Sanctuary: Safe Haven

In any society, currency often plays a crucial role in determining the flow of goods, services, and overall economic stability. It is the lifeblood that keeps the gears of civilization turning, providing people with the means to exchange their labor and skills for the resources they need to survive and thrive.

On Earth, money governs nearly every aspect of life, from the basic necessities to the luxuries that people strive for.

But in the Sanctuary, the concept of currency had taken a different path. When Canna first established the Sanctuary, he insisted on implementing a system of payment to ensure that those who contributed to its prosperity were rewarded for their efforts.

He had approached the dwarves, the instructors, the artisans, and the various people who dedicated their time and skills to maintaining the Sanctuary, offering them compensation for their work. However, much to his surprise, he was met with a resounding and unanimous "no"

In the beginning, some of the inhabitants might have accepted payment, as they were still accustomed to the ways of the world outside the Sanctuary. They had known poverty, desperation, and the constant struggle to make ends meet. But as they settled into life within the Sanctuary, their perspective began to shift.

Here, they had everything they needed—shelter, food, companionship, and a sense of purpose. In a place where material needs were so easily met, the idea of currency lost its meaning.

The dwarves, in particular, were adamant in their refusal. They were master craftsmen, proud of their work and dedicated to the art of smithing, construction, and engineering. To them, the opportunity to create without the constraints of profit or deadlines was a rare gift.

Canna provided them with all the materials they needed, free of charge, and allowed them the freedom to design and build to their heart's content. In return, they declined any form of payment, stating that their true reward was the joy of creation and the knowledge that their work was helping to build something greater.

The same sentiment was shared by the instructors, who dedicated themselves to teaching the children and young warriors of the Sanctuary. They saw their roles not as jobs but as a calling. The academy that Canna and the dwarves had built was a marvel, equipped with every conceivable tool and resource for training.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

From vast libraries filled with ancient tomes to state-of-the-art training rooms that could simulate different environments, the academy was a testament to Canna's commitment to the growth and development of his people.

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The instructors were given the resources they needed to teach, and in return, they poured their hearts into their work, knowing that they were shaping the future defenders of the Sanctuary.

The non-combatants, those who took on roles in maintenance, clothing production, and other essential services, also declined payment. They found joy in their work and saw it as their way of repaying Canna for giving them a second chance at life.

Whether it was tending to the gardens, crafting clothing, or maintaining the magical wards that protected the Sanctuary, these individuals found fulfillment in their contributions. They had been given a place where they could live free from fear and hardship, and in return, they wanted to give back to the community that had embraced them.

In the Sanctuary, there were no restrictions on creativity or ambition. If someone wanted to build a house or a workshop, they were free to do so. A designated area provided all the necessary materials—logs, stone, and other building supplies. The only requirement was that they build it themselves, a task that often brought people together in collaboration.

For those who needed more specialized materials, a simple request to Flora or Elara's subordinates would result in the delivery of everything they needed.

The only ones who were prioritized for housing were the pregnant, the elderly, and the sick. Canna went out of his way to ensure that these individuals were taken care of, even personally asking them about their preferred designs before having the dwarves construct their homes. For the rest, there were communal living spaces, bathhouses, and even vacant houses that anyone could use.

However, many chose to live the "Canna lifestyle," a term that had become popular in the Sanctuary.

The "Canna lifestyle" was inspired by Canna's own antics. He was known to sleep anywhere, be it under the stars, in a tree, or simply on the grass. When he woke up, he would head to a nearby stream to wash his face, and though there were spells in Sepra that could cleanse the body in seconds, Canna preferred the simplicity of nature.

After freshening up, he would make his way to "24/7 Bites," a large building constructed by the dwarves that served as a communal dining hall. It was open at all hours, and anyone could eat as much as they wanted, whenever they wanted. No one knew why Canna had named it "24/7 Bites," but the name had stuck, and it had become a beloved part of daily life in the Sanctuary.

Despite the abundance and freedom, the inhabitants of the Sanctuary remained modest. They were mindful of their resources, never taking more than they needed, and always striving to contribute in any way they could. Some dedicated themselves to perfecting their crafts, be it smithing, weaving, or gardening.

Others took on the responsibility of maintaining the Sanctuary's beauty, tending to the grass, cleaning the communal spaces, and ensuring that everything was in order.

In the Sanctuary, everyone was self-sufficient, and everyone was content. There was no need for money because they had something far more valuable—a sense of community, purpose, and mutual respect. They were all working towards a common goal: to create a place where they could live in peace, free from the struggles and fears that had plagued their pasts.

As Canna continued his journey, he could rest easy knowing that the Sanctuary was thriving. The people he had saved had found not just a home but a family. They had discovered the joy of giving without expecting anything in return and the fulfillment that came from being part of something greater than themselves.

And in that, they had found true wealth, far beyond anything that currency could ever provide.