Merci remained focused on the black wolf that appeared to follow them all the way to the town Zarro called Luminara. Once the cart approached the town’s gate, the wolf darted back one hundred or more feet.

She let out a soft sigh. “It’s gone.” Merci told Zarro.

“Good.” Zarro said. He caused the horses to halt. As he did this a guard in a blue and black uniform with a sword strapped on his waist and a bow to his back approached the carriage. This was the first human Merci had seen besides her folks in months. For looks, he didn’t look half bad. The black curls that peaked out from his officer’s hat curled and moved against the warm Summer breeze. His eyes is a striking green and what was visible of his skin, was tanned.

“Good morning Zarro Darkwood.” The man in the uniform said, “Got your papers today?”

“Yes, Borin.” Zarro said as he pulled out three pieces of parchment that he had in his pocket and handed them to the uniformed officer.

“Who’s the pretty lady you got with you?” Borin asked Zarro as he took a glance at Merci.

“Her name’s Merci.” He responded, “We found her wandering and took her in.”

“Hello, there miss.” Borin said as he glanced between her and the forms.

Merci’s face soon began to feel warm. “H-Hi.” She gave a gentle smile and a wave.

“Shy girl.” Borin said, turning towards Zarro once more.

“That's a shock. At the start of the trip she wouldn’t shut up.”

“She’s a beauty. I’m sure a lot of the city boys will be all over her today. How old is she?” Borin questioned as he glanced at her one more time before giving the papers back to Zarro.

“Eighteen. But she isn’t ready for marriage if that is what you are thinking, Borin. She hasn’t learned a split of discipline.”

“That’s too bad.” Borin said as he shook his head. “I’d be interested in her in a heartbeat.”

“Thanks but that is a pass.” Zarro said coldly. “Can we move forward into the city?”

“Yes sir.” Borin said, stepping back from the carriage allowing them to press forward.

“Miss?” He said as he looked at Merci who had been quite this whole time. “If those men in the city bother you, find an officer that is wearing the same as me. They will take care of ya.” Borin said as he tipped his hat towards her in a kind gesture.

“Thank you sir.” Merci said with a smile.

The cart lurched by with ease as they pulled into town.

Luminara was a bustling town filled with simple wooden and stone homes. The roads were made of dirt, and like Zarro had told her businesses lined them. There were several general stores, clothing stores, and potion stores along this main stretch of road that they were utilizing.

The people didn’t come close to the carriage and moved out of the way as the carriage approached. All of these people were human in nature. Nothing ordinary about them. There were younger looking ones, old ones, and ones aged in between them. Varying in hair colors, eye color and skin tone. Despite the arranged array of hair colors, Merci did make note that she was the only one in the town with striking red hair.

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Merci took it all in. The whispers, the glances, and the odd smells of Luminara. Smells such as baked goods, dusty musk, and sweat.

Huh, that’s a bit odd. Merci thought to herself. Is red hair just rare here?

After awhile on the city road the carriage came to a stop. “I have to run into the butcher to take care of the pig.” Zarro said, “You don’t have to stay with the carriage, the guards will keep an eye on it. So, if you want to explore you can.”

“Really?” Merci asked surprised.

“Yes. Just meet me back here in an hour. And don’t be late.” Zarro said as he walked off to a building that had a scaled exterior, that almost looked lizard-like. The building structure was that of a simple with a front porch but the lizard-like exterior made the butcher shop stand out from the rest of the buildings. The sign that hung on the wall read Butchin Brothers.

Merci repeated that name several times in her head before she hopped out of the cart. She walked over to the two horses and gave them a quick scratch and whispered, “I’ll be back.” Both horses nuzzled her in response.

I want to talk to them. However, I don’t think I should be utilizing my essence here. Merci thought.

Merci wandered down the path, receiving countless stares as she passed by several people. She would often glance at the surrounding buildings to see if any of them screamed clothing. But some of the names of the buildings didn’t help. Names like Munch and Punch, Musical Melodies, Books Galore, and more.

Merci took a deep breath and walked up to a female that appeared to be in her twenties. She had golden blonde hair and green eyes. She was nicely dressed, “Hello, miss, can I have some help?”

The woman scoffed, “Why would I help you?” The woman soon walked away and left Merci standing speechless.

“What did I do?” Merci asked softly as she wandered up to the next person.

This person was a middle-aged looking male, wearing a basic button down shirt and black pants. His hair was brown and his eyes matched. “May I have some help sir?” Merci asked as kindly as she could. She gave a gentle smile.

“What does a young girl like you need help with?” The man questioned with a smile on his face as his eyes traced over her.

“I need to find a clothing shop.”

“There are one five stores down.” He said as he pointed back towards the gate, “Left side of the street.” Merci felt more unease as this conversation progressed. It wasn’t just because of the way he looked at her with evil intent but she caught glimpses of other men approaching them.

“Thank you sir.” She said. Merci went to leave, however, the man reached out and grabbed her wrist, squeezing it tightly.

“Now you have to help me.” He said as he tried to pull him towards her. He had a sinister grin on his face.

Merci felt a wave of panic wash over her. It grew more as she spotted two more men closing in on them.

Merci held her ground. “Back off.” She growled.

“Come with me, I just want to show you around.” The man said as he tried to pull her one more time. Merci could indicate that the man was telling her a lie as her heart began to race. She felt threatened as she wasn’t sure what this man truly wanted with her.

She held her stance as she refused to budge. “I said back off.”

Merci felt a bit of essence escape her body as sharp cat-like claws formed where her nails once were and dug into the man's skin as she used her other hand to try to break her hand free.

The man let go of her quickly as he shouted in agony as blood soon began to drip from his wrist. “What the fuck! Ya freak!” He began to back up from Merci, holding his wrist to stop the blood flow.

As soon as Merci felt the spell Primal Instinct take over and fade. Glancing around, Merci sighed in relief as there weren't a lot of eyes on the two despite all of the commocation. Ignoring the man’s groans and shouts, Merci slowly backed away, feeling her heart race with each step.

Once she traveled a good distance, she picked up her pace further and headed towards the gate. Where she hoped that she would soon find the clothing shop that the rude man pointed out.