"When I met Lith I was in a bad place…" Nalrond said.
"Like the corner where Mom grounds us until we reflect on our actions?" Leria asked. Her mind was too young for metaphors so she took everything literally.
"Kind of. After we dealt with Dawn, I needed some time to think if I really wanted to join my tribe in their journey. I tried living among humans, but I didn't fit. They treated me like the stranger I was, making me feel even more lonely than ever.
"Then I tried to live among beasts, but it didn't go much better. Magical beasts felt even more alien to me than humans, while Emperor Beasts were friendly, but had no time to spare for me. They all treated me like an oddity.
"It was only when I came here that you made me feel…"
"Special. Like us." Leran shapeshifted his right hand into red fur and claws.
"Exactly." Nalrond raised his left hand and did the same, placing his palm against Leran's. "I felt like I belonged."
