Vivian felt like she was moving through a dream as she stepped out of the council chamber, followed closely by Peri.

‘Glad that’s over and done with.’ Peri yawned and stretched like a cat, raising his arms above his head and popping his joints. ‘Wasn’t as hard as I thought it would it be. What do you say we head home?’

Vivian nodded, still feeling dazed about the fact that she had been allowed to stay. Peri said that it was easy but from where she was standing it seemed like a close call. True, it came with a few extra duties that she had to undertake, but still, she was allowed to stay.

She was safe.

Vivian let out a deep breath, her anxiety and fear flowing out of her along with it. She jumped a bit when something rubbed itself against her leg. She looked down to see Ebion looking up at her with big yellow eyes, almost seeming to ask if she was alright. She hadn’t even noticed that he had jumped off her head before she entered the council chamber.

Just goes to show how scared I actually was.

Her voice, which had decided to hide at the back of her throat halfway through the council inquiry, had returned. She turned to face Peri and nodded in answer to his question.

‘Back to the cottage?’ she asked.

‘Yes.’ He ran a critical eye over her. ‘You really need to get some sleep. I know I do.’

Vivian let out a weak laugh. ‘When do you not?’

Peri cracked a small smile as well. ‘Never. Shall we?’

Vivian followed Peri out of the Council and back into the residential streets outside, with Ebion once again secure in her arms. She hadn’t realized how long the inquiry had gone on for, but the sun was beginning its descent from the sky, painting it in bright orange. Now that she was no longer afraid of having to leave the city, she was able to take in the sights a bit more. The residential area comprised of large townhouses, probably big enough to house at least four bedrooms each, with balconies opening out over the main streets. Some balconies had groups of girls tittering over tea, while others held people either reading or knitting. Some of them glanced down at them as they passed, quite a few nodding and calling out greetings to Peri, who mostly replied with a gruff nod, not slowing his pace a bit. A few did notice Vivian, only to retreat behind unfolded fans and hiding hands to whisper and gossip about the obvious commoner in their midst.

At one point, Ebion got bored of being carried and jumped out of her arms. He sauntered down the streets with his tail held high, soon disappearing round a bend. Vivian made to go after him but was stopped by Peri.

‘He’ll make it home by dinner time. He knows the way.’

There were a few people on the street, some walking with purpose and others simply enjoying a stroll. An older man marched by with a clear look of distaste on his face. However, it wasn’t directed at her. It was pointed at Peri. The man’s distaste turned into a glare when Peri’s eyes rose up to meet his, scoffing to himself as he stomped away. In fact, there were quite a few people who were glancing at Peri with mistrust and moved out of the way as he approached. It must have happened when they were heading to the Council as well, but she hadn’t noticed as she had been a bit preoccupied.

‘Why do they look like they don’t like you?’

‘That’s because they don’t.’ Peri shrugged. ‘I’m not a mage remember. That fact brings with it a healthy amount of suspicion.’

‘They all seem to be older than you,’ Vivian observed. ‘The ones my age seem to like you.’

‘That’s because my primary job is to rescue mages and bring them here, something I only started doing after I came here a decade ago. So most of the younger ones accept me… for now.’

‘I’m not complaining, but how did you get accepted here?’ Vivian was curious. If it was so difficult for a mage like her to be accepted, what exactly did Peri have that made them accept him?

‘A story for another time,’ Peri replied shortly, stopping any further discussion on the topic.

Vivian took the cue and turned to observe the streets again. Despite being called the residential area there were a few shops here as well. She spotted a boutique, a bakery and even a bookshop a little further down the road. Under the awning of the bookshop, she noticed a boy around her age. From this distance Vivian could only make out his black hair and a sword strapped to his side. He appeared to be waiting for someone, an assumption that was proven correct when another boy, this one with blonde hair so light it was almost white, stumbled out of the bookshop. The newcomer flung an arm around the waiting boy’s shoulders, drawing an irritated look from the later which was answered with a wide grin from the former.

As the Vivian and Peri approached, the two of them looked up from their conversation, noticing Peri immediately. They raised a hand in greeting which Peri reciprocated. Their glance then shifted to her, curiosity in the blonde’s eyes and a strong hint of disdain in his friend’s gaze. This set off a whirl of anger in herself, a very familiar concept at this point. Vivian was starting to believe that maybe her family was right about her having a short temper.

She stuck her tongue out at him as they passed by.

She knew it was childish, that she could have ignored it and walked away, but after an hour of being called useless and dead weight by the council, she wasn’t in a forgiving mood, even for something as trivial as this.

The black hair boy raised a well-shaped eyebrow in response to her childish display while his friend let out a snort of laughter. Vivian faced forward and refused to look back at the two of them. She ran a little to catch up with Peri who had moved on ahead during their little exchange. She could hear the blonde boy teasing his friend but she didn’t turn to look.

‘What was that?’ Peri asked, a strange mix of confusion and second-hand embarrassment on his face.

‘Nothing,’ she mumbled.

‘Well then, let’s hope you never do nothing again. Once was plenty embarrassing.’

Vivian opened her mouth to defend herself before clicking her jaw shut. She had no way of explaining what she did as anything other than childish and petty.

They had moved out of the residential district and were passing through the market when they heard a call from behind them. Vivian barely had time to turn around before Dixie had slung an arm laden with heavy bags across her shoulder, causing her to stagger a bit so as to adjust to the sudden weight.

‘You’re done?’ Dixie blew a strand of red hair out of her face. ‘That was quick. I expected you lot to be there for another hour at least.’

‘Seemed pretty long to me,’ Vivian grumbled. She noticed Cyrus who was weaving his way through the crowd towards them and she raised a hand in acknowledgement.

‘So, what’s the verdict?’ Cyrus asked, finally extracting himself from the throng around them to step into their little bubble.

‘I’m staying,’ Vivian raised her voice a bit to be heard above the crowd. ‘With a few extra duties.’

Peri yawned. ‘They named her a forest ranger.’

Dixie raised an eyebrow in question. ‘What’s a forest ranger?’

‘A position they created just for me. Apparently, talking to trees is not insanity, but rather a very valuable skill. I’m supposed to explore and document the Druscan woods, which I have no idea how to do.’

‘You could start by learning how to study and draw maps,’ Cyrus suggested.

Peri shook his head. ‘No, we need to start with learning how to read and write.’

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

‘You don’t know how to read?’ Dixie asked incredulously.

‘I’m a peasant form the countryside. Of course I don’t know how to read.’

‘I thought all humans could read.’

‘That’s because most humans you’ve met are of the upper class,’ Cyrus explained. ‘The lower classes never learn because it serves little purpose for them.’

‘Makes sense. I didn’t know how to read either until I started staying with you.’ Dixie nudged Cyrus, smiling a small smile.

‘Cyrus taught you how to read?’ Vivian asked.

Dixie nodded. ‘And write. And numbers and a bit of mathematics. We shifters usually tend to live as roaming packs in the forests. Very few of us venture into cities and the like. I was one of the few.’ When met with a questioning look from Vivian she continued, ‘I was bored. One can only look at twigs and leaves for so long.’

The throngs of people around them seemed to intensify as the evening crowd made their way onto the streets, heading for restaurants and taverns, or simply loitering along the sides in groups, chatting and laughing.

‘We should head back,’ Peri said. ‘It’s only going to get even more crowded.’

‘But I thought we could take a tour, see the sights,’ Dixie whined. ‘You want to, don’t you Vivi?’

Vivian chuckled. ‘Maybe tomorrow. I’m dead on my feet, and right now I just want to eat and sleep.’

Dixie visibly deflated. ‘Very well. I suppose we can do it tomorrow.’

‘Well, we’ll be staying at the Rusty Kettle,’ Cyrus said, pointing a large inn a little further down the road. The building was being swarmed by customers, and warm light spilled out of its windows accompanied by cheery music. ‘Meet us there tomorrow after breakfast and we can take a walk around the city, get you registered in school and buy your essentials.’

Vivian nodded. ‘Sounds great. I’ll see you tomorrow then. Good night.’

They parted ways, Vivian following after Peri, who didn’t seem to realize that his legs were much longer than hers, forcing her to jog slightly to keep up. They were soon passing through the farmlands, now devoid of the goblins that were tending them in the morning.

‘How long do you think it will take me to learn how to read?’

‘It should take about a month to learn the basics, that is if you aren’t too stupid.’

Vivian nodded along. ‘Two months then.’ She joked and grinned, trying to cajole a smile out of the older man.

Instead, Peri studied her out of the corner of his eye. ‘I noticed this before, but you’re a bit self-deprecating, aren’t you?’

‘I am not,’ Vivian instinctively objected, her grin slipping from her face. ‘I’m just…’ She struggled a bit for words. ‘Just having a bad day, is all. I’m not self-depr-… well, whatever it is you said.’

‘Self-deprecating. It means having no self-respect.’

‘It’s a bit hard to find something I respect in myself right now,’ Vivian mumbled.

Peri hesitated. ‘… Do you want to talk about it?’ His face was begging her to say no.

‘No.’

‘Oh good.’ Peri let out a small sigh. ‘I’d be the worst person to offer comfort… But if you ever do feel like talking about it,’ Vivian looked up to meet his eyes. ‘… find Sith. She’s better at giving advice. And under no circumstances ask Dixie.’

Vivian snorted, which developed into a laugh, leaching out the tension of the day. She heaved a large sigh as they climbed up the steps of the cottage and pushed open the front door. The fire was still burning merrily in the hearth, warming them the moment they stepped into the living room. Vivian made her way to the fire, letting the heat soak into her bones.

‘Why don’t you go take a look around,’ Peri said. ‘I’ll see if I can find us some dinner.’

Peri strode straight through the living room towards what Vivian assumed was the dining room. Vivian stood in front of the fire for a bit longer before deciding to take Peri’s advice and explore what would be her new home.

The house was decorated with cozy rugs and comfy armchairs, a few paintings hanging on the stone walls and strange carved pieces on the mantle and tables. A staircase climbed its way to the upper floors along the right wall. On the right there was locked door that seemed to lead to a bedroom. To the left of the living room was a small library with a desk and bookshelves lining the walls and a small round table with three chairs in the centre. Further left was a door that led to the porch outside, looking into the Druscan woods that lay beyond. At the back of the library was a glass door that stepped down into a greenhouse filled with potted plants and small plots of growing crops. To the left was a door that led outside the cottage to a well and an outhouse. Across the greenhouse was a set of wooden double doors that were locked, but she could hear some sort of chittering and fluttering behind them. Deciding to ask Peri about it later, she headed back to the living room and proceeded to follow the direction Peri left. She stepped into a spacious dining room with a door to the right leading to the kitchen.

A savoury smell made its way to her and she found herself following it to the kitchen in the back. Peri was standing over a central hearth, a bubbling pot of stew suspended over the burning pit. He looked quite odd with a ladle in his hand, occasionally stirring the contents of the pot. He looked up as she approached.

‘Finished exploring?’

‘I didn’t go upstairs yet.’

He nodded. ‘I hope you like day-old stew. Grab a couple of bowls, would you? There’s also bread in the store.’ Peri nodded at a door to his right. ‘And get a couple of cups for water.’

Vivian moved to follow his directions. She found a few loaves of bread from the store and a couple of clean bowls. She held out the bowls as Peri generously ladled out some stew into each and went to set them on the table along with a water jug and a pair of cups. She sat down and waited for Peri to join her. The stew smelled delicious, and once Peri was seated as well, they dug in without a word. They ate in silence, enjoying the first good meal they’ve had since they left Cyrus’ home. It didn’t take long for Vivian to clean off her plate, the feeling of a full stomach putting a satisfied smile on her face.

‘The house has only three bedrooms, all occupied.’ Peri put his spoon down. ‘So, we’ll have to put you up in the attic.’

‘That’s fine… Whose is the third?’

‘A beastman named Reno. He’s off on a job right now, should be back by next month… You’ll have to clean up the attic a bit before you can use it.’

‘Alright.’ Vivian let out a wide yawn. ‘What about that door in the living room? Isn’t that a bedroom.

‘Used to be, but Sith uses it as a laboratory now.’

Vivian stood up and gathered her bowl and plate. ‘I should get started on the attic then.’

Peri stood up, grabbed his plates as well and dropped them into the washtub and Vivian followed likewise. ‘There’s a broom, some rags and a bucket in the storeroom. Grab them and follow me.’

They climbed the stairs to the first floor which opened out into a drawing room with a couch placed facing the tall glass windows that looked out towards the city. Three doors faced into the drawing room leading to the bedrooms. In the far corner of the drawing room, tucked into a niche was a circular staircase which Vivian guessed probably led to the attic. Peri led her up the tight spiral and pushed open a trapdoor to an attic that was more spacious than Vivian had expected.

‘It’s bigger than I expected.’ Vivian stepped into what was to be her new room, running her hand over the cold, stone walls. The room was bare, devoid of any furniture. A musty smell hung over the place, causing her to sneeze a couple of times. There was a window at the very end of the attic which creaked as Vivian pushed it open. She looked out to see the bright lights of the city in the distance, a dull hum of the noisy, crowded streets managing to make it as far as the cottage. Down below, the path they had walked down earlier, snaked its way through farmlands to end at their doorstep. The Druscan woods stood quiet and mysterious, a gentle breeze slipping through the trees and rustling the leaves.

‘It gets a bit cold up here in the winter but its pleasant otherwise.’ Peri moved into the room, his hands in his pockets. ‘We can furnish it in time, but for now I’ll get you a mattress and some quilts for the night.’

‘It’s perfect.’ Vivian turned away from the window and grabbed the broom. ‘I should get started.’

Peri nodded. ‘Come see me once you’re done. I’ll be in the drawing room.’ And he left.

It didn’t take long for her to get the attic clean. It looked well maintained. A quick sweep got rid of the little dust that had gathered and a thorough scrub of the floor with a wet rag took care of any mud or dirt that lingered. She returned the cleaning tools to the store and climbed up again. Peri was sitting on the couch in the upstairs drawing room, a fire now merrily burning in the once empty fireplace. A stack of quilts, a pillow and a folded mattress was placed on the small table in front of him.

Peri wrinkled his nose as she approached. ‘If you wish to bathe there’s a tub in the outhouse.’

Vivian gathered her sheets and mattress. ‘I’ll do that, but I want to lay out my bed first.’

‘Very well.’ Peri glanced out of the window at the dark sky. ‘It’s late. I’m off to bed. Sith should return within the hour, so don’t be too scared if you hear some movement downstairs.’

Vivian nodded in understanding. ‘Good night.’

Peri grunted in reply before entering his room and shutting the door behind him.

Vivian scurried upstairs and quickly laid out her bed, fluffing up the pillow and shaking out the blankets. After it was done, she went downstairs and made her way to the outhouse for a quick bath. It took some back and forth from the well to fill up the tub. The water was cold when she dipped in but she quickly scrubbed herself clean, stepped out and emptied the tub, shivering in the night. Feeling cleaner and more human, she ran back to the house and plopped herself in the drawing room. Thankfully, the fire was still going strong.

She sat there for a while, thinking about nothing and everything. She didn’t even realize she was dozing off until she was startled awake by the sound of the front door opening. She grudgingly moved away from the warmth of the fireplace and made her way downstairs. Sith was hanging her cloak on the stand next to the door, rubbing her hands along her arms as she hurried towards the hearth.

‘Hello,’ Vivian greeted. ‘Welcome back,’

Sith glanced up and smiled, a warm smile that made her feel the same inside. ‘Good to be home. I assume you’ve already settled yourself. Had dinner?’

Vivian nodded. ‘The stew was delicious.’

‘I’m glad to hear. I was afraid that Peri would make straight for his bed and leave you to figure things out.’

‘No, we ate together. He fell asleep a half-hour ago.’

‘Good.’ Sith nodded at the stairs she had just descended. ‘You should do the same. I know you have questions but you need rest. We can talk more in the morning.’

‘I won’t argue with that.’ Vivian stifled a yawn. ‘Good night, Sith.’

‘Good night, Vivian.’

Vivian trudged back upstairs, heading for her attic. She climbed up into her room and shut the trapdoor before falling into her sheets. She rolled over onto her back, surveying the empty room around her. Slowly sleep tugged at her as she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Yes… my attic, my room, my bed… my new home.