Everyone was taking the idea of celebrating the peace of two nations and running with it. Barrels of wine were being rolled out and cracked open by all of the legions, and many of the richer merchants offered up a cup for free to anyone around. Of course, that was only the first mug, but after that, the mood had already been set, and no one wanted to stop. Supporting the drink were the food stands that appeared like magic lining the roads, and it felt like everyone off-duty was on the streets, making their way out into the western field.

It was understandable. Everyone in the Triad needed a break from all the tension over recent weeks, and this was a better reason than most to have a celebration. Even I felt a little pep in my step after putting on my best tunic — the one without any stains — and washing up as I moved into the celebration that was kicking off as night fell.

Like everyone else, I ignored the undercurrent of desperation in the crowd, simply enjoying the buzz of a couple cups of wine. Would the peace remain between us and half of the Kin? Would the other half of the Kin come marching along the Skirt, seeking to bypass us? Could the goblins be driven out of Southtown, and when will the dark elves appear?

There were so many questions, with the most likely answers being ones that meant more suffering for the Triad. More death. But that was always an ever-present certainty. But tonight, people needed to forget.

"What the—!" I exclaimed, stumbling to the side and looking at the large man who had barged into me. I didn't need to be a scout to tell that the man was deep into his cups, as his red face and glassy eyes told that to all who bothered to look. I also didn't need any training to know the man was acting purposefully.

I knew I should slink away. I couldn't count the number of times I hung my head and scampered away when confronted by someone in the past. Every time I was about to lash out, I distinctly remember thinking that it was my duty to de-escalate the situation. That I had no right to confront my assailants.

I hated every second of those experiences. My face would flush, not from embarrassment or fear, but from rage. That was all in the past, however. Right now, I couldn't think of anything that would make me push past the boiling rage and look down. Without conscious thought, the words started falling out of my mouth. "Watch where you're fucking going!"

"Wha' did'a say to me." The Large human rumbled, his legs slowly moving as he turned to face me. Along with the man, a half dozen of his friends also turned. Their group seemed to be stumbling onto the Western Road after leading one of the new districts that popped up outside of the Western Fort, going who knew where.

Looking at the men, I scoffed at them. The man might be a couple inches taller than me and several times as brought, but he was nothing special, and neither were those behind him. Typical citizens of the Republic who used their mental powers to get by and for a bit of convenience but never bothered to push themselves.

How could I know that? Their haggard, slovenly appearance was one significant giveaway. Stains on their clothes, grime on their hands, and untrimmed facial hair did not give off the feeling of dedicated people. Some might say that prejudices are bad, but those were the types of people who hadn't had the shit beaten out of them multiple times by individuals who, while always different, all had the same general qualities and appearance.

But it was more than their physical appearances. They felt… chaotic. Like they couldn't control their own powers. Due to that, more than anything else, I felt contempt for them. Emotions that made it into my voice as I hissed, "Watch. Were. You're fucking. Going."

"Got'a mouth on ya twig, don't cha." The man said, closing the distance between us until he was swaying inches from me, his goons closing in around us. Stretching out his meaty fingers, he poked me in the chest. "I would be mor' careful if I was ya. It's your people's fault we're homeless. In fact, I think I deserve to be…" His sausages snapped as thoughts worked their way through the slush he called a brain, "Ahh, yes… Compensation. We deserve some compensation, so pay up!"

"Compensation? You think I owe you compensation… for being an elf?"

"Yo' an elf! Those bastards everyone talkin' about ar' dark elves!" Opening his arms wide and spinning around, looking at his friends and the small crowd gathering around us as he said, "I might no' be a noble, but those seem ta be connected." There was a murmuring of agreement in the crowd at his words that sent a spike of annoyance through me.

"Ha!" I scoffed, "So just because I have some distant relation, I'm partially at fault."

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"Yep," The man smugly says, looking down at me, "So, ya gonna give me your coin pouch, or are we going to beat it out of ya?"

Looking into the man's aggressive eyes, I wondered if he would be acting the same if I was in my legion gear, and I decided that he would. He saw me as an easy target, so he decided to get what he wanted. But it wouldn't happen this time.

My hand fell to the handle of my hunting knife, and I prepared to draw it and slash open his chest. But before I could act, a voice broke the tension, "You know, by that logic, you also own Scout Green here compensation." Turning, my heart skipped a beat when I saw Reaper Keeper plowing his way through the crowd. I thought I had lost him.

"Who are y—

The man's voice died in his throat as his eyes landed on the neckless hanging around the man's neck. I doubted that the drunk oaf even noticed that the inquisitor's ears were pointed. My assailant might not have been able to voice the comment, but the word reaper quickly made itself around the crowd, and everyone was moving away as they suddenly realized that they had better things to do.

"Keep moving." The reaper said, nodding his head to the side, "This man is under my protection."

Like the earth was about to open under his feet and swallow him if he was too slow, the big human before me stumbled backward, almost falling to the ground as he forgot how to walk. As he stumbled across the road and through the area the wall of people had taken up moments ago, a satisfied smile twitched on my lips as I watched the man flee.

I had to hand it to the drunk asshole. He wasn't a complete moron. If I could, I would also be putting as much distance between me and the reaper as well.

Blowing out a breath that took all of my rage and irritation, I turned and started stomping along the road. "I haven't seen you in a while." I said casually, "Kind of hoped that you had found something better to do with your time."

"Nope." The reaper responded, "Truth be told, I did slip away a few times. However, I always left someone capable of protecting you nearby. Besides, sticking around you has proven to be important."

Feeling like I was walking on unsteady ground, I asked, "How so?"

"What is the Call?" The reaper asked.

Surprised at the question, I missed a step as I was unable to stop myself from sharply looking at him, "Where did you hear that?"

The man smirked at me before raising his hand and began tapping his right ear, "You should know these aren't just for decoration."

I couldn't help but snort in amusement, "Ahh, you heard me and Kanieta talking?"

"Yes… Now, if you would be so kind as to explain the context of the conversation, I would much appreciate it."

I wondered momentarily if I should tell the half-elf the truth, then mentally shrugged indifferently. It would come out sooner rather than later, and getting some trust for sharing should be good… Not to mention that I didn't have a choice at this point, though that didn't mean I would share all my secrets. Choosing my words carefully, I started talking. "The Call isn't that import…" trailing off, I shook my head and started again, "I guess I can't say it isn't important. It's the reason the beastkins always come south. They say it's like the world calling out for help, and it's always pulling on their minds to answer. The Kin can still hear it, but they can resist it, so long as they don't get too close. Otherwise…" I shrugged, leaving the rest unsaid.

"What is the source? If we could find out and stop it, we could end the beastkin problem forever." Redgenald stated, his mind snapping to the obvious conclusion.

"If you could answer that question, I think the Kin would give you the ransom of a high noble," I commented, my eyes flicking to the side, choosing not to tell him about my own suspicions… If you could call me using an Earth pulse, hearing the call of the World Tree, and then speaking to her a suspicion.

"And what were you talking to Elder Kaneita about?"

"Ahh," I said, suddenly realizing the implications of everything and that this wasn't information I should be keeping to myself. "The farther south they go, the stronger the Call becomes…"

"So they can't go much farther south than they currently are." The reaper muttered, "That makes sense. The Kin held the Western Fort for weeks and still controlled the southern side of the Northern Forest, so why have they never made a move south? Just because they wanted to make peace has never made sense. That would explain why their factions are pushing so hard for either peace negotiations or conquest, the need to consolidate their position. And now they are seeking a way to minimize their weakness."

It was more of a statement than a question, but I answered it anyway, "Wouldn't you?"

"Yes. However, that begs the question, why is she showing it off to you?"

"Ahh… Hmm, well…" I mumbled, "I might have been an influence on her making a discovery for developing a mental shield to block the Call." Feeling the sudden sharp attention of a man whose job it was to root out traitors, I started talking quickly, "It was part of the reason she went North with me, and as far as I know, her device might not even work."

"But if it does, you will be partially responsible for the Kin being able to move south. And from what I heard, it is possible for them to create the device without your assistance." I wasn't sure if he was making an accusation or complimenting me, but I would think which one it would turn out to be will only be determined by whether the Kin became the Republic's allies or not…

No pressure, right? With nothing else to say, we walked in the heavy silence until we arrived at the future market courtyard and began milling about within the celebration, sampling the food and drink.

Looking to the side, I saw Kanieta raise an arm to greet her, only to lower it as a flood of escorts wrapped around her, ushering her away, probably to some annoying meeting. Not that I had much time to gloat about it, as a booming voice drew everyone's attention, "Green! It's time for the ceremony to start!"

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