Welcome to Gaia! ::

Nita smiled again. "I'll try," she said. "No promises, but I'll do my best." Privately, she thought maybe Newt's trouble had been swiping the kettle instead of asking politely. Nita and Delia were generally on good terms; Nita was polite, usually only borrowed cleaning supplies, and was good about returning them promptly. One or two items going 'astray' shouldn't cause too much ire.

"I do have old clothing," said Nita, making a face. She had outgrown most of her old wardrobe after her final change, and while it probably wouldn't fit very many people, a lot of it was still in good condition and could surely be used for something.

She bit her lip. "How would I get stuff to you, though? I... haven't been going into the jungle much..."

Nita bit her lip in thought. Obviously Newt was as wary about going to the village as she was, going into the jungle. She didn't want to force him; the poor guy was nervous enough already. "A box would work," she said slowly. "Although there'd be a greater chance of interception..." Nita shrugged. "Or maybe it would just look more innocuous. If it was known that people could donate and take things at will... then you could take the remainder on a regular basis?"

Nita shrugged. "It's worth a shot, I think. My old stuff's just cluttering up my duplex, but I didn't want to throw it away. It'd be nice for someone to be able to use it, and I bet lots of people have odds and ends lying around. It could be like a combination of a recycling center and a thrift store... Boxes for different kinds of stuff..."

She trailed off, making mental lists. Wood, plastic, metal, fabric, miscellaneous items.

"I can make signs and organize," Nita offered. "And if you can find someone to bring stuff to you..." The girl was getting enthusiastic in spite of herself. Although her last project had pretty much been put on hold, this would give her something else to think about and be involved with.

"I've got notebook paper and pens of my own, but I can probably find someone with markers. Or paint," she added. Gaius would have paint, at least, and he probably wouldn't begrudge her the use of some.

It was a relief to see Newt so excited; he was so awfully pathetic when he was sad.

"Well, it'll take a few days, at least, for me to get in touch with a couple of people. So not immediately, but I think we've got a good start."

"That'd probably work," Nita told him, unaware of Newt's prior issues with the guards. "The most people would have a better chance of seeing it. Maybe have a notice on that bulletin board, too, and hope word-of-mouth helps."

Nita sighed; yet again it came back to the issue of being no really reliable method of widespread communication in the village. "Oh!" she exclaimed, suddenly reminded. "Richard could put something about it in his newsletter, too." She didn't know how many people actually paid attention to it, but it wouldn't hurt.

"So," she continued. "If you can find boxes, and someone to help transport things, I'll get sign-making supplies and talk to a few people about getting the word out and stuff. And I'll get you a tea-kettle."

Nita grinned her puffy-cheeked grin and eventually managed to reclaim her hands. "You're quite welcome, Newt. I mean it. It gives me something to work on, too, and I've been needing to feel useful."

She looked up at the night sky: the sun had set during their conversation and the cool air was invigorating. Maybe she'd sit out on her porch and write up some lists and plans...

Nita nodded sympathetically. "I know. But this'll help." She pushed herself to her feet, brushing a bit of mud from her pants.

"Well, I think I'll go and see what I can get done. Do you want to meet right around here, say, a week from now? Or you can just stop by my duplex, if you find yourself in the village."

"Good," Nita said. He was definitely making progress. "I'm in Forty-two, and I'm usually around. Oh, and I'm awake more in the evenings, like now."

She reached over for another friendly pat on the back. "I'll see you around, Newt." With that, Nita turned back towards the village. She had lots of work to do.