Author note: I'm going to writing quite a bit here, so bear with me.

First off, thanks for the support and stuff, it was real nice of you. :D

Secondly the poll. It did not go as I expected, I especially didn't think Ellena would win it, but there you go, it was interesting to see. It could just mean that my other characters are a bit flat and boring, or it could be because they haven't had enough 'screentime' as it were. Also poor Gedill, nobody likes him. :'(

Thirdly on to the chapter. It took a lot longer to finish than I expected, so I have not completed the second promised chapter, the reason it took so long was because I got some advice and have tried improving the flow of my writing and the grammar. It might not be noticeable, but I'm going to try and gradually improve.

The second chapter will be coming this week, I am determined to get it out before next Monday at least, hopefully within the next few days. I really want to make sure it is an extra chapter, so there will still be the chapter afterwards next Monday, then it'll be business as usual. It won't be a particularly long chapter as it will mostly consist of travelling... Probably. The chapters which are mostly travelling won't be as long as there isn't as much to say, I hope you still enjoy them though. ^_^

Finally, I don't really like asking for this, but could I ask you guys for some reviews, maybe advanced ones, if you're willing. I won't be disappointed if I don't get any, but it would be a nice bonus, I'm also not asking you to be purely positive either, please use your honest opinion, if you think some things needs work and improving, please do tell me. 

Anyway I hope you enjoy the chapter.

______________________________________________________________________________

~Day 56~

Waking up felt quite... Unusual today, I had no plans to visit the dungeon at all, because I'm finished with it, I've met the Lonely Wolf and survived, just as I promised. It's certainly an odd feeling, knowing that soon I would be leaving this place, this place that had become my home in such a short amount of time. Then again it's the only home I've known since reincarnation, so I suppose it makes sense really.

Well, it's not like I'll be leaving today anyway, even if Gedill burst through the door yelling at me to leave I won't go, I've got to sort out everything here first. Not that there's much to sort out, I just need to talk to the Goblins really, other than that I just need to get everything together. Since the Wolfmother skill has been given to me I also want to get myself a pet Wolf, not a whole pack of them obviously, if I go travelling around a human kingdom with an army of Wolves behind me there might be a spot of trouble.

The question is, what breed of Wolf should I tame? I do have a strong desire to tame a Grey Wolf, to see how strong I can make the weakest wolf. That's the problem though, it's the weakest breed, which means it won't be a very useful travelling companion in comparison to the other breeds, at least to start with anyway. Grey Wolves are still the best choice for my situation however, as a larger Wolf, like an Iron Wolf for instance, would without a doubt draw too much attention. The Kingdom of Ashes is friendlier to intelligent monsters than most, but that still doesn't mean I want to stand out. So I guess that settles it then... I'm going to get a pet Grey Wolf. A slight tremble of excitement rushed through my body. There isn't a person alive who doesn't understand the romance of a Wolf companion.

Hmm, that's the plan for today... Other than that, there's not really anything else to do, so I suppose that means I'll be leaving tomorrow. A wave of melancholy washed over me. 

Tomorrow, I won't see this place for almost a year come tomorrow. it just feels too sudden... I wasn't expecting to reach the Lonely Wolf so early. A small sigh leaked from my lips. I have to do what I have to do, even if I don't think I'm the right woman for the job. Gedill wants me to gather allies and simultaneously evolve to the point I can fight Lavias, I'm not even sure if such a thing is possible in a year.

Ellephwen seems to have gone somewhere for the day, whilst Samora is sprawled across her unlaid bed with her face in her pillow sulking. I thought Ellephwen and I managed to cheer her up yesterday, but now she's like this again. She also refuses to tell me where Ellephwen went.

I sat down at the table and began buttering some bread, It's not much of a breakfast, but no one would be making a proper one today.

"Are you going to talk to the Goblins?" Samora mumbled as she peaked one eye out of the mass of bed sheets she had cocooned herself in. I quickly turned my head away whilst stifling a laugh.

Samora arched her brow and threw a pillow at me. "What? What are you laughing at?!"  

I tried to regain my composure. "Sorry, sorry, but you're acting like a teenager..."

The beautiful Lake Elf sat up in her bed holding a small pillow shaped like a Mushman, she frowned slightly. "In terms of Elven ages you could technically say I am a teenager, we may come of age when we're a few hundred years old, but that's more like how a human comes of age when they're about twelve." She claimed.

Hold on, Is she trying to say that despite our massive age gap, we're both sort of around the same age in our respective species; or I suppose my old respective species to be more specific. I was still a teenager when I died. Come to think of it, I wonder when Monsters reach maturity, perhaps maturity is just when we evolve?

"So are you going to answer my question?" Samora interrupted my wondering mind.

"Yes, that's the plan for this morning at least. Is my grasp at the goblin tongue competent enough?" I need to go regardless of whether I'm ready or not, however knowing that I am will make it easier.

Samora let out a quiet sigh. "Yes, you've grasped enough to be able to at least communicate to them..."

She seems a bit irritated about that, I suppose if I was incompetent it would mean me staying here until she was satisfied, which would be never, knowing her. She really doesn't want me to go, does she? It's not even like I'll be gone for that long, true the time I'll spend away from her will be more than I've spent with her so far, it's still less that a year though. "I'll be gone less than a year, surely that's not even that long in a life as long as yours?" 

Samora gave me a troubled expression. "I know, it's not about the time, Elves can go years without seeing their loved ones. It's just... Little Ellie, you get in to so much trouble, I've had to save your life more than once, but I don't have the luxury of joining you, none of us do... I... I just-" She ended with an exasperated sigh. 

So that's what she was worried about... I... Can't really deny her there, I challenge monsters stronger than myself, or just somehow end up in bad situations. I've thought of myself as being rational, but now that I think about, maybe I'm just as reckless as that idiot hero... No, I'm not that stupid. Still, I want to ease her mind, she can't concentrate on her duties if she's worrying about me, but if I say I'm not going to get in to trouble, that would probably end up being a lie...

Lifting myself out of my chair, I sat down on Samoras bed leaning against the wall. "I... Can't really promise that I won't get in to trouble, because I will. All I can promise is that I'll avoid anything life threatening, at least as much as I can until I find someone who can heal me. I'm sure that doesn't satisfy you, but that's all I can offer." It's not much of a promise, but it's the only promise I can make.

After thinking for a moment, a satisfied, gentle smile appeared on Samoras face. "Hmph, not quite what I wanted, but it's the best I can expect. Thanks, Ellie." A warm, soft sensation ran over my cheek as Samora kissed it, I felt myself blush, it would be hard not to.

We stayed sitting there for a few more minutes. It was relaxing, but I had things to do, so I went back to breakfast, finishing it quickly. I left to find the Goblin village soon after.

I arrived at the Goblin Kings Cliff, If I remember correctly Ellephwen told me that the Goblin village is in the ruins of the old Goblin Kings city, on top of that cliff. This is a good opportunity to test my new strength, before I could jump several times higher than an average mortal, with my doubled strength thanks to the Lonely Wolf, I might even be able to make it up to the top in one jump?

I won't know unless I try. 

I stepped back a few feet, took a running jump and flew high in to the air. Wind rushed past me, fluttering my hair and clothing.  I drew closer to the cliff, I might actually make, I might actually be abl-

*WHACK!*

Ow... That hurt quite a lot more than I thought it would. I found myself planted head first in to the side of the cliff, I may have been overconfident in my cliff jumping abilities...

Pulling my head away from the crumbling rockface it was embedded in, I looked up to see how close I had gotten. Right... I'm only about three quarters of the way up. What made you think you were close to the top, you idiot! I let go of the cliff and let myself fall the ground, bending my legs as I landed.

Hmm, well that part wasn't so bad... I'm just glad no one was around to see that... Would the Goblins still want me as their Chief after watching that display? I really am a bit reckless sometimes aren't I? Don't I have skills that are meant to help with that? Although they just help me think calmly in battle, does a battle with my own stupidity not count?

I guess I should try to find whatever route the Goblins use to come down from their Village, I already know that in one direction is just a sheer drop, so it must be in the other.

I travelled along the rocky wall just as I had done as a Mushling all those weeks ago. I came to the spot where I had to stop back then, the small den belonging to the Black Wolves who chased me. Three Wolves were resting in the cave this time, a fully grown one, and two smaller Wolves. So those two smaller Wolves are probably the exact same ones who chased me, whilst the adult is probably their mother? 

The mother Wolf pricked up her ears and stared at me as I walked past their cave, she didn't seem to growl, just stare at me. I stopped to look her in the eye. She kept her gaze on me for a short while longer until she became bored and placed her head back on to the ground closing her eyes. I assume she was bored, although it could just as well be thanks to my Wolfmother skill...

I carried on exploring past the Black Wolves eventually coming across another cave entrance, though this one looked almost man-made. On either side of the entrance stood a pair of unlit fire cauldrons. I peaked inside, the cave sloped upwards, far ahead I could see daylight streaming in, I could also hear the faint sound of commotion. 

So this must be the way to the Goblin village then? The Goblin King must have carved this path all those years ago. I wandered up the long ramp, it wasn't too steep, however because of that it was quite long. As I came closer to the village the sound of commotion grew louder and I could make out the sounds of fighting, wood hitting wood. There was also a slight stench of sweat wafting through the cave, it was quite rancid. If it's wood clanking together I can hear, then that means they're training right?

I finally reached the top of the cave, the sight that greeted me, wasn't quite what I expected.

"Oh dear Gods, no!" I inadvertently reeled back from the shock. In front of me around 30 completely naked Goblins were hitting each other with practice weapons, their own surprisingly large weapons flailing about as they dodged and weaved. 

I tried to look away, but it was mesmerising. "How do you even hide that under a sack cloth!?" I exclaimed.

The training Goblins noticed my presence and turned to face me. I grimaced as even the ones facing away from me had turned towards me. Now I could see all 30. They're half the size of humans, how come their weapons are double the size!?

The Goblins stood staring at me in silence. This is so embarrassing, I need to regain my composure. Okay breathe... Breathe...

I relaxed my stance and peeled my eyes away from their lower bodies, I don't know whether to be ashamed at my outburst, or the fact that it wasn't entirely disgust I felt... 

One of the Goblins appeared to have realised who I am, he knelt on the floor bowing slightly, it dragged on the floor slightly... No, stop it! The others followed the first Goblins example. Now they're showing respect, whilst still completely naked...

I distracted myself from the strange sight in front of me by thinking about the words I had to say. I asked the Goblins "Take... to Hobgoblins." in goblin tongue. I pointed at myself as I spoke, that should get the point across I think...

The first Goblin to kneel seemed to understand, he nodded his head and motioned for me to follow him. I believe this Goblin is the de-facto leader of this little group, he seems faster witted than the others and they copied him. He may even be a sort of Goblin captain or something, but it's hard to tell with them all being naked.

The Goblin captain; as I'm calling him for now, led me to a maze of small stone ruins stretching for a few miles back, in some of the ruined houses shoddy wooden walls and leather roofs had been put it to fill the gaps. A few wooden shacks stood just outside of the ruin borders. Incredible, these ruins must be the Goblin Kings city, to think this is where that infamous Goblin army came from, the Goblin army that ravaged entire Kingdoms... 

It's a shame their legacy seems to like to wander around nude. Why!? The Goblins I met at first all at least had loincloths on! Is clothing reserved for their soldiers or something?

The captain led me to the largest building that had been converted in to a rudimentary hut, he pointed towards the entrance. A think sheet of leather hung from the doorway, strange geometric patterns covered it form corner to corner. I guess this is what they use instead of doors. With a shrug I pushed the sheet to one side and peered in. It was dimly lit inside, most of the light came from the doorway. In the centre of the room sat a crude wooden table whilst a group of Hobgoblins stood around it. I breathed a sigh of relief, all of the Hobgoblins were wearing some form of clothing.

I recognised the Goblin stood directly in front of the entrance, he was the one in charge of the Goblins I fought before. He also seemed to have noticed me, he motioned for the other Hobgoblins to bow. I wonder if he's their leader? 

I began to talk to them in Goblin Tongue. "I... learning Goblin, not much." Ugh, I thought I knew more than this...

It didn't seem to matter, he nodded to my words with a stern look, so I must make some amount of sense. 

"The we... speak, my Chief?" The leader was being careful with what words he used, to make sure I could understand.

Still, it is true then. He called me Chief, Ellephwen was right, they see me as a potential Chief, even though I'm a Dryad...

"I... not be Chief. Not until Lavias... gone." I explained to them. I'd never thought about how hard it would be to converse in another tongue before, it would be hard to get used to, even if I eventually became fluent in it. 

A few of the Hobgoblins eyes narrowed, they all began to quietly converse with each other. A few minutes passed before they decided on something. They all waited for the leader to talk. He held up two fingers. "We wait. Two years. max."

That is more than fair... They're giving me another year after I return to decide. Although that could just be because such an arrangement is easier for both of us, they can decided within that year whether or not they truly want me as their Chief and I can decide whether or not I truly want to be. It's ideal for the situation.

It's a shame I'm not more fluent, there's a lot I want to ask them, the most pressing of which being why the Goblins are all naked. It's going to haunt me for the entire year I'm away. Come to think of it, if the Hobgoblins are the evolved forms of Goblins, then are theirs even larger? Surely that would just be painful? 

...I'm thinking about it again...

"Acceptable?" 

I snapped out of my illusions, the Hobgoblins were staring at me with puzzled expressions. Oh, they wanted an answer!

"Yes." Gods, I sound like an infant.

 The Hobgoblin leader gave a satisfied nod and signalled the others to bow again, ending the meeting. Wow, that was a quick meeting, I can't blame them for wanting it to be over as soon as possible, I'm not the most compelling conversationalist even in the common tongue.

I do want to ask one more thing before I leave... "You... name?"

"Rut." The leader gave an instant reply without even looking up.

"Ellena." I said whilst pointing at myself. 

With another exchange of nods, I left the Goblins hut. 

My next stop, the first floor of the dungeon, it's a bit embarrassing to head back so fast, but it is the easiest place to find a Grey Wolf. I also definitely fixed my eyes straight forward whilst walking through the Goblins village.

...

I reached the dungeon mid afternoon, it didn't take too long inside for me to reach a group of four Grey Wolves, however now that the time has come, I'm hesitant. How do I know which Wolf to go for? They're all around the same size and strength, so it doesn't matter massively. The problem is personality, even though I can tame them I can't change their personality, if I get a lazy one I'm stuck with them.

I'll just have to see how they react to me. The Wolves finally noticed me, all four stood motionless... That doesn't help, if their was an aggressive one I could say no to them straight away. My test was to simply stretch out my hand whilst looking in their eyes, the first pulled back narrowing his eyes. The second, stood still without breaking his gaze. Closing his eyes, the third lowered his head submissively. Finally, the fourth jumped up and... Licked my face.

"Yuugh!" I wiped the Wolf slobber off.

He began to jump around excitedly, his tail wagging like a metronome. This little guy is affectionate, which would cheer me up on the journey, but the problem is can he actually fight? Will he fight? He is a Wolf, and other than the Lonely Wolf I have yet to meet one that doesn't attack you on site. 

It's a difficult decision, the first Wolf is out of the question, I didn't like him, but the second and third; whilst not as lovable as four,  seem like they'll grow in to capable fighters.

I suppose I could find another group of Wolves and check them. These four are quite diverse from each other though.... 

Okay! I've decided, I wanted a travelling companion, as well as an ally. Two and three would work as allies, but four might be able to work as both. I knelt down to the small Grey Wolf placing my hand on his head. his tail still waggling. So how do I actually go about this? Will he just follow me because I want him too? 

I looked in to the Wolfs eyes. "Okay Wolf, follow me. Understand?" I gave to Wolf an order, a Grey Wolf could not understand the common tongue under normal circumstances, so I'm hoping Wolfmother somehow conveys what I want.

Just as I had hoped, the Wolf barked in reply, which I assume means yes. To test if he understood, I walked back to the entrance, and he followed closely, sticking to my side even after we left the dungeon. None of the others followed me, which means I somehow succeeded. I'd better get used to this soon.

I gave the Wolf a quick pat. "I should give you a name, shouldn't I?" He barked the same way as before. Okay, so that bark means yes?

"But what to call you? The inn owner of my village had a dog called Alvis, but you're a boy. Hmm, what about Alvir? What do you think?" I said that, but even I don't think it's a good name. 

*Bark!*

He does however... 

*Fuuush*

Wait, what was that? A strange feeling assaulted my mind, it didn't hurt, it just felt odd. The Wolf also felt something odd judging by his expression.

The feeling left me, whatever it did I don't really feel any different. I glanced at the Wolf to check if he recovered. He looked fine now, but looking at him I feel as though I know what that feeling was. I think I can...

[Name: Alvir]

[Age: 1 year, 69 Days]

[Species: Grey Wolf]

[Height: 3'-4"]

[Sex: Male]

[Title: Packmember]

{Level: 72]

[Health 82/82] 

[Mana: 3/3] 

[Stamina: 85/86] 

[Hunger: 80/86] 

[Attack: 68] 

[Defence: 40] 

[Magic Attack: 1] 

[Magic Defence: 18]

[Skills: [Packmember lvl 1] [Pain Resistance lvl 1] [{Wolfs bite lvl 2}]]

There! Just as I thought, as soon as I looked at him I got the feeling I could look at his stats. Was giving him a name the trigger? That's kind of annoying, Alvir was just a suggestion, but now he's stuck with it. 

At least I now know what I need to do, he has lived for longer than I thought and isn't too far of evolving. I wonder where I missed him, I'm sure I must have killed the majority of the older Wolves in there. Outside hunting, perhaps? 

His titles odd, why is it Packmember? I can understand it not saying pet, as a monster having another monster as a pet is a strange concept, but shouldn't it say 'Packmember of Ellena' or something along those lines? I'm going to guess it's because I'm the only one who can see the stats, I can't think of another explanation. 

At least I can now say for certain I have a Wolf under my command, I achieved what so many dream about. He is only a weak Grey Wolf, but he's still a Wolf! It also appears as though that levelled up my Wolfmother skill, I wonder what having a higher level means, does that mean I can have more Wolves under my command?

The sun was beginning to set, so I headed back home ready to introduce Alvir. When I got back, however I heard a lot of noise from the inside. With a frown I opened the door.

"Elllie where have you beeen!?" I was immediately jumped by Samora, who stunk of alcohol.

"What!? What's going on?" I tried pushing her off. I looked past her. Sitting around the table, were Ellephwen, Belric and the three adventurers. 

"I thought I would throw a farewell party. Is it not satisfactory?" Ellephwen answered, with a smile on her face.

A farewell party? A feast decorated the table, bottles of wine dotted around it. I smiled, so this is what Ellephwen was doing, honestly, I'm spoilt by her. "It's wonderful."

"We did try to invite Gedill, but he refused to come." Ellephwen scratched her cheek.

Gedill refused to come? "Good." I replied.

Still, it had been a while since I last drank wine, I'm not wasting this opportunity. I sat down next to Ellephwen with Samora still clinging to me and poured myself a glass of wine. With my first sip, a feeling of relaxation washed over me. I could tell it was going to be a good night.

 ~Day 57~

"uugh..." 

I woke early in the morning, without much memory of the previous night. I think I might have drank too much.

Let's see, what can I remember? Uhh, after I started drinking I introduced Alvir; who is currently sleeping at the base of my bed. Then I... Think I teased Iven a little bit at some point and what else..?

I sat up in bed to scan the room. Samora lay sleeping outside of her covers sprawled across her bed, Ellephwen was somehow sleeping as she normally does. Does living that long give you an immunity to alcohol or something? Actually, why didn't my poison resistance give me an immunity? 

"Mmm..."

A noise came from the side of my bed, I peaked over the edge. Sleeping with a small blanket lay Ayla. Looking around Terrin and Iven seemed to be sprawled on the floor as well. I do think I remember them staying... Hold on didn't Belric stay too, where is he? Did he already go home?

I crawled off my bed, making sure not to step on Ayla or wake Alvir, and tiptoed to the door. I opened the door as gently as I could and took a look outside. The sun had just begun to rise over the horizon, it was a very mild morning, this combined with the soft chirping of birds set a pleasant mood. 

"Couldn't sleep?"

I turned to the direction the voice came from, to the right of me sat Belric, on his strange magical seat. He wore casual clothes, a long pipe decorated like a wolfs head rested in his hand. I still couldn't get used to the sight, a gigantic bear wearing a woollen shirt.

"No, I just woke up. I Was wondering where you were." I replied with a yawn.

"Well, I'm here." Belric gave me that odd smile of his again.

Come to think of it, this is probably a good opportunity... "Can I ask you something?" I need to find out, why he seems to be different around me, at least before I leave.

Belric, took a puff from his pipe, he brought it down motioning to the spot next to him. I pulled the door too and rested against the house where he told me to.

After a slight pause, I broke the silence with a question. "Why did you come?" 

Belric closed his eyes, letting out a long a sigh. "Was it that obvious?" He asked with a troubled smile.

So I was right, I don't really know how to feel about that. "It was obvious, to me at least. You seem to try and avoid me as much as possible." It hurt, to be disliked will always hurt. Well, unless the one not liking me is Gedill, I can get over that.

"I see." Belric gave me a simple replying, falling in to silence after. Does he not want to talk anymore? I'm not letting it finish here, it may be childish of me, but I want to know why.

"Why don't you like me?"Even the way I worded it sounds childish.

Belric sighed again. "it's not that I don't like you, it's that I choose to not like you."

What? What does that mean, doesn't that just mean he doesn't like me?

The large bear glanced at me, noticing my puzzled expression he began to explain.

"I guess you deserve to know... I've lived a long time little miss. Longer than most monsters, longer than most Elves, even. I've seen hundreds of wars, maybe thousands. I've seen countless kingdoms tear each other apart and others rise from their ruins. And, subsequently, I've seen friends die, more than I'd care to count. Now I'm old, I've learnt how to not care. You're not going to survive, little one. I'm almost certain of it. That's why I choose not to care."

"Oh." I replied. What else could I say? That wasn't quite the answer I was expecting, I don't really know what I was expecting, but it wasn't that.

"It's nothing personal, I just have enough people to worry about without worrying about you too." He continued, possibly to make sure I don't feel bad.

What he's said has just left me with more questions though. "Do you not believe that I was reincarnated to fight Lavias then?" 

Belric crossed his arms. "If the Gods knew that Lavias was coming back soon they would have made someone born strong. You were born a Mushman, I have a hard time believing they would make the saviour of the known world a Mushman... No, I think your reincarnation is just another Gods whim." He explained.

"I see... But, what if I do survive? What if you're wrong? Would you still avoid me then?

Belric chuckled. "If you survived, I could see myself treating you like a daughter..."

A slight, warm feeling swelled up in my chest. "I'd like that." I replied with a soft smile.

With that our private conversation was over, for a few minutes we both just sat outside watching the sun rise. After a short while we both heard movement from inside, it seems everyone had begun to wake up. I was oddly satisfied with what Belric told me, I wasn't angry or sad, just content. I'm also determined to survive now, it would be nice to have a father again.

Ellephwen had begun to cook dinner, it seems the delicious aroma of her cooking is what woke everybody from their slumber. The three adventurers fared the worst when it came to being hung over, probably because the rest of us have some sort of skill that helps with that sort of thing.

After finishing breakfast, I knew it was time to head off. I've been putting it off for too long already and I should leave early to make use of the light.

After I told everyone, the mood seemed to go a little sour, not that I can blame them.

Ellephwen took a sip of her tea, then looked me in the eye. "Ellena, where do you plan to go first?" She asked me.

Where do I plan to go first, I thought that would be obvious? "My hometown, from when I was human. I want to see what it looks like now, if it's even there."

Ellephwen nodded her head. "I thought s-"

"FROM WHEN YOU WERE HUMAN!?"  Terrin interrupted Ellephwen with a great shout.

Ah... I forgot, these three didn't know did they? It wasn't intentionally hidden from them, I just never saw the need. "I'm a reincarnated human. Sorry about telling you I just didn't think it was important."

"NOT IMP-mmm mmm!" Ayla covered Terrins mouths with her hands. I'm grateful, but she looks just as shocked as he did. Iven behind them had a more subtle expression, but he doesn't really show much of an expression at the best of times.

Ellephwen appeared to be stifling a laugh. "Anyway... As I was saying I thought that's where you would be heading. I wanted to ask something of you. I was hoping you could stop by the Ashes royal capital on your way. I want to you to inform her of the Great Rurrian Alliance and the decisions we've made."

I was slightly confused. "I thought they sent out messengers for that?" 

Ellephwen nodded. "Yes, but rather than messengers they're more like diplomats. Queen Melenas does not need convincing, so we didn't want to waste resources on sending a diplomat."

I scratched my chin and nodded. "I see, I'd be happy too help, but I was just going to travel south, I have no idea how to find the capital..."

A small smile crept on to Ellephwens face. She lifted her arm, pointing towards the young adventurers. "That's where these three come in. I was going to send them anyway, but I thought since you were going in that direction it would be a good chance for you to meet royalty and learn how to act around them. Then you can carry on your way and these three can return back with her confirmation."

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

I can see her reasoning. If I need to learn how to talk to royalty, then a Queen whom she knows and trusts is probably the best option. I'm fine with the arrangement, but... "Are you three okay with that?" 

The three adventurers were still in slightly shock. for normal people this is the proper response isn't it? I keep forgetting that most of the being I know are far from normal.

After a while Ayla's brain seemed to have caught up with her. "ah, uh yes... Yes that's fine."

I nodded in reply, all that was left was to make sure I had enough supplies for travelling. I decided to bring Skullcrusher, obviously, a bag of assorted potions, a backpack full of food and a tent. I also strapped a small belt to Alvir and attached a few skins of water to it. He wasn't useful for much yet, with his small size, but he was certainly willing to help. The Shadow Megalits hide was also finally ready to be made in to items, but since I can't carry all of my hide with me I decided to just take enough to keep my armour patched up. Ellephwen and Samora promised me they would look after it all. Finally I also took the liquid poison and venom sack I took from the dungeon with me, although I only took a small amount just to be safe.

With that I was truly ready, all that was left was the goodbyes, I guess.

I had one thing I had forgotten to talk about to Belric, so I talked to him first. He was sitting outside, smoking his pipe again.

"Go talk to the Lonely Wolf." I told him. 

Belric eyes widened, but only for a split second. "Ellephwen told me about him, how he isn't how we imagine. I didn't know that he told you of our past, however."

"So you took part in it?" I asked him, with they way he replied he must know what happened quite well.

"I ordered it." Belric stated.

hold on. "What?"

Belric sighed. "I was the chief at the time. Afterwards, I was forced to step down. It was difficult decision, and nobody disagreed that I made the right one. Just that I couldn't keep leading them, and I agreed."

Wow, that's something else unexpected, I know he said he was old, but to be the chief over 9000 years ago? How old is he?

"I still think you should talk to him. He doesn't hate you or your people, he only feels regret for what his species did." I tried to assure Belric.

Belric scratched the back of his head. "I'll think about it."

I smiled back at him. "thank you." 

Now it's Samora, I thought she would have been protesting more, but she's calmly sitting at the table. I sat next to her and grabbed her hand. "Samora, I've already promise-"

Samora interrupted me with a powerful but gentle hug  her long slender arms wrapped around my back. "Good luck." She whispered with a slightly broken voice. 

I returned the embrace. It was warm, and I began to feel sadness sweep over me. It was finally starting to kick in, I was leaving them. All of them, all of the people I've known since I've been a monster. I was leaving them.

Samora leant back and peered in to my eyes. "Be careful Ellie, don't make me regret letting you leave."

I swallowed a lump in my throat. "I'll try." I replied with a slight tremble.

Finally, it was Ellephwen. The Dryad who saved me from dying when I was brand new to this world. She stood by the door ready to say goodbye.

With the same gentle smile she had when we first met, she said her goodbyes. "Child, when we first met I saved you purely on a whim. Do you remember? It was the best decision I have made in a very long time." She stopped to wipe the welling tears from my eye.

"You will only be gone a year, but there is a very real chance we may never see each other again. I just wanted to say that although our time together was short, I have come to truly regard you as my daughter, and always will."

I could no longer hold back the tears, I embraced Ellephwen, my Mother back. "Mother."I managed to mumble through tears.

Ellephwen stood embracing for a while before drawing back wiping more of my tears away. "Now go, my Daughter." 

I nodded my head slowly, with one last look at my family I opened the door. As I walked to the three adventurers waiting for me I wiped the last of the tears away. Some might consider the amount I cried pathetic, I'll only be gone a year after all, but as Ellephwen said earlier, there's a very real chance any one of us may die within that time. Those tears were shed for that possibility.

...

The three adventurers had stayed silent since we had left the house. I was relying on them for direction, but I was also expecting some sort of conversation. I was at least expecting them to tell me how long this would take. I know that to get from the south of Rirrian forest to the southern coast of the Kingdom of Ashes would takes a few weeks, but honestly I don't know how deep in to the forest we were. Ellephwen seemed to be able to get to the capital and back again quite fast, she is quite fast when on her own however so I honestly don't know.

"How long will it take us to reach the capital?" I decided to take the initiative.

Ayla turned her head around, she seemed  surprised to hear my voice. "Eh? Um, it should be about five days in total."

"We'll reach the edge of the forest by tonight, so we're gonna camp there first." Terrin answered the second question I was going to ask before I asked it.

Still... The conversation is already over! This silence is so awkward, but I suppose it can't be helped, somehow it's not the atmosphere for chatting. I just can't think of what to say...

We carried on walking in silence, Alvir  wagged his tail perfectly content next to me. He seemed to just be enjoying the walk, this is probably the furthest he's ever been from his home. Well, same for me Alvir! This will be my first time travelling, the furthest I went in my previous life was just to the island Capital to shop. So this is completely new for me as well.

By the time dark had begun to set we still hadn't chatted properly, there were a few observations, such as 'look there's a pack of Black Wolves' or 'over there a large family of Mushmen!'. We hadn't encountered any bandits or even any hostile monsters all day and, sure enough we came to the edge of the forest.

The light had already begun to fade around us and night had set in. I could just about make out a mountain range to the east and a long beautiful planes of rolling grasslands to the south. I was smiling quite broadly, I couldn't wait to see it in the daylight. 

I started a fire whilst the adventurers prepared for dinner, we hunted a few Bark Deer on the way here for dinner. Named for the curious texture of their skin, despite the skins oddness the actual meat was delicious.

I was quite surprised to see Terrin being their go to cook, it turns out his parents owned a small, but popular tavern, he had learnt how to cook from a young age.

The food he cooked was tasty, but it couldn't be compared to Ellephwen or Samora. Honestly speaking I know I'm just spoilt, but I can't help it.

There still wasn't much talking so we all went to bed early, I had brought a small tent I made out of leather, but the others didn't have any kind of wind cover for themselves. I felt a little guilty, but they said they were used to it and not to worry.

With Alvir curled up next to me I got to sleep quite fast, which was surprising considering the current situation. I fell asleep hoping that the next day might pass with a little more excitement.

~Day 58~

The first thing I did when I awoke in the morning was to have a good look at the surrounding scenery, maybe it's because I've been living in a forest, or more likely it's just because I've never seen scenery like this before, but the view, was breathtaking.

We were camping at the top of a hill, to the south and west of us were plains leading well over the horizon, bountiful grass with beautiful wild flowers dotted in patches around it. A few small groups of trees were also dotted around the plains. To the east I could just about see the Rurrian Forest curve around to create an eastern wall as well the northern one. Inside the forest a few mountains stretched far above the canopy. I hadn't seen scenery like this even in my past life.

The other three had yet to awaken, so I had time to properly appreciate the scenery. Oh that's right, I completely forgot, this would be a good time to look through what Ellephwen and Samora had given me.

The two of them wanted me to keep up my studies, so they both leant me a few things. Ellephwen gave me the magic book on Earth magic so I can level that up, she also gave me a map of the known world. Samora gave me several parchments she must have written over several days, maybe weeks. They were written lessons on the goblin tongue. She must have prepared all the lessons in advance, I feel a bit sorry for her, she put all this planning in to it and yet I had to leave so soon. Well, at least she is still sort of teaching me with these.

I read the magic book to choose which spell to learn next, I decided to practise the Digging spell, I thought it might be useful whilst I travel. It digs a large hole in the ground, something I would consider useful for hunting. When the three adventurers leave us it will just be me and Alvir, I'm to large to sneak properly and I can't imagine Alvir being able to sneak at all, so It will be easier to set a trap.

I practised using the digging spell on some ground nearby, I spent about an hour on it before the others finally rose, seriously how long did they intend to sleep? Anyway, after an hour I had managed a small hole just about large enough to fit a Small Rabbit. It's not much, but it's a start, my Earth Magic did not level up though.

We set off southward, it truly was a relaxing walk through the plains, we passed hundreds of Plains Mushmen families and even more small Rabbits. Alvir stared at the Rabbits hopping around, he seemed quite eager to hunt them, I thought he would be a pacifist for some reason, but it would seem I'm wrong about that.

It might be because of the peaceful scenery, but the mood seemed better, everyone's expression relaxed, even Ivens to a certain extent. Who still seemed to blush a look away everytime I caught him staring at me. The Goblins from the other day made me think of something, Iven is a horse Beastkin, right? Don't horses have very lar-

"Wait a minute!" Terrin interrupted my thoughts. 

"How are we going to get in to actually see the Queen? She wont just accept a meeting with three low ranked adventurers and a seven foot Dryad!"  He rubbed his head.

"Terrin, that was... A good question..." Ayla answered with genuine surprise.

A slight chuckle escaped my lips, this is better than yesterday. "I was given this." I brought out a a letter with a group of entwining branches for a seal. "This is the seal of the Council of Ents. Ellephwen told me that the Queen has ordered her guards to let anyone through holding this seal."

"Oh... Well that's alright then." Terrin replied.

I smiled in reply, this might not be as boring as I thought.

...

We carried on walking, taking a break only to eat lunch. Our pace isn't very fast and we haven't encountered any problems, so there's no need to take many breaks. Ayla told me we won't see many bandits this far north, most of the Noblemen and rich merchants are south and west of the capital. Not many rich mortals travel up here as there aren't any large towns or cities just villages. So the bandits and thief's have no desire to come up this far.

Whilst it's nice that it's peaceful that doesn't really help me. Sure I need to gain allies, but I also need to get stronger myself and if I have no enemies to face that isn't going to happen. I could hunt hostile monsters on the way, but most of the powerful monsters live in dungeons and the Great Forest, so to be honest that's the best place to level myself, but it doesn't get me many allies. So I basically need to travel somewhere where I can acquire both, the only place I can think of, is the Monster Continent.

So I guess I'll aim for there after I visit my old home? It seems like the best option, for now at least.

For the nights dinner I wanted to see if Alvir could hunt a Bark Deer on his own, I told the three adventurers to stay back. Alvir ran up to a Bark Deer who was drinking water from a nearby river.  He ran at the Deer wagging his tail with that stupid look on his face, jumping up and viscously mauling the Deers neck.

Uh... Okay, that's not what I was expecting... Alvir ripped chunks of flesh off of the Deer sadistically ripping it's legs to stop it from escaping. After he had finished much of the river turned red and blood surrounded the riverside. Alvir slowly turned with the same stupid grin-like expression, but this time covered in blood.

That really wasn't what I was expecting, I could hear Ayla whispering things like 'That poor Deer' under her breath the whole time. I know what you mean, but shouldn't you be a bit scared of Alvir now, why are you walking right up to him Ayla?

"Don't be so mean! Do you hear me? You don't need to do that much!" She had begun to scold the blood covered Wolf.  

Strangely enough Alvir just sat there whining, accepting it. I'm pretty sure he understood why he was being told off too, did he gain more intelligence due to becoming part of my pack?

"He probably just wanted to please me." I patted Ayla on the back.

"I understand that, but you shouldn't be too lenient on him Ellena!" Ayla began to scold me too.

Haha, so she's not bothered about scolding me either? Well that's fine, I'll just leave her too it if she thinks it's best.

At least we had tonight's dinner. We rested a bit further up the river; away from the mass of blood and Terrin began to cook the meat.

After we had finished setting up the camp I had some spare time before the meat would be ready. I decided to check Alvirs status... [Level 73] Yes indeed, it's just as I thought, he's levelled up. I didn't get the instant feeling and understanding I usually get when I level a skill, just a strange feeling in my head. So I can see his stats, but only if I concentrate and really want to? Well that's not really a bad thing. None of his skills seemed to level unfortunately, then again he's a Grey Wolf, he doesn't have many skills to begin with.

Terrin finished cooking the meat, Alvir was given a smaller peice by order of Ayla as punishment. The food was good, just as it was the previous night. Above most tavern food I've tasted, but still nothing compared to even Samora.

I spent the time until bed training with the Digging spell. By the time I had exhausted most of magic I managed to create a hole large enough to hold a dwarf. It seems as though this one will be a little harder to master. I also want to experiment with placing the hole slightly below ground leaving a thin layer of dirt so animal will walk on it and fall through. That's quite advanced though so I'll need to improve a lot before then. My magic skill level was still the same.

I was exhausted by that point, so I fell in to my tent and proceeded to sleep. The others had already gone to bed before me, so I was practising out of ear shot to not wake them. It was another peaceful day of doing nothing but travel...

~Day 59~

There's not much to say on the travelling part of today. We walked and chatted for the majority of the day, with no real incidents to talk of. I learnt more about my current travelling companions though.

Ayla and Terrin are from the same town, both are sixteen. Ayla's mother worked as a waitress in the tavern Terrins parents owned, which is how they got to know each other. Terrin always wanted to become an adventurer as most teenage boys do. Ayla, having some talent for magic was scouted by a guild and Terrin immediately offered to join her. With some training with a sword thanks to his father the guild had to real reason to refuse, so the two of them joined. Ayla didn't have as much desire to be an adventurer as Terrin, but she wasn't against it, especially since it meant she could see the world.

Iven on the other hand is 23, he joined the guild without saying a single word to anyone, just signing the necessary paperwork. The problem was, despite his relative strength and skill as a vanguard no parties would take him due to his lack of communication, and a vanguard can't do very well working on his own. So he was assigned to join with Ayla and Terrin. They've been together for four months now and have told me Iven has only spoken twice.  She told me he's not trying to be mysterious or aloof, he's just very very shy. 

So why did he choose to join a guild and hunt monsters for a living if he's shy? If he wanted to hunt monsters on his own I could understand a bit more, but if he did why didn't he train in something more rounded than the spear and shield?

Anyway, other than that discussion not much happened whilst travelling today. As evening was about to arrive we came across a small town. This was intentional on behalf of the route these three usually take. They stock up on any supplies they somehow might have lost in the few days travel.

I wore a hooded robe inside the town, it was just easier that way. People would either be scared by my appearance or attracted to it. It wouldn't bother me too much, but I don't want to cause any trouble for the Queen by attacking her subjects. She's a friend of Ellephwens after all...

No one seemed that bothered about Alvir, hunters often keep Grey Wolves as hunting pets anyway, so it's probably not a uncommon sight around here. In facts I even saw a man walking around with a Black Wolf earlier.

We decided to meet up at the village inn for dinner then retire to our bedrooms, I have a few hours before that so, since I didn't have any money Ayla leant me some to buy anything I might need.

However, it's just as I expected. Even if I wear this robe I'm still over 7 ft, I really stand out, especially when they hear a woman's voice under the hood. I sighed from all of the reactions I received.

"Lady are you a Beastkin or somin?" 

Looking down a young boy called up to me, so far those around me have just avoided me. The bravery of the young is frightening, I suppose it's more naivety than bravery though.

"Sure." I replied, I'm not going to explain what I am to the boy, so I'll just go with Beastkin.

The boy nodded and ran off to a group of children, was it a dare or something? Maybe it wasn't naivety then.

Before returning to the inn I managed to find one merchant stand actually willing to talk to me normally, the money Ayla gave me was enough to buy what I wanted, which was dried fruit, something to snack on whilst we're travelling. It's not that any of us get very hungry or anything, but I just wanted to treat myself.

With nothing else to buy, I headed for the Inn. I had to lean down to get through the door. Whilst waiting for the others I ordered a small ale with the money left over. It couldn't hurt. I still got plenty of stares in the inn, but I wasn't actively disturbing anyone so the patrons just got on with their meals. 

The others finally arrived, they also just bought basic supplies like food and medicine. We ordered our meal and Ayla asked for two rooms. One for me and her, the other for Iven and Terrin. The inns food was... Satisfactory, I could eat without any negative feelings at least.

After dinner we retired to our rooms, Alvir was with Ayla and I since he was my pet. 

"ahhh. It'll be nice to sleep in a proper bed tonight." Ayla said whilst stretching her arms.

She snuggled under the bed sheets and closed her eyes a wide grin on her face. I did the same, although my feet were hanging over the edge of the bed, they were a little cold so I kept my boots on. I must have looked quite ridiculous. 

Honestly though, these past few days have been so uneventful, it's such a dramatic transition from the Lair of the Lonely Wolf... 

I'm not complaining of course, as much of a battle junkie I am, I still enjoy relaxation just as much.

~Day 60~

We were out of the town relatively early, it seems these lot actually wake up earlier when they sleep better. Isn't it usually the opposite?

It was another peaceful, mild day. I doubt much will happen until we reach the capital, it's just so quiet here. I decided since I couldn't train myself at the moment I would train up Alvir instead. I want him to grow stronger as well and he's at the level where the monsters around here will actually level him up.

So whilst we were travelling for the day I sent him off to hunt in any nearby woods that we crossed. He made sure to stay in range to us so I heard commotion every so often which slightly ruined the mood. Both Ayla and I agreed that it was a little cruel to the peaceful monsters around here, so I asked him to only go after predators, if he understood what that meant, I don't know.

By mid day the scenery begun to change a bit, we were encountering denser woods, Ayla told me it's because we were coming closer to the capital and there was a small forest surrounding the capital. So there were more and more trees the closer to the capital we got.

Since we were resting for a while, I decided to carry on with practising the Digging spell. I didn't do any yesterday as I thought digging a massive hole in the middle of a town might be frowned upon.

Alvir was resting next to the rock I was using as a seat, he was munching on a leg of... Something, I think it must be some sort of Rat type monster by the looks of it, surely that doesn't have enough meat to munch on?

After finishing lunch and practising magic whilst the others rested, I finally managed to gain another level in Earth Magic. Other than Wolfmother, it's the only skill that I've managed to level. That reminds me, Wolfmother has grow a level today, it seems that just by my pack completing my requests the skill will level up slightly. 

I wonder if it's the same for his Packmember skill?

Anyway, I've just about managed to master making a hole that could hold me, I can't make it deep enough yet, as right now I would just be able to climb out of it, but it's an improvement. This spell seems less useful than the Earthen Armour spell, yet it seems harder to master? Is it because the Earthen Armour is just a set magic, whereas this requires exact measurements and input of the spell castor?

Our journey carried on, eventually bringing us to a crossroads, Ayla said this is where we would be camping tonight, it was only one more day until we reach the capital. The path she said lead to the capital was surrounded by trees just as she said it would be. We weren't on one of the main roads in to the capital of course, Ayla lead us to a smaller dirt path as she knows that I want to avoid attention as much as possible. We have passed a few travellers on the way here, but one or two at most  and they often just seemed a bit shocked more than anything.

Whilst Ayla and I set up the camp for the night, Terrin led Iven away claiming that 'the men would hunt for dinner tonight' with a cheeky grin. Whilst I was trying to get the camp fire started Ayla struck up a conversation.

"Iven likes you you know? He keeps glancing at you and blushing." She observed.

I scratched my head feeling a little embarrassed. I had noticed him staring at me several times since we started travelling. I thought he had a crush on me because of the features my species has given me, but does she think it's more than that? I'm not exactly shy or inexperienced, but it's still embarrassing.

Why is she bringing it up though? I've also noticed her stealing glances at me and blushing too... Wait, is she jealous? A smile spread across my face, maybe I should tease her a little?

"I've noticed. Why did you bring it up though, afraid I'll be taken away?"

Ayla looked puzzled. "What? No."

Okay, now I'm confused. Have I gotten arrogant? Did I misinterpret her glances?

"Well, I mean I saw you steal a couple of glances yourself, so I thought maybe..." I began to trail off at the end.

Aylas puzzled expression turned to one of realisation and she began to blush. "No no no no. I wasn- I mean I was, but that was fo- I mean I already hav-" 

"Calm down, just take a deep breath, okay?" I interrupted her to try and calm her down. Her outburst was quite cute, but I was curious as to what was going through her mind.

Ayla calmed herself down and took a deep breath. "Okay, okay I'm sorry. It's just that, the reason I look at you isn't out of any romantic feelings, I'm only interested in boys. It's... Something else."

Something else? Now I'm intrigued. "Well... What is it then?"

Ayla curled up her knees burying her face in to her long robe, her ears turned red form embarrassment. "I know we've only known each for a very short while, and we've talked even less than that. But when I first saw you as your current evolution... I... I thought you might one day be the older sister I never had..." She mumbled as she reached the end, but I still understood what she was saying.

I let out a small chuckle. "I'm younger than you, you know?"

"That's what I thought too! Which is why I thought it was so stupid! But then we found out you were reincarnated, so it made more sense then. How old were you in your past life?" She protested.

Well, I can't deny her there, but is she trying to say that she could somehow sense that I am technically older than her? "I was 19 when I died."

Ayla raised her head. "I knew it, I was right!"

It was cute reaction, still there's something I am curious about. "Why did you want to talk to me about Iven, then?"

Aylas face turned red again. "I just wanted to try some girls talk, I was still too embarrassed at the Inn so I wanted to try today whilst we still had the chance. I've never had a sister and I was always around Terrin, so there aren't any girls I'm close to. I just thought, it would be nice." 

I stood up from where I was and sat next to the teenage girl wrapping my arm around her. "I honestly don't mind if you think of me as a sister. It'll be a little odd for me at first, I was a only child as well. But I'm sure I could get used to it." I smiled at her. 

She looked up at me and smiled back. "Thanks, Ellena." 

"Still, we'll have to do girl talk another time, it won't be long until those two come back, and it won't be girls talk if they're involved, right?" I said with a grin on my face.

"Right." She replied, smiling back.

...

Just as I thought the Iven and Terrin returned soon after, they had manage to catch a handful of Rabbits each for dinner. I carried on practising Earth Magic whilst Terrin prepared the food. I managed to pretty much master changing the size of the hole by the time the food was ready. Next was to try and keep a thin layer of dirt on the top.

After dinner we all went straight to bed, before sleeping I checked on Alvirs stats to see what today's hunting had done. 

[Name: Alvir]

[Age: 1 year, 73 Days]

[Species: Grey Wolf]

[Height: 3'-4"]

[Sex: Male]

[Title: Packmember]

{Level: 77] +5

[Health 84/84] +2

[Mana: 3/3] 

[Stamina: 88/89] +3 

[Hunger: 89/89] +3

[Attack: 70] +2

[Defence: 41] +1  

[Magic Attack: 1] 

[Magic Defence: 18]

[Skills: [Packmember lvl 2] Up! [Pain Resistance lvl 1] [{Wolfs bite lvl 4}] Up!]

Is that it!? He's grown five levels and that all the stats he's gained? Even when I was a Mushling my growth was quicker than this, what that because of the bonus thanks to me being a reincarnated person? Actually, maybe it's a bonus due to the Mushmen's pacifist nature... Due to the fact that peaceful monsters almost level up, maybe they level up faster?

I would need to ask an expert to know for certain, since I can't just run to Ellephwen to ask her anymore.

As I fell asleep I was strangely excited however, I got the feeling that Alvir's level and stats will begin to level faster thanks to me being his master. There's already evidence for it after all, he grew four levels in this day alone, considering how long he's been alive that's a clear growth in levelling speed. I wonder if I'll get to decide his evolution as well thanks to being his master. It would be brilliant if I could, but I would also be excited by the surprise if I couldn't. I can't wait to find out.

Before that though, I have to meet royalty, which is making me anxious in itself...

[Name: Ellena]

[Age: 59 Days]

[Species: Virga Ferrea, Dryad]

[Height: 7'-3"]

[Sex: Female]

[Title/s: Kin of Ellephwen, Wolfmother.]

{Level: 35] 

[Health: 3738/3738] 

[Mana: 532/872] 

[Stamina: 3552/3552] 

[Hunger: 3552/3552] 

[Attack: 3080] 

[Defence: 4874] 

[Magic Attack: 960] 

[Magic Defence: 1784] 

[Skills: [Pain Resistance lvl 10 (Max)] [Poison Resistance lvl 8] [Mind Resistance lvl 2] [Venom Resistance lvl 7] [Night vision lvl 10 (max)] [Amplified Vision lvl 7] [{Mushroom Helmet lvl 50}] [tough stomach lvl 7] [Unarmed Combat Expert lvl 3] [Polearm Journeyman lvl 4] [Kingsfoot lvl 9] [Warriors Heart lvl 31] [Warriors Will lvl 22] [Warriors Strength lvl 20] [Greater Regeneration lvl 1] [Guardian lvl 7] [Dryads Charm lvl 3] Up! [Skinning lvl 4] [Tanning lvl 3] [Leatherworking lvl 2] [Carving lvl 2] [Earth Magic lvl 4] Up! [{Wolfmother lvl 4}] Up! ]

______________________________________________________________________________

Author note: I would just like to say that it's purely coincidence that the more unpopular characters had more focus this chapter, I had planned this out before the poll. it just worked out like this. XD

Also how do you think I should do Alvir's stats? Should I do them at the end of every chapter like with Ellenas? Or only every so often so I don't stuff the chapters with too many stats windows?