“Commander, the children are settled down and quiet. I left Vriska and Xavier to keep them comfort.” Sophie nodded “Thank you Nadia, at ease.” Nadia relaxed and followed several steps behind and to the left of Sophie as they walked to a tent in the middle of the line. Nadia was average height with a fit build. Her eyes shone gold in the pale moonlight and her short butch hair was raven black. Nadia was in human form, as were all of the half breed Werewolves. The “Everfur” with their older, purer, lupine blood were curled up around the fire. They could change into the bipedal forms but they could never be fully human. Each pack member contributed to sustaining the pack. There were hunters, healers, warriors, scouts, and all skilled in nomadic survival and crafts. The Lycanthropes had no true home and so they lived in semi-permanent camps, often moving every three months due to complications with locals. It was a hard life, not for children. Sophie swept back the door-pelts of her tent and entered. Nadia stood guard outside. “Nadia, I need to discuss several matters with you in private.” “Yes Ma’am.”
Nadia entered the tent and sat on the ground across from where Sophie was stretched out on a pile of pelts. “You may speak without restraint here. I need my friend’s opinion.” Nadia uncrossed her legs and dropped her stern face, giving Sophie her full attention and a slight smile. Sophie rolled from her back to her side so that she could face her, “Nadia, we have twenty five children on our hands. Most likely children who have been stolen to be shipped off to the academy.” Nadia rubbed her left earlobe. “It’s awful how they can force children to become weapons.” “As we both know the pack cannot support themselves and these children. Do you think we should return the children, or keep them here where they will be safe until someone we trust can take them?” “Sophie, the pack life is not meant for little ones. Not humans this young.” “I was only ten years when I joined the pack.” “Yes but Sophie, these children aren’t Wolfbloods.” “You and I both know, there are a few with the potential to awaken who could join our pack.” “We should return them all, but it means we won’t be able to travel as a pack.” Sophie began to take the feathers and bone beads out of her hair. “The blond, deaf girl, I could sense she is not entirely human.” Nadia leaned in. “What about the boy who she stays close to? Did you feel his energy?” Sophie’s nostrils flared and she narrowed her eyes. “I know, I am surprised that his power is still hidden. It would be bad if they fell into the wrong hands. Perhaps I can talk them into staying.” “I am not opposed to it.” Nadia looked directly at Sophie. Sophie set her Labradorite crown next to her beads and feathers at the head of her bed of furs. “Can I talk you into staying the night, Nadia?" Nadia’s golden eyes closed and her cheeks turned slightly pink. “I am not opposed to it.”