After announcing the town-naming event, a stream of suggestions came to Raine’s temporary office. With the help of Narati and Sil, the two people who suggested this event, they started sifting through the names everyone suggested, some of whom suggested more than a dozen. Thankfully, Raine imposed a limit of twenty names per person so that he and his friends would not be overwhelmed by suggestions. Even so, it was a generous number; the suggested names were more or less 300 in total, giving them a chance to filter out the less inspiring names while leaving each person who made the suggestion a chance for one of their suggestions to be chosen.

While Sil and Narati worked, Raine walked around town to hear about suggestions while asking about the best name for the town based on the list that the two gave him. He was fortunate that the town-naming did not seem to be the most important thing in everyone mind. Many of the discussions he heard were instead more on how to improve the town’s infrastructure and the best seeds to be cultivated on each season, while also wondering about their preparedness for winter. Jonas helped Raine in voicing the many thoughts from the nomads he led.

The two became fast friends when they were acquainted with each other several months ago after returning to their old site after Jacques’s death. Jonas was taken aback by Raine’s optimism and cheery attitude, something that had not been in Jonas’s mind ever since they found out about the Aether-contaminated sand. Raine was also grateful towards him, Sil, and the rest of the nomads for accepting Narati despite their reluctance due to their bad experience with the Fa’ars that took over their old homes. Granted, like Raine and Karkas, Jonas considered Narati to be different than a typical Fa'ar. Later, he learned Narati's circumstances and sympathized with him.

Nevertheless, Raine wondered if Jonas deferring the leadership to the former Knight was the right choice. He decided to discuss this when they were alone in the forest, during which they checked the spring Narati and Aranis discovered that could be used as a water source for their planned reservoir.

Raine checked the gaps between trees to plan the aqueduct without disturbing them as suggested by Aranis. It was more than enough, with the right measurements and carpentry skills. While he checked on them, he started a conversation with Jonas, who was observing the spring.

“I did some farm work before,” started Raine. “The older ones helped open the forest for the farm. The more magically adept of us helped with the actual farming. I helped with the magic part. Given my village’s size, it felt like a wonder if someone didn’t know of someone else’s skills. I’d even be surprised if they had never heard of the redhead with cat ears.”

“That sounds very specific,” said Jonas. “You ever got picked on because of it?”

Raine chuckled. “Yeah, I did. I was called the ginger tabby. Other times, they called me cat boy. Over time, being called a ‘cat boy’ makes me uneasy.”

“Why?”

“It reminds me of my ex. She’s, uh…she’s into skinny guys with cat ears. Not a Felinar. A human. With cat ears. Still makes me wonder why that’s a thing for the city folks, especially when I found out that some people play dress-up with cat ears headbands and fake tail. It’s not like a human with Felinari heritage is that rare, but each for their own, I guess.”

“Well, that’s not something you heard much in the desert,” said Jonas.

“You’ll find out more about the ‘weird’ Valley people when you live here long enough, bud. Is that the reason why you chose me as the town leader? Personally, I think you’d be a better leader than I am. You led those nomads against all odds. Me? I’m a drifter.”

“Perhaps,” said Jonas. “But if it wasn’t for you, we would never consider walking for half a week trying to take our chances in a foreign land. You have that charisma. And that persuasive look.”

“Oh, come on. You’re not half bad yourself. To be fair, though, I was hardly a leader when I was a Knight.”

“But you are still part of the military. To me, that’s good enough. There needs to be order in these chaotic times. You may think the Desert’s liberating, but to me, it’s only reinforce the fact that it’s hell because everyone can do anything they want, with the strong rule over the weak. I remembered reading somewhere about there is a thing called excessive freedom that lead to chaos.”

“I never think freedom’s liberating,” retorted Raine. “C’mon, bud. Did you really think of me that way? I’m not some kind of a cult—”

Raine stopped, realizing what he was going to say. He never told anyone about Jacques’s past as a member of the Nihilo cult. Other than him, only Narati, Karkas, and Sil knew about this fact.

“Even cults have rules,” said Jonas, oblivious of Raine’s abrupt cut of his own words. “Raiders, though? That’s another matter entirely.”

“Yeah, I get ya,” said Raine. “Being a leader, eh? Never thought I’d be one. Some would say I’m too young to lead a town. Yet, in this time and age, 32 isn’t that bad.”

“Maybe you should consider settling down,” suggested Jonas. “You’ve been on the road for a while, from the looks of it. Now, you got a town to manage and a whole lot of responsibilities waiting for you to tackle. Maybe it’s time you get someone to help you, in office and in life.”

“Heh. Life’s that poetic, isn’t it? You’ve been surviving for so long, you never know what’s coming for you next. In the end, you either rot away, or you retire, retaining yourself.” Raine then sighed. “Ah, well. I suppose it really is time for me to put down my sword. Not that I have one now.”

“You should get yourself a new one. Like you said. You never know what’s coming next. We’re hardly at peace, you know.”

“I know. Anyway, thanks. You made me realize how important it is to be responsible.”

“Heh. You bet, Raine.”

“So, now that’s out of the way, what do you want to call the town? I personally would call it Reevestown, to honor one of Cavilen’s first settlers, Anderson Reeves. He’s not exactly the most popular of the five, but he wasn’t exactly a controversial figure, either. It’s just me rooting for the underdogs.”

“I got a couple,” said Jonas. “But my top pick would be Sapalto. It’s a word from my mother tongue. It means ‘Green Grass’. It’s kind of literal, but since it’s a foreign word around here, I think it would be special enough. Not that I’d complain if that’s not chosen, or if you prefer the Common name instead.”

“That would be fine. In any case, we’d make a poll based on fifty chosen, then we’ll slowly eliminate the least chosen until only one’s left. Sounds fair?”

“Fair enough to me.”

“Just don’t get too serious about a town’s name. If the name’s not too weird, I’ll be alright with anything. Even Diamondback’s Nest would be cool.”

“Who’d name a town ‘Diamondback’s Nest’?”

“Someone with a bit of imagination. At least it’s better than Bartertown. Someone actually named their town that in the Wasteland, complete with a dome where two come in, one comes out, that sort of thing.”

“You really have seen a lot of things out there, huh?”

“Oh, believe me when I say I’ve seen it all. Well…maybe except what’s beyond the sea. I haven’t had the guts to get on one of those ships and start sailing to whatever hell or paradise awaiting me on the other side. Maybe if I’m feeling lost or hopeless, I might. But right now, I don’t.”

Jonas smiled. Raine certainly had his ways with words, but there was one thing that was sure, and that was the reason why he chose Raine to lead them. His optimism was infectious. He also had a cocky aura, but not a hollow one. He knew what he was doing, and he would make sure everything was done. On top of all that, he was a kind fellow who was willing to take his chances on a Fa’ar he barely knew, meaning that he would be fair.

Knowing this, Jonas believed that Raine would give the right choice when it came to naming the town. Even if he wasn’t sure he had the right choice, he had friends and people trusting him to help.

“Ready to go back?” asked Raine.

“Hold on,” said Jonas. “I wonder if you noticed that there are fish coming out of the spring. We might get some of them when they inevitably swim down the duct.”

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“Do you really trust an aquatic life at this point? They could be contaminated with Aether for all we know.”

“Which is why we should consider making a filter. I doubt the fish are contaminated, but if you feel it’s better to gate them off, it’s your call. Pity, though. I have always wanted to try some fish cuisine.”

“Yeah. Too bad we won't know what's in them until you eat them.”

Noting this fact, they both decided to return to the town, ready to report on the viability of the spring and to start planning on constructing a duct, finally able to secure fresh water.

Back in town, with the addition of the newcomers, the town felt less empty. Narati walked out of Raine’s office to take some breather and to return to his workshop, intending to start cleaning the building where he would set up shop and settle in the apartment above. He chose the second floor living space while letting Herb, the mostly furless pseudo-Loup he got acquainted with over the past three days, the top floor. The building already had some equipment left by the previous occupants, gathering dust, but were still usable if given a power source. Narati also noticed a spacious worktable, enough for a big contraption such as his chainsaw axe, complete with vice, a magicite lamp, a shelf for an assortment of tools, and cabinet for similar purposes, most of which were already filled and untouched.

What made the workshop different, however, was the fact that, on the other side of the room was a space reserved for enchanters. Aranis told the Fa’ar that it was an artificer shop, intended for both non-magical engineering and enchanting services. Narati had a basic grasp on enchantments and understanding of magical power sources. His axe was powered by a condensed source of mana that was essential in its operation; regular battery would not do. He also learned a bit about runic enchantments, the only type of enchantment that he could learn as it made use of magicite power source instead of biological mana pool. Nevertheless, Narati understood that he would made a poor artificer; without any magical prowess, he couldn’t give a certain personal touch to an enchanted weapon. The enchanting table was, thus, useless for Narati, unless someone could work with him.

He chuckled dryly. It was a ridiculous notion, he thought. No ‘reasonable person’ would ever want to work with a Dark Race, especially not to a race many associated with pestilence.

Of course, that would be the case if Narati had a pessimistic outlook and hatred to the world. He managed to got through all that. It’s time he understood how to be loved.

As he observed the workshop, Herb came into the shop. He noticed Narati and called for him. The Fa’ar responded and walked into the shop, covered in cobwebs and dust.

“Dangit, kid,” said Herb, taking off his wide-brimmed hat. “How dusty is that workshop back there?”

“Very,” said Narati, coughing. “But I’ve cleaned up quite a bit.”

“Yeah, well, make sure you clean ya fur too, y’hear? Thankfully, I only got the fur on my head. I bet it’s hot out there, all covered up in that coat. Then again, you ain’t exactly someone with a lot of cloth on ya.”

“Is that your polite way of saying that I’m naked?” said Narati. “Raine’s been teasing me about wearing nothing but my fur. Honestly, I don’t feel anything wrong with it.”

“Ya might consider wearin’ pants, kid. Ain’t nobody’s gonna take ya seriously wearin’ some rags, doubly so for a ratman.”

“I don’t feel comfortable wearing something so constricting.”

“Not my problem. Say, you know a thing or two ‘bout guns?”

“I tinkered with some. Why’s that?”

“If you have some time after the town namin’ ceremony, would ya consider checkin’ on mine? I can pay ya if you like.”

“P-pay? Oh, uh…”

“This is a store, ain’t it?” Herb quickly realized that Narati did not know what to do to open a store despite his intentions, so he said, “Kid, one rule in business. You ain’t doin’ it for free, even for someone you know.”

“But I know you are not a bad person. I mean, you’re alright with me being a Fa’ar, and we’re neighbors.”

“Everyone’s alright with you being a ratman, kid, but they ain’t your family. Friends, sure, but not family. Later, this town’s gonna have visitors, and you certainly need to start operatin’ a store by then if you wanna have somethin' to eat."

“Well. That’s a good reason of any.”

“Seriously, kid. Did your parents ever teach you how to sell things? I’m sure you bought things before.”

“I took some junks and made some things out of it,” reasoned Narati. “No one reasonable’s going to sell stuffs to a Fa’ar, so Raine and Karkas are the ones doing the business.”

“If you wanna grow up, kid, learn to do that yourself, ‘kay? Anyway, I have some muns for ya. Consider it ya first profit, kid. No upfront until it’s done.”

“No objections,” said Narati. “And, uh…Herb? Just wondering. Did you put a name for the town?”

“Nah,” said Herb, shaking his head. “This ain’t my thing, kid. I barely got out of a nightmare. All I wanna do now is get myself together for a new life. Leave the formal things for those who’s doin’ it for us. But I’ll be around for the celebration. Can’t miss somethin’ so jolly after wakin’ up from a nightmare, eh? See ya around, kiddo.”

“It’s Narati, by the way.”

“Yeah, I know. Kid’s easier to say.”

Narati did not object. He had been called that before he regained his voice. Sometimes, Raine would still call him ‘kid’. Hearing Herb saying it, though, felt different. Herb wasn’t a bad person, but it was clear from his tone and his words that he, too, had just escaped a traumatic experience. In time, Narati might want to know more about him, maybe even relate with him, if he could. Good thing they were neighbors.

He wasn’t ready to open the workshop, though. He should’ve put a sign while he was at it, which he decided to do after thinking about it. Narati took a plain wooden plank and carved the Common words for ‘Closed’. He then made holes on both sides of the plank using the same knife before putting a length of thin rope through. He then got to the door and found a nail where he could hang the sign.

Before he did, though, he realized that maybe he should write down something else if he wanted to properly open for business. Flipping the plank, he carved out the Common word for ‘Open’, then smiled to himself. The rat person then hung the plank, with the ‘Closed’ sign visible for everyone to see.

He admired the simple work he did for a moment, then realized that he should return to Sil. Noting the need for a lock and key, he then walked back to Raine’s office, while also greeting his nomad friends, who were cleaning up some of the stores.

The days went on without any meaningful events until the time for the town-naming ceremony arrived. Taking on Jonas’s suggestion, before making it official, Raine, with the assistance of Narati, conducted a poll on what would be the best name among several choices. Of the five that were chosen as the finalists, one name came out. It wasn’t surprising at the least; the name had a nice ring to it, and it was appropriate given what recently happened. By the time of the poll, everyone were already made aware of the feat of the people who settled in the town first. The name was respectful for the foe they defeated. It also reminded those who wished to harm the people who made the town their home that this was no ordinary town.

With this name, and a rather small event, Raine stood by the town center, which was an open plaza for events and gatherings, in front of virtually everyone who moved into the town. They eagerly awaited the result.

After clearing his throat, Raine said, “I never thought I’d be the one announcing the name, let alone helping to improve an abandoned town. My village’s barely half the size of this town and it’s certainly not made out of bricks and rocks.”

There were several laughs heard from among the crowd.

“And honestly, it doesn’t compare with the bigger cities out there in the world. But I don’t think it matters to you, since what matters is a solid place to sleep, away from danger, and a chance to start a new life. I never thought of that much. I always know that there will be time where I must come home, whether to resume my duties as a Knight, or to retire like my parents before me. Sooner or later, I should tell them what I’ve become. I’m sure they’d appreciate me being the mayor of this town. I hope I do a good work, eh?”

“Of course, you will, buddy!” said someone in the crowd, trying to imitate Raine’s rather distinctive accent. The others, despite the laugh, nodded in agreement.

“Well, how about that? A vote for me,” joked Raine, eliciting some laugh in the crowd. “Since I’m sure you have someplace to be and work to do, let me make this short. We all chose this name because we all agree of one thing. This is a name we chose together as one big family. Let this town’s name be heard across the Emerald Valley and beyond, for better or for worse.”

Raine paused, giving a dramatic flair. Then, with confidence in his voice, Raine raised his voice and said, “Let this town be called Dragon’s Rest!”

There were murmurs and cheers upon hearing the name. No one seemed to openly object to the name. The name had a lot of meaning to it, especially in Common, and it made a lot of sense, considering the tomb of said dragon just outside the town. Aranis made sure that the dragon, even in death, would be respected, for it had a long, suffering life. It also reminded them of the horrors that the Nuremnian sympathizers did, and to move on from the past.

The cheers went on for a while before some of the more musically talented ones started playing some music. Others started to dance and cheer, including the older people and those who had never heard of the tune before. It was a rather cheery jig, perfect for a summer dance.

Narati was delighted. This was the first time he had ever seen something so cheerful and celebratory. He was sure that people within Havens do this, as Raine once told him, but hearing the stories and experiencing it were two different things. He couldn’t help but dance, albeit awkwardly.

“Hey, kid! Don’t embarrass yourself!” exclaimed Raine after seeing how awkward the rat person tried to dance. Nevertheless, he was amused by Narati’s antics. He clearly had improved ever since they first met. He did not even care that he was the only Fa’ar among the relatively diverse people.

Seeing him recovering from his trauma made Raine proud, even prouder than being chosen as the first mayor of Dragon’s Rest. By this point, he regarded Narati as a young brother with a big age gap. He was by no means young enough to be considered a son and he was not that childish, either. A kid brother was far more appropriate.

The party went on for a while, during which it mellowed out a bit. Someone light a fire in the plaza while others put up a hastily made sign celebrating the town’s name. Tomorrow, everyone would return to their works, but they would feel much better about the town they had come to call home. For many, it was a fresh start, away from the dangerous Desert Wasteland and those who would exploit them. For some, it was a chance to live normally after being tested by the world.

The Dragon’s Rest had an appropriate name, ranging from its history, and what it could potentially be. One day, it would be a town full of stories to tell, and for those first settlers to be proud of when it was time to hand their batons to the next generation.

But until then, they had work to do.