chapter one
The smell of wood burning woke her as her brother stroked the embers of a new fire he had started the day she wasn’t sure what time it was he always got up before her, so she just accepted it she was about to roll over and go back to sleep when he spoke.
“ Stay awake we got chores, “ he said flatly, not even looking at her
“Noooo… I’m tired. “ She protested “Let me sleep”
“I did, now it’s time to work “She hated his version of letting her sleep just a short time after he woke up, the only stupid rule of the tribe was “ work for a better tribe “ simple and followed by all, even them as kids… and she hated it…
“ We don’t do much anyway but watch the adults what it matters, “ she tried one last time to appeal to her brother to let her sleep and it was true the kids did not work but watched and learned how the adults live so they could find their place for a better tribe…
“Nina, you know how things work.” He said flatly Always to the point she thought he was only a year so older and acted like an adult it always bothered her why doesn’t he get bored and want to play….
Their home was simple, a canvas-like tent there was a fire pit, small bed rolls, and a chest for their belongings the tribes always liked living light with the land,
though she heard stories of those who preferred the city or town life with a set home she only knew this life so couldn’t say what she preferred she wanted to see them through it sounded fun.
They ate a small meal of berries and warm milk heated from the fire they would eat a better meal from the adults making it later.
She reluctantly got dressed in a simple robe, the same as her brother they both were foxkin humanoid beasts
she heard stories of how one time long ago wars were fought over them looking like monsters but as she looked at her brother she thought he was normal.
He had a serious face, always trying to learn red hair same as hers with cute pointy ears and a nice bushy tail why would they think he was a monster?
She got excited and tried to hug her brother, happy he was there, but he pushed her away, indifferently “Stop, we need to see the elder, not play… “That hurt he always was like that she never could get close, and it made her feel wrong just waiting to be loved…
they left soon after with her much more somber. Their home was in an open plain with vast open lands many tribes wandered these plains they tended to shift randomly
she was not sure why but thought she heard rumors it was because of dungeons.? Nobody explains it yet so who knows…
Her brother led her among the camps to the edler the adults tended to ignore them, doing random choirs it was a mix of races which got her excited to see as she loved the variety in people; there were bears, cats, wolves even humans!
They were rare and she always tried to follow them, but they always seemed the same, just no tail and smaller ears sometimes she would see them with a darker color, which she liked.
it reminded her of darker furs but beyond that, they were the same as all the others she wasn’t sure why wars were fought with them for having tails when humans didn’t…. Maybe they hated not having tails that much. A scary thought …
The trip to the edler was a short one she was always in the middle of camps they tended to meet there twice a day, once for the rules of the day and the other for lessons or stories
that she did not like so much the rules… she tried to grab her brother’s hand for comfort, but he shook her off and entered the tent before her, and she dejectedly followed.
The inside was quite large enough to fit twenty people at once there was a fire pit much like there and more random things hand along the sides they smelled pleasant and added a bit of mystery to the place.
The elder was talking to an adult but noticed them enter and the young female foxkin glanced at everything while her older brother was focused and waiting for what they must do.
She was amused by their differences; the brother was so stern he was a perfect example of what the tribe tried to embody: strength and a desire to make the tribe grow stronger.
His sister was a stark contrast in that she did not hate him, just felt troublesome. She was carefree and very loving but selfish in a way.
They both were young, around seven if she remembered right. Their parent died in a monster hunt but saved others, so the village sang their praise for years since that day
but like all things that past in the end it is expected so things went back to normal after that, the kids have since only known the world without them.
“ See that the task is done, please, “She finished addressing the bearkin before he bowed, off to do the task
the kids watched him go, one with wonder, the other indifferent, wanting the task for the day. She smiled and beckoned them closer. The girl feeling emboldened blurted out.
“ How come we always randomly meet just to talk ?”
“Nina, “ the brother chided, and the elder waved him down it was a good question.
“Well, for us to form bonds and keep a system of leadership, we need meetings every day with adults,
to teach the young and make sure the adults always have work, same when we call the kids and check on them, “Nina stared for a bit, then asked her next question.
“Why can’t we just do our own thing? “ Her brother tense at that and she saw the girl wilt as if she did something wrong.
“ Another good question,” the elder said, trying to soothe the tension. The brother was still miffed,
but the sister felt better after being assured she wasn’t dumb. “ Nebo, “ the elder said, addressing the brother “you’re older so know more, be nice to your sister trying to learn “
“ Ok, “ he said he didn’t mind he just wanted her to grow up …
“ Now why we meet is all must gather and learn”
“to how best to serve the tribe.”
“ It’s why we teach you young children”
“ and adults find their place in the various tribes,”
“ which always need new things, “
“so we seek the elders of those tribes to find where we can help, like our motto.”
“ for the tribe “
“ For the tribe, “Nebo said with pride.
“For… The tribe… “Nina repeated with less pride.
The elders were pleased they were learning. ‘ so you are in for a treat! Today, we are gathering all kids aged seven to ten to be tested! “
“For what? “Nina wondered
“ Magic, “Nebo blurted before the elder could speak then, like, ashamed, he interrupted the elder not minding.
“ Yes, magic, the stronger, the higher you place!” the elder said with pride. Nina wondered what was so special about magic and didn’t really care she just wanted to play but asked her next question anyway.
“ What if you have no magic then like we do now? The elder looked pained at that and both nina and Nebo noticed the shift.
They weren’t sure how they felt about that and it made them uncomfortable
the elder were always sure of themselves so this felt wrong to them… she saw how it affected the kids and tried to calm them, but she still felt this was a tougher question to address.
She sighed. “ their no easy answer”
“ you kids are a blank canvas now, “
“But if you stay blank?”
“ It’s… frowned upon that our tribe won’t abandon those weak in magic,”
“ but others will the wolves tribe is little…. Too much into magic, “
“we, too, honor magic,”
“ above all, it is a gift from the gods,”
“ but we don’t abandon those that give to the tribe. “
“It is why we have so many different races with us all are welcome.” Nina pondered those words
“Thier diffrent tribes? “ She asked
“Goodness, yes! Hundreds even. “Nina was shocked.
“So many, I could have a lot of friends then !” her brother frowned but said nothing while the elder laughed.
“Indeed, but they much farther than just this plain,”
“We stay near the city and give to it, “
“and those that are more… ridged”
“ tend to be in the world and stay away from humans.”
“ Why?” the sister asked, full of questions.
The elder said slowly, another touchy topic “They don’t trust humans, especially those with no magic,”
“They feel the gods abandon them,”
“ so they do the same”
“ to those with powerful magic,”
“ they show respect or even reverence.” Nina didn’t understand but nodded anyway.
The elder told them where to meet later and where the test would begin they wished the elder well and left for the day
free till the time needed. Nina tried to play with her brother, but he ignored her,
instead watching and following adults to learn their ways, leaving her feeling alone with nobody.
“ I like your ears “She jumped at the sudden voice and turned to see a young catkin swishing her tail and starting her in the eyes
she had pretty blue eyes and pure white hair with small pointy ears and a long slim tail she was wearing a similar simple dress like hers.
“ Thanks, I like your tail it is so long! “ The girl giggled and swished it at Nina’s face, causing her to laugh so she retaliated by swishing her tail back.
It was much shorter but more bushy, so it was able to slap the girl’s whole face easily though it was a gently brush with no real hate.
Both girls took turns attacking each other while trying to dodge the same fate.
A few adults saw them playing but just left amused, letting the kids play “My name is Teva what’s yours? “
The cat girl asked once they had worn themselves down. Nina, happy to finally have a friend, responded with pride.
“NINA! I also have a brother, nebo,”
“ but he doesn’t like to play.” teva nodded and looked around. “Wait one sec, “ and left beyond a few tents.
Nina was worried her friend left her behind and she was lonely wondering what went wrong when a few moments later she was back with a treat,
little chocolate sticks wrapped in a cloth she offered some to Nina, who eagerly took a few of them
“ We bought them from the city have you had them before?” Nina nodded
“The elder gives them once a week as a treat”
“If we don’t cause trouble. “they ate the treat happily in silence for a while when Nina wondered and asked, “What brought you here? I don’t remember you.”
“Something about magic tests my aunt, the one doing it usually stays and works in a village far away,”
“ but she visits the tribes and tests the kids to help the tribes, when I grow up, I’m going live in that village too”
“Really? Maybe I can go too!”
“Maybe, “ she responded while swishing her tail, focusing on the candy I got to go it was fun let do it again sometime, “
“maybe we will meet at the test? “ Teva said causal
“ Ok, thanks for the treat “She waved goodbye to her new friend as Teva waved back and dashed away to places she knew not.
She eventually found her brother she tried to tell him about her new friend, but he was more interested in where they were supposed to go.
Even after finding the spot in an open area to the far left of their home, past the meal tent he still wasn’t interested,
in hearing about her friend. Which sobered her good mood it wasn’t till that magical voice came back that was she happy once more.
Stolen novel; please report.
“ You made it! “ It was teva and she was just as happy as she was to reunite.
“Yeah, this is my brother !” he nodded but was indifferent otherwise teva noticed his indifference and didn’t push instead focusing on her friend.
“ I had to go see my aunt she made it safe”
“ so I was helping her set up an area for the test. “ Nina looked around beside the fifteen or so kids and random adults she did not see any test area.
“Um… there nothing here? “ Teva laughed
“No, silly, the test is done in the open”
“ well it is done in a church, but for us,”
“ We do it in the open”
“ so kids have room to use magic if they want,”
“ in town or city, it is different, “She grabbed nina hand pointed over there, and pulled her along for a moment
she wanted to bring her brother, but he made no move to follow or looked like he cared she had to accept he would find his way.
Teva effortlessly dodged the random kids talking or adults watching bringing them to the front of the crowd
where she noticed nobody seemed to go further than this point, from there she noticed adults setting up a makeshift open tent with just a top and a small blanket in the middle.
a woman in robes walked to it and sat down “Is that your aunt?” nina questioned Teva nodded and smiled
“She prefers the shade,”
“ It’s why she likes the church being indoors, “
“but she makes the trip out here at least once a year”
“ it is why the age group can vary so much.” Nina nodded, a little nervous about being in the front but happy to have a friend to share it with.
The aunt noticed them after she was settled and whispered something to one of the adults, which caused a chain of events of adults lining the kids into groups she wasn’t sure how, but they managed to be at the front of one of those groups
and were called into the tent first the aunt was covered in a veil so she could not see anything but she did see a black tail gently moving in back nina couldn’t help herself and blurt “ out are you blind? “ Teva laughed and the women gently smiled, seemingly amused too
“ No, I can see just fine,”
“ but I find it easier to use my power if I do hide my eyes “Nina wasn’t sure she understood, and the woman tilted her head, noticing the confusion from Nina.
She reached out a hand to a nearby adult and whispered to him when he moved closer, he nodded and stepped away, then shouted.
‘ The seer is busy; she is not blind, “
“she uses darkness magic to see your magic”
“ by hiding her eyes, “
“if she rushes you, it is not personal”
“ she has many more tribes to visit within the week.” Nina felt embarrassed and looked down she made the seer say that, and she heard a voice break her musing
“I would have him say that either way it’s a common question “She saw the seer lift the veil covering her eyes.
She had black hair and brown eyes like deep earth or a nice leather cloth, she thought before the veil went back down. “I am busy though, ok, so let’s move this along, ok? “
“Ok, Auntie.” Teva moved in front to sit before Nina could react. “My niece first?”
“ A surprise blessing, “she mused before Nina watched closely, wondering how it worked.
When she saw eyes appear in the cloth, she froze, seeing eyes of darkness stare at her friend,
but her friend seemed indifferent after a moment, the eyes turned to her and then faded the seer rubbed her eyes under the cloth and looked a little faint before speaking.
“ You are both blessed, my niece you have level three water be proud of God’s gift.”
Teva got excited and cheered a bit. “Not to downplay your gift, but Nina has a rarer gift,”
“ level four earth…”
“ make sure you see the elder that is rare.” Teva deflated a little and nina felt bad
“ Sorry, “ she did not even care about magic she wanted a friend more
“ It’s ok,”
“ the gods blessed me with high magic”
“It Is Enough “Nina felt relief she wouldn’t lose her friend when the seer spoke up.
“ I do have little time, so please clear away for others. “
“I have more to go, and this will be tiring, “
“so I prefer to finish to rest, “ they both bid farewell, knowing she meant no disrespect.
They played nearby. Nina was happier to be free playing than the result she was special. They had random kids join them, saying their level most were two or one the few levels three were proud, but she did not want to say hers…
It was Teva who did blurt it out, and instead of praise like the level two or three got, they went quiet and avoided her. Why was more power worse?
It took a while for her brother; he was one of the last. When he said his power, she felt bad, level one fire he seemed mostly indifferent till she said her…
He tried to see if she was lying but saw no joy from her and knew she was serious she wondered if this would make him more distant and wanted to give away her power, but it didn’t work that way… an adult approached them leading them to lunch.
It was a somber meal; even her new friend brought her no joy, and mid-meal, it got worse when the news came from a random adult.
“ You, Nina? “ She nodded, not sure what was happening “The elder wishes to see you after lunch.”
“ Can my brother come? “
“There is no reason he cannot “
“in fact, he would probably be called next.” she looked to her brother for assurance but he seemed deep in thought, making her lose what little appetite she had so she asked to break the gloom.
“Should we go now?” He shrugged
“Mit as well “Nina looked toward her friend, who had been mostly quiet since the adult left.
Well, since the seer tent, she felt a little more distant, but that could be her fear… teva saw her starting with a sad face and smiled before breaking the tension.
“ I’m happy for you, really.”
“It’s just I’ve seen this before “
“so I know what’s next,”
“ and we can’t be best friends if it’s true “Nina was shocked at what was happening she was losing her new best friend.
Her brother took her hand before she could ask Teva, surprising her more. He hated holding hands, yet now he was, why?…
“Are you sure? “
“Yes, elder…” She was happy with the answer but upset too it was easier to mold a leader with kids that have a mother and father…
This. Added complication… she believes in choice, but a magic that is that rare? That was the gods saying to make her lead she was sure of it.
She supposed she could cut corners using the brother In place of her parents to guide her he was already fiercely loyal to the tribe’s motto for the tribe.
“Thank you for informing me, ask them to see me as soon as they can; they should be eating now. “ He bowed and left she was surprised by the short amount of time that had passed since he left her tent flap open.
With both kids entering, they looked mildly outplace, unsure of what was to come she smiled to reassure them and beckon them in.
“You’re not in trouble if that’s your fear, children, quite the opposite. “They gained a bit of confidence at that and made their way to sit before her with wonder in their eyes.
“Nina,” she said gently, causing her to flinch, still unsure of what was to come. “You have a very rare gift we… no,”
“ I wish for you to take my place as the next elder when you grow up,”
Nebo expressed shock, as did Nina “Do I have to?” the elder knew she was young and asking too much.
Her brother Nebo, annoyed, spoke up.
“For the tribe… remember?” that caused a pang of guilt for the edler the motto was about the gift of love and giving, not servitude…
“ I will not force you to child”
“ but think about it, “
“you be loved by all and help guide the next generation, “
“I was also going to have your brother “
“be your guardian and help you lead” Nebo brightened at that knowing he had a purpose nina seemed more willing knowing her brother would be with her. “Ok, I’ll try.”
Elder felt pride knowing the kids were blessed and had found a purpose she knew they would grow into the roles it just takes time.
“we will go over the details later for now, enjoy your day much has happened “
Teva hurried to her aunt’s tent she knew she was leaving soon for the next place and wanted to catch her before she left
the tent wasn’t far and was easy to find She casually avoided the adults not that any of them would try to stop her, but it was fun sneaking around.
She peered in the flap when she finally made it to her aunt’s tent, she was indeed inside and had
Her veil off and was packing, she still was wearing the robe from before, not that she thought she had changed and was admiring her swishing black tail as her aunt focused on her trunk.
Not able to stand the suspense, she grabs her aunt’s tail, causing her to scream and jerk around, swishing her now agitated tail, she laughed at her aunt’s face.
“ I got you,” she said while her aunt tried to compose herself then replied with a deep blush upon her young face.
“You little monster… you’re lucky I don’t pull your tail and slap your face!
That caused her to laugh more she knew her aunt would never hurt her, and it was very rare she ever showed anger.
“So why are you here, you little bugger, besides trying to kill me with freight “
She started to fix her hair and try to smooth her tail as if nothing bothered her that sobered Teva up as she was here for more than just fun.
“I made a friend…”
“Is that really why you had to come now to say that? I have eyes and saw her “
“Lovely girl and gifted you done well”
: she can help you later in life I’m sure “She finally calmed her nerves and went back to packing,
ignoring Teva as she was pressed for time and was going to sleep on the trip.
“ We can’t stay friends… well, not best friends” Her aunt paused
“Why dear? Who told you that.”
“ Nobody had to I remember what happened to Mom, “ her aunt frowned at that.
“Your mom made her choice to leave that tribe just like I did,”
“ And you know that it didn’t mean she couldn’t”
“ keep the elder as a friend”
“But they’re not! Teva said, shouting, upset her aunt wasn’t listening
“Teva!” her aunt scowled she sighed. “Listen as we grow up, “
“We make choices”
“ We don’t always stay the same”
“ it is part of life; nobody can force you to be or not be friends that is your choice “
“I don’t believe you, “ teva said dejected
“You know I love you, dear, “
“but it has been a long day”
can we please save this for another time ?”
“Whatever, “ and she left in a hurry away an adult overheard the shouting from before
but stayed out in respect asking from outside the tent
“Everything ok? “ She composed herself for a moment then replied
“Yes thank you”
“ just my niece growing up you know how kids can be “
“Ok just checking “
“Thank you…” She could not hear them but knew they left she wanted to help her niece and calm her fears
but she was assuming too much. People do grow apart and change that….life she could not dwell on this she still had more tribes to go to and then back to the church…
Back in their tent Nina dug in the chest and found a doll to play with happy in the moment while her brother looked for a book to study they each enjoyed their own activity for a bit before Nina spoke
“Nebo, why don’t you like to play?” it always bothered her since she could remember he always would play, then one day just stop… she looked from her doll to see his reaction
he was just starting at his book did he not hear me? She was about to ask again when he spoke
“Do you remember our parents?” She froze at that she kinda did she remembered a happy mom and dad always going out to hunt and loving them, but not much beyond that.
It was almost like they were just a dream she started at her doll, not sure how to answer that…
“I remember them,”
“And I remember the last thing they told us.”
“ No matter what happens,”
“ Always remember the tribe loves you “
“and to love the tribe…” She wasn’t sure what to say to that she did love the tribe, but it didn’t explain why he was so distant. “ I don’t want to be a kid, I don’t want to play…”
“ I want to help the tribe”
“ so I’m always trying to learn.”
“ you do whatever you want”
“ but stop trying to get me to play it annoying “
“Ok…” she said in a low voice, tears in her eyes at least now she knew why her brother wanted different things than her;
she still loved him and wanted to be close,
but it seemed he did not feel the same, at least she had her new friend, though the way the day ended, she wasn’t sure if she even had that…
A few days have passed since the whole magic thing; she felt no different, not really, but all the kids since that day, blessed or otherwise, have been getting more training,
be it reading, writing, or crafts, the elder gave Nina freedom in how she went about directing things.
It was super easy since everyone came to her and she mostly just sat and listened.
People would tell her what they could do and what was missing, and they just fixed it by sending people or getting more things nobody complained, and everyone was eager to do more.
It was odd that nobody wanted to play, true when the choir where done they would gather and celebrate a job well done but it felt wired working to have fun afterward.
Her brother embraced learning to an extreme degree the elder thought he could easily be a tutor or adviser with the way he was learning so much.
She thought she heard him express a desire to travel, which surprised her he never seemed to mind anything so they added merchant books to help him with that.
She wasn’t too sure as she mostly just stayed with the elders and listened to people talk.
The few times she did wander, she was able to play. Most of the kids were busy, but teva, her catkin friend, managed to make time for her, which made her happy she still had that friend.
More time passed in a blur; perhaps it was just a few weeks, but it was different they had been pushing the magic more in kids who had it, especially her…
It wasn’t hard to make it, but it was dull; she did not care about magic the other kids all got excited trying to make it work, but she just wanted to play normal games or at least not feel so isolated.
Her brother often chided her for taking an easy path when she was gifted even her friend wasn’t on her side about the magic she felt it was a gift and worth pursuing… so her life went on much like that.
The gentle rocking of the carriage gave her a blissful dream she was back at the church with grey robs offering her food and pleasant greetings away from the harsh sun
and done with the tedious seeing people magic. She always felt it was wrong that people’s obsession with magic love the people, not the power
KNOCK KNOCK
“Where here, seer the wolfkin have a spot set up for you after you see the elder…”
She awoke from the place she wanted to be, to a place she did not…. “Thank you. I need a minute…” She was rested but still irritated the wolf clan was the last stop before home
unless something went wrong and with them, it tended they were the harshest of judgment.
, anyone born with level one magic tended to be frowned upon, and if zero magic…
As she stepped out, the sun stung her eyes she wasn’t sure if it was her aversion to the sun that made it worse or if her darkness magic preferred darkness…
She could blind her eyes and still see with magic, but it tended to get more stares, and she liked less attention so tried to avoid that.
A nearby worker from the wolfkin saw her exit bowed in greeting and led her to the edler she made it easy and proceeded inside the tent, which was very small versus the last elders.
The Wolfkin tribe believed in need before desire and tended to be minimalist in nature there were few pillows for them to sit she was greeted by the elder and she returned the greeting.
The elder of the wolfkin was a grey fur, sharp-eyed woman she was very blunt and cared not about haggling.
The only time she saw them bend as if someone was high level in magic, they seemed to worship it almost as much as the gods…
“It’s good you here “
“We have a few pups we are hopeful about.”
though the elder said it causally she still flinched she knew what happened to those who did not meet the expectations.
“You know it does not have to be only one way? “ She tried reasoning
“With all due respect, seer.”
“ We need your eyes, not your wisdom.” She knew it would be a losing battle to argue her feelings it wasn’t the first time, but if it happened it wouldn’t be the last…
The talk remained formal they fed her and she went to the spot to test the kids there were not as many she counted seven.
They tended to try to breed for magic and were very selective about who got to do it… when she looked at the kids she did not see the joy and wonder she saw uncertainty.
As if they even had a place to call home… she wanted to lie and say they all were blessed but it only hurt their lives more when they could not do magic later…
A single line awaited her, and they stepped forward she put on her veil she wasn’t happy but spoke quickly, scanning each in turn.
Level two water next.
Level two wind next.
Level one Earth next.
The kids went by with no questions, getting their judgment, she missed the more carfree tribe.
Even if it was more tiring dealing with those joyous kids she was getting almost all the kids done so far with no issues, she was feeling better this might end better.
Level three fire next
Level one water next
It amazed her that all blessed so far perhaps the gods felt kind today.
Level… zero next
Level… zero…
Two and both the last ones, she felt really bitter knowing that they listened to all be told they had magic and would stay but not them when she looked upon the kids,
they did look defeated and unsure what to do, they also noted the pride of being part of the tribe from everyone else but them…
“It’s ok,” she tried to reassure them “I handled cases like this before you do have options.” The female wolfkin looked at her hopeful
“So we can stay? “ That broke her heart and she was glad for the veil hiding her tears.
“No…” it was the male wolfkin “Remember what mom said, “
“Only those with magic are worth keeping…” She hated hearing a child speak those words but the wolfkin where that extreme your worth was only in magic…
“Come on,”
“ will gather your things and go” The male wolfkin shook his head and then spoke
“ Dad said if we didn’t pass,”
“ We take nothing, that’s what we are worth,”
“That’s what we leave with.” She really wanted to stop the cycle this tribe made, but it was not her place. The best she could do was keep rescuing the abandoned.
She was tempted to see the elder before leaving but knew it was pointless she would already know the result and want the …
issues are taken care, of so she guided the kids to the carriage it would be a long ride
The rocking of the carriage which lulled her to sleep before now was just a reminder that she had kids
and she needed to arrange a place for them, not pitying the children, she made small talk, “What are your names? “
“Rock, “ the boy said
“Zylia, “ the girl said she smiled at that
“My name is Seer “They both looked confused before she gave a small laugh” It was what everyone called me after my eyes could read magic.”
“ it went on for so long that I just adopted the name simple, “
“what about you, rock?”
“ Is their story to your name? “ He shrugged and stared into the distant
“ Dad wanted a strong male”
“ so named me rock, hoping the gods would agree and bless me…”
“Aha well you are strong like stone even with no magic “ she tried to comfort “You zylia? Thier story for your name also? “ She thought for a moment then replied
“I don’t think so”
“Mommy just said it was my name. “There was silence for a bit after that before a voice spoke once more from zylia.
“ Are you blind?”
“ Was that why you were the viel?” she laughed at the innocence of the question, happy their still little life in the pups.
“It just helps me see with magic if not,”
“ I tend to use my eyes too much,”
“ and it is harder to see people’s magic.” A quiet fall once more, but a question needed to be asked, “Do you want to join a new beast tribe, one where all are welcome?”
“No..” Rock said flatly surprising her and zylia just stayed quiet
“May I ask why?”
“ Prefer something else if we can choose; if not, it doesn’t matter…” she guessed he lost faith in the tribes because of how harsh the wolfkin tended to be in their raising.
“Well, their a city with a church that takes all”
“ my church. It is much farther and is not as well equipped, but it is also an option.”
“ I like the city, “zylia said
“You have never been…” Rock retorted
“I can still like it….” She replied
She was amused at their banter but had the final say so she told them they would go there and see how we felt,
if not, we could always detour back to a tribe or her smaller village. She hated the extra traveling, but it was for the kids.
And with that, the rest of the trip gently rolled on.