The Monroe's took a small patch of land near the South gate.
There, they begin to build their humble houses. They tried to refuse help, but Zephyr didn't have any of it.
To my surprise, even the girls, Viela and her sisters, were busy with building.
" Hello all. " Aim noticed us first waving us over, and she held an axe almost as big as her. " How was your picnic? "
" Ladies..it was nice there with the weather with us. " I answered
" You lot really handy with all sorts of weapons.." Demelza pointed her axe and a set knives put near the grass.
" Well, we learned from the best. " Mia said without looking up.
" Mom always used to say.. 'The universe doesn't care about gender. You must be able to protect yourself. ' ..she raised us to be survivors. "
The sisters shared some sad but resilient looks remembering their late mother.
" Anyway..where is Lord Zephyr? " Veila asked.
" He went to Dharma but, be back tonight.." I remembered what he said. " .. In fact, he asked for you tonight, Veila. "
She turned red in an instant, and I understood how my words misled her.
" I meant..your power. He asked for your help... " I finished clearing it up.
She sighed with relief but .. somewhat disappointed. Tchtch..
" Absolutely..any idea whose blood he will bring? " she asked.
" No idea.. could be anyone from Carlos grandmother all the way to the Pope. " I shrugged.
Honestly..whomever he or she is, will most likely be a future ally or walking dead.
" No problem.. just send it for me in the hall.." she returned, holding down the plank so her sister could see it in half.
" Hopefully, by the weekend, our houses will stand. "
All three looked extremely motivated. Suspiciously so.
Demelza had the same thoughts.
" Are all of you .. having individual houses? " she asked.
""" Yes. """
Mia explained, smiling at our confused face.
" Well, we mostly lived squeezed together since we were little kids..now we want our OWN space. " she looked at Aim.
" Don't you worry sis..you two won't even be allowed inside mine. " she wasn't bothered, just kept working.
Well, who could blame them.
We had it different, though..Demelza, Arnold and Alexander..Nifa and Cintia, and of course, little Ciren, who stayed with us and her room already redone to her tastes It all felt right..and couldn't imagine it any other way now.
" Well, we came to ask if you need any extra hands? With Carlos soliders lazing around, they could help. " I offered shamelessly.
My husband was out there even now... never stopped and all for the betterment of the village. Hell, the betterment of the whole world .. They better be ready to chip in.
" Oh, aye..uncle insists we don't sponge, Lord Zephyr's generosity, but with help, we can move in by .. Monday, maybe. " Veila pointed towards her father and uncle taking a breather.
" Good, we talk to Carlos, and the man should be here after lunch. " I said.
" Thanking you.. some of those white and gold soliders looked handsome. " Mia stood stretching a little, smiling towards the large barns where they resided.
" Well, happy hunting .. We should go and train.. I can't have Zephyr on my back about it."
We turned around and headed back to my house.
——
He missed dinner, but that was expected.
" Whose blood is he bringing? " Alexander asked Carlos, hoping he might have an idea.
He was busy getting feed but answered between bites.
" Could be Gilly's..or maybe the king? He has many admirers and supporters...I doubt any would have a problem shedding some blood, if he asked. " he said with absolute confidence.
" I bet they wouldn't. " Nifa said, giggling with her wife.
" But then again..he probably won't show his face to any. " he looked up the ceiling remembering. " If he does, there's all sorts of requests that will flood him, showing him around, parties, etc.. "
" Hmm..so he really is beloved there, huh? " Mother asked, her hands frozen still holding the spoon.
" That's an understatement.." he ate the spoonful. " It's like he hypnotized them, somehow... you should have seen him leading the Pope towards the reunification..it was simple but masterful. "
He looked around the table and smiled proudly.
I wished to be there beside him... but also didn't.
Those people were monsters, they might look like benevolent gentleman to those brand new around them but Zephyr saw through them in an instant, if he were a more immature or hot headed, would have killed the lot by now or worst joined them being seduced by their lifestyle.
Instead, he managed to manipulate the situation to our benefit.
" Well..it doesn't matter who he or she is really..master Zephyr knows what his doing " Manata showcased his absolute confidence.
" You still haven't had your future read? "Moritz asked his little brother.
" No..and I won't do it either. " he answered and finished his cup.
I nodded approvingly..it needed iron resolve, not even taking a peak.. I mean out of 100 how many could stand that kind of temptation? Ten? Less..?
" Does anyone have any idea about symbols for the flag? " Miri asked the room.
She and Eli have been lost after figuring out the colours.
" Not even you? "Carlos looked at Nifa a little shocked.
She looked exhausted. " We all had some okay ones.. but none seems.. right, you know? "
They put too much pressure on themselves.
" I remember my grandfather wanted a flag designed for Tori.." Metill spoke up, reminiscing. " He ended his efforts because of the same problem..and also the fact the population was hovering around 50 or so. "
" Well, someone got to come up with something.. we can't wait for Zephyr to solve it like he did with little Blaze. " Nifa started our determined but melted once saw the ballooned up tiny little girl waiving.
" I don't know how he came up with that, but we love it more and more. " Moritz kissed his wife and talked to her baby bump. " You hear me, Blaze? "
He rested his head, probably waiting for a kick.
" Sorry .. he doesn't feel like it. "Petra said with a little smile.
After dinner was done, I sent Manata to get Veila.
Most left to sleep, and other than those living here, only Carlos and Mother stayed.
Anna was exhausted from the training after a few days without it, and I took her up when she couldn't keep her eyes open.
Before I left, I checked in with Ciren sleeping and hugging my old Zephyr pillow with his shirt still surrounded by half a dozen books some half opened on her bed.
I closed the door with a smile and I saw from the stairs as our front door opened and Zephyr walked in with a smile and held two full bags.
It's time to hear how his trip was.