The view of the city at night renewed Yarens amazement as he followed Folia through the crowded streets. Many people were out enjoying the nightlife after working hard all day. The vibrant atmosphere made Yaren experience a feeling of calmness he had never felt before. Looking at the smiling faces of families filled with joy made him wonder about his parents, having no recollection of his past beyond Yinnsk Village made him aware of a small knot buried deep in his heart.
"I'll figure it all out one day.. that's my goal for now I guess." He thought to himself with clenched fists.
As the two turned down a small alley a child, no older than 10 burst out in a running stumble, colliding with Asena. Being much larger than the boy Asena gave a light snarl as she pushed the boy away with her massive head.
"S-sorry.."
The child didn't once look at Asena as he stared down Yaren with a stiff expression, as if he was trying to memorize his face. A few seconds flew by before the boy turned and ran back down the same alley he had come from.
Yaren narrowed his eyes as he glanced at Folia.
"I have a bad feeling about the kid just now. My instincts tell me that boys act was intentional."
Folia remained quiet, solemnly nodding her head.
Looking down the alleyway briefly before turning she gently caressed Asenas fur as she passed by, continuing down the street teeming with diversity.
"We've been being followed since we left the Communal Gardens."
Yaren could barely hear Folias words as warned him in a hushed tone. Not making a scene, he casually followed slightly behind her as she strolled elegantly.
"I was going to take a shortcut, but I've changed my mind. I shall now take you on my super special scenic route!" Folia gave a delicate spin as faced Yaren, flourishing her arms with a bright smile.
Looking at the beauty before him, she was so dazzling that he paid no heed to the abrupt change of her attitude as he agreed without hesitation.
"So what do you think of the City so far? Since it's your first time I'm sure it's a bit overwhelming, you haven't even seen a third of the what Norn has to offer!"
"Yeah, it's a lot for sure. I'm not really sure what I think to be honest. I've met a couple of nice people, and there's plenty of food and things to do but.. the longer we walk the more hostility I can feel. Everywhere we went it seems like there's been someone who wants a piece of me."
It was true, until he was strong enough, of had a good enough reputation he was guaranteed to be discriminated against in practically every city besides those run by Monster Kings and Lord's. Even Earl Adder, whom Yaren wasn't aware was a fourth evolution Monster had more enemies than he did allies.
Folia looked towards the sky, her hands clasped behind her back as her legs took graceful strides. The sounds of her shoes clacking on the brick streets accentuated her presence.
"You're going to have it rough here in the city until you grow stronger. Luckily the Earl seems to be backing you during your stay so you shouldn't have any serious problems.."
Yarens surprise was apparent as the two of them made their way out of one of many gates shielding the entrances of Norn City. The patrol stationed in this area hardly seemed to acknowledge Folias appearance there, however the Gnoll following her straddling a savage wolf caught the attention of many.
"Isn't it strange how different the air outside the city seems? Even just a few feet out of the gate everything just seems much more refreshing."
Folia closed her eyes towards the moon, taking a deep breath as she stretched her arms out as if she were about to pluck the stars from the sky.
Any straight man would be enchanted by the sight before them. The subtle glow of the moon made the womans snow white skin glow with otherworldly beauty. The wind blew gently on cue, her hair flowing in all the right angles, her flawless form highlighted by the moonlight against the backdrop of waving trees.
Savoring the sight before him for a shortwhile, Yaren finally cleared his mind enough to ask why they left the city.
"I wasn't lying when I said we were taking the scenic route." She replied with a giggle.
"And the guards at that gate won't let anyone out behind us, those fellows work directly for the Earl."
The two walked for a good few kilometers, reaching a fork in the road Folia closed her eyes, a light green mana pouring from within and scattering around the surroundings. Upon making sure that noone was watching them, she then whistled a tune imbued with her energy.
The large tree sitting at the center of the split paths had a large hole in the trunk which slowly expanded into a staircase that led underground.
The core of the tree was surprisingly ambient, with small beetles that illuminated the dark passageway, and grand ornate carvings and murals lining the wooden walls.
The passage soon expanded into a decent sized circular room, there was a small group of 3 people sitting around a table off to the side immersed in a strange card game oblivious to the arrival of the two.
At the far end was young man about 17 in age. His body was covered in scars, and his neck in particular looked as if it had almost been severed. He had light brown hair and his kind face was dotted with freckles. His chisled form looked like an Olympians, each muscle rippling with every movement. He was throwing punches into a makeshift dummy, each hit sent a shockwave that pulsated from the striking point, gouging a large hole into the with force alone. Upon noticing Folia he greeted her with a warm smile and a wave while regarding Yaren with interest.
At the far right sat Earl Adder talking to another man. They couldn't make out much of the figure as he was sat facing towards the Earl with his back facing them. Standing up to greet the two personally after taking note of their arrival, the Earl strode over with a bright expression. Nodding at Folia and clasping Yarens arm after giving Asena a pat, he brought the two over where he was before.
Yaren was pleased when he recognized the man who turned to regard the newcomers.
"Chief Koly? It's an unexpected surprise to meet you again here."
Chief Koly tossed Earl Adder a bombastic side eye before observing the young gnoll I'm front of him.
"You learned Inglant with a week?.. You're one mysterious whelp I'll tell ya. I've never seen a lowly beast so capable before. No offense of course."
The Chief couldn't help but be impressed, it's been less than a month since he met the youngster here yet his growth was equivalent to at least a year, and he was even unconscious for half of it. He was even more astonished to see him riding Asena as if it were natural. Even after knowing Fragnir and his family for so many years he had never seen one of their wolves cozy up to someone so quickly. Everything associated with that clan was shrouded in secrecy, and it was considered a grace to know one of them personally. Not only had Yaren gained Fragnir as a teacher, which he would have never imagined happening, he also gained enough recognition to have of their infamous wolves entrusted to him, even if only temporary. Atop of all of that, as soon as he awoke in Norn City he was given the favor of Earl Adder. Thinking to himself, he could only wonder what would happen if this guy grew in the future.
Yaren recounted his experience in Norn City as they enjoyed some tea. Satisfied that one of the citys within his Earldom were being praised Earl Adder sat straighter than usual, his expression proud as he decided to finally get down to business.
"Yaren.. about your energy. We think we've figured out why you lose control in battle so easily."
Upon hearing what the Earl said, Yarens expression grew earnest. He loved the thrill of battle and the feeling it gave him, but he knew that he couldn't afford to keep losing himself in battle. This problem had plagued his thoughts in most of his recent free time, causing him to grow anxious about the topic. He hoped that they would have an answer to his problem. Thinking about how beneficial it would be to have a clear mind in battle he fully understood how important the ability to think rationally in battle was. Praying to whoever listens he let out a sigh as he bowed towards his elders in front of him.
"Please, tell me you can help me. I can tell that that should be the only barrier to my growth."
Yarens expression grew grave when he examined the faces of the two as he asked for their help. He figured that worst case scenario he would ask Fragnir, hopefully he would be willing to help him.
He was about to give up for the time being when Folia erupted in laughter.
"Stop messing the poor guy, he takes his dilemma very seriously."
The two men laughed gleefully as the accused her of ruining their prank.
"We just wanted to see what he would do if we couldn't help him.."
Chief Koly approached Yaren giving him a reassuring pat on the back.
"Don't worry whelp not only do we think we've got the answer, we also got you a solution. It won't last forever but it should be good for now.."
Leaning forward on Asena, Yaren grabbed fists full of he soft fur as he hugged her in relief. The only current real problem he had at the moment besides waiting for his legs to heal was the fear of losing his mind during battle. He wasn't sure if he would fully lose control but he didn't want to find out, so knowing that the Chief and Earl seemed to have a solution made his worrying heart beat with exictement.