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*****

ELRETH

When the cave was quiet and she was alone with her parents, Elreth slumped back in the chair, rubbing her face with both hands.

"I really thought he was going to challenge me,

" she sighed.

Her mother chuckled.

"Gar's got more self-control than that.

"

When she looked up, her father was looking at her mother skeptically, but he only grunted.

"You handled that well, El,

" he said, turning back to her. The warmth of pride bloomed in her chest. She wasn't sure why her father's approval had always meant so much to her, but it always made her heart sing in a different way than anyone else's.

"Thanks, Dad,

" she said, then sat forward, elbows on her knees.

"Do you think he'll come back? Once he's cooled off? I know he's not going to abandon the disformed, but he might want to keep me at arm's length for a while.

"

Both her parents were certain he would come back—probably sullen. Probably pouty. But he would come back and, her mother insisted, he would do everything he was supposed to in the end. Even if he fought. Once the decision was made he would move ahead as a male with integrity.

Her father looked thoughtful, but didn't comment.

"What is it you need from us, El?

" he asked quietly.

"Can you pull a wind-reader out of your pocket?

" she groaned, shaking her head.

"Tonight, looking at the people and feeling so much emotion in the crowd, scenting so many conflicting attitudes… it made me see why you were both so grateful for Uncle Behryn.

"

They both nodded. Elreth bit her lip.

"Do you think he'd come back, Dad? To help us navigate this? I mean—

" she rushed on when her father winced,

"I know they don't want to be in the City, but if the humans are coming they'll have to come back to stay safe if we go to war. I'm wondering… do you think Behryn would come help me for a while? As an advisor? I could give him lots of freedom and…

"

Her father shrugged.

"I really don't know, El. You can only ask. I know, no matter what, he'll be pleased that you wanted him to.

"

"It's actually Hollhye you'd have to convince,

" her mother piped up with a strange expression on her face.

"She's the one who pushed for them to be so far out of the City.

"

"You know, I hadn't thought about it, but it's really not safe for them out there anyway, if we've got humans roaming around with guns. Does Behryn even know what a gun is, Dad?

"

"Probably,

" her father said.

"But he would never have seen one, or what it can do that I'm aware of. So he probably wouldn't appreciate the gravity of what you're facing.

"

"Who do you think would be the best to ask him?

"

Her mother immediately looked at her father and he grimaced again.

"I mean… Behryn would say yes to me if he can, I'm certain of it. But Hollhye? She'd rather hear from your mother, or you, El.

"

"I can't go all the way out there. Not now, with the Veneration coming and—

"

"You'll still do that if the humans are here?

" her father sounded surprised.

"Unless we're facing the actual attack, yes,

" Elreth said with conviction.

"I need them strong, Dad. I need to feel empowered. I need to bring the people together. We aren't going to be able to work together and face down an enemy unless everyone feels like they're all equally a part of this Kingdom. And it's the only way for the other tribes to really see what the disformed can do. Trial by fire, you know,

" she said grimly.

Her father grinned.

"Your mother always has liked a good naked fire rite.

"

"Reth!

"

Elreth rolled her eyes as her father looked smug, but inside, her stomach twisted. She'd forgotten about the naked part.

Shit.

"Anyway,

" she groaned.

"What can you both tell me about communicating with the humans. I mean, I know they'll be hostile. This isn't going to be the time for making friends. But Gar seems to think they think differently than we do. What do I need to do? What do I need to avoid? How do I give myself the best chance to win them—or force them—to give me the information I need?

"

Her parents both sighed. It was her mother that spoke first.

"Well, Elreth, language wise they're just the same. But it's the way they think that's different. Firstly, they'll be frightened of you. If they can get their hands on weapon, they will. Remember, they don't have a beast to rely on, so for them it will always be a weapon—even if it's just something to throw or tie you up with. You have to keep them in an environment with nothing they can use against an Anima.

"

Elreth nodded. That would be standard if they were imprisoned anyway.

"The thing that I observe about humans is that they're more easily physically intimidated than we are—they're very aware of their vulnerabilities around us. You can use that, or if you want to try to win them, you need to be aware of it. It's difficult to win a person who's afraid of you. What approach are you going to take?

"

Elreth's lips twisted.

"I have to treat them as hostile,

" she said.

"I mean, I wish we could just talk and use diplomacy. But they're hardly motivated to give me their secrets, are they? If they're planning to invade… surely they'll see me as an enemy, just as I would them?

"

Her father nodded.

"They're very intelligent, Elreth—and resourceful. I'd say more resourceful than us. Don't underestimate them. They are more vulnerable in their world, so more accustomed to looking for ways to solve problems and avoid danger than we are. Don't let yourself believe that they don't look for the way to win. Most aren't as skilled in fighting or as hierarchical as we are. But the ones sent here? Who knows. Regardless, they won't hesitate to take down a King—or a Queen—if they can. The kind of human who has come to a place like Anima will be one of their strongest—mentally, if not physically. Our existence challenges their entire worldview. That kind of person… They will not submit easily.

"

Elreth sighed.