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2978 BCE
BAGHDAD PROVINCE
IARA WAS BEGINNING TO BELIEVE THAT HUMANS WERE UTTERLY HOPELESS AT FARMING.
In the past hour, she had watched a young boy nearly injure himself with a plow on three separate occasions. Every time the tool jutted up from the ground and nearly hit the boy in the leg, she watched the boy's father grow more impatient with him.
The last time had been the worst. The boy had gotten distracted by something in the north field - as boys do - and let go of one of the plow handles, causing the tool to jut sharply to the right and creating an uneven furrow. Iara had gripped the plow before it got too far off course, but the damage was already done. The boy's father was now red in the face, waving his hands angrily as he disciplined his son.
If Iara had known that Phastos' invention would cause so much trouble, she might have urged him to create something else. Something more user-friendly for a still-developing species. At least that way, she wouldn't be spending her afternoon with her feet in the mud and the sun on her back.
"Let me," she murmured, physically stepping between the embarrassed boy and his father. "Maybe he's just not good at this."
"He doesn't have a choice," his father spat. "Unless he wants to starve." He stuck his pointer finger out at his son, prodding him on the forehead. "Do you want to starve?"
Before the boy could answer, Iara's name echoed throughout the valley. She looked over her shoulder to see a woman in a dark blue tunic gliding toward her. Iara let out a low, weary sigh.
Ajak looked radiant in the sunlight. The gold detailing on her tunic glittered as she strode towards Iara. A gust of wind blew through her hair, tousling it and making it even fuller.
If Arishem had favorites, Ajak was definitely at the top of his list.
"Iara," the woman spoke, beckoning her over with a wave. Iara complied, though she walked slowly, taking her time.
"Do you need something?" she asked. Ajak raised an eyebrow, her eyes shining with amusement. The woman began to walk, and Iara followed closely behind.
"It seemed like you needed a break," Ajak responded. Iara bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from frowning.
"I had everything under control," she protested.
"I know."
"Then why did you pull me away?" Iara questioned, frustration bubbling up inside of her.
"Because you have not yet learned when to walk away," Ajak explained plainly. Iara scoffed without realizing it, and her face dropped as Ajak turned to look at her. "Do you disagree with me, Iara?"
"I..." The younger woman trailed off, choosing her words very carefully before she continued speaking. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean."
"I know you care for these people." Ajak's tone was strangely sympathetic and momentarily threw Iara off. "Just like the rest of us."
