Verik reached the large hut that housed Nuru and stared at its decorations, all around the entrance large masks hung from the mud walls or were laid about neatly. Some were ghastly looking as they screamed or stared out mocking anyone who dared to look upon them. There was no doubt about it: this was the hut of a voodoo witch. Even little pots hung down around the building inviting any would be passer by to snatch one but Verik could only guess what might befall them in a world this... Unique.

"Are you going in or just stand there like a fool?"

Eyes snapping to the side he stared at the naked zebra for a second before reaching a hand out at the layers of beads and rags that served as a door to Nuru's hut.

Please, no naked grandma.

With a short sigh he closed his eyes slightly and pushing the "door" out of the way ducked down into the shadowed interior of the hut.

A quick glance around the hut revealed more masks along with tall shelves heavily laden with small jars, mortars and pestals, dried herbs and other things hanging down from the ceiling along with more bottles. Everything was neatly arranged in a large circle with a small fire-pit in the center where smoldering embers glared back at him, small puffs of strange incense filled the air with a truly unique aroma.

Staring at him from the mat she sat upon was the zebra shamaness in question: Nuru. Clothed in a simple, worn brown dress that thankfully covered everything she stared quietly before motioning to a mat across from her.

All manner of decorations adorned her form from beads, bracelets and even a very voodoo esque necklace with a bird skull in the center hanging from her neck, it was truly an interesting object to behold when one took the entire ensemble into question. Unlike just about every equine he had seen she wore some kind of necklace around her head that danged with little stones or metal pieces all carefully arranged.

It was the stare she gave him that caused the most consternation however as he lowered himself into a sitting position across from her, the cold, blank stare followed him carefully, waiting.

Remembering his gift Verik held it up for her to see.

"A gift, for you." What else could he say?

Holding out her hand quietly she waited as he leaned over the hot fire-pit and placed the tiny pot in her hand before leaning back and waiting on her reaction. Opening the small pot she looked inside then picked some of its contents out giving it a sniff before putting it back and sealing the pot again.

They sat like this quietly for several minutes before a grin spread across her face but it was not one of happiness. Instead it was rather the look a piranha would get as it watches a lame bird slowly fall towards the water and straight into its waiting clutches.

"You bring gift, why?"

"Sefu and Jelani suggested it, but how did you know I was coming?"

"Know many things, hear many more. Bringing gift means you want something in return yes? To stay in Wete? Bribe me into speaking favorably to Tendaji so he not throw you out hmm?"

Verik regarded her carefully for a moment, this one knew far too much without having ever met him and was by all means probably toying with him. She knew he was coming, had waited till he arrived then sent someone to collect him without having ever laid eyes on him.

So why bother asking?

"Yes, but why do I feel you already knew the answer to that question?"

"Honesty. You admit freely why you give me this tea, had you made excuses I would send you away."

Nuru's smile changed to one of genuine welcoming as she removed the lid off a small jar sitting at the edge of the fire then dropped a couple pinches of what he guessed was herbs into a small pot of water. Everything had been prepared in advance, she had known or anticipated things perfectly but too perfectly.

"It will not be easy to convince Tendaji to allow one like you to stay, very troubling times."

"Never expected it to be easy and after seeing the ongoing work to expand the fields I can understand why. But I do have a few... Unique characteristics."

"Yes, sharp teeth and eyes, a mean streak that makes killing easy. Enjoyable?"

Verik nodded, he would not deny it anyway but this one was the kind to see right through someone.

"You never asked my name."

Nuru stared at him a moment, she was judging his response again.

"I did not think it was necessary to ask your name Nuru, everyone told me about you and frankly just seeing this hut is enough to prove you are who you are."

A toothy grin was the response as an ear twitched for a moment before her purple eyes bore into him. Faint whispers filled the air to his left and where her ear had turned but this was not unusual as the moment he had stepped inside he could hear soft, subtle voices.

"What do you plan to do hmm? Cause trouble for Wete... Help Wete?"

"I have no intention of causing harm to the Wete, several have helped me considerably, saved my life, it would be dishonorable for me to betray that kindness. Help you? Of course, if all goes well I will be staying here and the last thing I want to see is what I have already: an immense struggle just to get enough to eat."

"You help for other reason too..."

"Did those voices whisper that to you?"

Two can play that game, he was in a strange, crazy world where anything was possible so why not voices that whispered truths? Putting her on the spot like that would also tip him off as to if there was more to this than met the eye, she had to of learned somehow and while not a religious fellow by any means; agnostic in fact, he was not going to rule anything out at this point.

"What voices?"

Nuru was a master of being poker faced as not one hint was given that she knew what he was talking about, it was time to prod a little.

"Alright, the moment I got near this hut I made out little voices now and then and after stepping in here all I hear are whispers from all around the room. I even catch glimpses of movement and flickers of light from the corners of my eyes. Your ear turned to face one of those voices then you asked me a question so if you would... What is going on? How do you know so much?"

She just smiled at him kindly which in itself was creepy, he had never met her before but being around her was to admit he "knew" her somehow as she just had that welcoming manner that put people at ease; a switch she could flip at any moment however.

Using rolled up rags she carefully poured the tea out into two cups and offered one to him before sipping quietly on her own having entirely ignored his questions.

How anyone could stand to drink hot tea on a hot day in a hot hut was beyond him but he knew better than to refuse and sipped at his own cup quietly. Whatever went into this tea was quite pleasant but so different from anything he had ever tasted, it made his senses tingle.

A voice from outside the hut called, putting her cup down she beckoned him to stand up. Grabbing a tall staff she had tucked away beside her that was ornately carved and be-speckled with shamantic ornaments she began pushing herself but froze and narrowed her eyes.

Verik had without thinking moved over and offered a hand to the old grandmotherly looking zebra, now he was stuck in an odd situation with an outstretched hand offering to help her up as she stared at it then him.

Before he could retake it she accepted the offer just as realization went across his face but instead of continuing her hard stare she just smirked. Once on her hooves she walked easily to the door and pushed the covering aside while beckoning him to follow.

"I am not that feeble."

She was gone from the hut by the time his face turned red from indignation. Following her outside he could see the caravan was already unloaded and everyone long gone save his two "slaves" sitting outside the hut quietly where Jelani watched them.

After walking the distance she motioned for him to wait then ducked her head into the chieftains hut to say something and almost immediately talking inside began.

"So what happened with you two?"

Verik stared at Shahid and Altayih as they fidgeted, debating what to say. Jelani watched them a moment before sighing and explaining things quickly since she had listened in: once the shackles were removed Shahid and Altayih were free to go.

Sefu had told Tendaji about Verik's ultimatum to Shahid and agreed with it, that so long as he swore to die rather than lead them back here he would allow him to leave. Altayih however wanted to stay and that meant things were still up in the air.

During the arguing over his stay Tendaji had basically said "no" since things were not going so well foraging nor food wise. What Altayih said next had left everyone dumbstruck as he declared that ownership had transferred from previous owner to new owner... That meant wherever Verik went he went.

Demanding an answer of him Altayih just grinned at Verik and said it was true but it sounded like a good idea at the time, being kicked out without so much a stick to fight with would mean all manner of problems. Forage was most certainly not available and without any traveling equipment he would be hard pressed, at least this way he could buy some time.

"You do realize that when I walk in there Tendaji is going to hold that over my head right? I do not live here nor am a Wete, in fact I am trying to get him to allow me to stay and what you did will only complicate matters. Slavery is not even allowed here, right?"

Staring at Jelani she thought it over a moment.

"Fareed allow slavery so legal but Wete not keep slaves... Difficult to explain but Verik not Wete so..."

Altayih stared at her before looking at Verik.

"I know, Sefu explained that but it is still better to take the chance than be thrown out there without anything to defend myself with."

Which was entirely true.

"You could have asked and I would give you a spear then send you on your way."

"Just like that? No price? No demands?"

"Correct, no strings attached, a free spear and a pat on the back wishing you the best of luck."

They all gaped at him before shaking their heads but Altayih just grinned even more.

"All the more reason I stay then, you are too interesting and I do owe you."

"Nothing, you owe me nothing."

"You could have left us out there, told them not to allow us to come along."

Sefu emerged from the hut and stared at the two and ordered them to stand.

"Jelani, take them to smith, have shackles removed."

"So do I stay?"

Sefu stared at Altayih and shifted his jaw back and forth a moment.

"Depends on what Tendaji say about Verik. Go. You," he stared at Verik, "your turn."

As Jelani led the two away Sefu ducked inside the hut and out of sight.

Unlike Nuru's hut this one was spartan outside without a single marking but inside it was quite interesting. Weapons were laid up against the wall in rows or hung from pegs along one side, a large sleeping mat sat in the far back while a rough "throne" of sorts that sat in the middle facing the door.

Few decorations could be seen except a few furs including a cheetah hide which was carefully strung out and well off the floor along the wall, it looked more like a sash than just a hide.

Clay jars and pots of every size lined the rest of whatever space was available but all eyes were centered on Verik as he continued to examine the hut quietly. The fire pit in the center was thankfully not burning which left the hut cooler compared to standing outside. Sefu and Nuru on opposite sides of each other with Tendaji on his seat in the back center.

Eyes trailing back to the throne Verik started at Sefu's brother Tendaji. Not nearly as tall nor well built the tired and worn looking chief sat on his throne leaning to one side gaining support from one of the arms as he slumped.

He looked mentally exhausted.

Turquoise eyes scanned over Verik judging every single detail with a harsh scrutinizing stare before he beckoned him forward.

I forgot the gift.

Sefu caught the change of expression on Verik's face then pointed to a familiar little pot, at some point the zebra had already fetched it in advance. With a short nod he motioned at Verik then waited as he collected the item then presented it to Tendaji.

Tendaji stared at the jar before looking back up at Verik with a heavily bemused look.

"Bribery?"

"A gift but I understand it would not hurt my case any to at least try."

Looking sideways at Sefu who unbeknownst to Verik smirked back the chieftain leaned out slowly and accepted the jar. Inspecting its contents his eyes trailed to Sefu again with a glowering look before a heavy sigh escaped him as he put the jar down and out of the way.

"You make my life difficult brother."

Sefu shrugged.

"Make own life difficult."

Tendaji's eyes snapped to his brother with a glare before shifting back to Verik.

"You wish to stay in my village... But will not swear loyalty, my brother tells me of what you have done and plan but I wish to hear it from you. Speak."

Tendaji's voice was just as deep as Sefu's but every word was slow to come and carefully gauged making his words come with a fair degree of finality.

"Sefu probably filled you in on what happened so... I intend to find a home for myself and go back to farming or at least I planned on that. After seeing your village I know better than to hold onto such fascicle hopes but if possible I intend to have my own farmland at some point be it here or beyond your... Borders."

Everyone stared at him waiting, Sefu made a motion for him to pick up the pace.

"Sefu has told you that I will not swear loyalty and I shall not. However, I will aid the village in exchange for being allowed to stay as a mercenary. In return all I ask is a place to stay and some degree of pay. I know you are impoverished and food is very hard to come by but I am capable of fishing and hunting to make up for this."

"You not swear loyalty to me but say you be loyal to Wete?"

The look on Tendaji's face showed serious doubt as to if Verik was telling the truth or not.

"Yes, strange as that may sound but I have a vested interest in making certain the Wete remain safe: I have nowhere else to go. If I were to destroy the one chance of a home I have left there would be nothing left for me except death via deprivation."

"Logical..." Tendaji hummed to himself. "Sefu say you are predator and you right, food very hard to get, if you feed yourself that work well in your favor but my brother say you have... Idea? Fix fields?"

"I do, it will not be easy but there is a chance I can help you irrigate more land by channeling the water rather than hauling it to the fields. One thing I can show you is where to dig canals to flood some of the lower lying areas I saw on my way here, the other, higher fields will not be so easy but that can be solved too."

"How you flood them with canals then not wash crop away?"

"Flood gates, small ones to control the volume of water, also depending on how high the flood waters get you can channel the river itself into other fields so the silt will lay and provide nutrient for the fields."

"Mercenary..."

Tendaji mumbled the word to himself, one curiosity was placated but once more it was circling back to the other issues. No chief would like having an outsider refuse to swear loyalty then ask to stay in the same breath. Sefu on the other hand gave Verik a sideways look and motioned with his hands that things could go either way.

"Wete not have mercenaries, Fareed finds out we have one it raise suspicion."

"I will not deny that but nor did I say you would declare me to be in your "employ" merely that I live here. Defending Wete would be a given since I would live here, therefor no need to pay me to defend my own home. At least openly that is."

"Sefu right, you are mercenary... When Fareed send his tax collector they ask questions and count, they see you many questions asked."

"Yes but I am not Wete, I only live here and in exchange provide one more arm to defend with. If they press the matter tell them I am a bounty hunter, they will have to ask me directly and since I am not zebra nor Arabian they have no legs to stand on. I am an outsider."

"Where you live then?"

Sefu spoke up saying that arrangements were already made if he were allowed to stay causing Tendaji to narrow his eyes.

"What proof do I have, what assurance can you give that you will not betray me nor tribe? You not swear loyalty and make claims but what proof can you give?"

"Only what Sefu has told you about my actions and my word of honor, I can offer nothing else and my word is something I do not take lightly. When I swear to do something I will do it unless betrayed, you have my word on that."

"Leave us, wait outside till I decide."

Taking a quick glance at Sefu as he left the zebra again motioned that things were in the balance, only time would tell. Leaving the hut Verik sat on the side with the most shade and stared at the ratty looking huts while wondering what was happening inside. Tendaji had not outright said no on two counts but now it was up to Sefu to convince his brother to allow him to stay.

What about Nuru? Who knew, it was out of his hands now.

"No."

"Yes, he fought for us, help us-"

"No, he too much trouble."

Tendaji and Sefu argued back and forth while Nuru sat quietly having tuned them out, lost in her own little world but both were used to this reaction when arguing broke out.

"He fix fields, you say we need more food and he offer knowledge!"

"We fix it anyway! More probably die before next harvest anyway."

"You give up already?"

"While you gone several die of starvation-"

"We find forage on way here!"

"Yes, day away, all forage close to Wete gone now, tell them to go farther but dangerous. Prefer to stay and starve than take risk because of animals or worse."

"More reason to keep Verik, they die then they not eat Wete."

Tendaji let out an irritated snort.

"So add more then? Make food stretch again?"

"You take them in anyway, you never turned others away but knew there not enough food."

"Yes but that mistake! I will not make it again!" Tendaji let out a long sigh and slumped down further. "I send scouts while you gone to find forage, along river there is some yes but very sparse beyond. Very lucky you found what you did, very lucky. Brother, if I send foragers far and wide to collect food they maybe feed themselves but not village. Try to get others to go and some did but not find enough, rain coming late this year make it hard to find suitable forage."

Sefu stared at his brother, it was true the rains were late but something had to be done anyway and if Verik could offer any means of increasing their arable cropland even a little then that was something worth trying.

"More reason to keep him."

"So he eat from river and hunt animals... Fine, have someone willing to take him into their home... Very well... Who offer to take him in?"

"Asha."

"He put up with her she can have him. Now tell truth, why you really want him to stay."

Nuru opened her eyes to stare across at Sefu as Tendaji regarded his brother carefully as Sefu let out a long sigh.

"Things getting worse, war coming, can feel it, hear it. In Mjesani I listen and things getting far worse, more raids over border mean war coming. Slavers reaching farther and farther, they maybe come this far soon. Fareed not sit still either but it also mean others take advantage in chaos. Maybe it come this way-"

Tendaji cut his brother off quickly.

"Last time that trouble reach Wete was long ago during grandfathers rule."

"Yes but things change, better to be ready than take chance."

"One mercenary make no difference."

Sefu regarded his brother calmly, thinking over an answer that would solve the dilemma. He already knew Tendaji would not accept things as they were, but neither would Verik back down as his own pride was too strong much like his brothers. There was one possibility though it was not what he wanted to say, but at least the logic might work on his brother even if he did not believe it nor like the idea.

"It does, he fight and maybe kill one or two, maybe even ten. They that many less to harm Wete, you want to take chance war not come? All signs here: more slavers, bandits attacking protected caravans, soldiers abandon caravan, something break soon."

"Maybe that just chance."

"You take chance? What if you wrong? One more not hurt Wete, you say we loose many already then it make no difference."

"Verik is trouble, it follows him everywhere he goes."

Tendaji and Sefu turned to stare at Nuru who had remained silent during the argument, hearing her speak for the first time made the two brothers shift slightly.

"That one very strange, see things, hear things others do not but accepts it willingly and is not afraid... Polite and honest too, he could have lied but did not... Maybe he is too honest for his own good. You want him to leave but he offers solutions we do not have, maybe they work, maybe not but he means what he said about helping Wete."

Nuru turned her gaze to Tendaji and narrowed her eyes.

"You only upset because he not swear loyalty but he not one of us, never will be. He knows this, accepts it. Verik is an outsider and will always be but he still offer to help in exchange for a home yet you still say no."

"It could be an act."

Sefu and Nuru let out a snort as Tendaji's accusation.

"If he acting he very good at it, way he kill bandits and sacrifice self for our sake... Very good actor or very dumb one."

Nuru nodded to Sefu before staring Tendaji down again making the chieftain fidget in his seat.

"Land still an issue, first he say he be farmer but admit not possible... He not know what he wants, could change mind and cause us many problems."

"Then have him swear not to cause the Wete problems..." Nuru's eyes narrowed, "tell him that if he causes problems he will be cast out, exiled."

"Such a threat to an outsider means nothing."

"It means everything to one like him, he has nothing, no home, family, friends... If he gains these things he will not want to loose them." She looked at Sefu and motioned at him, "your brother told us how violent he got when someone threatened what little he had even though he could have just walked away."

"I still say no, he brings too much trouble, entire journey one battle then the fleeing slaves... He bring destruction with him."

"Then he will be my problem."

Tendaji glared at his brother but both stopped as their eyes shifted slowly back to Nuru. A pit formed in their guts but no more so than in Tendaji's as the grandmotherly shamanesses eyes took on a dangerous glower. Spreading across her face a toothy smile formed that made lumps form in their throats.

"You say no... You anger me but also anger others, others who want to see what happens."

Swallowing slowly Tendaji repositioned himself before daring to look at her.

"My village is not here for the amusement of others."

"Oh? You serve Fareed who allows you to live because it pleases him, amuses him. Fareed can take your life but they can do far worse."

"And what have they done for us that is good? Hm? Nothing!"

"Maybe you ask too much, maybe you need to listen rather than demand of them, they want him to stay."

"I am the chief not you or some specter!"

"Then act like one. Verik fought and bled to protect your people now you turn him away. You Shun him, shame on you."

Tendaji's body twitched for a moment as things sank in slowly before closing his eyes.

"Bring him back, I have made up my mind."

When Sefu's head popped out of the door and called Verik was quick to respond and re-enter the large hut once more before being beckoned to sit and wait. It had been quite a while and he could make out the dull echoes of their arguing but nothing solid, now it was time for his judgement.

"Some have taken great interest in you... Dangerously so."

Tendaji quietly gave a sideways look at Nuru for a split second before looking back at Verik.

"You refuse to swear loyalty... So be it. You will never be Wete then, you may stay but are on your own. Serve the Wete and you can stay, maybe even given some food now and then for what you do. However, you must swear not to cause trouble for my people, stay out of trouble and not cause harm. No land will be given but Sefu say another will take you in, that is their decision not mine. So long as you stay in Wete you follow my laws and do as Sefu says, you are his problem now."

Sefu gave a smirk before hiding it away again.

"Swear."

"I can not swear to not causing harm nor trouble, if someone attacks me I will defend myself, that you can be certain of-"

"Yes, you have right to defend self but swear to not harm Wete!"

"As I have said I have no intention of harming the Wete, only to protect this place so long as I am allowed to call it home. I shall never be Wete? So be it, I accept that fact but why am I denied land?"

"You not swear loyalty."

Feudal... Alright that sets the other option into motion.

"Very well... I swear to protect the Wete on the condition you allow me to call this place home and the live freely. In return I shall help you as I can but I expect some kind of payment now or in the future for services rendered, I am after all a... "mercenary" now."

Tendaji eyed him carefully before slowly nodding.

"You stay because of offer you made: irrigate our fields, expand our farmland."

"Correct, however once that is done you will not turn me out... Yes?"

"You say your word is honor bound, so is mine, you doubt me as chief?"

"No, but I can tell you are troubled to no end as anyone would be all things considered. The Wete need all the help they can get and I believe I can offer it."

"You one creature."

"A highly motivated one who has everything to gain but nothing to loose."

"Wete worth loosing?"

Tendaji's eyes narrowed awaiting a response that came quickly.

"That is up to you, if allowed to stay then I have everything to loose."

But I also have everything to gain...

"Then you will stay but under Sefu's command, you mercenary so you serve him. Understood?"

"Yes."

"Cause trouble and you thrown out."

"What about Altayih?"

"He your problem, we not feed him."

Tendaji waved at him dismissively meaning it was time to go and Sefu rose then beckoned for him to follow. Leaving the hut Sefu walked down the narrow path towards Nuru's hut then just beyond to a very old, dingy looking hut.

"You live here now till she throw you out."

"Who?"

There was no need for a response as Asha and another mare emerged, bidding the other farewell she saw Verik and perked up immediately.

"Tendaji say yes?!"

"This one now mercenary and my responsibility. Verik, I get you tomorrow and begin training then after you figure out fields hm?"

"What about Shahid and Altayih?"

"Since you stay Altayih probably stay but will keep him somewhere else yes?"

"So there is room for him somewhere?"

"Small shelter, others die so they no need, belong to him for time being."

"I have nothing to feed him with..."

"No worry, we think of something, he not slave right?"

"Just very intent of having a place to stay till back on his feet by my guess, cant blame him. Give one of those spears I looted to Shahid if you would."

Sefu nodded before leaning into the hunt and grabbing a spear then walked away leaving Asha and Verik to stand alone in front of "their" home. Looking it over again she had gotten the short end of the straw but was better off than those living in "shelters." If this dingy hut was considered decent what must the shelters look like?

"So how is it a non-Wete got a hut all to herself?"

Asha stuttered for a moment before sighing.

"Came before the others and was given this hut, took in others year ago but they all leave because of..."

"Your nightmares."

"Yes... Make them nervous and they leave."

"Must be nice though, having a place all to yourself when others are so hard off."

"Not all to myself now."

She beamed at him and began tugging on his arm to bring him inside the hut making him duck quickly before his head banged on the top of the doorway. The whole thing was in horrible disrepair as cracks were everywhere, some were enough to allow someone to peek inside. If any amount of rain came it would no doubt leak but otherwise it was still standing not that he could be picky.

Asha had graciously offered to take him into her home and he was not going to argue nor belittle the kind and generous offer. Still, this place could use a lot of repairs assuming it could be repaired at this point. Looking down at the dust covered dirt floor he traced his eyes over the single round room.

Poverty was as good a word as any to start with.

Compared to the chief and Nuru she had little in the way of storage with two small shelves that lay bare and dusty. Two mats were rolled up to one side along with a pile of his weapons, belongings and forage they had gathered the day before. The food was sorted out now and an open jar was in the process of being loaded to keep the vermin away.

Larger jars sat in the fire boiling away, to one side was a great heap of things: all this spears and loot, all thrown against the wall by someone. Apparently Sefu had no doubt what so ever that he would be staying if things had already been moved here but remembering the look on Tendaji's face when he offered him the chance to stay... It was not willingly, someone or someones had twisted his arm into allowing him to stay.

Nuru had been giving Tendaji a very interesting look the entire time and that alone was probably the deciding factor as no chief would ever willingly allow someone as insubordinate as Verik to stay; a fact he was willing to admit to. However he was now under the command of Sefu which made things rather interesting, he trusted Sefu and Jelani oddly enough.

"Tendaji said I could stay but I am cut off for rationing so-"

"That okay, Zuberi have others deliver leftovers from caravan after dividing it, part of payment for making it back alive."

"How very... Kind, of him."

Asha smiled at Verik warmly before sitting and going back to sorting through the food pile.

"Why did you offer to take me in?"

"You too nice to be thrown out."

Well thats a matter of opinion.

"I can do some repairs to your hut-"

"Really!? You know how?"

"What, dont you?"

"No... Learned to cook, forage and raise crops, broth-"

She cut herself off quickly before going silent and stuffing various foodstuffs into jars.

"Well I can at least fix the holes and cracks, looks like simple mud bricks... Guess I can stuff the cracks with mud and clay to fix them. Does the roof leak?"

"Yes, but rain late in coming. Hard to get material to fix roof, most needed for new huts or shelters."

"I will think of something. How often does it rain anyway?"

"Comes and goes, this time of year suppose to rain more."

Dry season then the monsoon...

"Thank you."

Asha stopped what she was doing and looked up from her task a moment.

"Hm?"

"Thank you for offering me a place to stay, a home even if temporary."

A smile spread across her face of genuine happiness at his words of gratitude.

"Not temporary, you stay, this your home too now."

Sitting down near his equipment and sorting through it all quickly he thought over what she had said. Asha had her own motivations in all of this but he would not deny his own interests either as he knew where hers leaned as his own leaned in the similar direction.

Author's Notes:

My next two weeks are... Crazy, so not sure about the next chapter being edited and put up but it is written.