After leaving the abode, Mitchell made a beeline for the building where he knew Melissa to be staying at. It was one of the buildings relegated to women, at least, those that weren't married he'd learned. He felt comforted by Zullie's presence as she walked beside him. The hunter hadn't realized how much he'd gotten used to the dark mage being around until she pulled her ninja-vanish earlier.

As the pair approached the women's building, Mitchell noticed a young woman with braided hair stepping out of the front door with a sigh. He made his presence known. "Hey, excuse me, miss?"

The woman turned, her eyes widening in recognition as she saw the duo. "Ah, it's you two. What do you need?"

"Uh, before I ask anythin', I should introduce myself. I'm Mitchell," Mitchell stated, nodding to her.

The woman gave a friendly smile, stepping away from the door. "Hi! I'm Claire." She turned to nod at Zullie. "It's nice to finally meet you officially. I've seen you both around town a couple of times."

"It's nice to…meet you too," Zullie replied, bowing her head a bit at the woman. "My name is…Zullie."

Claire turned her attention back to Mitchell expectantly, resting her hands on her hips. "So, what can I do for you? You wanted to ask me something?"

Mitchell pointed towards the rifle on his back with a thumb. "Ya wouldn't happen to know where Melissa is, do ya? I have to give this back to her."

"Ahh, I see," Claire drawled, nodding to herself. She gestured to the inside of the building with her head. "She should be in there–second room on the right. She was tidying up the place, last I saw her." She rolled her eyes a bit. "What little is in there, at least."

"Aight, thanks," Mitchell responded, giving the woman a little two-finger salute. "You headin' anywhere?"

The woman hummed. "Yep. I was just about to make my way to the marketplace to see if I can get any essentials for everyone before dark." She shrugged, a resigned smile on her lips. "I got a bit of money left, so I might as well use it for a good cause."

"That's commendable…of you," Zullie remarked, tilting her head. "Do you happen to…have an idea of…what you might…need?"

Claire blinked, clearly not expecting the question. "Erm, things like food and cooking utensils mainly. And a few more blankets and bedrolls for those that don't have any. Stuff like that."

Mitchell watched as Zullie reached into the bag at her waist, fishing around for a moment before pulling out a few coins. "Here. Maybe…this will help you."

The young woman's eyes widened at the handful of silver coins in the dark mage's hand. "W-Wait, you're just giving this to me? This is too much!"

Zullie shook her head reassuringly, holding out the coins for the girl. "Don't worry…I have everything I…need. There's others…that need it…more than I do."

"O…Okay," Claire acquiesced, taking the offered money with a thoughtful expression. "Thank you." She regarded Zullie for a moment with newfound respect and gratitude. "Y'know, I knew only one mamono before you came into town, and I thought she was a fluke. I didn't know what to make of you at first, but now? I think you're alright, Miss Zullie."

Zullie smiled coyly at the praise. "Thank you for…saying so. I try my…best."

Suddenly, a thought came to Mitchell. But as unwilling as he was to interrupt Zullie's moment of well-earned acceptance, he knew he had to speak up. He pointed sheepishly inside the building. "Uh, hey, before ya go, you wouldn't mind gettin' Melissa for me, would you? I don't wanna barge into an all-women's abode, y'know?"

Claire paused, before nodding on understanding. "Ah, I get what you're saying. Sure, I don't mind. Just wait here a second."

With that being said, the young woman quickly made her way inside. Mitchell heard an amused hum, and he turned to see Zullie giving him a smirk. The hunter grew oddly embarrassed under the woman's gaze. "...What?"

"Oh, nothing…" Zullie answered, her smirk unwavering. "Just that…Miss Claire isn't the only…one who's considerate…it seems."

"Oh hush," Mitchell mumbled, his face heating up. "I ain't about to make an ass a' myself bargin' in there and seeing somethin' I shouldn't."

Zullie merely hummed at that, her amused gaze not lessening a bit even when they heard approaching footsteps from inside. Mitchell turned his attention to see both Melissa and Claire stepping outside.

Melissa was quick to notice them, but before she could say anything, Claire beat her to it. "Here she is. While I'd like to stick around, I better head out. See you all later." She waved as she turned away. "And thanks again, Miss Zullie!"

Mitchell returned his attention to Melissa as Zullie waved at the departing girl. A playful half-smirk formed on his lips. "You know what I'm here for."

Melissa nodded, her lips twitching upwards at the hunter's banter. "Indeed I do. I figured what was going on when Claire mentioned you."

"Yup." With that, Mitchell unslung the rifle from his shoulder. "Here ya go. And thanks for lettin' me use it, Melissa. Seriously."

"Of course," Melissa replied, taking the weapon from Mitchell's hands. She slung the rifle somewhat awkwardly behind her shoulder. "I'm sure you made good use of it, right?"

"He certainly…did," Zullie commented, leaning her staff towards Mitchell in an idle gesture. "He felled…a number of…mamono with it." Her yellow eyes met the librarian's gaze. "That is a…remarkable weapon…Melissa. Treat it wisely and…keep it close."

Melissa shifted the rifle a bit, clearly unused to the weight. "Oh believe me, I will. This is one of the few things I have left from my grandfather. Even moreso since it's one of the last few things I still own now."

"Don't forget these," Mitchell added, handing the remaining clips of ammunition over to her.

Cradling the ammunition in one of her arms, Melissa took on a thoughtful expression. "Um…hey, Mitchell?"

"Yeah?"

Melissa sighed as she decided to come out and say it. "I've been thinking. Since you know how to use it, I was wondering if you could teach me how to use it myself." She met Mitchell's gaze resolutely. "I don't want to feel helpless like I did in Toulouse ever again."

Mitchell nodded without hesitation. "Sure. Just lemme know when you're up for it an' I'll teach ya the basics. I'll admit I'd feel more comfortable if you knew as well."

The librarian smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Mitchell. I appreciate it."

"No problem," Mitchell shrugged casually. Now with his immediate goal of returning Melissa's things completed, the hunter found himself at a loss of what to do next. He checked his phone for a moment–4:46pm.

'Dang, not nearly enough time to do much else today it seems,' Mitchell mused to himself. Putting the phone away, he looked at Melissa inquiringly. "Ya have anythin' you plan to do today, Melissa? I don't have anything going on right now, so I'm mostly just figurin' out what's next."

Melissa's lips pursed thoughtfully. "I'm not too sure myself." She looked over at a group of people gathered around the fire pit in a discussion. "I did hear that there's going to be a gathering among the others soon about discussing what comes next for us."

The librarian turned her attention back to Mitchell and Zullie, her expression uncertain. "It should be soon actually."

"Aight then," Mitchell drawled with a nod. He glanced at Zullie expectantly. "You comin'?"

Zullie simply raised a brow at the hunter, as if asking 'what do you think?' Mitchell shrugged, feeling a need to retort. "Just checkin'."

"You two go ahead," Melissa said, stepping towards the door to the women's building. "I have to go put all this away."

"Sounds good," Mitchell replied, giving one of his two-finger salutes as he began making his way over to the fire pit. As he and Zullie left the women's building behind, he looked over at the dark mage knowingly. "This should be interestin'."

"Quite so," Zullie answered back, the butt of her staff tapping softly on the weathered cobblestone street as they walked.

Mitchell sighed through his nose as he listened in on the rather heated discussion taking place among the gathered townsfolk. He sat some distance away from the group, just enough to be out of the way but close enough to listen. Zullie sat beside him on a small stool that she had retrieved from inside her teapot, unwilling to sit on the dirty street. The dark mage offered to bring him his own seat, but when Mitchell politely declined, stating that the curb was fine for him, she brought him one anyway.

With those arrangements sorted, they had settled in to get comfortable as they waited. So far, discussions about what everyone should do in order to sustain themselves in the camp were covered. Everyone had more or less agreed that their current stay in Salvarision would be temporary, with tentative plans being drafted for setting out to other lands away from the encroaching mamono front to settle down. But first they needed to prepare.

When it came to immediate concerns like food however, Mitchell had already volunteered his services in hunting and in gathering wood for the carpenter to work on what the journey might need. Now having cast his pledge to contribute, Mitchell was content to let his mind wander as the group bickered and debated on other, more personal matters.

The sweet scent emanating from Zullie's pipe teased Mitchell's nose as she leisurely observed the goings-on beside him. The occurrence, oddly enough, made Mitchell realize he still didn't know much about the woman, even after all this time. But as he turned to look at her, he paused.

Mitchell couldn't place why, but when he looked at the woman sitting beside him–legs crossed and idly twirling her long, thin pipe between her fingers–it hit him with just how gorgeous Zullie truly was. With her attention focused elsewhere, he could finally take a moment to appreciate the beauty before his eyes.

Her deep purple, well-tended-to hair. Her wonderful, voluptuous body. Her long, alluring legs. Her large, pronounced bust. Her soft, smiling pink lips. Her warm, lidded yellow eyes staring into his–

Mitchell's eyes widened as he found himself staring into Zullie's teasing gaze, her lips pursed in the most seductive smirk the hunter had ever seen. "Welcome back…"

'Fuck, she caught me checking her out. Goddamn it.' Mitchell could feel his face heating up as his lips pursed in embarrassment. He rubbed his neck to offset the feeling, fighting the urge to grimace. "Sorry. I was just thinkin' of asking if you wanted to share more about yourself."

He shrugged in an effort to look casual. "I kinda realized I still don't know a whole lot about ya, y'know? It's alright if you don't want to though."

"No, no…it's fine," Zullie shook her head, her smirk growing into a smile at seeing the hunter's poorly hidden embarrassment. "I don't mind. Such a thing…has been long due…now that you…mention it."

She looked up thoughtfully, seeming to collect her thoughts. Mitchell was internally grateful as he could finally recover from his little mishap. "I realize…I never shared my…full name…have I?" Zullie began, her expression turning a bit sheepish.

Mitchell shook his head, curious. Zullie switched her legs over, crossing them again. "My name is…Zullie Asterlind. My father was…a traveling merchant who…settled in the…Kingdom of Vamore…after meeting my mother…who was one of…the Vamorean common folk."

"Ahh," Mitchell drawled with a slow nod. "Come from humble beginnings, I take it?"

"Mhm," Zullie admitted freely, blowing out a pair of pink smoke rings that slowly interlinked with each other as they floated away. "I never…had much growing up…but they provided…everything I ever wanted." She smiled fondly. "I love them…dearly."

Mitchell smiled as he recalled his own parents, with all the memories of warm affection and tough love that came with it. "Yeah…I know the feelin'."

Zullie's expression turned guilty at his response, looking to say something but the hunter would have none of it. He shook his head softly in reassurance. "It's fine, don't worry about it. Please, tell me more."

The dark mage obliged, smiling gratefully. "...I grew up…in the small town…of Verlansk…near Lake Lorenna." Her gaze turned distant in remembrance. "The lake is beautiful…at night. A light layer…of fog…often settled over…the lake. I would sometimes sit…on the lakeside…on a moonlit night…and simply admire…its beauty."

Mitchell tried to picture the scene. "That actually sounds gorgeous."

"Oh, it absolutely was…" Zullie acknowledged with a firm nod. "Especially when…the fireflies…came out. It is a…magical experience."

"I believe it," Mitchell concurred readily. He took a glance at her as she brought her pipe to her lips. "I wouldn't mind seein' it if there's a chance. It sounds like a great place to just lay back an' relax."

Zullie's expression grew wistful at the hunter's words. "It was."

Of all the reactions Mitchell had been expecting, it hadn't been that one. '"Was", huh…' It became obvious to the hunter that this might not be a topic worth pressing about, so he decided that this topic should go both ways. If only so that they could both get to know the other.

Before the hunter could speak up however, he noticed someone approaching the townsfolk out of the corner of his eye. He turned his attention to see Arriet making her way over to the discussion from the direction of Sasha's orphanage with a bedroll tucked under her arm. Upon seeing the former hero, Mitchell got an idea.

"Hey, Arriet!" He called over to her.

When the harpist saw the pair sitting off to the side, she course-corrected, making her way over to them with that natural, alluring saunter of hers. After the incident with Zullie earlier, Mitchell fought hard to keep his eyes from straying lower than should be respectful.

"Here you are," Arriet greeted with a friendly smile. "I was just wondering where you were." She turned her gaze to Zullie. "It's nice to see you back as well, Miss Zullie."

Zullie lowered the pipe from her lips, shaking her head softly. "Please…just call me Zullie. I think we're…well past the point…of formalities…by now."

Arriet hummed at that, nodding. "Very well then. If you're sure." She returned her focus back to Mitchell inquiringly. "I assume you've already taken part in the discussion?" She gestured over to the group gathered around the fire pit.

"Yeah, I decided to volunteer with helpin' out how I can," Mitchell drawled, giving her a thumbs up. "Ya heard it from me, folks, my contributions shall be substantial."

"That's certainly good to hear," Arriet smiled, a light giggle escaping her lips as she stepped closer to make room with the pair. Just out of the corner of Mitchell's eye, he could tell Zullie was smiling around her pipe. The hunter was proud to see that his antics could still elicit a smile from people every once in a while at least.

It was when Mitchell saw Arriet about to lay her bedroll on the ground to sit on that he launched his idea. He got to his feet, stepping away from his seat. "Aight, so here's the thing."

Mitchell gestured to the seat he'd just vacated. "By the way, you can have my seat, Ettie," he offered offhand as he noticed that most of the townsfolk had already begun to disperse back to their chosen residences.

The hunter swiveled on his heel to regard the two women, unintentionally making the action a bit theatrical. Arriet had taken the offered seat somewhat tentatively, watching his movements with faint amusement as Zullie observed him with a light smile.

Having acquired their full attention, Mitchell rested his hands on his waist. "Since ya went an' shared somethin' about yourself, Zullie, I figure it's only right I return the favor, yeah?" He met Arriet's gaze. "You up for it?"

"Of course," Arriet answered with a good-natured smirk, clearly getting a kick out of his antics.

"Alrighty then," Mitchell began, placing a hand on his chest, as if reintroducing himself. "Y'all already know my name, but not quite where I'm from. I'm from the United States of America, known to us Americans as the land of the free and home of the brave."

He made a vague gesture with a hand as he looked at his audience. "Probably sounds a bit pretentious to y'all, but trust me, there's a reason we call it that." With that offhand remark, he continued, rocking back and forth on his heels a bit. "I'm from what we'd call the 'Deep South' back home, the state a' Alabama."

"Interesting," Arriet mused. She leaned forward curiously. "What was your home like?"

Mitchell didn't miss Zullie's expectant look either. "Oh Ettie, I'm glad ya asked," he drawled, pointing at the girl playfully. "My family lived in the countryside–just a small bit a' land out in the sticks. My grandad owned land beside us–we were pretty much neighbors as I was growin' up."

Unbidden, a fond smile curled at his lips as the memories flowed. He began to pace without realizing. "We didn't have much–we were a military family, at least on my dad's side. My grandad made a livin' as a mechanic, doin' repair work an' whatnot out in his workshop my dad an' I helped him build."

The hunter continued, becoming immersed in his thoughts as he regaled his audience. The two women watched with open intrigue, unwilling to break him out of his reminiscing. "Grandad had his own pasture out behind his house where the horses grazed. Out in the nearby woods where we lived, there was a creek that fed into a large pond where we'd fish."

"That sounds…wonderful. Tranquil even," Zullie remarked, trying to picture the scene.

"Like you wouldn't believe, Zullie," Mitchell responded readily. "City living is nice an' all, but nothin' beats the rural life in my opinion."

"Hear, hear," Arriet concurred with a knowing smile.

Mitchell returned the smile. "Someone gets it. I'd play my guitar on my grandad's back porch with my family's dogs sittin' around me, just watchin' the horses graze."

He suddenly smirked as a thought came to mind. "A lot a' the times the horses heard me playin' they'd head over to the fence and give me my own little audience." He shrugged. "Apparently they knew me so well that the moment they heard the first couple a' notes, they'd head right on over."

Arriet actually "aww"ed. "That's so precious. In fact, it makes me even more excited to hear you play again!"

"That reminds me…Arriet," Zullie spoke up, putting away her pipe for the night. "I still have your…lyre…in my teapot."

Arriet looked over at the dark mage in gratitude. "Ah, thank you for reminding me. I can't thank you enough for that."

Mitchell paused, looking between the two women in confusion. "Wait, Zullie's got your lyre?"

"Yes," Arriet answered sheepishly. She shifted in her seat to make herself more comfortable. "Before the siege at Toulouse, I made a personal request of her. I asked if she wouldn't mind holding my lyre in safekeeping so that I wouldn't lose it."

The harpist brushed a strand of hair behind an ear. "My lyre is a gift from my mother. I would have deeply regretted it if I had been forced to leave it behind."

"Oh. Aight, I see now," Mitchell replied. He rested his hands in his pockets as he also gave Zullie a look of gratitude. "I actually asked her the same with my guitar too. Good on ya, Zullie. Sorry for usin' your teapot as storage."

Zullie shook her head, but her expression was appreciative. "It's no…trouble. I have…more than enough room."

Arriet rested her hands in her lap, leaning forward inquiringly. "If that's the case, could I ask you to please hold on to it a while longer? I feel it is much safer in your possession."

"Of course," Zullie nodded firmly. Her gaze flitted to Mitchell. "I'll hold both…for you."

"Thanks, Zee," Mitchell thanked, smiling at the woman's generosity. It was then that he noticed that it was beginning to get dark out, so he decided it might be time to call it a night. He returned his attention to the women only to see Zullie staring back, her mouth parted slightly in surprise. He noticed Arriet giving him a small smirk, her brow raised.

Mitchell looked between them in confusion. "...What?"

"You…called me Zee…" Zullie spoke softly, almost demure even as her hands fidgeted in her lap.

Mitchell's eyes widened. He didn't even notice. "Oh. That kinda just…happened, I guess." He rubbed his arm as uncertainty and hesitation gripped him at the verbal slip up. "Are ya okay with me callin' you that?"

"Yes." Zullie's answer was swift. There was no mistaking the budding joy in her warm yellow eyes as she stared into his. "Please."

Mitchell's uncertainty settled as he shrugged with a somewhat relieved, yet embarrassed smile. "Well aight then."

Arriet couldn't help a giggle as she stood to her feet. Her expression shone with exasperated amusement. "Honestly, Mitch, are you always like this?"

The hunter felt a fierce need to retort, giving Arriet a raised brow of challenge. "Like what?"

Arriet opened her mouth to respond, but before her answer could leave her lips, she paused. Then she averted her eyes, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink that Mitchell missed due to the darkening sky. "Hmm…perhaps we should retire for the night, no? I still need to find a place to stay."

Mitchell's eyes narrowed slightly at the subject change, but chose to let the girl's cheekiness slide. Instead, he focused on the more important matter, ignoring Zullie as she headed into her teapot to put away her stools. "Wait, you're not stayin' with Sasha?"

"She did offer me a spare room, but I didn't feel right taking it when everyone else has to deal with so much less," Arriet admitted with a light shrug. She gathered up her bedroll. "I'll stay out here with everyone."

Mitchell was at a loss for words at that. This girl really was like no one he'd ever met before. "Damn, Ettie, you really are somethin' else," he muttered to himself.

"Hmm?"

The hunter shook his head at Arriet's curious look. He recalled one of the other rooms he checked before he left with Zullie earlier. "Uh, if you need a place to stay, I do have an unused room at the building I'm stayin' at," he offered.

The harpist perked up at that. "Oh? Truly?"

"Yeah," Mitchell affirmed with a nod. "All it has is a bed frame an' a bedside table in there, but it's there for ya if you want it."

"Well, that certainly answers my question about where to stay," Arriet beamed. She patted her bedroll in emphasis. "If you'll have me, I'll be happy to take you up on your offer, Mitchell. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Mitchell drawled, giving a smile at the light-hearted mood. Inwardly, he felt comforted knowing he could help out–he could relax knowing Arriet and Zullie were around.

It was then that they both noticed Zullie emerging from her teapot. By now, it had become night, with the only light in the area being from the nearby fire pit and a few oil lamps hanging outside of homes. The dark mage looked between the two in inquiry. "Did I…miss anything?"

Mitchell pointed over at Arriet with a thumb. "Well, it looks like Arriet's gonna be stayin' with us. So now we're officially at max capacity in our little abode."

Arriet turned to Zullie with surprise. "You're staying with Mitchell too, Zullie?"

The dark mage nodded with a hum. "Yes…I'll be staying…in my teapot. So I…don't need a…room."

"Ah, I see. That teapot certainly seems useful to have." Perhaps Mitchell was just imagining things since he was getting tired, but he could've sworn he heard a hint of relief from Arriet for a second there.

"Like you wouldn't…believe," was Zullie's only response as she gently set the teapot inside her bag.

Seeing as everyone was good to go, Mitchell clapped once. "Welp! There's no need to stand around here in the dark, so let's go hit the hay, yeah? We got a big day ahead of us, I'm sure."

"Definitely," Arriet agreed, falling into step with Mitchell and Zullie. "We have much to do in the days ahead."

With that, the trio returned to their newfound home away from home. Despite the lacking amenities, they found themselves asleep in no time.

Warm sunlight filtered through the trees as loud chopping echoed through the large grove. A number of men's backs glistened with sweat as they hacked away at trees, working diligently in the morning light. Off to the side, a small group made themselves busy sawing logs into lumber.

Mitchell swung his borrowed woodcutting ax, huffing with exertion as he buried the tool deep into his chosen target. He yanked it out, hearing a cracking sound before quickly standing back. "Tree's comin' down!"

A couple of the men around him stopped what they were doing to back out of the way. "We got another one!" Brett called out to his fellows, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"You think that'll be enough for what we need?" Kurt asked, resting his ax on the ground.

The former guard, Mikhail, sighed as he shouldered his ax. "I believe it's safe to say it is. That should be enough to finally fill up the cart." He gestured over to the nearby cart full of lumber with a nod of his head.

"Yeah, I think so too," Mitchell agreed, looking down at the fallen tree as he hefted his ax. "Well, let's get this cut up so we can carry it. We should be able to get back before lunch if we bust ass."

Hunger gnawing at their bellies, a chorus of various affirmations answered the hunter as they got back to it. Thanks to their newfound motivation, the men completed their task in no time, carrying back the last of their workload back to the saw workers. Now that Mitchell had a moment to breathe easy, he made his way over to the shade of a nearby tree where he'd left his belongings. Wiping his sweat with his shirt, he took a moment to admire the breathtaking scenery.

Rolling green hills graced his vision, sparsely littered with trees. Large, flat acres of farmland was split by a winding road that led to the walled city of Salvarision in the distance. One could see a couple of farmhouses among the surrounding area. A number of buildings were situated around the entrance of the city outside the wall.

As Mitchell stared at the distant city, he now realized how large it was for a medieval-era kingdom. The city seemed to be nestled around a somewhat elevated rise, where one could see multiple quarters splitting the city. The hunter could see the cathedral with its numerous spires and buttresses looming ominously over its surrounding buildings, a testament of opulence and power. Further up the city, an elegant castle stood above all else. Clearly, that was where the royal family resided.

"I take it…you have finished?"

Mitchell turned to see Zullie approaching, joining him in the shade of a tree. It seems she was finished with her self-appointed vigil over him and his group. "Yeah. Just gotta wait for the other guys to finish what they're doin'. Then we can head back."

It was then that Mitchell noticed her offering him a glass of water. "Here. You've been working…hard."

"You're awesome," Mitchell praised, accepting the glass. It was chilly against his fingers. "You get this from inside?" He nodded towards her bag where he knew her teapot resided.

Zullie nodded with a hum as the hunter brought the glass to his lips. Her eyes drank in the sight of Mitchell's shirtless body as he downed the offered beverage. A hot blush graced her visage as she committed the sight to memory in meticulous detail. After a long moment, she reached up and pulled the brim of her hat down, obscuring her flushed visage. "Thank you. And yes…I felt you…needed it."

Mitchell grinned, as he raised the now empty glass to her in gratitude. "Mighty appreciated, Zee."

Zullie smiled, raising the brim of her hat to meet his eyes. "Of course…"

The hunter felt an odd intensity in the dark mage's eyes as they locked gazes. It felt…affectionate, yet deeper–almost yearning even. It was enough to elicit a feeling of embarrassment in him as he turned away to put his shirt back on. Almost immediately, the feeling faded. "Well, seein' as we got a bit a' time to kill, what do ya think? Wanna relax here a bit?" He pointed a thumb to the tree beside them.

The dark mage nodded, taking the empty glass off Mitchell's hands. "I'd love to..."

They both settled down in the soft grass, with Zullie resting her staff against the tree. Now that they had a moment, Mitchell wondered what to do. A thought suddenly occurred to him. "Actually, now that I think about it, now would be a good time to get some learnin' done, wouldn't it?"

Judging by the way Zullie's eyes lit up at the suggestion, she approved. "Oh yes…that's a fine…suggestion." She immediately began shifting around in her bag. "Do you have an…idea…for what you…might want to cover?"

Mitchell shrugged as a number of things immediately came to mind. "Well, I have been curious about the history here. An' I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't interested in learning more about the mamono." He glanced at her, feeling out her reaction. "Learn how an' why they are the way they are, y'know?"

Zullie nodded with an approving hum. "Ah…I see. I believe I…might have something…for those topics." Pulling her teapot from her bag and setting it on the ground in front of them, she looked over at Mitchell. "Wait here…a moment. I'll go…retrieve it."

"By all means," Mitchell answered, gesturing to her to proceed. He leaned back against the tree, giving her a thumbs up. "I'm not goin' anywhere."

"Thank you." With that, she gently rubbed a finger over the teapot, upon which emitted a cloud of pink smoke that enveloped her and carried her inside. Mitchell had to admit, it never got old seeing that.

It didn't take long for Zullie to return, the wisps of smoke quickly dissipating as she displayed a hardcover book to the hunter. Mitchell couldn't quite piece together the words on the cover, but it had a picture of multiple mamono on the front, so he hoped this would sate his curiosity. He regarded the dark mage curiously. "What does it say?"

"'Mamono Encyclopedia,'" Zullie informed, taking a seat beside him once more. She offered the book to the hunter. "I figured that…I could use…this time to…tutor you in…reading as well."

"Consider me on board," Mitchell approved, accepting the book and flipping through it curiously. Immediately, numerous pages displaying…artful illustrations of various mamono graced his vision. "I'll be in your care then. Here's hopin' I can make more improvement."

Zullie smiled, scooting closer. "I will do my…best." She bumped his shoulder with her own. "But you've shown…admirable progress…so far. I have faith…you'll continue doing so."

Mitchell snorted a bit, giving a half-smirk. "No pressure. Guess I gotta live up to that now then." He flipped back to the first page. "Let's get into it, shall we?"

And so, Zullie dove into her tutoring with enthusiasm. The first thing Zullie covered was the topic of mana, which to Mitchell's surprise was actually the more widely accepted term for someone's life energy. As it turned out, "spirit energy" and "demonic energy" were terms more used in Order-held human territories to refer to a human's or mamono's life energy. Mitchell couldn't help but wonder why. Another thing he learned was that mamono in general much preferred the term "monster mana" over "demonic energy", which he appreciated knowing.

But one thing became perfectly clear to Mitchell as Zullie helped him read: this world was most definitely a world that operates on hentai rules. The more the hunter learned, the more he realized how alien the mamono were. Rape as a form of love? He couldn't wrap his head around that particular concept–he could understand a need to find a partner to love and be with, but what was so wrong with waiting to find the right man? Mitchell wouldn't judge too quickly though–he knew there had to be reasons why things were the way they were in this world, he just needed to find out.

As these thoughts floated throughout his mind, a sudden thought came to him, dominating all others. Mitchell's gaze wandered to the woman sitting next to him. "Hey, Zullie?"

Zullie tilted her head curiously. "Yes?"

As the hunter made to respond, a feeling of hesitation suddenly gripped him. He regarded her tentatively. "You said you were human once, yeah?"

At that, a conflicted mix of emotions briefly crossed Zullie's face. She nodded, closing the book in her hands. "I was."

For a moment, Mitchell was at a loss of how to reply. He pursed his lips, uncertain as he thought of how to proceed. The mere thought of asking someone how they became something different than human just seemed taboo to him.

Zullie saw Mitchell's apprehension. Her gaze softened, leaning forward as she pulled the book close, hugging it to her chest. "It's okay. I don't mind…telling you if you…wish to know." Her lips pulled into a faint smile. "Provided that you…share more about yourself…of course. I quite enjoyed…hearing about your…home."

Mitchell smirked back, nodding as his uncertainty faded. "Aight. Deal."

"Hey, you two!" Mitchell and Zullie turned to see Mikhail calling out to them from the group of nearby workers. "We're all done here! It's time to head back!"

Mitchell could see everyone loading their tools into the cart. He turned to Zullie, who was already placing the book and her teapot back into her bag. "Well, it looks like it won't be right now, I guess."

"It seems so…" Zullie replied, placing her hat back on her head.

The hunter could tell she was disappointed that their study session was cut short. He batted her on the arm as he stood. "Let's do this again sometime, yeah? I happen to like learnin' history, y'know."

Zullie's eyes lit up in enthusiasm. "Yes." She smiled in earnest as she grabbed her staff, getting to her feet. "If you're…a fan of history…then we have…much to share…with each other."

"Mhm," Mitchell hummed, stretching out a bit. He made his way forward to join the group, Zullie following beside him. "Methinks we do, indeed. It can wait though, 'cause I dunno about you, Zee, but I'm hungrier than a fox in a henhouse."

The dark mage gave a laugh as they followed the others heading back to the city. "Oh I'm sure. I would…offer you some food…I have stored away…in my teapot…" She gave Mitchell an apologetic shrug. "But I'm afraid…I don't have any…left."

"Ah, gotta go grocery shoppin', huh?" Mitchell drawled. As he looked out at the distant city, a thought occurred to him. He looked over at Zullie curiously. "Actually, do ya plan on doin' that in the city?"

Zullie's lips pursed, looking down thoughtfully as they walked along the road to the city. "I had thought…about it…and I might…have to take a…chance…with one of the…stores."

Mitchell grew a bit concerned. "Will you be alright?"

"I will…don't worry," Zullie assured with a firm nod. She winked at him, a small yet confident smirk on her lips. "I have my…ways."

"I'm glad to hear that," Mitchell responded, breathing a relieved sigh. "I wasn't sure if there's a way you could be found out here."

Zullie's expression became something a bit more serious as she nodded. "They may…but I wouldn't worry…too much about that. I'm certain that…such measures…would be reserved for…the royal family and…the Order clergy."

She rolled her eyes. "I have my doubts…that the Order clergy…would extend such…measures…to the regular commonfolk."

Mitchell's eyes narrowed at the city. "Y'know, the more I hear about this Order, the more I believe they're all a bunch a' hypocritical, greedy assholes."

"They would love to…have you believe otherwise," Zullie replied simply. She held onto her hat as a gust of wind blew over them, the fields of wheat around them waving gently in the breeze. "Those of us in…Vamore…knew better though. They are inherently…hostile towards anyone who…do not share their…beliefs."

She regarded Mitchell, her gaze holding a hint of warning. "Please be careful…of what you do…or say here...Mitchell. They don't treat outsiders…kindly."

"Duly noted," Mitchell acknowledged, frowning a bit. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Good," Zullie affirmed with a nod. She gauged the distance between them and the city with a sigh. "Well…it seems the time…I should conceal myself…again."

Mitchell also checked the distance between them. It seemed it wouldn't be long before they were within eyesight of the walls. "Yeah, ya probably should." He turned just in time to catch her staff glow faintly before fading. "See you inside?"

"Mhm," Zullie hummed. The hunter watched as she slowly faded from view. "I'll be right here…with you. You'll see me…when it's safe."

A smile formed on Mitchell's lips as the woman vanished. He couldn't help but shake his head in wonder at the magical display as he made to join the rest of the group. 'Man, magic is cool. I wonder if it's possible for me to use it.'

The activity around the makeshift refugee camp was surprisingly hectic as people could be seen moving to and fro. Mitchell observed the goings-on as he forced down his late breakfast. It had been a paltry thing–just a chunk of dried meat and stale bread that Melissa and a couple of other women had given the men upon their return from acquiring wood. The hunter wouldn't dare complain though–he knew they all were lucky to manage any food with what they had. But it did however harden Mitchell's resolve to go hunting to bring back a more sustainable meal for everyone soon though.

Of course, one big thing he was grateful for was the bath he just had. After having been granted one bucket of water drawn from a well, a torn piece of cloth, and a small bit of primitive soap Melissa had slipped him, Mitchell took great care to make the most with what he'd been given.

The hunter shook his head, forcing down the last of his meal. 'I'll never take anything for granted ever again.' He brushed his hands off as he stood to his feet, taking one last look around. 'I know Zullie has magic and all, but I hope she'll be fine…'

Zullie had already elected to make the best use of her time by concealing herself and heading further into the city. She had promised she wouldn't take too long, but the idea of her getting caught somehow was still a worry that lingered in Mitchell's mind. He sighed. 'Well, worrying about it isn't going to help anything. Might as well see if Arriet needs any help with something.'

His decision set, Mitchell headed out towards Sasha's orphanage–the harpist had volunteered to help Sasha around her orphanage last he heard from Melissa. Thankfully, no one had bothered him on the way over, having seemed to be busy with their own matters to notice him. He arrived at the orphanage with hastened steps, knocking on the door. "Just a moment!"

After hearing Arriet's answer, there was a brief pause before she could be heard hurrying to the door and opening it with an expression of inquiry. "Yes?" Her gaze landed on Mitchell, prompting a smile. "Oh, hello Mitch. How can I help you?"

Mitchell's smile was instinctive. "Mornin', Ettie." He nodded. "I was just droppin' by to see if ya need my assistance with anything."

He gave a semi-helpless shrug. "I seem to have found myself with an abundance a' free time at the moment, so here I am."

For a brief moment, Arriet's lips curled in amusement. "My, how generous." She lifted a fist to her chin in a thoughtful pose. "Hmm, I seem to have things well in hand with the children, so your assistance won't be needed on that front."

Mitchell smirked good-naturedly at her, raising a curious brow. "They been givin' ya any trouble in there?"

The harpist snorted, flipping her hair behind her. "Oh not at all. Sasha has been raising these children right, that much is obvious." She rolled her eyes as she leaned against the doorframe. "If anything, I'm happy you stopped by. I've been quite bored, you know."

"Ha. Lucky you," Mitchell bantered, his amusement getting the better of him. He rested his hands in his pockets as his smirk widened. "I could always come in there an' liven up the place with some off-the-wall storytime, if ya need me to."

Arriet laughed as she leaned off the doorframe. "That's actually tempting. But no, you don't have to go that far." Her eyes suddenly widened in realization. "Ah! Actually, there is one thing you could do for me if you wouldn't mind."

"Lay it on me."

"You know about the Cracked Flagon, yes?" Arriet queried.

Mitchell recalled a building he and Arriet passed when they first visited Sasha's orphanage. It had a sign hanging beside the door showcasing a cracked cup. "Uh, I might. Is it that one building we passed when we first visited Sasha? The one with the sign of a cracked cup?"

Arriet nodded firmly. "Yes, that's the one. I just remembered that before she left, Sasha had asked me to pick up a crate of milk from there for the children." She looked at Mitchell with hopeful inquiry. "Could you retrieve it for me? She said it should have arrived today."

"No worries," Mitchell drawled, giving the girl a thumbs up. "Consider it done. Is there anythin' I need to say to them?"

"I don't believe so," Arriet replied, shaking her head. "It should be fine if you say you're there on Sasha's behalf."

"Aight then," Mitchell acknowledged with a nod. A thought then occurred to him. "Speakin' a' which, did Sasha ever say where she went if she needed to leave ya alone with the kids for so long?"

"Hmm," Arriet hummed, her head tilting casually. "All she told me was that she needed to run some urgent errands on her own for a while. She said she'd be back by afternoon."

"Huh. I guess that's as good a reason as any." Mitchell stepped away from the door. "Well, Ettie, I should let ya get back to it. I'll be back in a bit."

Arriet smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Mitch. I'll see you in a bit." Her eyes abruptly lit up as a thought struck her. "In fact, why not come introduce yourself to the children when you get back?" Her lips pulled into a light, teasing smirk. "They were actually rather curious about the 'man in strange clothes', you know."

"Man, they aren't that strange, are they?" Mitchell huffed in mock-exasperation as he made a show of looking down at his clothes in consternation. At Arriet's giggle, the hunter's joking expression grew sincere. "Yeah, I'll meet 'em. Can't show up without a proper offering, right?"

"Of course," Arriet assured, her smirk unwavering as she stepped back behind the door. "See you soon."

"Yeah, be back in a minute," Mitchell replied, giving Arriet a two-finger salute as she closed the door. With a mission now set, and something to look forward to awaiting him, the hunter set out to his new destination with renewed enthusiasm.