of the coop. At it's center is a bundle of clothes. Or, no. Wait. That's <span class="emphasis">her</span>. She's wrapped in a shawl and crouched in the middle of the birds, her hair is cropped short and boyish. Head leaned onto one shoulder, blank and cherubic. She's a asleep, you think. So are the chickens. Together they breathe slow and gentle. They seem to float in time, like a [[painted cloud|market4]].

"You know," says your stall neighbor, the beekeeper,once you arrive at the market. "I listened around a bit for news about that new family of farmers and it seems they don't have a daughter at all!" You stare at her, is she sure the two of you are talking about the same farmers? "They must be the same, they're the only new folks in the area. And let me tell you, they've got an older boy who helps them with the animals." Huh. Maybe <span class="emphasis">you're mistaken</span> about this kid, then. [[Next Week|cycle5]]

"I think people may be wrong about that child of the new farmers," the beekeeper whispers to you, as she sets up jars of honey for display. "It seems the child was a girl after all, her boyish looks just confused people." You frown, unsure if you can trust her information anymore. Her conspiritorial voice is rough upon your ears. [[Next Week|cycle6]]

Next week, there's a drizzle on your way to the market. You dress in a heavy coat with the hood pulled low over your eyes. It would be a miserable trip except when the sun reaches over the horizon the clouds are interwoven with the threads of a rainbow. You spend the ride with your sight on the sky. There's something hopeful in it's beauty. Apparently, you're not the only person captivated by [[the view|chickenhand5]]. { (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"heavy fog")[drizzle] (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"heavy fog")[drizzle] (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"heavy fog")[drizzle] (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"heavy fog")[drizzle] (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"heavy fog")[drizzle] (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"heavy fog")[drizzle] (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"heavy fog")[drizzle] (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"heavy fog")[drizzle] (click-replace:"drizzle")[heavy fog] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"swathes of gold and blush")[the threads of a rainbow] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"swathes of gold and blush")[the threads of a rainbow] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"swathes of gold and blush")[the threads of a rainbow] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"swathes of gold and blush")[the threads of a rainbow] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"swathes of gold and blush")[the threads of a rainbow] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"swathes of gold and blush")[the threads of a rainbow] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"swathes of gold and blush")[the threads of a rainbow] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"swathes of gold and blush")[the threads of a rainbow] (click-replace:"the threads of a rainbow")[swathes of gold and blush] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] (click-replace:"nostalgic")[hopeful] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] (click-replace:"nostalgic")[hopeful] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] (click-replace:"nostalgic")[hopeful] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] (click-replace:"nostalgic")[hopeful] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] (click-replace:"nostalgic")[hopeful] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] (click-replace:"nostalgic")[hopeful] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] (click-replace:"nostalgic")[hopeful] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] (click-replace:"nostalgic")[hopeful] (click-replace:"hopeful")[heavenly] (click-replace:"heavenly")[nostalgic] }

The <span class="emphasis">chicken boy</span> stands with a chicken in each arm staring at the heavens. You pull your own eyes from the sight to stare at him. Today he wears a headband tied at the side of his head in a bow. There's a new skirt, beige this time, hanging down to his ankles. He turns a moment, to look at you when your horse whinnies. His eyes are sharp and you feel you have [[seen too much|market5]].

This time, when you leave home, you notice the wildflowers that push out from the roadside dirt. They're tangled and sharp, fearless flora that fights the grasping band of the road. You wonder how many times they've been trampled. Perhaps you'll take a few on your way back. It seems insufficient though. It's moments like this you wish you could weave well. You'd like to capture these plants in a tapestry. What grows seems to vary based on the surrounding area, you wonder what sort of plants [[the new farmhouse might have|chickenhand6]]. { (click-replace:"tangled and sharp")[bright and resilient] (click-replace:"bright and resilient")[tangled and sharp] (click-replace:"tangled and sharp")[bright and resilient] (click-replace:"bright and resilient")[tangled and sharp] (click-replace:"tangled and sharp")[bright and resilient] (click-replace:"bright and resilient")[tangled and sharp] (click-replace:"tangled and sharp")[bright and resilient] (click-replace:"bright and resilient")[tangled and sharp] (click-replace:"tangled and sharp")[bright and resilient] (click-replace:"bright and resilient")[tangled and sharp] (click-replace:"tangled and sharp")[bright and resilient] (click-replace:"bright and resilient")[tangled and sharp] (click-replace:"tangled and sharp")[bright and resilient] (click-replace:"bright and resilient")[tangled and sharp] (click-replace:"tangled and sharp")[bright and resilient] (click-replace:"bright and resilient")[tangled and sharp] (click-replace:"tangled and sharp")[bright and resilient] (click-replace:"trampled")[picked] (click-replace:"picked")[trampled] (click-replace:"trampled")[picked] (click-replace:"picked")[trampled] (click-replace:"trampled")[picked] (click-replace:"picked")[trampled] (click-replace:"trampled")[picked] (click-replace:"picked")[trampled] (click-replace:"trampled")[picked] (click-replace:"trampled")[picked] (click-replace:"picked")[trampled] (click-replace:"trampled")[picked] (click-replace:"picked")[trampled] (click-replace:"trampled")[picked] (click-replace:"picked")[trampled] (click-replace:"trampled")[picked] (click-replace:"picked")[trampled] (click-replace:"trampled")[picked] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] (click-replace:"sacriligous")[insufficient] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] (click-replace:"sacriligous")[insufficient] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] (click-replace:"sacriligous")[insufficient] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] (click-replace:"sacriligous")[insufficient] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] (click-replace:"sacriligous")[insufficient] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] (click-replace:"sacriligous")[insufficient] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] (click-replace:"sacriligous")[insufficient] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] (click-replace:"sacriligous")[insufficient] (click-replace:"insufficient")[cruel] (click-replace:"cruel")[sacriligous] }

The answer as it turns out is quite a variety. The ground around the coop, which is usually picked clean by chickens has a few small sprouts growing there. The <span class="emphasis">chicken farmer</span> is <span class="emphasis">nowhere to be seen</span>. [[Next Week|cycle7]]

A <span class="emphasis">nasty storm</span> strikes on next week's market day. You're forced to [[stay inside|cycle8.5]].

This time around you have quite a bit more to carry with you because you missed a week of sales. By the time you're on the road, the sun is already up. The morning is warmed and the feel of the rays on your cheek is like the tea you never have time to drink in the morning. You soak in the sensation. This favorable weather will draw crowds to the market square, and you feel a thrill bubble up within you. A deep breath draws contentment into your bones. However, not all is [[idyllic|chickenhand8]]. { (click-replace:"warmed")[set a-glow] (click-replace:"set a-glow")[warmed] (click-replace:"warmed")[set a-glow] (click-replace:"set a-glow")[warmed] (click-replace:"warmed")[set a-glow] (click-replace:"warmed")[set a-glow] (click-replace:"set a-glow")[warmed] (click-replace:"warmed")[set a-glow] (click-replace:"set a-glow")[warmed] (click-replace:"warmed")[set a-glow] (click-replace:"warmed")[set a-glow] (click-replace:"set a-glow")[warmed] (click-replace:"warmed")[set a-glow] (click-replace:"set a-glow")[warmed] (click-replace:"warmed")[set a-glow] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"bask")[soak] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"bask")[soak] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"bask")[soak] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"bask")[soak] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"bask")[soak] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"bask")[soak] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"bask")[soak] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"bask")[soak] (click-replace:"soak")[bask] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] (click-replace:"comfort")[contentment] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] (click-replace:"comfort")[contentment] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] (click-replace:"comfort")[contentment] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] (click-replace:"comfort")[contentment] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] (click-replace:"comfort")[contentment] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] (click-replace:"comfort")[contentment] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] (click-replace:"comfort")[contentment] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] (click-replace:"comfort")[contentment] (click-replace:"contentment")[heat] (click-replace:"heat")[comfort] }

Perhaps, that's not the best phrasing. Your expectations were merely interupted. The <span class="emphasis">chicken farmer's</span> farmhouse is barren. The crops seem untended. the roof of the coop has a hole in it. The <span class="emphasis">chicken farmer</span> is nowhere to be seen and neither are their charges. Where could they be? Where could their family have gone? Everything is simply...[[abandoned|market8]].

At the market you listen intently. "Did you hear? Or perhaps you know more than I? The new farmers are gone!" You could recount your observations from your commute, but you keep your lips sealed, assuming a light and curious air. "Apparently, the family just up and left. No one knows why, or exactly when because of the storm, but the neighbors went to check on them and everything from within their home was simply gone. Oh, I am so devastatingly curious, aren't you? I'll be asking around some more in the next week I think. You should as well." You're beginning to think the circumstances are hardly your business. The beekeeper furrows her brow at you, but you look pleasantly away. <span class="emphasis">Who are you to wonder at the [[ephemerality of farmers|Welcome2]]?</span>

That night you lie awake and watch the roil of the clouds behind the veil of rain. In the shapes you see a thick flock of birds, or, no; lightning strikes and for a split-second the clouds become <span class="emphasis">a creature beyond comprehension</span>. Thunder booms and for a moment replaces your heartbeat. You think you hear a whinny, probably your horse, though the stables are a bit far for that. You roll over and ignore further clatter from outside. [[Next Week|cycle8]] {(click-replace:"a thick flock of birds")[a knight riding on a griffon] (click-replace:"a knight riding on a griffon")[a crowd of blank faces] (click-replace:"a crowd of blank faces")[a pair of hands cupping an egg] (click-replace:"a pair of hands cupping an egg")[the giant, closed eye of a cyclops] (click-replace:"the giant, closed eye of a cyclops")[a thick flock of birds] (click-replace:"a thick flock of birds")[a knight riding on a griffon] (click-replace:"a knight riding on a griffon")[a crowd of blank faces] (click-replace:"a crowd of blank faces")[a pair of hands cupping an egg] (click-replace:"a pair of hands cupping an egg")[the giant, closed eye of a cyclops] (click-replace:"the giant, closed eye of a cyclops")[a thick flock of birds] (click-replace:"a thick flock of birds")[a knight riding on a griffon] (click-replace:"a knight riding on a griffon")[a crowd of blank faces] (click-replace:"a crowd of blank faces")[a pair of hands cupping an egg] (click-replace:"a pair of hands cupping an egg")[the giant, closed eye of a cyclops] (click-replace:"the giant, closed eye of a cyclops")[a thick flock of birds] (click-replace:"a thick flock of birds")[a knight riding on a griffon] (click-replace:"a knight riding on a griffon")[a crowd of blank faces] (click-replace:"a crowd of blank faces")[a pair of hands cupping an egg] (click-replace:"a pair of hands cupping an egg")[the giant, closed eye of a cyclops] (click-replace:"the giant, closed eye of a cyclops")[a thick flock of birds] (click-replace:"a thick flock of birds")[a knight riding on a griffon] (click-replace:"a knight riding on a griffon")[a crowd of blank faces] (click-replace:"a crowd of blank faces")[a pair of hands cupping an egg] (click-replace:"a pair of hands cupping an egg")[the giant, closed eye of a cyclops] (click-replace:"the giant, closed eye of a cyclops")[a thick flock of birds] }

Writing, Music, and Design by skiddykid (aka Hale Mueller) Background from "The Story of a Grain of Wheat" by William C. Edgar (1903) Made in Twine 2.0 Special Thanks to Grim (aka G.C. baccaris) for Patreon twine tutorials that saved my life Thank You For Playing! [[back|Welcome1]]

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<h2>Chicken Farmer</h2> <h4><span class="emphasis">Main Menu</span></h4> [[Start]]

<h2>Chicken Farmer</h2> <h4><span class="emphasis">Main Menu</span></h4> [[Start|Start1]] [[credits|credits1]]

Double-clickYou are the child of a weaver who lives in the countryside outside the citadel. You're no weaver yourself, never had much talent for it, and not for lack of trying. But trade? That's something you picked up from following your father to the market place as a child. While your father would stitch up little commissions for passing customers, you would sell the larger pieces. Even with your childish voice, you had the confidence and the technical know-how to duke it out with even the most seasoned hagglers. Nowadays, your father stays in his studio to weave. Thanks to you, he's made enough big sales not to have to take any daily commission work. In his place, you [[ride into the citadel|cycle1]] every market day with his latest tapestries, mats, and wraps, to sell them. {<script>A.track('theme').loop(true).play();</script>}this passage to edit it.