As the expedition drew closer they caught the attention of the nomad camp. Individuals, too far away for any recognisable details, grabbed weapons and began scrambling around. Clearly the expedition’s arrival had caught them unaware.

From his position at the rear of the expedition Leif saw the tension and nervous shuffling of the Academy students. He could sense several preparing for a fight, others looked as if they were ready to run.

“The empire is quite hostile to Demikin.” Darius said as he squatted in place, watching as six riders exited the nomad camp. “There have been more than a few wars in the past century or so, mostly in the east and south. The Enslaved attacking the northern kingdoms and imperial provinces is only the latest incident.”

Leif tried to recall what he knew of that particular enemy. He’d been remembering small flashes of a battle but the memory was hazy and faded. “I thought the enslaved were ant monsters?” He asked.

“No, the enslavers are ant monsters. But most of their soldiers were human, or demikin with ant-like features.”

The spriggan tensed at the revelation and viewed the camp with greater scrutiny. The riders approached the expedition, their stout horses effortlessly navigating the rugged and hardy terrain.

“Will they be hostile? Will there be a fight?” Leif asked. The amber glow of his eyes watching the nomads warily.

“Nah, we’re in unclaimed territory. And even if we weren’t, Ahle-ho has friendly relations with many of the demikin clans in this area.” Darius said, shrugging. “Actually, maybe she will need me, since I’m from a guild and not the Academy."

Leif side-eyed the young man. He seemed to have lit up at the thought of being of use to Hera. Strange man. Leif thought as he turned his attention to where the nomad riders had come to a stop.

In the distance Hera stepped forward. For over a minute words were exchanged, then the riders nodded and their postures relaxed. Darius was practically vibrating with excitement, his presence slowly fading in and out.

“Alright kids.” Hera called as she approached the milling crowd. “We’ll be making camp here for tonight. I need to talk to their leader, if any of you start trouble I will make you regret it.”

Many of the expedition members slumped to the ground, utterly exhausted. Leif felt fine, whenever he began to flag he would draw a trickle of energy from every other plant he passed. It had been more than enough to keep him going.

===

Sure enough, Hera had called on Darius before entering the nomad’s campsite. Melissa went too, but not before badgering them all about ‘good behaviour’. The nomad camp was large, from its position atop a nearby hill Leif could estimate there to be enough curved, fur lined tents to house well over a hundred people.

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His animals lazed around while the expedition slowly put their own tents up and began to prepare the evening’s meals.

Sieg and Marcus were the first to finish, the two men, a few years older than most of the other expedition members, were quick and efficient with their work. They ambled over to check up with Leif. The expedition had been moving at such a brisk pace that they hadn’t had much time to talk in a few days.

Marcus invited Leif to sit around the expedition’s newly lit campfire and tentatively the spriggan agreed. With his hood up he sat at the periphery of the group, he listened to their chatter but didn’t join in.

Leif could feel the hesitation and apprehension of the humans around him. They stayed clear, and he didn’t push the issue. Trying to integrate wouldn’t end well, though it pained him to admit it.

Leif imagined the young man he had witnessed in his advancement trial interacting with the expedition. Laughing at their jokes and engaging with their conversations. How would the person he had once been react to their friendly jibes? How many of them would have been his friends?

The thoughts quickly spiralled downwards into depression. He was alone, and would be until he could regain what he had lost.

If that’s even possible. He thought sourly. Leif was so close to having a wisp of his old life back, but he was kept at arm's length by suspicion and hostility.

Marcus and Sieg were the obvious exceptions, and while they kept him company they clearly had other things to do than babysit a brooding monster.

Sieg was on cooking duty along with a woman Leif didn’t know the name of and Marcus started arguing with two other men about a technical topic Leif didn’t understand. It was so normal, but so far away.

An hour into the meal a group departed the nomad camp. They snaked down the hill and made their way towards the expedition. It was small compared to the gathered Academy students, around ten nomads in total.

Conversation came to an end and several people stood up, some tense others more relaxed. Leif wasn’t overly familiar with the social cliques but he had noticed several distinct groups. The one that made to confront the newcomers was led by the one expedition member Leif had an overwhelmingly negative experience with.

“What do you want?” Johan snapped. His arms crossed as if his posture alone could bar them entry. Leif felt what remaining intent on him shift away and be redirected at the nomads.

Now that they were closer Leif finally got a good look. At a glance they were indistinguishable from normal humans. Slightly taller and well built, but that wasn’t out of the ordinary, Sieg was of similar stature. Then Leif noticed the hair, it was long and remarkably fluffy, it rolled down their shoulders like white and grey clouds.

Then he noticed the horns.

“We brought drink.” The lead nomad said, his voice a low rumble despite his age being on the younger side. “And we suddenly have so many new friends to share it with. It would be shameful to waste what may be the last calm night before turbulence kicks off properly.” The man grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Johan took a step back as if the lack of hostility was a physical force. Several expedition members chuckled at his expense. Some whooping at the proposition of drink

“What a coincidence.” Sieg laughed in response. “I just so happened to cook too much food.”