I had always been an early riser, maybe that was the dog owner in me, and today was no different. As I recalled everything that went down last night, I groaned. Man did I drink a lot of that Fairy wine. I was still fully dressed and slumped next to Prya, Ari, Ronin and Ruby. All of us enjoyed the festivities, yet didn't want to immerse ourselves with everyone else once it got later in the night.
Yet, the difference in this morning was the fact that I was the last one of the group awake. It seemed everyone else had the same thought as me, the mission was a success but let's get out of here quickly, especially with how dangerous this forest can be. The elves had the entire caravan repaired and were finishing up the packing.
Heading back to Ravenaire was a two day trek, and the group wanted the entire day to travel. I showed no resistance in the plan. I was still sore from the early fight. Speaking of which,
'Ari, would you be able to go and fetch the beast core from the Gorhino?!' Knowing that beast cores were a central part to creating a permanent bond, and the Gorhino was a high third tier beast, it would be an integral part to my strength. He looked at me with his big brown eyes. 'Fetch the beast core in repeated' and he darted off.
Honestly never knew how important teaching him the fetch command would be. Know in his larger form, he could carry a lot more. It beats him just grabbing a white claw out of my fridge.
Ari returned within the hour holdings a grayish green beast core. As I held it, I could sense that this was the 2nd strongest core in my current collection. When I was done staring at the wisps of circling colors, I tossed it up in the air,, as Ruby swiped down and sucked it into her inventory. Which makes a total of 1 legendary 4 tier core, 1 Near flawless Tier 3 core, and 25 rare beast two cores.
I hadn't been keeping the common cores we found during our search for the caravan, RubyRed could only hold a certain number of cores after a while, so I emptied out all of common cores on the side of the road, it seemed they all were somewhat equal in the density it took up, so I got rid of all the worthless stuff. And luckily I did, because unbeknownst to me, Prya had already moved all of her belongings, which was already more than what I had, into Rubys storage. It seems rubys inventory size grew after she leveled up along side me in the battle. She was know at level 19.
We encountered a few prey oriented magical beasts on our way back, but once we got to the road it was mostly smooth riding from there. When we were ready to make camp, we were only about 3 quarters of a day ride away. This meant that we tonight was our last night sleeping under the stars, if out eloquently.
I decided that I wanted to use this night to really get to know my party. We had been together for a little bit, but I needed to actually act upon my dreams and today, I would tell them all my goals for the next phase of our lives.
Starting a fire was no challenge now that we had Prya, it was more about choosing where to turn in for the night. Having Ari's large body as our pillow we chose a small clearing between a group of trees. Once all this was set, the eyes turned to me. It seemed my intention to have a meeting was clear or maybe longer over due…
'I have a dream..' I started as corny as ever, but still I continued. 'Or rather a goal, I want to create a clan. One that will be a sanctuary to all, humans, magical beasts, or spirits. I've only been here a short time, but I can tell that each show high intelligence and a variety of skills. I am no fighter, I have no dreams of becoming the worlds strongest mage. That is of no interest. I wish to make a clan that is self sufficient and enjoys life. I want to create a magical wonderland. A raging river filled with different fish and exotic plants that we can go kayaking down. A ski resort with an ice elemental on the top year round, a jungle safari, where exotic magical beasts find their residence. But this is not just some amusement park, no. It will be our clan, Clan Sanctuary. We will open it up to the public 2/3 months of the year, and the rest will be spent as a clan, building strength and crafting new magical items, to become even more spectacular. We start small, but eventually we'll become completely independent from countries and wars. We would be seen as a completely neutral party. Even if a demon king came along.
In order to fulfill this dream. We need strength at the top. Yet, the way I see it, I am gaining strength for a reason. A purpose. And I want you all to share in this dream.'
I rehearsed this a few times this morning, and it came out, almost as plan. I hoped to be a little more relaxed, but it seemed like a speech more than a conversation.
Yet, the speech seemed to rouse some fanfare, as all 4 of them were deeply moved. Prya spoke first in a commanding but sweet voice,
'Of course of course! Oh husband, this is a great idea, and we should do it on this continent too! It's one of the weaker one and need a strong backer. This is a fabulous idea! I knew I chose my soulmate well. Together, we will be indestructible!!! Hahahahhah'
I asked one of the fairies when Prya was away during the journey about what a soul spirit was in their land and she explained that every fairy wishes to find their soulmate. A soul that they can bond with. For humans, elves, and dwarves though, they would call us soul spirits. A spirit whom they would share their soul with. This is because they typically have a wife or soulmate from their own race.
This allowed me to understand a few things about her behavior more, but also ensured me that I was still in fact going to be able to get married and have kids, and not be stuck with a 1 Ft tall fairy as a wife. Something that I had been thinking about ever since Ari transitioned from a puppy to an adult. She was cute, but I just didn't see the logistics, at least not now anyway.
Yet, she showed her true loyalty here, as I could tell she was sincere. She was throwing in everything to be with me, I knew she was most likely running from something, and her search for the soul beast was just a way out, but I didn't care. No, I was determined to treat her well, as well as any of my companions. It doesn't matter the race, or species. Those who help me, will receive help back but those who wrong us. And a surge of anger boiled in me that i never knew I had. I shook my head to get out of this thought.
'Thank you Prya' I said as I grabbed her hand to pull her close. 'I've felt lost for a while now, and I really don't have any clue on how to start a clan, but with you 4, I think we can do it.'
It was ronin who squeaked next. He was in agreement. He was shaking his head, and cast an aura of warmth, and trust. Showing he would be there to help all as well.
Ari, let out his long drawn out woof, signifying that he was with me until the end. Lastly Ruby, fluttered next to me and Prya and pecked us each. She would follow us, and use her powers for the clan.
I looked at each and everyone of them. One human, One Fairy, one Bird, one mouse and a Dog/Wolf hybrid. It was an odd combination to start a clan with. But as we officially had 5 members, I was sure we were on our way to more. We still had a long way to go, with recruiting new members and finding a permanent residence, but everyone had to start somewhere.
'Okay then, hence forth, we will be called. Clan Sanctuary'