After our introductions, Nabeel turned to his father and asked for his help in getting us settled in Sous. Kadar, ever the pragmatic leader, nodded and agreed without hesitation. He told us that we could stay in a guest house temporarily while he spoke with the head clans to arrange a piece of land where we could build a home.
"I'll make the necessary arrangements," Kadar said, his voice calm but firm. "This won't take long."
Grateful for his assistance, I reached into my pouch and offered Kadar some gold as compensation for his help. After all, it didn't feel right to rely solely on his goodwill. But Kadar raised a hand, refusing the money with a slight shake of his head.
"Keep your gold," he said, his expression unreadable. "You'll need it for the laborers who will build your house, and for the materials. Consider it an investment in your new life here."
His words were kind but practical, reminding me that this was not a gift, but a responsibility I would have to take on myself. I appreciated the gesture, and though he was offering his connections and support, Kadar clearly wanted us to stand on our own feet.
I nodded in understanding. "Thank you. I'll make sure to use it wisely."
With that, Kadar instructed a few of his clan members to escort us to the guest house, a modest but comfortable place tucked away in a quieter part of the city. As we settled in, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. The journey had been long and filled with uncertainty, but now, for the first time in a while, there was a sense of stability on the horizon. I would take Kadar's advice to heart, save the gold for the right moment, and build a new foundation for my family here in Sous.
As we unpacked, Elara's expression softened, and even Lily seemed to relax a little. Despite everything, this was a small victory—a new beginning.