The Barren Grounds Chapter 12

Summary

In a fantastical world, Morgan and Eli encounter Oek, a wise creature facing a perpetual winter. Oek shares the tale of a man who, unsatisfied with the village's generosity, began taking more than his share, leading to the village's suffering. Morgan grapples with the reality of this world, where time flows differently, and must decide whether to stay and help or return to her own. The trio contemplates the possibility of finding the missing summer birds, held captive by the man, to restore balance. Morgan ultimately agrees to aid Oek and Eli for a week, hoping to make a difference before returning to her own world.

Takeaways

• 🔥 Morgan, Eli, and Oek are sitting by a fire pit, discussing the truth about Eli's presence in a fantasy world.
• 🌌 Eli has been living in this world for 15 days but is unsure what to think or say about the situation.
• 🌲 Oek recounts a story of a man from another world who came to Misa and eventually caused a shift to a harsh, cold season by taking too much from the land.
• 🐦 The man's greed led to the disappearance of the summer birds, which maintained the balance of seasons, resulting in a perpetual winter.
• 🏡 The villagers, under Chief Musa, banished the man but not before he convinced Tataku (Crane) to leave with him, causing further hardship.
• 🚶‍♂️ Eli arrived in Misa through the same portal as the man and was greeted by Oek, who has been teaching him how to survive in this world.
• 🗓 Morgan is conflicted about staying in Misa because she feels responsible for her brother-like figure, Eli, back on Earth.
• 🏡 Morgan and Eli discuss the concept of 'school' and the importance of family, highlighting the differences between their worlds.
• ❄️ The group decides to stay in Misa for a week to help the village, despite the challenges of the neverending winter.
• 🛡 Oek offers to teach Morgan survival skills, emphasizing the importance of learning by doing in their harsh environment.

Q & A

Where are Morgan and Oek sitting in the story?

Morgan and Oek are sitting on benches in front of a fire pit.

How long has Eli been living in Misa?

Eli has been living in Misa for 15 days.

What is the significance of the 'green time' mentioned in the script?

The 'green time' refers to a period when birds, fish, and animals were plentiful, and the land provided everything needed for a good life.

What happened to the man who came to Misa from another world?

The man became greedy and took more than what was needed, causing the village's resources to dwindle and the land to enter a 'white time' or winter. He was eventually banished.

Who is Tataku and why did he leave with the man?

Tataku is a crane who was convinced by the man to run away and lead a different life.

How does the time in Misa compare to Earth time?

Every week in Misa is roughly an hour on Earth.

Why does Morgan want to return to Earth?

Morgan promised Katie she wouldn't run away, and she feels responsible for her brother Eli.

What is the purpose of the knife with marks in the wood?

The knife with marks is likely used as a makeshift calendar to track the days Eli has been in Misa.

What is Oek's role in the village?

Oek is the only Hunter well enough to do the work in the village.

What does Oek suggest they do to help the village?

Oek suggests that Morgan and Eli stay and help the village by learning to live off the land and assisting with hunting and foraging.

Why does Morgan agree to stay in Misa for a week?

Morgan agrees to stay because she sees the hope and happiness in Eli's eyes and recognizes the potential to help the village survive longer.