Helena walked up to Zack's side looking at the deathstalkers with curiosity. A surprised look swept Madison's face when seeing Helena cling to Zack's side. Madison heard about his daughter, but never saw the egg.
'She's so big.'Madison smiled as she carefully approached.
"Did your papa tell you about me yet?" Madison asked.
"I've heard him talk about a bunch of people. What's your name?" Helena investigated.
"It's Madison, and I'm sure you've heard so much about me already," Madison replied.
"You're the one that likes to bite papa. He told me it's okay, and not to hurt you. I'll try my best not to." Helena smiled.
"Why would you be worried about that?" Madison asked while tussling Helena's hair.
"Because she got me, and Octavia earlier. If it wasn't for Zack's intervention it could've gotten dangerous. You're gonna be a powerful warrior someday just like him." Kaya smiled at Helena.
"That's if she wants to be one," Olivia said while approaching Helena.
"Not everyone enjoys battle after all," Cassandra smiled at Madison.
"Your papa's friend right?" Helena asked Cassandra.
Cassandra nodded.
"How did you recognize her, but not me?" Madison teased.
"Papa talked about the pretty hair," Helena replied before running up to Zack.
"He s-said that." Cassandra blushed.
"It seems you're in the lead for now. What exactly did you to him?" Madison teased.
'W-we haven't done anything like th-that." Cassandra said while averting her gaze.
Over the past two months, the two have spent many nights together strolling the city and talking about the places they wished to see. Both of them shared a passion for traveling, and they worked diligently to map out a road trip for the group. During their planning, the two have become close, and Cassandra was eager to start their adventures.
Zack looked back at the sisters and smiled as he waved them over. The deathstalkers wanted to join the alliance and were offering their venom for a breeding pair of colossal boars. Since they would be allies Zack wanted them to know his companions.
"Do you have the means to house, and maintain more?" Zack asked.
"We have space, but feeding more than two boars right now would be difficult," Karim replied.
"If you're interested in increasing your yields we could help." Zack offered.
"Can we see them, papa?" Helena asked as Zack placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Did you get a good look at what we have?" Zack asked Karim.
"Only what was visible from the gate," Karim replied.
"Wanna join us in a visit?" Zack proposed.
"Lead the way," Karim replied.
"Who is this?" Nanu asked.
"This is my daughter," Zack replied with a smile.
"I'm Helena it's nice to meet you," Helena said politely.
"I didn't know you had a daughter. Was she at the feast last night?" Wesley said while walking among them.
"She was born this morning that's why," Zack replied.
"How is that possible?" Wesley asked.
"Not every species is born in an infant. This is quite common in insect species, and they tend to develop faster." Nanu replied.
"How is it for you?" Wesley investigated.
"That's pretty forward don't you think." Nanu teased.
"We give a live birth similar to humans," Karim stated.
They arrived at the pens seeing a herd of cattle grazing close to the fence with a group of calves roaming near the barns. In the next pen, one could see the trees, and fields were filled with turkeys. Before they could ask questions the tour led them to an open plain of elk, and horse roaming the area.
Even with trading, and culling the livestock numbers were constantly growing due to the special nature of the land. To them, it was mating season year-round, and with the excess crops feeding them wasn't an issue. With their trades, their stables have grown substantially, and freeing up some space could be mutually beneficial.
"Octavia mentioned you had chariots, but no horses. If you want there's a group in the stables that completed the centaurs' training, and they are equipped with sufficient armor to protect them." Zack offered.
"Why would you do that?" Karim asked.
"The slavers will definitely return, and having working chariots will allow you to disrupt their formations. If you want something with less maintenance we have plenty of birds to spare too." Zack replied.
Amy has taken a liking to the animals and was regularly feeding them. Seeing Zack below she rapidly dispersed the feed through the pens and swooped down to greet them. Helena was surprised to see Amy's sudden appearance, but seeing Zack smile she understood it was someone special.
After introducing Helena Zack went inside retrieving a ring with fresh eggs and offered it to Karim. They were uneasy about taking a gift but seeing some of the fields close to being overfilled they accepted.
Zack selected some of the larger birds for tonight's feast and continued to the fields with boars. Examining them up close Karim realized how difficult it would be to maintain the boars feeding regiment. Zack offered to help them get fields started, and supply food till they were self-sustaining.
"We already owe you for rescuing our people, and repaying what you just gave us will already take a few seasons," Karim said while glancing at his warriors.
"Look around,"
Zack motioned at the vast fields being managed, and the people strolling merrily.
"We have everything we need, and there's still too much. What would be the point in hoarding this? It would eventually go to waste and then help no one. This could help your people achieve a better life. Don't concern yourself with debts because I see none." Zack replied as he watched Helena play with Amy.
"He has a point," Wesley stated.
"They told me you offered everyone shelter, but at the time they didn't understand. I know once your thriving you will pay that kindness forward." Zack said while joining Amy.
While Zack was playing with his daughter the deathstalkers debated his offer. They weren't on hard times, but there were never any good ones either. Their warriors were plentiful this year only because of the slavers' siege being cut short. Typically they would lose much more in the process of defending and rescuing.
More survivors is truly a wonderful thing, but it did present a food shortage in the long run. The wildlife in the grasslands was sufficient for hunting, but the hunting grounds were divided to avoid conflict with other communities.
"From what I've seen, and heard in the last day he seems sincere about helping others," Wesley stated.
"What harm could there be in accepting?" Nanu asked Karim.
"If they wanted to leverage over us they wouldn't do it with hidden debts." A warrior named Amon said as he glanced at the ramparts.
"You have a point. Take some warriors home, and help the others get started on some pens." Karim ordered.
Watching the group split Zack knew they came to an agreement and led them through the livestock present. After selecting a group from each pen they followed Zack to the storage. With the suggestion of a few farmers, they took home a set of seeds capable of thriving in their environment.
"If you wanna follow me we can get you some equipment."