"God, dammit! I want an actual bed!" Aurelia complained, stretching her arms. I can hear her bones crack. "The sleeping mat they gave me is not good for someone with wings."
"The Federation is mostly a human and elf collection of states, you believe they will have one?" I ask her directly.
"Well, you said you are building a base, right?" Aurelia puts her arm over my shoulder and makes me feel her weight while walking. "You are going to be a cute little thing and good girl and get me one right?"
"Hey! Do you really believe that will convince me?" She is getting too annoying while I shake myself out of her arm.
"It was worth the shot!" She answers with a smile. "But seriously, you have no idea how uncomfortable my wings feel…"
She takes her right wing and starts to massage it. This has to be just for show.
"I have not seen you complain until today." I answer. "You should be thankful to the Movers."
"There is so much I can hold on, boss… don't make me find how to relax in another way…"
Ugh, she is always hitting on me and I am too afraid to discover what she is going to do.
Then I have Karina.
"If she is getting an actual bed, then I demand a good polish, a new coat of oil and a good beautiful stand to display me like the beautiful work of art that I am."
The only reason I am not mad at her is because those things are on my list already. Even when the blade is dull, I still want the Black Steel to look clean and beautiful when I use the sword.
"You are getting pushy too…" I say to Karina, now not wanting to tell her it was part of the plan already just to not inflate her ego more than necessary.
"Hmph!" She tries to stop the snow but she fails. "Don't be selfish! You got a nice amount of money from that camp! I want to look pretty!"
Then do it with your own money.
"We are leaving the woods!" Someone yells towards the front of the group.
Continuing walking, we pass by the last of the trees of the forest and we walk directly into a large valley with rocks and severe land deformations. This place is surrounded by mountain ranges, with only a few exits along them, like the one we took through the forest.
"We reached the Valley of Kingdom's Edge!" Bae says in glee.
Called like that generations ago because this is where the Federation collides with the Kingdom. After the forest ends, it is when we are in new faction territory.
Decorating a big hill, using it as a defensive position, is a small castle that has pointy towers and, one of them, has a crystal floating on top of it. Under it is a big city.
"There it is! Astin City!" Lars says. We both look up and find we are in the middle of the day, around 12. "We are sleeping in safe walls today!"
Cheers, clapping and whistles erupted in the group. Everyone is glad the adventure inside of the forest is over.
"At least I will be able to rest properly and have a decent meal." Lisa answers. "I just wish I could return home with the local stone."
Something I have not had a chance to use so far and is gaining my curiosity. Each town has a Stone somewhere, normally in the middle or at an important building. It allows you to use certain magic or items to teleport them, and if you can connect with one it will allow you to use [Return] scrolls to teleport without caring about distance.
"I think we deserve a good plate of food tonight… We went through a lot there." I answer. I am 100% on board with the plan. The Movers cooked fine, but even with the food we got from the Eye's camp they rationalized their reserves, even more during this time of the year.
After walking for a bit, we get a reception we are not expecting.
From one of the many geographical accidents that mark this land, a small group of soldiers appears. They are wearing purple tabards, and their leader, a human, is riding a horse.
"Halt! In the name of the Federation, which group do all of you represent?!" The leader demands.
Shit, no more problems, please. On their chests I can see the shield of arms composed of a raging tiger. That is the symbol of the Federation's army.
Lars steps forward, I stay close behind.
"We are Movers. We just want to find rest."
The general starts to inspect us with his eyes, having doubts about the reality of the situation.
That is when he sees me.
"Okay! We are going to escort you all into town. Movers are welcome!" Then he pointed towards me. "You, the red vulpin! The mayor will want to see you!"
"May I ask why?" I am fearing the worst already. I don't want any more impromptu adventures.
"Don't worry, I understand you don't trust me." The general turns his horse to take the lead. "Just remember that the Kingdom is not our ally and we don't have to respond to their pleas."
I am not sure if to find that reassuring or not. As a former ally of the Kingdom, that meant that they either wanted to capture me or see an opportunity against their rival.
The Federation is a republic instead of a monarchy. Everyone votes on their city for laws and positions, and each town is their own state where they establish their own laws based on their own needs.
"I am sure I can beat him fast." Aurelia claims in a whisper as we are moving to follow them. "Just give the order, boss."
"Let's just be careful and go into town with them." I answer. "Just be prepared."
All I can hope for is that nothing bad happens. The last time I was invited by a big member of a city I was stabbed and called a traitor to the crown.
Only one way to find out.