Chapter 76: Finally, some proper sleep

The inside of the village was more grand the the outside in the eyes of the Typhon Tribesmen. Their village, the one that was within the safety of the mountain range, was also grand in its own right, but nothing to this extent.

As for their most recent village, well, that was just a pitiful piece of land they decided to call home for the time being.

"Wow, I can see why the old chief wanted this place as our new home." A Typhon tribesman muttered under his breath.

"But we didn’t know of that wall, right? So this village probably became this grand over the course of winter."

"Working this hard in the winter? Jeez. Those Nemean tribesmen really don’t rest, huh?"

As everyone began to form their own opinions of the village, children looked excited, the elderly happy to have a place to rest, and others just glad that their two-and-a-half-week journey was now over.

Five people made their way toward Kanan and the group of foreign settlers: the chief and the council members.

They first congratulated everyone on their safe journey back and immediately directed them to a spot in the village where huts and cabins were prepared for them.

"Everyone, I know that this will be different, a change of pace from what you’re used to." Chief Solan spoke in that authoritative chief voice that could make anyone listen to him.

"But I want you to know that it is the will of our god. We will not ask you to worship Lord Nemean, but if you do, we will accept your devotion. You are free to continue your spiritual practices, and if you wish, you can teach us as well."

Elder Trena, Hal, Nala, and Lars each said their own things, telling them about the layout of the village, where they could go to find work, food, and forbidden locations unless you were of a certain role.

The homes built for the Typhon Tribe weren’t separated from the other villagers. Kanan had specifically ordered them to build them within the housing area where everyone from both tribes would be.

This would make mingling mandatory, whether the mingling was positive or not.

"For the time being, you all will rest and get used to the village. Food and water will be provided to you for a month. After that, you will need to start working. But do not worry; we have already prepared tests to see what you all excel at. Combined with your own input, we’re sure we can find a place for you in the village." Solan spoke.

"If you have any complaints, don’t hesitate to speak to one of us about them. We’ll ensure that you are treated fairly. However, do not expect a warm welcome. I’m sure you understand why."

Once the elders and chief said their words, they divided people by their family and age.

Larger families got the bigger huts and cabins, while those of smaller families or the people who lived alone got the smaller ones.

The elderly were placed with their families or friends who wished to take care of them, but those who didn’t have anyone were given their own hut close to the healer’s hut, as they would need to be checked on occasionally.

The same applied to the young who weren’t of age yet and had no immediate family. There were those who would look after them, friends or extended family. But some were grouped together and placed in a hut with a supervisor; an ancient orphanage, if you will.

Now that Kanan’s job was over, he could finally go back home to see his beloved. The feeling had him so excited that he couldn’t help but express himself.

"Haha! Wooo! Yes! I can finally go home! Fuck! Do you know that it’s been nearly a month since I’ve slept well? You all try sleeping for three hours a day with no coffee available. And the joke’s on me because I don’t even like coffee!"

"Uh, Kanan, are you okay?" Selin hoped he wasn’t possessed or anything, given how weird he was speaking.

Sighing, Kanan apologized. "I’m just tired. I’m going to sleep. Don’t wake me up for three days."

Saying goodbye, Kanan made his way back home.

"Kanan!" Viola leapt into his arms once she saw him step inside. It had been over two weeks since she had last seen him, and she was beyond excited to see her mate again.

"Viola, hey. I’m so happy I can see you again. You know, I only had you on my mind the whole time I was out there."

"Really?" She couldn’t help but blush at his words. It made her all giddy inside.

"Oh yeah. I couldn’t stop thinking about coming back home to you. When I would dream, we would be smiling, holding hands, and skipping through a field of flowers on a sunny day. Ah, such an amazing dream. It kept me sane."

"Hehe, you’re so silly."

"So you didn’t even think of me once? I’m hurt." Another voice came from behind.

Kanan gulped hard, turning around slowly to see Glena standing with her arms crossed.

"H-Hey, Aunt Glena. Don’t be upset; I thought of you as well. In fact, I had a dream I was sleeping in your arms after eating your amazing food. It made me even hungrier."

"Fufu, it’s good to have you back, Kanan. I’m so glad you’re okay. I was so worried about you."

The two embraced, the warmth of their bodies mixing as relief set in. Their shoulders relaxed, breathing eased, and then tears ran down Glena’s face.

"What’s wrong?" Kanan asked

"I’m just so happy. The last time something like this happened, h-he...he never...I don’t want to lose you."

Kanan rubbed her cheek and gave it a kiss. "Shhh, I understand."

"It’s okay, Glena." Viola rubbed her back. "Kanan won’t leave us. He’s strong and important. Lord Nemean can speak to him after all. I don’t think he will let his last living mortal relative pass away."

"Y-You’re right. I-I just get so emotional when I think of him leaving."

"Don’t worry, Aunt Glena, I will be here for a long time to come. In fact, I don’t even want to leave the village for a while. The outside world is a lot more dangerous than I expected. In the meantime, I wish to sleep, eat, and have lots of mating sessions!"

"Fufu, we can’t mate, silly; it could hurt the babies."

"Ah, right. Then we’ll snuggle together for the whole day!"