Aside from Yujiro and Hiroko occasionally stopping by, mainly to discuss a guard rotation, no one really spoke to Ves. This left her largely with the silent company of Alice. Not that anyone in the group was particularly talkative. Everyone knew how dangerous these woods could be, so conversation was kept light. Add on the exhaustion of the journey itself, and most people immediately fell asleep anytime they stopped to rest. The only notable conversation she had was with the Elder of the clan, Setsu. The old woman seemed to be the de facto leader. Still, the conversation was largely a series of platitudes of thanks for Ves’s help.

  It took another two days before the group was able to meet up with the larger group of dragonewts. Even after they arrived, aside from many brief tearful reunions, most just collapsed, sleeping through the rest of the day and night. Ves honestly wanted to leave right away, but Nell convinced her to stay at least until they could get Yujiro or Hiroko to show them the way back to their corner of the forest. When the next day finally came, the group was left with one crucial question.

  What now?

  It was decided to leave that question until after breakfast. Though supplies were limited, they managed to take a fair amount from the slaver’s base. While the food was being prepared, the dragonewt Elder Setsu had been kind enough to offer Ves a bucket of water and a private place in a tent to clean up. To which she was eternally grateful, being caked in blood was not a good time. Nor did it help with the wary looks the dragonewts kept giving her.

  “What should we do now?” Ves asked while trying to dig out a piece of gore stuck in her claw.

  ‘I get the feeling you want to leave.’

  “A little, these people are strangers to us and us to them. You can see the fear in their eyes.”

  ‘True, but they also have been polite, not like anyone has said something to us directly.’ Nell said with a more positive tone.

  “They don’t need to say anything when they are ushering their children to hide as we draw near…”

  ‘I’m sorry I pushed you into staying as long as we have, but it's borderline a miracle we have made it this long. Neither of us has a clue how to survive in the forest. If it doesn’t work out, we can always leave.’

  “Fine…” Ves grumbled.

  “Umm, pardon me,” a voice called out as the head of a dragonewt woman poked into the tent. It was the woman who had helped in the fight against the cultivator, Ryuko.

  As soon as she saw Ves was naked, she quickly withdrew. “Ah, I’m so sorry, I didn’t know you were still cleaning up. Elder Setsu asked I bring you some clean clothes. I’ll just leave them here,” the woman fumbled out quickly.

  “Don’t worry about it. Also, thank you.” Ves replied before she looked down at the clothing and realized a problem.

  “Actually, I hate to ask this, but would you mind helping me get dressed. My claw gets in the way, and I really don’t want to rip the clothes by accident.” Ves asked, she had been able to put on the wolf shawl and shirt Yujiro made with relative ease, but putting on real clothes made from far more delicate material was a very different situation.

  “Umm, if you’re sure… I don’t mind…” the woman replied.

  “It's fine, we’re both women anyway,” Ves said to put her at ease.

  Hesitantly, she entered the tent, and Ves couldn’t help but notice the woman’s flushed cheeks and how her eyes wandered to far more than Ves’s claw. A rather unexpected side to the warrior who fought at her side only a few nights prior. Even still, despite her embarrassment, the woman diligently helped Ves get dressed. Thankfully, the sleeves were pretty wide, and they could slip her claw through.

  “Oh… umm, your Ves right or is it, Nell?” the woman, Ryuko, stammered out before adding, “My brother and Hiroko explained your situation to a few of us, including Elder Setsu.”

  Ves was annoyed about that. Yujiro had no right to tell others her secrets. Still, she couldn’t blame the dragonewts for being cautious. And it was tough to stay mad when his sister was this awkwardly adorable.

  “It’s Ves right now. However, Nell is always listening. We just take turns.”

  Ryuko nodded in response, not sure what to say.

  With Ves properly dressed, Ryuko led them out into the camp for some food. As they walked through the camp, Ves took notice of the various inhabitants.

  The largest by far were the dragonewts. Roughly eighty or so individuals. From what she had gathered, they were refugees displaced by a war in the south. Apparently, the group had been larger, but between monster attacks and the slavers, many, mostly the fighters, didn’t make it.

  The second group was an extended family of foxkin traders who had joined the dragonewts. Also from down south, they were attacked and lost almost all their wares before being saved by the dragonewts. Left with few options, they decided to travel with them.

  Lastly, the handful of miscellaneous captives rescued alongside the dragonewts from the salver’s base that didn’t belong to either of the prior groups, mostly humans. All were unfortunately already contracted. Like Ves, they had no option to return to civilization, as they would be captured on sight.

  Ves did notice that not being covered in blood and properly dressed helped ease the reactions from anyone she passed. More wary than fearful. After breakfast, Ves was invited to talk about the next steps for those gathered. While everyone gathered around to listen, only a few were selected to represent the various groups.

  Sitting around in a circle were Elder Setsu, an older-looking foxkin with a graying beard, the long-eared pale woman, and finally, Ves.

  “Thank you, everyone, for sitting down here to discuss what comes next,” welcomed Setsu as she greeted the others with a warm smile.

  “Before we begin, introductions are likely in order. My name is Setsu, an elder and wise woman of our clan, Medow Scale. We were forced to flee our homes due to the war in the south. Being that our people are descended from dragons, we decide to risk seeking the protection of the flight known to roost in these mountains.” Ves was still shocked that these people wanted to seek out the dragons. Never in her life had she heard a story about dragons that cast them as anything but the villain.

  As he stroked his gray beard, the foxkin spoke up.

  “Suppose it’s my turn then. My name is Farren, my family were traveling merchants who, like Elder Setus’s people, were caught up in the war. Elder Setsu was kind enough to take us in. While we technically have a fair amount of coin held in banks to the south, with the war, it was too dangerous to try to reach them. Leaving us to become effectively paupers. If we can settle down, we would like to resume trade. This forest is a veritable gold mine.”

  Farren, having said his piece, gestured to the pale long-eared woman. Now that Ves had a chance to get a good look at her, she was a strange one. Only slightly larger than a human child, with limbs just long enough that it felt off. Add in large eyes and long ears like an elf, and Ves honestly had no idea what to make of the woman.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  The woman simply sighed. “I’m not really sure why I am here, but the others picked me to represent the other captives. Name is Xeeta.”

  Setsu spoke up. “I don’t mean to be rude, but what race are you? Are you an elf?”

  Xeeta let out an annoyed sigh. “No, I’m not an elf, I’m a Voss. My people hail from the sunless realm. I came up to the surface to study when I was captured and forced into this fucking collar. Been stuck up here for a few years now. And before you ask, no, I’m not a child, and I’m likely older than most of you. You surface dwellers are just too damn tall.”

  Ves could see some chastised looks among the audience. Apparently, many had thought just that.

  “What were you studying? While I have heard of your people, I have never met one. I didn’t think they wanted much to do with the surface.” Farren asked.

  “That’s true, which is why I’m up here. I want to see examples of architecture on the surface. See your stone work. The Voss are too isolated and too set in their ways. I needed a new environment for inspiration.”

  “Are you a craftsman of some sort?”

  “Yep, a stone smith,” Xeeta responded while Farren grinned. If Ves had to guess, he picked up on something she and the others hadn’t. Before she could ask, it was her turn to introduce herself. Everything became quiet as all eyes were now on her. “Ok, this feels really awkward. I’m also not really sure why I am here. As you can see from my forehead, I’m also an escaped slave”.

  Setsu shook her head. “My condolences. Yujiro mentioned it to us. Such a barbaric practice. I suppose I should be thankful the magic that cursed you seems to be unique to the Kohdessian royal family.”

  That was news to Ves, “Wait, it is?”

  This time, Farren spoke up. “That is correct, while contract magic is taken to an extreme in Kohdessia, it does exist in other parts of the world. The brand, however. I have never heard of anyone besides the royal family possessing it or anything similar.”

  Xeeta turned to Ves. “I’m honestly impressed you managed to escape.”

  “It was pure fluke, to be honest. I was separated from my current owner during an accident. I’ve been hiding out in the forest ever since. Can’t order me to return if he can’t find me.” Ves paused for a moment before continuing, “Also, not really sure how to explain this, but as a few of you already learned last night, I share my body with another. Her name is Nell.”

  The Farren and Xeeta looked at Ves in confusion, while Setsu looked troubled.

  “Yujiro had mentioned that to me. When you say that, you don’t mean something like another personality but literally another living being, correct? I assumed you wanted to keep that secret.”

  “It’s not really a secret when he already told some of you. Besides,” Ves raised her claw, “It’s not like I can hide that I’m not entirely human.”

  “Fair enough,” Setsu replied.

  “But yes, her name is Nell. She is also the one who gave me this right arm. To replace one I nearly lost.”

  For a brief moment, Ves’s expression changed from a more awkward one to that of calm as Nell took over. “It is a pleasure to meet you all,” before switching back.

  With that, Farren spoke up. “I hate to be rude, you say not human, so what are you?”

  “While I was born human, now I don’t really know…” Ves said, unsure how much she should say.

  “-and Nell is only a few weeks old herself. So she is even more clueless as to her own origins.”

  Setsu spoke up. “While you are an enigma, you are also the one who helped rescue us. So, I won’t pry any further.” She smiled before adding, “Besides, Yujiro and Hiroko both vouch for you, and that is reason enough for me to welcome you.”

  “Thank you,” Ves nodded with relief.

  “Back on topic, my people plan to start a new life here. As to immediate plans, we would like to set up at least semi-permanent structures to live in and hopefully start a new village so long as the dragons don’t object.”

  After that, Farren added, “And my family plans to join them, at least until the war is over, but it’s anyone’s guess how long that will be or if there will be anything to return to. So for the time being, we will help get this new village set up, then down the road, start trading for supplies.”

  Then Setsu gestured over to Xeeta. “What about yourselves?”

  Xeeta looked a bit awkward before she asked, “We hate to impose, but after talking amongst ourselves, we would like to ask if we could stay with your people for the time being. While a few have lives to return to, they don’t have the means or coin to do so, at least not safely. Not to mention, we are all contracted.”

  Bowing her head towards Setsu, “So I ask of you, please let us stay. With my skills, I can promise I would be a major help in getting a new village up and running, even if we build it out of wood. In my homeland, I majored in Structural engineering, I even have a minor in art”.

  Farren stroked his beard. “Oh, that would be most welcome. From what stories I have heard, your people are some of the best stone smiths in the world. Enough so that more than a few ambitious surface dwellers have traveled to study with your people.”

  Setsu looked down at the bowing woman. “Please raise your head, we would be honored to have you and yours join us. It is we who humbly request you to aid us in creating a new safe haven for us all.” With that, both Setsu and Farren bowed their own heads towards Xeeta.

  Xeeta smiled, “Thank you, it will be my pleasure. I always welcome a challenge, and setting up a village out here certainly will be one.”

  Lastly, Setsu turned to Ves. “And what of your own plans?”

  Ves scratched her head. “Honestly, Nell and I hadn’t thought that far ahead. It was an accident that we both ended up out here. Being that we also can’t return to civilization, our whole focus so far has been survival. With no thought to anything after.”

  “In that case, I have a proposition,” Setsu spoke up with a gentle smile.

  Ves looked Setsu in the eyes, wary, “And that is?”

  “Join us. You two are strong, and most of our fighters were lost or injured getting this far. In turn, we will help you in whatever way we can. Based on your prior attire, I assume you are severely lacking in day-to-day necessities. That is something we can assist with, especially after we get a community going and trade established.”

  Ves was taken aback by the offer, especially when many of the group still looked upon her with a tinge of fear.

  “I… I don’t know what to say. I didn’t expect you would want anything to do with me.” Ves said, adding, “I’m pretty sure this claw alone scares quite a few people.”

  Setsu just shook her head and smiled, “It is simply a weapon. It matters how you use it. Our people don’t fear Hiroko for his Axe or Yujiro for his bow.”

  “This is different…” Ves said softly.

  Setsu shook her head, “Yes and no, but people will always fear the unknown. So, stay with us and be no longer unknown.”

  Ves took a deep breath. “Would you mind giving me a bit to decide. I would also need to discuss this with Nell before making any decisions.”

  “That is entirely understandable. Please take your time.”

  With that, the others got up and began to try to organize the collective, taking stock of who was left and what they were skilled in, etcetera. In contrast, Ves walked to a quiet spot and climbed a tree to take a moment to think.

  “What do you think?” she asked Nell.

  ‘While I am also a bit surprised, I think it’s a good offer. Strong as we may be, we are painfully lacking in the skills and knowledge needed to survive out here.’

  “You have a point. We still have no idea how to hunt or track. I would also hate to go back to crudely wrapping ourselves in furs. How I missed real clothes.” Ves said while feeling the warm fabric against her skin. The garment was simple but very comfortable.

  “But even then, I’m still wary. You see how many of them look at us in fear. We are a monster to many of them. Let alone the risk of bounty hunters. They will be able to tell I’m still alive. Someone will come for me. Likely sooner than later. I can’t imagine dragging these people into that.”

  ‘I understand, but I also know you really want to help them. Setsu’s words had some merit. So how about this?’

  ‘We explain the risks, and if they are ok with them, then we help them out. If things go badly, we can always leave for better or worse, like Setsu said. We are much stronger than them. They couldn’t stop us if they wanted to, as much as I hope it doesn’t come to that.’

  “I suppose you’re right.” Decision made, Ves jumped from the tree, slightly surprised that she could hardly feel it despite falling over ten feet.

  After a few moments, she found Setsu, and the two sat down in private in a tent as Ves outlined her concerns.

  Setsu took a moment to think before responding, “Hmm, let’s unpack that in order. First off, while I appreciate your concern, I believe bounty hunters would be a problem whether you were here or not. As there is a high chance, they would stumble upon us even if you left. It already happened once. At least if you stay, you could help us, and we could help you.”

  “As to your concern with your presence scaring others… as much as I wish I could say otherwise, you are correct. To be frank, you are a significant unknown to us. Whereby, your own admission, you’re not even sure what you are. That said, I stand by my prior words. Then let us not forget that you saved us with no thought of reward. That means a lot and says much about you as a person. As well as having Yujiro and Hiroko vouch for you. In Yujiro’s case, in particular, nursing a dying man you met at random. That says a lot about your character. In turn, I am willing to trust you, and in time, I can only hope others will find it in themselves to trust you as well.”

  With a gentle smile, she held out her hand. “So what say you, Ves? Nell? Will you join us?”

  Albeit hesitant at first, Ves felt her own soft smile cross her face as she took the older woman’s hand. Or at least tried when they both chuckled, realizing claws were not good for handshakes.