As they crested the hill, the home of the 'goblins' came into view.

A lake sprawled out in front of them, calm water reflecting the last traces of sun across the surface. From their vantage point, they could see the river that fed the lake. Not far from there, a few hundred yards from the shore, a small island could be seen on the water. It was difficult to tell the exact size of the island, but Levi guessed it was somewhere between 30 to 50 acres.

Small structures could be seen, though not clearly identified, covering the part of the island they could see. At the bank of the lake, near where the riders crested the hill, three large, flat, raft-like barges were docked. They sat side by side, almost close enough to easily step from one to the other, and clearly had enough room for the entire hunting party to comfortably fit between the three.

As they approached the barges, the hunting party's leader barked orders in their own language, and they separated into three groups. Nosmiles joined the group escortinLethe adventurers.

As they boarded their barge, several riders dismounted and pulled up large ropes on either side of the raft, nearly too thick for their small hands. They tugged at the ropes, and the barge began to move. It was a slow creep at first, but the barges slowly gained speed until they reached an easy, smooth pace.

Nosmiles approached the adventurers. His face was serious.

"We stop before we reach Home. Other rafts go ahead. Isa-Fira, raider leader, will summon Chief and Shaman to come talk with you. We trust you, but Chief and Shaman must decWee. We will wait. Do not be afraid, is normal. We need to keep Home safe."

Joe spoke first. "That is understandable. Good security protocol, honestly. I'm not offended, and I'm kind of impressed, actually."

Nosmiles relaxed a little at Joe's word, but his face stayed serious until he saw that everyone was fine with it.

"Yeah, that is reasonable," Levi commented.

David just nodded, and Maddy and Paige shrugged.

After that, Nosmiles seemed to completely relax and was back to betraying his name with a grin. He turned to Joe. "What is this word? Pro-to-call?"

Joe gave a polite smile. "Protocol. In this situation, it means rules, things you do a certain way, by a plan, every time, even if you feel like they aren't important in every situation... because they work. Because they keep people safe. Because it is better to follow them and be safe than put your people at risk."

Nosmile's grin spread into a genuine smile, and he waved a pointed finger at Joe. "You understand. This is good. We not want to offend Spirit-bonded, but need to follow... protocol. This is good."

When they drew close to the shore of the island, perhaps one hundred meters away, their barge stopped, but the others kept moving to shore.

"Now we wait for Chief and Shaman. They will come and decide if they let you in. But trust. They will let you in," Nosmiles reassured them.

As they waited, the riders escorting the adventurers dismounted their wolves. The wolves sat as the riders checked over them. They checked their paws for anything that may have gotten stuck in their pads and plucked burs from their fur.

Paige watched with interest, happy to see the animals cared for.

Most wolves were calm as the riders did their work, but Sombo kept standing up, wagging his tail and staring to the island shore. His rider had to keep giving the wolf commands to sit, though these were given in the 'goblin' language.

After the rider was knocked down a second time by the wagging tail, which got laughs from both the other riders and adventurers, he got in front of the wolf and reprimanded him with a firm voice, though the adventurers couldn't understand the words.

The rider turned to Paige, who'd been watching closely, and shrugged. "Told you. Sombo big baby. Sees Home, think work done. Want scratches and treat. Is young, will learn."

Paige smiled. "I can't wait to play with him later."

While Paige was concerned with the wolf, Levi was preoccupied with staring at the village and taking in as much information as he could. He didn't really distrust the 'goblins,' but he also wanted to gather as much information as he could about the way they lived before he made any conclusions. So far, the only thing they'd experienced of their culture was that of the hunters and warriors, which was admittedly promising.

However, as he gazed over what he could see of their small village, his opinion that they were just people looking for peace was only reinforced.

It was a primitive, yes. Most of their structures seemed to be a combination of materials. A few larger buildings looked to be made entirely of wood and some form of clay or mud. The smaller structures, housing Levi assumed, spoke more to the means and culture of the people.

Those smaller buildings only had wooden and clay walls. The tops, their roofs, were covered in what looked to be hides or skins. Much like a teepee, these structures were round, or close to it, with openings near the center to allow smoke through. In fact, many of these did have faint trails of smoke rising out of them.

But that wasn't what really stuck out to Levi. On the shore, far to their right, just as the bank begin to turn away and it was difficult to see, Levi saw children playing.

He saw one or two adults watching, but the small figures of the children ran and played without care. Some splashed in the water, some ran around playing some form of tag, a couple were tossing a ball. Even when he saw a couple of the small figures having what looked like a pretend sword fight, Levi knew... this was not a culture that was based around war and violence. This was a people who just wanted to have a nice life and keep their children and loved ones safe.

Levi took in a deep breath and sighed, letting go of most of the tension he hadn't let anyone, including himself, know he'd been holding onto. He felt the shadow of a relaxed smile find his lips.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Paige's voice cut through his thoughts.

"Huh," Levi said, turning to Paige.

"You sighed. What's wrong?" Paige asked.

Levi did allow himself a small, relaxed smile then. He waved a hand dismissively. "Not that kind of sigh. Actually, I'm feeling somewhat relieved. And oddly happy and excited to see their home and culture. I kind of thought we were being tricked or something... in the back of my mind, I mean."

"Nah. They're good people," Paige said with confidence.

Levi turned his head to get a good look at her. In the dim light of the fading sun and the white glow of the moon above them, Levi couldn't help but suddenly become aware again of how beautiful she truly was. "How have you been so certain this whole time?"

"Easy," Paige answered, turning to look at him. Her pupils slowly spread from slits into black pools as she looked at him. "Instinct. I somehow know that they aren't..." Paige paused. "...predators, I guess. Not to us, at least. I know I'd be on edge if they were. But mostly, I can smell it on them. They smelled like any uncertain, fearful animals at first. It was hard to tell If we could trust them at first. But now... only happy smells. Except when Nosmiles told us we had to wait here. He was a little nervous about that."

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Levi laughed. "Could have told us, me especially, earlier. Could've used the peace of mind." Levi suddenly cocked his head and raised an eyebrow. "But if you knew all that from their smell, why did you have to ask me about my sigh? I don't get it."

"You're hard to read sometimes. You always have this smell. Tense. Not like a rabbit ready to run at the first sign of danger. Not like a snake coiled to strike, either. Somewhere in between. You always smell like that. No matter what. Even when you are safe." Paige looked down away from Levi. "Sometimes there's something else... I think... sometimes, you smell really sad... just out of nowhere. I never understand why. But, then, it goes away as fast as it comes."

Levi's whole body tensed. He felt embarrassed and ashamed. He wanted to say something. He opened his mouth to say something, and his throat tightened into a knot. He suddenly felt like he couldn't breathe and had to control his breathing deliberately to keep it slow and even. But he kept his face blank.

"Huh. That's weird," He finally managed to say, in a level voice that betrayed the panic flooding through him. "Maybe I just have a weird smell," he joked, letting out a small laugh. He looked back to Paige, finally feeling brave enough to catch her eye.

"Yeah... maybe," she said with a kind smile. And for a second, Levi thought he saw tears in her eyes.

It made him feel guilty. He was gaslighting her. He almost felt like saying something. Explain himself. Tell her, 'Yeah, I'm kind of messed up.' Something. Anything.

But he didn't. He couldn't. How were you even supposed to do that?

Levi was grateful when Nosmiles interrupted his thoughts.

"They are coming," he said, pointing to where the other barges had docked on the island.

Levi turned to see a small entourage, two people walking side by side followed by six that looked like warriors, had already boarded one of the barges.

"Anything we should know about how to talk to the Shaman and the Chief, Nosmiles?" Levi asked.

"In English is fine." Nosmiles answered without hesitation.

"No, I mean, is there anything we should know about being courteous? Customs? Things like that."

Nosmiles shrugged. "Be nice. If grandm- the Shaman offers food or tea, say yes or she make you say yes. If she pulls off shoe, run," he joked. "Chief is easy. You'll see."

Levi didn't really find any of Nosmiles's tips particularly helpful.

"Are you saying they're just normal people, and to just treat them like that?" Joe asked for clarification.

Nosmiles cocked his head. "Uh... yes? You see they people, no?" He gestured to the approaching barge.

It was already close enough to see the figures clearly.

The woman who was clearly the Shaman had white hair that was tied into a long braid that fell over her shoulder. She had a small headdress of grass, feathers, and what looked like talons or claws. But it was small and simple, clearly symbolic but not flashy.

She was elderly. She hunched over the cane in her hand, using it to help support her weight. The sheer number of lines and wrinkles on her face made her seem ancient.

The man who was obviously the Chief was taller than the other 'goblins.' He was also old, but not nearly as old as the Shaman next to him. His back was still straight, and he stood in a way that was proud but natural, not posturing. His black hair was streaked with lines of grey and white, tied up in a casual, somewhat messy topnot.

His jaw had wisps of grey and black that barely formed a goatee around his mouth. His face was relaxed, and something about it seemed gentle.

He wore finer furs than the riders and warriors wore, the tufts of fur being clean, fluffy, and full. But they weren't largely different than what the others had, beyond the lack of wear and tear and that the were far cleaner.

And he had the fairly large belly that many men gained in their old age. It somehow made he seem less threatening, and more like a friendly elder.

As their barge pulled up next to the adventurers, it was the Chief that called out the first greeting.

The adventurers all tensed as he raised his arms and spread them wide, not knowing what to expect, though the Chief's face wore a genuine smile. "Sombo!" The Chief bellowed.

Completely ignoring his rider, Sombo easily lept to the other barge and went to the old man, licking him in the face and then rolling onto his back. The Chief laughed, scratching the huge beast's belly. Then he reached into a pocket and produced a strip of dried meat to give the giant wolf. As the wolf chewed, the Chief cooed words in their language and pet Sombo.

Sombo's rider let out a stream of what was obviously not polite language, but his mount ignored him, and he quickly gave up on trying to take control of the wolf.

The adventurers looked on with mixed expressions of confusion and amusement.

The Shaman watched on with a scowl, but seemed resigned to let the exchange play out. However, after a minute, she smacked the Chief in the back of the head and said something to him, gesturing toward the adventurers. For a moment, the Chief seemed to argue, but stopped when the ancient Shaman tilted her head and raised her eyebrows in a threatening way only a grandmother can perfectly execute.

The Chief stood and then finally greeted the adventurers. "I apologize, Spirit-bonded. Sometimes, I am still child." He said, tapping his fingertips on his chest, directly over his heart. "I welcome you. I ask, do you bring only peace to Home?"

After a short silence, the adventures all seemed to understand they had to answer, and all gave stumbling agreements and assurances.

The Chief nodded. "Then welcome to Home."

He stepped back, and the Shaman stepped forward. She slowly gave each of them an appraising look. Levi wasn't sure if she was using an actual Skill or Ability of some sort, but he could tell she was doing something more than examining their appearance. Her gaze lingered a little longer on Levi and Joe than the others.

Once she seemed satisfied, she gave a single nod of approval. "Welcome to Home. You will be treated with respect. If you are not, let me know, and I will correct it immediately. Please treat our people with respect in return. Understood?"

After she received affirmatives from their group, she continued."Tonight, I would like you to share tea with me. I want to tell you the story of our people, and the story of all Denizens of the Law-shaper's world. There are many things you should know. Some things you should also be warned about. But we will talk tonight. Welcome to Home."

As she turned away, David called out. "Wait, I have a question!"

"Yes?" The Shaman said, turning back to their group.

"Are you guys... uh... goblins?" David asked nervously.

"Do we look not like goblins? Is this not what your people will call us, whether it is true or not true, or if the truth lies somewhere in between? I will explain much about this tonight. For now, yes, we are goblins, and we take no offense to being referred to as such, but treat us based on our actions and not your myths."

Then she turned away.

The Chief finally made Sombo jump back to their barge with his rider.

Soon, both barges were moving toward Home.

"That was it? Felt easy," Paige commented.

Nosmiles shrugged. "Why need to be hard? Chief is nice. Shaman sees truth in people. Easy." Nosmiles made a gesture of lightly dusting his hands off as he finished his sentence. "This will be good night for you to come to Home. Fresh hunt, and extra Lians-thrak meat. Tonight we will celebrate our success and blessing. Many will see you coming now as great sign to not be afraid of Spirit-bonded."

No one had to ask why they may be afraid of the 'Spirit-bonded.' The Shaman had clearly indicated the goblins were familiar with their myths. Goblins were always considered monsters or evil, and even in games they were often portrayed as lower level monsters.

As they docked, Nosmiles was rushed by a tiny goblin girl, hair in braided pig tails. She couldn't be more than a couple feet tall, but compared to Nosmiles she looked maybe around four or five years old.

"Aba, aba!" She squealed as she lept into his arms.

He let out an 'oof,' and then said something to the young girl in their own language as they wrapped each other in a hug. His voice was gentle and quiet as he held her.

Then his voice grew excited and he turned to hold the child where she could see the adventurers better.

Nosmiles wore his smile as always, but his chin was tilted high and his face looked proud. "This is my daughter. Her name is Aba-fira. Means 'father's joy.'" He turned to his daughter, and spoke in English, but he slowed his words considerably. "Say... hello... to... the... Spirit-bonded."

"H-hell-oh." The tiny goblin said, and then her cheeks seemed to turn a light purple, and she buried her face into her father's chest.

Nosmiles laughed and then patted her on the back, speaking a few gentle words in their own language. "She is shy," Nosmiles said to the adventures.

Then Nosmile lifted his daughter onto the neck of his wolf mount. She dug her fingers into the wolf's fir and squealed in delight.

"Come." Nosmiles gestured for them to follow. "I will take you to my apatcha--my house--and you will meet my wife... and my son, when he comes from his learning. Later, we find places for you to stay."

Nosmiles turned to the riders that had escorted the adventurers. Perhaps for the benefit of the adventurers, Nosmiles spoke in English to the riders. "You all go clean kennels. I will check you leave no poop later."

Several of the riders groaned, but none argued, and Nosmiles seemed unbothered by their expression of displeasure.

As they walked, Nosmiles spoke animatedly to his daughter while she rode his wolf. He seemed to be telling her about everything that happened while he had been gone. At one point, he reached inside a pouch and handed up a smooth, almost polished red stone with streaks of transparent green crystal lacing through it.

The girl clutched it to her chest with one hand while clinging to the wolf's fur with the other.

Looking around, Levi noticed many of the warriors seemed to be having similar heart felt reunions throughout their village.

Not wanting to interrupt Nosmiles, Levi waited until Nosmiles and his daughter fell into a happy silence before asking his question.

"Hey, Nosmiles..." Levi began. "Everyone is acting like you have been gone a while, but the buffalo were only a few hours ride from here at most. Why is that?"

Nosmiles's face grew serious. "We were gone for half moon--a half month. We only hunt last, before we return. Two weeks we... what is the word... we watch for enemies, scout, keep Home safe. Then we hunt, and return home. New hunt leaves tomorrow. Other hunt left days--a week--ago."

"You patrol for enemies? What enemies? Monsters, like the Lians-thrak?" Levi questioned.

"No, and yes. Lians-thrak and other monsters we avoid if can. Sometimes we cannot. So, yes monsters if must. Mostly, we watch other Denizens, make sure none come to attack. Home is mostly safe, but we watch and be safe."

"Other Denizens?" Joe jumped into the conversation. "You mean another people, like you?"

Nosmiles face was grim, and he gave an ambiguous head bob they'd seen the goblins use a few times. "Yes, people. No, like us. We want peace, always peace. Peace and learning is proper path to being as you... Spirit-bonded. Other Denizens do not want peace. Do not want learning. Other Denizens follow the different path, the bad path. Not like us." Nosmiles suddenly made a gesture of roughly dusting his chest off. "But no more of this talk. Shaman must tell you. She will explain you in the right way. Teach you the truths."

With that, they let the conversation die.

But the subject now lingered at the back of all of their minds.