We made good time on our journey. Predators avoided us, maybe they sensed that we were on the top of the food chain. On the sixth day we left the wilderness and returned to the road. We should arrive at the village around noon.

We did not see any other travellers. But I suppose that was normal. I doubted that the civil war had spread here already. As we left the forest we found rolling hills covered in lush green grass. I could already see the village in the distance. It was surrounded by fields and a small stream was visible nearby. I could also see a small castle in the distance. It was not part of the village but located on a hill further away.

“You never told us the name of your village.” I said as we walked.

“Oh. You are right. It’s called Mervil. In the distance you can see the residence of Baron Aspey.”

Lucy sounded a bit nervous. It had been years since she saw her parents. We did not even know if they still lived here, or if something happened to them. I was nervous as well. I was about to meet the parents of my girlfriend. Of course, being insanely powerful and rich might help to impress them. Or the fact that I rescued their daughter from slavery.

As we came closer we saw people working in the fields, but not that much movement in the streets. When our group was spotted people seemed to hurry away. We were a rather curious party, I suppose. Terath was intimidating.

The village did not have a wall. Generally a good sign, it meant the area was considered secure enough. I did not see any guards either. As we closed in on the first buildings a small group barred our way. It was led by an old female foxkin with brown fur. The woman was dressed in slightly finer clothing. The two men with her were big and had bear ears on their heads. They carried pitchforks but no visible armour. All three of them looked nervous and not very confident.

“Welcome to Mervil, travellers. We are a small village and do not have an inn, only a tavern. We apologise for that. We can sell you food and provisions though, or direct you to a larger town. We can also offer a guide to the residence of the baron if that is your destination.”

“Hello Emma.” Lucy said, stepping forward.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

The old woman frowned. “Do I know you?”

“I have changed a bit.” She touched the tattoo on her forehead. “My eyes used to be blue. And I was a bit smaller when we last met. I am Lucy, daughter of Alister and Lynn.”

Emma’s eyes widened. “But… but we heard they made you a slave… And sent you to Iron Rock. It has been seven years since you left.”

“It’s a long story. Are my parents still here?” Lucy looked hopeful.

Emma eyed our group warily.

“They are all friendly. They mean no harm.” Lucy assured the woman.

“Your parents are still on their farm. But your group will draw attention. The baron might send some people. He is… not a good person.”

“Oh? I remember Nathan as a reasonable lord.” Lucy said.

“Nathan died two years ago. His son Blake has a fondness for female beastkin…”

Lucy’s eyes hardened. I put a hand on her shoulder. “Maybe we need to visit this baron. We could introduce him to Shani.”

That put a smile on her face. A dangerous one. “What a good idea. But first I want to see my parents. I will lead you to our farm.”

I addressed Emma. “It was a pleasure to meet you. Maybe we can talk more later. I am Amaya.” I offered my hand which the woman shook. “Sorry for leaving so quickly but Lucy wants to meet her parents.”

Emma nodded. She looked a lot more at ease now. The bearkin on her side also relaxed. They nodded at us and mumbled something that could have been a greeting. We left the three of them and walked to Lucy’s farm.

It was a small building on the edge of the village. Unsurprisingly it had fields next to it. There was a small barn and a main building. It consisted of one floor and was made out of wood. A male foxkin was working in the field. He had orange fur and hurried towards the building as we approached.

“Hello travellers. I am Alister, a simple farmer. What brings you to my home?” He looked scared, unsure what to do. He had the same blue eyes as Lucy, before she became a warlock.

Lucy just stood there, staring at him. Not saying anything. The man did not know what to do. I stepped forward.

“Hello Alister. It is a pleasure to meet you. The speechless foxkin at my side is Lucy, your daughter.”

The man frowned and looked at her. Tears formed in her eyes. “Papa!” She grabbed the man and hugged him. He looked lost.

“Lucy? But…”

“It is her.” I assured him. “Her eyes have changed but it is still her. She is back.”

I heard the door open and a head peeked out. The woman was a foxkin with white fur and brown eyes.

“Alister?” She stared at the man who awkwardly hugged Lucy back. Tears were now running from his eyes as well.

I approached the woman. “Hello. I am Amaya. Lucy is home.”

“Lucy? LUCY!” The woman charged out and joined the hug. All three of them were crying now.

“Who are you?” I heard another voice. A child was standing in the doorway. A small foxkin boy. He had inherited the orange hair from his father and the brown eyes from his mother. It looked like Lucy’s family had grown in her absence. He did not look afraid, just curious. I crouched to be at the same height as him.

“I am Amaya. I brought your sister home.”