Just as the sun crossed the middle of the sky, four Sky Beasts landed in middle of Krugi. Their riders got off and looked around the city.
"Kellenas, welcome to Krugi. Follow me," Ether instructed.
The visiting Eterra Ferals followed Ether through the city. While they walked, they noticed all the strange looks the citizens gave them. But Kellenas and his pack didn't mind.
He understood not everyone will like each other on first glance. It takes time for relationships to mold and grow, but it's up to those involved if they want it to be.
"Alright, everyone, these are a few of the Eterra members. They'll be staying with us for the night. During these short hours, I want you all to interact. This is the reason why I brought them here," Ether explained.
Most of the visitors were randomly selected by Kellenas, but there were a few there who weren't random. Those were Deterna and Oria's sisters.
It didn't take long for Oria to find her way through the crowd just to jump on her sisters in an attempt to play with them.
The bystanders watched in wander as Oria playfully rocked one of her sisters around.
"Oria, stop, stop! Mila will get dizzy!" the other sister called out.
Oria suddenly stopped, then looked down at Mila. "Oh, right, I'm sorry sis."
"No problem, just don't do it again next time," Mila replied.
Before letting her sister go, Oria gave her a gentle hug. This made the bystanders even more curious, they believed Ferals behaved in a dominance-based system.
But in reality, most packs prioritized the young, old, and sick over the fit Ferals. While also being gentle and caring with one another to keep each other fit for longer amounts of time.
The pack disbanded and Ferals went in all directions of the city, hoping to introduce themselves to everyone inside.
One Feral went to the Armory, his sensitive ears picked up on the distant banging of a hammer against a type of metal.
He walked inside and the blacksmith turned around to greet him. When the blacksmith saw the Feral, she jumped back. Startled at the sudden visit.
"H - hello?" they said.
The Feral looked around the shop, his eyes picked up on every little detail. "Hello, you make weapons here?"
"Y - yes, I do. May I ask, what's your name?" the blacksmith said.
"Oh, how rude of me. My name is Ploteo Rimvak, I'm of the Eterra pack. What is yours?" Ploteo asked the blacksmith.
"My name is Thena, pleased to meet you. A - and what brings you around?" Thena curiously replied.
Ploteo scanned the room with his eyes again before looking back at Thena. "I am curious of your weapons. Are they good?"
"I like to believe they are. But that's for my customers to decide," Thena replied.
"May I wield a weapon?" Ploteo patiently waited for a response.
Thena was about to deny the Feral a weapon, until she remembered the meeting Ether called for. "Uh... sure, what kind of weapon would you like?"
"A Feral judges based on weakness, give me your weakest," Ploteo answered.
Thena turned away from the Feral, then walked up to the shelf behind her. She reached up and grabbed a small brown box.
"Here it is. A standard dagger but with my own twists to it. The hilt has been remade to make it more comfortable for the user, and the blade has been outfitted with a jagged design," Thena explained.
She handed Ploteo the dagger. He looked it over, making sure to look for every little detail. Ploteo then held the grip with one hand and rose his other arm.
"What are you doing?" Thena asked out of concern.
Ploteo didn't answer, instead. He gently ran the dagger across his skin. Blood oozed out of the long wound over his arm.
"It cuts well. You made this weapon perfectly," Ploteo complimented.
He handed the dagger back to Thena, who was in shock after what just happened.
"What? No, no, please keep it. Think of it as a welcome gift."
Ploteo retreated his hand, he looked down at the weapon and smiled. "Thank you."
The Feral turned around and walked out of the shop, keeping the dagger in hand.
Across from the Armory, the triplets were wondering around the pens, looking at the creatures there.
As they were walking, they encountered Danitour patting an Eteni's head. The soft wool moved around as his hand did.
"Hi!" Mila abruptly said.
Danitour slowly turned his head to look at the visitors. "I guess he wasn't joking..."
"What? Who?" the other sister asked.
"Mila, Tenni, let me do the talking here. Ahem, Danitour, we're not here to cause trouble we -"
"...Are here to scout the city out and catch anyone left unnattended. I know what you're doing," Danitour finished the sentence.
Oria crept closer to Danitour. "Look, I heard about why you hate us. But Danitour, one day a Feral will be your lifesaver. Just give us a chance."
Danitour stood up and turned to look at the trio. "Why should I?"
"Be-"
"That's how a team works, doesn't it?" someone else joined the conversation.
Kellenas joined in. He was looking for Danitour after breaking apart from the main group because he wanted to speak to him again.
"Look all around you, Danitour. My people are your people, just as yours are mine. We protect the same group, look after the sick and wounded, even think alike," Kellenas explained.
"How can you be so certain?"
Kellenas got closer to Danitour. "Because we'll do everything to survive, won't we? If we ourselves can't survive, then why can't our children?"
Danitour thought about it. He made a good point. As time progresses, things will become challenging. There are few who can last alone, but there are many more who can't.
"I guess you're right. What are the things that will benefit us both from allying with each other?" Danitour asked.
"We both get each other's loyalty. My Ferals will ensure your people will never go hungry again, we'll look for Legionless cities and recruit them, we'll even do Wild Hunts to benefit us both," Kellenas answered.
Danitour nodded. "Mhm, those are useful..."
"But what will YOU give US in return, Danitour?" Kellenas flipped the script.
"Err... loyalty... and..."
"It has taken you so long to say three things. When you asked me this, I answered instantly. Open your mind and be free with us. My people already did that with yours," Kellenas snapped back.
Danitour breathed in and out, he was ready to answer again. "You'll get my loyalty, my people's support, fresh clothes and weapons, and a seat inside the Legion."