"Well, my last concern is actually a question, it's debatably the most important. Why do you want to come? Your life offers so many possibilities, so I want to know how much thought you've put into this. Why would you leave home to adventure with someone of another race that you've known less than a day?" (Mizuki)
Zara glances nervously at Vardo, but he's already looking at her and smiles reassuringly. She nods and turns to address me.
"The wolf-kin, and demi-humans generally, have operated in a way that allows our people to be exploited and suffer. I may be the next leader of our pack, and I think we need to change to survive. If I come with you, I may grow stronger and learn things that will help my people one day. All about weapons, armor, what the other nations and races are like, how magic really works, and who knows what else." (Zara)
That is…like, the best answer she could have given. If she's only lived here, and she is seeking new experiences and new ways of thinking, she'll certainly get it by coming with us. I have no reason to deny her request.
I smile at her approvingly.
"Very well. I'm okay with it, but you should know that it's not only up to me. Nina and now Alto need to approve. You'll also be subject to the same stipulations you heard me give to Alto." (Mizuki)
Alto interjects.
"I give my approval." (Alto)
Zara nods and a smile appears on her face.
"I accept your conditions, so let us ask for Nina's decision when we return." (Zara)
Well, aren't they just adorable, coordinating already? I love to see it. That exchange before did raise some questions, though, so I'd like to circle back.
"Hey, Zara, is Vardo your dad or grandfather or something? Why are you in line to be the next elder?" (Mizuki)
Vardo and Zara look surprised at my abrupt question. Zara shakes her head.
"No. My mother is dead, and my father missing, for many years now. Vardo and the village took care of us after that. The last elder selects and trains those they think should replace them…that is our way. It has nothing to do with family…Vardo just considered me worthy. My idiot brother, Zoda, is not a candidate for elder." (Zara)
Huh…I kind of respect that. So, the wolf-kin have a semi-meritocratic leadership style. I nod appreciatively at the explanation.
"Okay, thanks, Zara. Well, I think that takes care of everything for now, then. We'll probably be back eventually. Gather whatever you want, and we can leave when you're ready. We'll be going back the fast way, not flying. Just come back here and get me when you've said your goodbyes and collected any belongings." (Mizuki)
Zara smiles and nods, then departs the tent quickly without a word. I look at Alto next to me…she's characteristically smug.
"Well, well, looks like I got new company even sooner than I told you I would." (Alto)
She's looking sideways at me with a smirk, and she is leaned back casually. As much shit as she gives me, I still find it hard to be offended by it. It's just so good-natured. I'll be sarcastic in return, to show my respect, of course.
"Yes, Alto, don't worry. I already knew you were an excellent judge of character and wellspring of good advice. No need to beat a dead horse." (Mizuki)
She raises her eyebrows in amusement, then smiles and looks towards Vardo. Apparently, he's staring at me curiously. I look at him with a questioning expression. He smiles and addresses me.
"Are you sure you're actually human? Between your strange eyes, Zara's liking of you, and an elf behaving like your dear friend, I'm a little skeptical." (Vardo)
Man…people in this world really don't like humans. I nod at Vardo confirmatively, then I chuckle and address Alto.
"Uh oh, Alto, you hear that? You're already getting a reputation in the demi-human community as my dear friend. Fufufufu…will your pride survive?" (Mizuki)
Alto puts on a fake-upset persona and responds back like she's devastated.
"Tch…my humiliation knows no end. Let's just consider it fair trade for these outrageous spoils of working together that you mentioned on the way here. That should console me some, at least." (Alto)
What a funny lady. Before I can continue pestering her, Zara returns to the tent wearing different clothes and holding a dagger, but nothing else. The hell?
Sensing my confusion, perhaps, she responds.
"I'm attached to only one item, this dagger that my father left behind. I changed clothes because I refuse to start a new adventure in the clothes that marked my time as a slave. This was all I needed, and I've already said goodbye to my brother. Vardo condones my travel, so we can go whenever you'd like." (Zara)
That's so matter of fact of her. I glance at Vardo and he nods. I stand up in the tent and Alto joins me. Alright, looks like we're ready.
"Alright! Alto, Zara, we'll teleport back, so you know the drill. Vardo, thanks for everything. We're going to disappear from your tent, so don't freak out." (Mizuki)
Vardo raises an eyebrow in confusion, but he nods his agreement. Zara and Alto squeeze in on either side of me and place their hands on my shoulders.
When they both nod that they're ready, I flash one last grin to Vardo, then I teleport us all back to Nina's clearing.
Looks like our adventuring party is really filling out.