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Nero nodded in respect for Willowsong's wishes before he once again led her away. They excited the castle and down the stone steps just as the village began to bustle with the new morning light. Sylestis went to their jobs at market stalls or out into the fields to try and grow crops. Hatchlings chased each other playfully in the streets as neighbors greeted each other with smiles and compliments. In all this clan was quite pleasant.

"This is the market district," Nero spoke as he led Willowsong down a main street where stands and tents were set, displaying many goods and services. Many of these stall owners tried to get Willowsong's attention by waving and calling to the vulnyx.

"Fresh fish! Get your fresh fish here!"

"Jewelry! The finest gemstones in all of Sylestia!"

"Silks and collars and robes! All at fiar prices! Buy one get one free!"

"Get your fresh apples! Only ten gold a piece!"

Nero couldn't help but chuckle. "My apologies," he said to Willowsong. "They are rather excited to see you here. It's not every day we get a new visitor such as yourself."

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"Well...." Nero began quietly as he continued to walk beside her, his massive shadow covering Willowsong from the sun. "Since the war many lives were lost and homes destroyed......some sylestis take notice of strangers.....while others drift along in their misery, thinking of nothing but their losses....." his voice seemed to tighten with emotion before he cleared his throat. "Anyway, the resident district is right around the corner here. These homes are made of wood, stone and thatch. Pretty much any resource we can get our paws on."

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"That would actually be quite wonderful," Nero said, stopping to let a pair of elderly zolnixis cross their path. "At the moment we are trying to build a stone wall around the village to keep out dangers. So far only half of it is complete," he motioned with a front paw towards the front gate, the large stone wall he had been perched upon earlier that morning. "I want to ensure the safety and wellbeing of my clan."

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"To the west, eh?" Nero mused as he raised his head to look over the rows of homes to the mountains beyond. "Hmmm...." The Ny'Vene wondered if he should perhaps fly there this evening if Willowsong was willing to guide him. He could offer this Basil a fair wage in exchange for his expertise. "Do you think he would be up for a job offer?" he asked Willowsong.

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"I would be most grateful if you could guide me to his place later this evening," Nero spoke. "As for now, how would you like some breakfast? The cook at the castle should have everything prepared by now. I hope you like pancakes and fresh strawberries." Food was hard to grow in these dead lands, making special treats like strawberries a rare and expensive treat. Nero had cultivated a greenhouse in a hut by the castle, growing small berries and nuts in order to supplement the village. So far, only wheat and grains have grown successfully in the soil around the village.