Fay, along with Elaruîn, waited for the others to arrive. As soon as they descended, the whole village had nearly reached the edge of the forest. There, Kimya was the first to greet them and help them inside.
[So, you decided to bring them with us again, huh, kid?]
Fay thought his new teacher was talking to him—he was the only child around—until he noticed that the tribe leader, Nahrin, let out a low growl, clearly not pleased at being called that.
[What, you think thirty-sothing years is long enough to call yourself a man? Boy, I've known you since you were in your mother's womb. Now, co—we need to find a good spot for you. Far enough from our city to keep distance, but close enough so we'll know if the hums find you.]
Elaruîn's next words seed to ease the tension. Many were already nervous about the towering trees and what they might hide.
[How is the forest these days? Does it still have that…?]
The way the tribe leader said it hinted at sothing dangerous lurking within.
[If you think that thing's worse than the bird chasing you, then no. Just warn your tribe not to wander at night. We keep it around to kill off any hums that dare enter, so we don't want it dead... not yet.]
The conversation between the two turned to provisions and other matters the leader needed to handle. Fay saw no reason to stay and quickly went to find his sister. She was among the last to arrive, walking alongside the group of elders with Mother Kueha.
"Hi Mira, are you doing well?"
Fay reached her and helped the nearby elders with their loads, even summoning Grin to carry the heavier ones.
"Yes! Learned more with Mama Kueha. Now I can heal like her! But I can't use her now—Jiggz is very tired…"
Fay patted her shoulder, then lifted her up and set her on Grin's back.
"Then relax. If your creature's tired, that ans you're out of aether too. Rest on Grin while we reach the forest. We'll find a new ho there—so get ready to help out later, okay?"
His sister simply nodded at his words. As for the rest of the cat-folk, they thanked him for his help.
[You are kind, young one. It is good to see that you have grown to be one with the village. The Guide was right to have us help you,] one of the elders said.
He was the sa one who had helped place the piercing on Fay's hand.
"Thank you, Elder Malho. I still have a lot to do to repay everything you've all done for . We need to rebuild our new ho soon… I just hope we can finish it in a single day."
Their group finally entered the woods. Those leading the way were already deep within the trees, while the rest of the caravan followed in steady lines. Guards had been stationed every few dozen ters to protect each section. Since Fay was near the rear, those in this part were left under his watch.
"Be careful, everyone. The path—"
Fay was about to call out to warn them, but paused as he noticed how easily they were able to walk and navigate through the uneven terrain. Despite their age, they moved with practiced steps, walking and hopping over roots and weaving through undergrowth that still gave him trouble.
[Looks like you're the only one struggling,] soone said dryly. [Don't worry—we've lived here before. We know how to move through it. But she might be having a harder ti.]
All eyes turned to Horin. She had remained quiet until now, but it was clear she was fighting just as much with the ground as Fay was. Her unusual feet—part paw, part human—weren't made for forest terrain.
[I'm used to the plains, not this place,] she muttered. [So don't act like I should be running through trees like the rest of you.]
She pushed forward again, trying to match the others' pace, only to stumble over a hidden root. Fay instinctively stepped forward to catch her.
But Horin snapped her hand out to the side, not accepting the help, yet not pushing him away either.
[Don't focus on . You're supposed to be watching the path, rember?]
Fay blinked, then nodded and quickly scanned the area. Everything seed quiet, but her words brought back a vivid mory: the lizard that had attacked Kimya without warning, hidden perfectly until it struck.
[Thanks… I'll be more careful,] he said softly.
Horin didn't respond, but she didn't walk ahead either. She stayed just behind him this ti.
[My father... who is he speaking with?]
The girl had spotted Elaruîn, it seed, but Fay didn't understand why she was asking him about his teacher instead of going with her father like always.
[He's an old friend of your father, it seems, his na is Elaruîn. He's my new ntor—he's going to teach how to use my new creature.]
As Fay spoke, he summoned Somniella. The small jellyfish floated gently through the air, drawing Mira's attention. From her spot on Grin's back, she eagerly leaned forward, trying to jump down and touch it.
"Wait, wait, here—just don't squish it," Fay warned Mira, trying to keep her from jumping off Grin.
"It's not like Jiggz. If it thinks you're attacking it, it'll put you to sleep right away."
A low growl ca from beside him.
[Another one? How many can you have!]
Horin's tone carried a familiar mix of disbelief and irritation.
Fay cleared his throat. He knew she didn't like that he could summon more than one creature.
"Why don't you ask Elaruîn? Maybe you can use more than one, too. I didn't know I could until he helped ."
The suggestion seed to catch her off guard. Her expression shifted slightly, the usual sharpness softening.
[I... can have more?]
There was a flicker of hope in her eyes.
"Maybe though…" Fay replied with so hesitation. "Just don't get too excited yet. My new teacher wants to help him hunt a monster. His service is not cheap."
He could already see it, though; she was not paying attention to that part.
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