Decision and deviancy

It takes quite some time, long enough that you’re continuing to talk even as the group breaks camp and begins to move into the forest. Amara listens intently, asking few questions. She seems surprised by your description of your family, especially when you explain their godhood.

“You come from a family of gods?”

You shrug. “Sort of. They became gods after I was born. It’s an even longer story, I can explain another time.”

Amara nods. “And you came here for an adventure?”

Again, you shrug. “I want to make my own way, apart from my family. I don’t want to be given fame and power because of a luck of birth.”

Amara laughs. “That is fair. You seem to have done well, capture aside. I would like to lend my aid. I have seen much, over many years, and the Order is a scourge that must be ended.”

You smile. “I’m honored, Amara.”

The two of you shake hands, and she goes back to a quiet conversation with Victor. After a while, the panther man comes over to speak with you.

“When we get to the village, I’m going to officially hand over leadership to you.”

You look at him, surprised. “Are you sure? I’m still the outsider here.”

Victor shakes his head. “You’re already in charge in all but name. And give done more in a few short months than I’ve done in years. Besides, it’s not like I’m leaving. I’ll still be advising and helping, but you’ll be our official leader.”

You nod. “I appreciate the trust. I’ll try to keep us making gains.”

Victor smiles. “And besides, who better than you? You’re the one with a bounty on your head!”

You chuckle. “That’s true.”

He looks away, walking beside you and Ferra. “And who knows. If you’re successful enough, maybe the people will want you to lead them as well. You have the royal pedigree, after all.”

The two of you laugh, but he’s clearly only half kidding. You shake your head. “That’s a distant future. For now, I’ll be happy just to be back in a warm bed.”

Victor glances around at the girls, all in their own conversations. Looking back at you, he nods. “I can imagine.”

Ferra chimes in. “We are planning a big celebration, after all. You may not see us for a day or two…”

Both you and Victor look at the golem girl, and catch her smiling. She gives your hand a squeeze. “We did say there was a celebration orgy coming, after all.”

Laughing, Victor walks back to Amara, leaving you with Ferra, who is fully grinning at your embarrassment. With a wink, she kisses your cheek.

“You did say I’ve been picking up bad habits from Alex…”