The great migration had commenced for the Dawnsythe Clan. Migration to higher ground, moving up into the Snowtop mountains.
Rin at the head of the clan and leading his people onward. His clan totaled now two hundred men and women. Around fifty were Shamans, healers and priests of the clan. The numbers between those that relied upon a sword or the light bow were mixed, all were hunters. Those that were gatherers were kept safe in the middle of the pack.
Four shamans carried a hand woven stretcher that was covered with cloths and fur. Keeping his wife safe for the journey, she was still too weak from the fight. Juni and Raiden bundled up with layers of fur and thick clothes kept by their mother's stretcher, both bearing sadness of their own, but both their children just as worried for her health. Many had felt shame for retreating, Rin assuring them this was their ways. So they would listen to and follow their leader.
Cole promising to escort Taiga and Aaron to their location. The boy and his party would no doubt be almost at the Village of Misty by nightfall. Rin could only hope they would find whatever it was they were looking for. He would never admit it, but in truth he too hoped Cole wouldn't interfere with this life he had found with Xylia. But he understood well enough he could not change what was to come, only that he could do his best to make sure that all were prepared for it...
Rin came to a stop holding up his false arm as the single file line came to a halt.
"What is it my lord?" A shaman asked approaching his leader holding a aura crystal lantern in the howling wind of cold air and snow
"Do not to draw your weapons." Rin warned turning back to face the shaman "We are not alone on this mountain." He added more sternly
The shaman was confused but could start to sense it himself. Eyes they could see were all around them. But why would their leader order them not to draw their weapons. That's when figures began to become visible through the blizzard. Encroaching around the entire clan, outnumbering them by many. And their aura far exceeding anyone there.
"Dragonborn..." Rin clarified as the whole of the clan was now in absolute shock and awe at what they were witnessing
What all of the Dawnsythe clan saw were men and women of varying types of dragons, all having different colored scales covering varying degrees of their body, some had wings, some had claws. But the aura they projected was anything but threatening just beyond immense.
"Greetings Clan bearer. We did not think any of your kind still existed." A large red scaled Dragonborn said stepping forward
"We are a humble people following the old ways. Seeking higher ground, we did know these mountains had already been claimed. My wife, she needs rest, as do my children." Rin said firmly meeting the powerful gaze of the Demi-human
But the Red Dragonborn could see the truth in Rin. He was scared out of his mind, scared he would fail his people, scared he would lose his family, most of all scared of the horde of Dragonborn that now surrounded him and his people. But he was doing the best he could, and being a good leader. Not giving into temptation or fear in the face of adversity.
"Then our people will be your guide to a spot for your clan at the clearing beyond. But you or any of your clan are not permitted to travel towards the peak." The red Dragonborn declared
"We would be eternally grateful for your guidance, and we will honor this decree." Rin said bowing some to the great Dragonborn
"Come along then Clan bearer, we have quite a long journey. I am Draaken, you may call me the leader of my people if that suits you." The red Dragonborn said now
Rin himself breathing a little harder as he took the first step in the direction of Draaken, following him. With this the rest of his clan began to move forward as well. All were uncertain with this decision, many having doubts of their own. But they would listen to their leader and continue onwards. There was no time for arguing as they still had a long way to go.
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Xylia had been moved to the Clan's camp under Rin's command. George and his wife had been away visiting for her checkup. But to keep everyone safe Rin had strongly suggested they stay with him for the time being.
It was always within the Clan's laws to retreat after a major offensive. To keep the townspeople safe and prevent any further harm. Many were not happy for Rin making such a decision, wanting him to stand with them, but he refused to put them in harms way. He would keep his family and his clan safe.
Her eyes opened again as she was laying in a hand built bed. Staring at the ceiling of hand carved beams and woven walls and roof. A collection of pelts covered the stone ground. Pulling one over her shoulders she carefully slipped out of the bed. She could see the sun peaking through the gap of the tent's flaps. Stepping out she immediately was blinded by the light of morning sun while met with a blast of cool mountain air.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
She pulled the pelt around her tighter for warmth, instantly feeling it. For a moment she couldn't help but be amazed in her growth, she couldn't remember the last time she was this cold...
"You should be resting." Rin said approaching as he wrapped his arms around her lovingly
He now wearing his own pelt over his robes. He hadn't slept himself in days.
"I can't... not with so much going on." Xylia said softly as she looked up at him being honest
"The best we can do is regroup, recuperate. Answers will come." He whispered kissing her lovingly now "I'm just sorry I had to take these precautions. But the people come first. It's how we've survived so long." He apologized now
She knew clan life was not easy nor something easily understood. It came with a lot of rules. That much was clear, but she loved this man regardless.
"As long as you and the others are safe... I go wherever you need me to. Just don't ever leave my side." She said softly, almost begging
Rin looked at her for a long moment. But finally sighed and pulled in her closer.
"I won't." He promised finally as she buried her face in his chest holding onto him tighter
Meanwhile...
Juni was standing at the edge looking out at the sun. Dressed in an elegant set of robes with a fur pelt over her to keep her warm.
'How did he know to come after me? It's impossible, I ran as far away as I could.' Juni thought to herself
She then felt someone tugging on her as she snapped out of her thoughts. Looking down and seeing Raiden as she felt a familiar ache in her heart now.
"You alright sis?" He asked curiously
Raiden seemed the least affected by the cold as he was still in his normal training robes. With this she knelt down ruffling his hair.
"I'll be fine. I promise little brother." She assured him smiling gently
He could tell she was lying, though unsure about what. He just could see it her eyes. With this he hugged her much to her surprise.
"Just don't forget who you are." Raiden said as Juni couldn't handle this, before finally giving in and hugging her brother back
There it was again. That feeling of not belonging. Raiden called her sister, he loved and cared about her, he was aware they weren't related to some degree. But he didn't care, he accepted her.
"Sir. A group of six approaches the mountains." A clan member said approaching Rin and Xylia
"Get them up the mountain. They are friend and ally." Rin declared as the messenger nodded before rushing off
"Why are they back?" Xylia asked confused
"They said they'd escort Juni's friends up here. It seems her friend's brother was held in the capital while the royal forces investigate the town. Travel restrictions." Rin explained to her now
Xylia's mind was hazy still but the details slowly came back. Taiga and Eugene. And that boy Taiga had found.
As Cole's party arrived they stood with Rin while they talked. Taiga and the boy seemed the most out of place. Xylia smiled and walked to them slowly.
"How about tea?" Xylia offered still finding it difficult speaking
Taiga looked the most guarded. Xylia could understand the young girl's reservations. So much had happened in a short time, even Xylia had a hard time wrapping her head around everything she'd heard and seen in the last week.
"What kind of tea?" The boy asked, his eyes big and curious, his voice calm but deep
"My husband's. He's quite the gardener." Xylia said shocking them both as they followed "It was quite a shock for me." She added
All three now entered the hut and sat down at a small table. Xylia began warming a kettle while preparing the tea.
"Rin explained that, it's part of his legacy. Something he now shares with me and his people." Xylia explained giving them a little insight into what the clan was
Taiga was the most thoroughly shocked by this all. Juni had talked about her parents, but never mentioned anything like this. She never imagined this clan be so rich in culture, so dedicated to preserving their legacy, despite innovations. They dedicated themselves to the old ways.
Aaron mostly silent and just observing Xylia as she made the tea. He was not looking for threats. Mostly intrigued by how she took care of each ingredient. The sense of ritual from the way her hands and the objects all seemed to move.
"Juni had told me about your, predicament. It's most unfortunate. I wish I could more to help with your memories." Xylia said now directing herself to Aaron as she set down the tea
"I... don't mind. Samantha, she taught me. Taiga, when she is near... I feel alright." He tried to explain as it was a struggle for him to think
"She seemed really strong. Why would someone so good be hiding in a rinky dink fishing village?" Taiga asked clearly the more verbose one
Xylia could see the way they acted as it made her smile a little at their dynamic.
"Samantha was always private. It's been her territory for as long as she's been around." Xylia explained as Taiga looked confused
"What does that mean?" Taiga asked sternly
"It means to learn to leave something lie when you find it." Rin said now just as stern stepping into the tent
"And who the hell are you?" Taiga asked sarcastically Aaron looking on but at Rin
"The clan's leader. And you're in my spot." Rin replied jokingly as he didn't mind her attitude
Xylia a little off put. She hadn't met too many people from the capital. Though Taiga clearly had a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
"You should be careful with that toy. Wouldn't want to go and hurt yourself." Rin said gesturing to her sword as he sat down with Xylia
"It belonged to my father..." Taiga said coldly as this stopped them all
"Juni mentioned that much... my condolences." Rin apologized as he reflected
"I'm just sorry I wasn't here when that bastard attacked." Taiga said leaning back while Aaron drank his tea as did Xylia
"What's done is done. Can't wind back the clock." Rin said settling that matter as he could feel Xylia's anxiety spiking, even now they remained tethered by their bond
Xylia could still feel that day's event in her mind. Her body still ached. The fatigue was setting in now. Just getting up and walking around for awhile and making tea wore her out.
"You need to rest." Rin said turning to her
"I'll be alright..." Xylia tried to fight it
But Rin was already lifting her and placing her in their bed. He placed a kiss on her head.
"Sleep. Your body needs it. I'll take care of these two and the kids." Rin smiled as he escorted Taiga and Aaron out of the hut
Xylia laid there her mind unable to turn off from everything that happened. But she was too physically exhausted and still healing. The flaps of the tent opened momentarily as someone entered. But she could feel their aura, it was Raiden and Juni. Both crawled into the bed and hugged their mother's sides
"We couldn't sleep." Raiden said softly
"Raiden didn't want to come alone." Juni teased
"You didn't either!" Raiden said sternly
"I'm just happy to see both of you.." Xylia whispered hugging them both as she closed her eyes falling into a gentle sleep
Both her children soon were asleep and holding onto her. Despite all that happened recently, Xylia had once more found some peace...
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