Chapter four


    She was back home in the church she was happy after the endless ordeal dealing with orphans it wore her down he niece was visiting, which brought her joy.


    “I don’t know why you always like things to be dark.”


    “ Are you trying to be mysterious?”


    “ It’s not working, ‘’her niece said while flicking her tail, annoyed at the setting, she flattened her eyes in response.


    “This is my room, don’t you have someone else to bother? “ She was regretting looking forward to this visit she somehow forgeting her neice enjoyed the light too much…


    “Yea, yea, crabby.”


    “ Here, I brought you some food from Mom. “She handed her a small basket with random fruit.


    “Thank you, wish your mother well for me “


    “Do it yourself you’re not stuck here “She ignored the request tail still swishing she was wondering why her niece was so annoyed that wasn’t like her…


    “Well?”


    “Well, what? Her niece replied raising a brow.


    “You going say who stepped on your tail or keep acting like I’m the problem “She flattened her ear in response and narrowed her eyes before deflating


    “Sorry, I just not been happy since we came here, I got no friends…”


    “ You had that fox girl, Nina, Was it? Why not write her? “Again, she flattened her ears and looked away.


    “ She not my friend anymore…” that surprised her.


    “Why?”


    “She going to be an elder,”


    “We can’t stay friends like that and it’s not the same…”


    “ I want a friend, “


    “not a pen pal that pities me.” She walked around the room it was basic but cozy, a small bed with a desk and a window, but it was covered to reduce light and a mage light  she ran her hand over the desk “You really need dust more…”


    “ I haven’t had time…”


    “Or you’re lazy “ she smiled while swishing her tail her aunt narrowed her eyes and though sitting her tail started to swish.


    “You’re pushing your luck, and my love for you dear niece, if I did not pity you I would not be so nice…


    “Sure, “ she casually stretches while taunting her aunt who did pity her niece and knew she went from a tribe full of kids all helping and loving to a village of random adults with random kids sectioned off, it wasn’t the same.


    “Will see if we can get you some work maybe the inn or the church?


    “Gods no, not the church, she protested. “She was amused at her niece the church was wonderful she just did not see how nice it was.


    “The church teaches kids you can try visiting then? “


    “Maybe…” With that, the visit came to a quiet end with casual talks.


    The day started earlier than he knew, he was always used to everyone being up and food being made before he got up,


    Len woke him up early saying he needed to help get things ready if he wanted to join the adults


    he did not like it but agreed this was what he asked for the work involved a lot of packing random things for the shop.


    he knew Dad would gather supplies from barter and trades but never knew the details len said it was mostly herbs and meats, some furs that they also bartered, and other things


    they tended to use coins especially if anyone was passing threw their town as the last stop before a major journey into unknown places.


    He ended up asking if they got a lot of outside trade. Len said not really, as there was another bigger town that was a crossroad to the kingdom. Their home area was more of a branch that expanded out for wood and hunting.


    . It helped to be close to the lake as it also made it a minor attraction for others wanting a little adventure while still being close to the city.


    It was tiring loading up the cart and packing random items.


    They were able to eat breakfast afterward; it was odd knowing some of the things that he slept through.


    Len held him tight as they boarded the wagon, and kept close to him for warmth.


    Mom said before they left, she would stop by later with lunch as Dad slapped the reigns, the adventure was off the tree he stared out at in the yard, slowly moving forward to the world he knew and then beyond;


    Maybe it was waking up early or the rumble of the road, but he soon fell asleep, being held by his sister. he was not sure how much time had passed as he was gently woken up by his sister brushing his hair and saying he got get up, we still have the cart to clear.


    He was not happy that this was his new adventure but did not complain and helped unload the various items into the shop. It surprised him when two random fox-like humans started helping he had never seen anyone with pointy ears or tails and could not help but stare.


    “You must be wolf? Your father mentioned you the other day “ he was tall and slim with a serious face he wasn’t sure how to respond.


    “Don’t be rude, brother,”


    “yes his name is Wolf”


    “ I forgot he hasn’t seen many beastkin, “The man smiled and nodded, going about unloading the cart, not minding his lack of response, the girl, noticing his wonder, jumped in to share the moment.


    “I’m nina. “She was kinda pretty with red hair and a wagging tail, which confused him.


    How anyone could do that? He had never seen a tail on a human before so he watched it wag she saw his attention and wag more in response.


    “Stop being rude brother”


    “ Mom raised you better than that “ his sister chided


    “Sorry, it’s just a bit much “The girl stopped wagging her tail at that.


    “Sorry, I’ll get back to work” and left past the male foxman causing him to flatten his ear as she left.


    “Don’t mind my sister”


    “she can be overfriendly but means well. “ he wasn’t sure what he did wrong he had been a little too reserved, but it was all happening faster than he could process.


    “No, I was rude,”


    “ You’re still humans…um, I didn’t catch your name?”


    “It’s Nebo, and as I said that was my sister “ he looked into the distance she was stock items looked downcast even though she had been happy a moment ago.


    He knew his sister wanted to chide him more instead went and consoled nina he did not want to make things worse, so focused on unloading.


    Despite the work and waking up early nothing really happened after that incident, which surprised him he thought the shop would be getting hundreds of people with all the things they brought.


    Len smiled and explained normally, that things started quiet, and that when nina came edging back, trying to get close, her mood seemed better even though she had been upset before.


    “Sorry I was rude, you seem like a nice person.” He tried being nice. Her tail wagged, and her ear perked up at that she quit trying to hide herself, getting close and jumping close instead.


    “It’s ok!”


    “ Where new here too!”


    “ I had a friend that came here before me “


    “I have not seen her in a while, so I was hoping to make new friends or even a new family!”


    The words came quickly and threw him off, causing his sister to laugh a bit she was definitely a happy person he thought as conversations carried on more casually it was nice.


    But it quickly got boring again when nothing really happened it felt like being trapped in the house once more… this was not what he wanted, his sister tried to say this was normally what she did.


    The few times they wondered or gathered herbs was her break from work, he felt bad that he assumed she was going on a grand adventure leaving him behind so he told her so.


    “Sorry, Len, I thought you were always exploring without me she giggled at that.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    “Nonsense brother, you make the adventure fun “


    “Truly gathering herbs bore me”


    “ it is you running around that keeps me on my toes that makes it more enjoyable.” Nina heard that and wanted to be included chim in.


    “ I love gathering my brother too!”


    “ Well, he’s more into reading or doing more boring work.” She looked lost in thought as she said that. Nebo was in the back checking inventory but she was speaking loud enough that he heard and replied his view.


    “I’m more a bookworm or merchant but I don’t mind gathering herbs”


    as he thought of replying, Dad who was randomly overseeing the few customers who were shopping, decided to chime in


    “ I told you before”


    “ We kept you at home because we were off to work,”


    “ and it was for your own good, work is work.” he deflated a bit at that, but Dad said a moment later.


    “But you worked hard and did not break anything.” That surprised him to want to defend himself.


    “ Why would I break anything ?! “


    “You have in the past.”


    “ We used to always bring you to the shop,”


    “ but you pulled Radom items too much and were a hazard risk to yourself and the shop. “Nina laughed at that, embarrassing him.


    “NO! “He was refusing to accept blame for something he could not remember, len smiled and tried to be a peacemaker.


    “ it was a few years ago”


    “ you were still barely walking it was no big deal” he still felt attacked and did not like how he had no way to defend himself.


    Dad spoke up after that, “What I meant is you helped and saved us time when your mother gets here with food,”


    “ we can watch the shop if you want, search near the lake for herbs”


    “ Really? both he and his sister said dad smiled and replied


    “Yes “They both grabbed and hugged him he laughed and was happy too he acted stern at times but he loved his family dearly.


    He felt a little depressed at that moment they had been pushed a little much and never complained well Leena never complained he sighed silently to himself


    the new fox kin had helped a lot and he was happy they had been looking for work he did need a helping hand with supplies.


    it also gives the kids more time to find themselves, it was then he noticed nina fidgeting nearby


    “Can I go too? “ He did not see why not he looked to Nebo who also was nearby he looked indifferent to the matter but still spoke.


    “I would like to stay and keep working in the shop you have a few records I like to review “ he nodded gratefully he wanted to work on that and spoke to address nina.


    “ my kids like you and I got no problem you joing them in that. “ She beamed and jumped up and down.


    “Thank you” Leena seemed happy to have her along Wolf was indifferent.


    Some time passed after that small bout of excitement with Len, Wolf, and nina playing tag in the shop, after some time Dad gave stern looks but said nothing though they did take the hint


    and did not want to ruin their good time, mom brought sandwichs that made everyone happy she was told about the plan to let them gather herbs, and approved


    as Wolf hug and kiss his mom and dad goodbye they quickly rush off to the real adventure.


    Mom yelled after them to stay safe and be home before the setting sun as dad watched them go Elinor smiled as she watched her kids and the fox girl go.


    “ so dear what changed? “


    “We never talked about letting kids go play early”


    “That’s not like you, not that I disapprove, just wondering.” he held her in an embrace, then kissed her gently, and she smiled “You did not answer my question? “


    “no,  I did not. “with a grin she gave him a light smack on his chest and pulled away.


    “ so you going to talk or do I have to make you ?”


    “tempting but no need, I’ll talk there growing up and the world bigger than our little village.”


    “ I fear one day they will want to explore it, and really get hurt”


    “I’ve been to a city, I’ve been to a dungeon,”


    “ And I’ve seen magic that many here still don’t believe,”


    “ even though it is common elsewhere. “


    “I notice business picking up not just from explorers but those interested in expanding beyond the city…”


    “ I just think we should plan ahead “


    “Leena doesn’t complain but don’t think she or Wolf wants to run our shop. So let them find what they do want.”


    Elinor thought to herself amused while slowly fixing her husband’s shirt


    “I thought you be more stubborn”


    “but nice to see the wise handsome man I married”


    “Know how not only to treat a lady but his kids.” she looked up into his eye and he looked away blushing.


    “ if you say so, my fair lady, “ while she leaned into him to enjoy the rest of their day before evening.


    Finally free! With joy after all the hardship he endured, it finally felt like it paid off as they ran down the street enjoying the sight,


    and all the people he never really knew were here in the village


    some frowned at their passing but the majority ignored them as kids playing.


    It took a bit of time but they managed to make it to the lake wolf was really tired from the day and asked if he could rest leenia used to the busy days was fine and did not mind.


    She agreed to him resting while she explored for herbs with nina nearby she made sure to stress not to wander as anything could happen with the world full of magic.


    Wolf agreed though he did not believe her thinking she was using that as an excuse to make sure he stayed. As he was catching his breath watching her and nina scout nearby for any easy herb,


    he admired their strength and how they were able to keep going, he watched her for a while till they wandered past deeper into the trees beyond the lake.


    The calm of it all overwhelmed him a bit. Everything was new and different; he looked out at the lake’s clear still waters, amazed at how his hometown had had such wonders.


    The lake itself was vast and clear. Till some fisherman in the distance caught his eye. so he waved and shouted, “Hello! “ They must been sleeping because they jerked slightly, then looked into the distance, saw him, and gave a small wave before going back to sleep fishing.


    He laughed at that when he heard Leena’s voice coming from behind. “Who were you talking to, brother? “


    The fisher over there, I’ve never seen them before.” She looked into the distance and saw them in the same spot as before: lazy fishing


    “ I think I’ve seen them before,” nina stated while studying them, swishing her tail and trying to get a better look.


    “ Me too,” Leena agreed.” They tend to stop by for supplies if it’s them Their brothers moved into town a few months back”


    “ Really?” he replied, learning something new how many people are there?


    Leena thought,” I’m not sure. A few hundred, at least probably more? Never tried counting them”


    Wow, we have a lot of people! “


    “Not really, crossroad town has a thousand or more last I heard it still growing “Nina grabbed him from behind and added her thoughts.


    “And you should see  the city people everywhere it was too much for me so I left.”


    He could not imagine that many people and just said,” You’re both amazing for knowing so much” Leena ruffled his hair and handed him some herbs to hold.


    “Hold these for me I think I found some berries but heard you yell so came back.


    OK! he was excited it was a rare treat when she brought berries


    “Hey me too! “ Nina also rushed to join her leaving him holding the random herbs waiting,The herbs she brought were a mix of a few spices maybe they could be used for dinner tonight he watched the lake once more while he waited Leena came back soon after.


    “ wish I brought something to carry these with, I forgot in the excitement of an early day she looked in the distance for a moment before continuing.” how about this, we enjoy these Berries now”


    “ and the view, “


    “then we picked some more for Mom, Dad, and Nebo, as she gave him the rare treasure of the sweets.


    Nina plopped down near him, annoying him slightly she was really friendly but always smiling,


    so he did not mind much. His sister was also near him, enjoying the moment. The remainder of the day seemed to pass quickly as he told them about his desire for adventure.


    Nina loved it, and she listened closely to his story his sister though was more focused on things that still needed to be done when they went home.


    The trip back to the shop was just as tiring for him, but he managed while nina told of her adventures coming to this town.


    When they made it to the shop, they shared their bounty. Nebo did not care for sweets but thanked us anyway.


    Mom and Dad enjoyed it much more as it was time to close shop we wished the foxkin well with promises to nina to do it again another time with Nebo more focused on working much like his sister…


    Back home during the evening meal, he retold their adventure to his parents. Leena thinking over her brother asked about setting some time for Wolf to play with Coby,


    but Dad frowned despite the good day, he had his dad sour it by reminding him there would be more work,


    before playing, he nodded in understanding and ended the day’s adventure.


    Tired he was very tired why did he have to wake up early again leena woke him the same as before she said today would be easier but they still needed to tend the shop before any crowds.


    He grumbled, “What crowds? “ but she ignored him as they started their day. They made it to the shop easily and to his surprise,


    Nebo was already straight back, ready to work with alert ears, then there was nina, who looked tired with flat ears and a dipped tail, but she perked up when she saw him and wagged her tail a bit.


    “Morning, wolf! “


    “Moring, you’re both here early “


    “YEA! Brother said if we wanted to prove ourselves,”


    “ got to keep showing up early. “Her brother flattened his ear at that, not liking private talks said so openly, but Dad approved and thanked them for being so diligent.


    But just like he thought this morning, nothing was happening… in fact, Leena, Dad, and Nebo were doing all the work while he watched.


    Every time he tried to help, they already had it done, or he was getting in the way, even nina was keeping busy with small tasks, humming to herself…  was this really work? Bored he hated he had nothing, and could do nothing… dad taking pity on him said


    “ you see that shelf in the corner?” he knew it well,  he saw it repeatedly in his boredom, it had a few minor displayed items. “Well, clear that shelf and you’re done for the day.”


    That surprised his mom had not even come yet so it was even earlier he got excited but then asked.


    “what about len? I can’t go without her?” Dad replied.


    “ I was going to let nina take you home and come back. She used to travel” he was heartbroken that not even two days passed and he was no longer needed.


    Dad noticed his mistake and changed how he said it.


    “ I meant you can help your mother bring us food then you all can play afterward “Leena smiled at that and he felt he had a mission only he could do.


    So he cleaned the shelf of Random items while Nina later told him stories on the way home  Mom was surprised to see them and was already leaving the house.


    He was not used to all the walking and was getting tired and wanted to rest. Nina said she could stay with him but he did not like feeling like a burden but gave in quickly as he really did need to rest.


    Why was everyone else so full of energy Before his mom left she hugged and kissed him leaving them a small meal.


    He showed his house off to nina, who took everything in with excitement he enjoyed her company a little but she was much too happy for a normal house.


    He took his food to the room which he left on a counter he asked nina if he could be alone for a bit as he wanted to rest she agreed easy enough and he thought he just take a little nap and slept before he even knew it happened. he awoke to an unknown amount of time passing the meal still wrapped beside his bed.


    “nina? “ He was worried she left or got bored waiting for him.


    “ I’m still here “She rushed into the room with a smile on her face “So you’re awake? “


    “Yeah sorry, still getting used to so much travel “


    “It’s ok! Are we going to eat? “ He was surprised she did not eat without him while waiting, he finally opened the wrapped food to see some bread, cheese, and fruit.


    Which he shared with nina and they both ate happily. But Wolf couldn’t help but wonder at the odd pair here.


    “Why did you come to this village?” she was happily shaking her tail, but after that, it stopped, and her ears pressed down a bit he wondered if he should not have asked that.


    “It’s not really a secret we…I kind of ran away'' he was not sure how to respond to that she did not look that old nor that young either; she reminded him of his sister in age. She went on as he was lost in thought.


    “I was supposed to be an Edler,”


    “but I did not want a tribe worshiping me”


    “ so I left, “


    “and then we went from place to place looking for a home”


    “ I did have another friend here I hadn’t seen yet”


    “ but we grew distant so they might not want to see me anyway….”


    “Won’t they come for you? “ She laughed at that


    “I say I ran away,”


    “ but I still got the elder blessing to leave”


    “ Nothing was ever forced on me”


    “ but I also never felt I had a choice”


    “ but this is my choosing “Her ears were down and she seemed defeated he wasn’t sure how to comfort her.


    “Well you’re here now “


    “and my sister likes you so that should be enough” She laughed at that


    “Yeah, it is, “ as they ate in silence


    The trip back to the shop was still tiring, but Nina kept his mind off it as they made their way back,


    His sister was worried they were gone for a while, even with Mom assuring them they were okay.


    He asked his sister why she didn’t come looking for him and she got a sly smile.


    saying she wanted him to have time alone with his new friend…


    he wasn’t sure what she was hinting at, but it annoyed him and made Nina blush. His nap wasn’t that long, it seemed since it was only a little later in the afternoon,


    Dad ended up talking to Nina and Nebo, letting them know they could keep working full-time, which made them both happy dad, he also insisted they camp near their home since their now official  employees Overall, it was a good day, and he looked forward to what was to come