Lost and Found

Glesall

Alder met us half a day away from Glesall.

Around the evening campfire, we were brought up to speed on the situation in Glesall.

Upon entry there is a fee to pay based on your marks. We decided it was not worth saving a couple of smaller crystals by drawing attention to my marks.

Then there is the searching of our belongings, where anything they perceived as valuable incurred a 'tax' or was retained if the fee could not be paid.

We decided to only to bring the essentials in, the rest will be secured elsewhere for it to be smuggled in later on. This created a need for someone inconspicuous and covert to watch it and help Thorne bring it in. Emmet and Arron readily volunteered.

Alder went on to explain the current housing crisis and inflation.

The only trading available is hard to find and astronomically priced.

All hunting is controlled within the area, that and repetitive entrance fees is concerning.

We agreed to have a presence visibly hunting and bringing in food as it would be obvious to the lack of food being brought in for our large family size. For the rest of the food, we plan to hunt, it is decided that there will be a weekly hunt. What can be processed outside of the city will be, and then smuggled in when possible.

It was asked if it is it worth staying there.

"No offence, my love, but you are fit to burst. The nearest village is Velda, as much as we enjoyed our stay, we are here now." Marsh gently cradled my face. "The last ten days of travel has taken its toll on you, I fear if we travel such distance now it will be severely detrimental to yours and the babies health."

I nod and accept his words. I can't lie, the last week has left me exhausted. My stomach is rapidly expanding, and I am beginning to ache carrying this extra weight. It is only now as I sit in Mateo's embrace as his warm hands soothe my shoulders and back, that I feel todays aches start to leave my body.

"Let's have a look at where we are housed and make a decision from there."

Alder looked a little sheepish before he continued.

"We have a house. It's not in the best shape. We have worked on getting it weather proof, and have started working on extending it for all of us to fit. The bonus is that it is away from prying eyes."

My wonderful Alder and Thorne have done so much already. I reach over and hold his hands in mine.

Rowan places his hand on Alders shoulder in reassurance. "That's not too much of a concern as we knew we would be remodelling to our requirements."

Alder finally starts to relax with our comfort.

With a small smile he continues. "My Queen, the unmated may need to stay with us until suitable accommodations can be made."

"I am more than ok with that." I reply.

A small shudder passes over Felix as he mutters "By the sound of it, it will be beneficial to keep everyone close."

This triggers a few groans and nods of approval from the group.

"The house, will everyone fit as it is?" Mateo rumbles from behind me.

Alder nods. "Yes. We have two levels cleared and ready for use so far."

"Oooh, levels. I am intrigued. Tell me more." I urge Alder to continue.

............

The drizzle that accompanied us to the cities entrance mirrored our mood. Uncertain of what we will find, and worried about the work load ahead of us.