Plant Life - 05 - Waiting For Water

His next task was to get the newly planted seeds some water. Not far from his property a stream laced down from the mountains into the valley below. All he had to do was bring over enough water so that his seeds would have a strong start. He decided on a daily water walk in which he would fetch fresh water twice a day

However in order to be successful with this endeavor he would first have to construct a water carrying device. This would have to be something large enough to water his entire field yet not too cumbersome as to create more work than necessary. Since all possible construction materials resided off of his property, he would have to search the outlying areas for anything able to aid him in this effort. With the Sun yet to wake from it's rest, he headed out to the South Eastern corner of his land and began to seek out the perfect container. He was aimlessly kicking at the litter of sticks and stones covering the area when he suddenly realized the optimal way to transport the water. The first item to locate would have to be a rather longish and sturdy branch. Straight as possible. This he could rest on his shoulders and attach to buckets to each end. Now that he knew what it was that he needed, his search had a renewed vigor. This hunt was taking a lot longer then he had expected. It was already close to noon and was feeling fatigue wrestling with his will to continue. Giving in to his body's demand for rest and sustenance he made his way back home. During his journey homeward he considered searching closer to the valley for his support stick. There would have be more tree life down by the water. He re-assured himself that he would discover exactly what he was looking for down in the valley but that would have to wait until his body gives him the all clear to proceed.

The Sun was high on his forehead when he began his journey to the valley. He could taste the lush greenery in the air as approached. He slowed his pace as he was struck by the beauty surrounding him. It had been a long while since he'd seen such vibrant foliage. He was dizzied by the scents that danced with each other in the air as they made their way to his nose. Intoxicated from the beauty of this valley he had momentarily forgot why he was here. He snapped himself back to the task. Searching along the tree line would have to be the best place to start the search for his support stick. He had only begun to rummage through the undergrowth when he stumbled upon a large and only slightly curved branch. Dragging the stick back out into the open allowed him time to study it more closely. Turning the branch over in his hands as he angled it in the light, he looked over every inch ensuring there were no cracks or weak points. After a few minutes had faded he was pleased to conclude that this stick proved sturdy enough for its intended use.

Resting the stick against a small rock near the path home he turned back to the trees and started the second phase of his search. Something from which he could construct a water carrying container. These 2 items would have to be water proof and relatively light in weight. Lost in thought he hardly noticed that he was almost at the stream and still hadn't come up with a suitable containment device. The steady flow of water of rocks was relaxing him. It was useless to put up a fight. He gave in to the calmness that was splashing him. Taking his full weight to the ground he sat next to the water and began to let his mind float with the clouds. The flickering of the Suns light through the leaves brought him back to consciousness. As his eyelids struggled to regain control his gaze was fixed on a small collection of boulders. Once he regained control to focus he realized the answer to his problem was all laid out here in front of him. Everything just clicked liked into place like a lego.First he made a water proof skin. He did this by using an appropriately sized boulder to form a bowl with the leaves. Using some mud from the river bed he was able to cover the leaves in a thick layer and allow the Sun to bake it. Two buckets and cup later he thought that perhaps it would be wise to add another skin of leaves to the outside, just to be safe. He applied a thin layer of mud and then laying out the leaves. As this layer was drying he set off to find a sharp stone. It was not hard to find one among the water beaten heap of rocks. He quickly snatched one up and tested it on the closest stick available. With a few precise swipes the tip of the stick began to peel away. Satisfied with the rock he made his way back to his work area. He scoured the ground for a stick that would suit his purposes. The amount of discarded branches left many options open to him. He bent down and only examined a few before he found what he needed. He grasped the thicker end in one hand and quickly went to work sharpening the smaller end with the stone. It hadn't taken long to achieve his goal and now had in hand a sharp stick with which he would construct holes into the upper area of his containers so they could be fastened to the stick. Pressing against the dry leaf and mud buckets was rather difficult. It wasn't until he began to turn the stick, while pressing on it for anything to be achieved. Rather quickly he had made 4 holes on each carrying bowl. He made a quick trip back into the foliage and returned with a long vine. With his sharpened stone he sliced at the vine until it finally gave way. He gathered up the buckets and tossed the vines inside. He also collected a few sticks and stones just in case he needed more tools. With his arms full he returned to his exit point. The Sun was almost at the horizon so he would have to work quick. He dumped the supplies on the ground and retrieved his stick. Laying it across the 2 buckets he began to snake the vines through the holes and around the end of the stick. He had both ends securely fastened within minutes. As he stood the water carrying device came with him. He hoisted it over his shoulder and made his way to the stream. Removing the contraption from his shoulders he allowed it to rest parallel to the stream. Taking up position on one side he slowly dipped the small cup into the water and began to fill the first bucket. He managed to fill it halfway before it became too heavy. He jumped to the other bucket and proceeded to fill this one to it's halfway mark. The sky was darkening just as he managed to get the device on his shoulders. It had indeed turned out be be quite heavy. Regardless of the immediate pain it has to be done. It took him longer then he had hoped to make it back home. Even though he was exhausted no time was taken to rest. He instantly made his way over to the garden and began to water his future.