Chapter 120

With such a large force showing up outside Eden the sentries were already on the ground. They showed no hostility in their actions, and only desired to scan the crowd. The civilians didn't even notice the sentries they were more focused on the temperature change. Most of them were wearing layers to keep warm, and now they were forced to remove them as they sweat profusely.

From outside the gate, the sound of children playing could be heard. The birds were singing, and a warm breeze blew by carrying the scent of the feast that was prepared. Some were captivated by the alluring fragrance of food, and others were still fixated on the buildings.

Those adept with the sensing magic were overwhelmed by the levels radiating from the area. They could sense powerful individuals inside, and the land itself was overflowing it. The more they looked around the more questions they possessed.

"Momma that smells good, and it's making me hungry."

"We need to ration what we have, and save our money."

"I thought it was just a warm breeze coming from the ocean, but look at the trees."

"How is this possible?"

"It has to be magic."

"Have you ever witnessed magic capable of affecting a space this big?"

While the crowd was debating Zack opened the gate leading everyone inside. He showed them where to stash the wagons, and as soon as the horses were put up the kids ran up to welcome them back.

Ashleigh jumped onto Cynthia clutching her tightly. Seeing all the children greet Zack with smiles put those with families at ease. They began looking at their surroundings and seeing the vast fields of crops being harvested by dolls. Before Ivan could ask about their contribution Dyna arrived.

"If everyone can follow me we've prepared something before addressing the housing situation," Dyna announced as she counted the new residents.

"Good job getting everything together." Zack smiled patting Ashleigh's head.

Ashleigh had a large grin basking in his praise. They began walking towards pavilions as the crowd slowly trailed behind.

"Where's Lilith?" Dyna investigated glancing around.

"She went to deliver something to her father. Were there any problems with the preparations?" Zack asked.

"No when Mero heard you wanted a feast she spent the night hunting. She kinda scared a few kids this morning when she popped out of the water, but once they saw it was her everyone calmed down. You think the water would be better at rinsing the blood off." Dyna chuckled.

"She was really excited about being able to store so much that she went a little overboard," Ashleigh told Zack.

"We made some alterations to the pavilions, but if you don't like something just let us know. We are just waiting for you to do your part so we can begin." Dyna stated.

"With you overseeing it I'm sure it's great," Zack replied as his eyes turned gold.

The sky began to darken shrouding the city in shadows, and the lanterns on the street ignited. Some people were concerned about this ominous look until they witnessed vampires exiting the nearby buildings joining the crowd.

As they approached the pavilion a large feast was being set among the tables. All the new residents were amazed to see such a selection lain out, and began salivating at the overwhelming aromas. One thing in common among the newcomers was they all came from the lower realm of Blackreach.

For them going to bed hungry wasn't uncommon, and the food they could afford was plain. Some of the children began tugging at their parents wanting to eat, but they didn't wanna be forward. Ashleigh walked up with a set of plates walking them to the family with a smile.

"We did this to welcome everyone, and there's plenty for everyone." Ashleigh smiled.

"Don't worry this is all free, and I'll explain things better after we eat," Zack announced as Mero tackled him.

"Did you see how much I caught?" Mero asked pointing at the stack Lydia was working through.

"Yeah I did, and I'm not surprised. You're a talented hunter after all. " Zack replied caressing her cheek.

Mero blushed as she helped Zack from the ground. They went to an open table as Olivia brought him some food. Zack convinced her to sit with them as they discussed their night in the city. Slowly the people from Blackreach began to relax seeing it was indeed a blend of species. Ren arrived with a few barrels of rum, and whiskey putting them in the center.

"Since we have the day off how about a drinking contest." Ren declared glancing at the crowd.

"Last time you did that the dolls spent hours scrubbing the tavern." Vicente laughed.

"Not my fault they couldn't handle it, and it's not like I made them drink," Ren smirked.

Harald smirked wiping the crumbs from his beard. He got up from the table walking over as his men began pounding on the table. Since the tavern opened no one has ever beaten Ren, but Harald would never participate.

In a few days, Harald and his warrior would return home for a few weeks with their families. Since he had no duties to attend to he was finally willing to cut loose. Ren smirked knowing his men were the closest competition she had so far. Zack knew talking Ren out of it was pointless, and formed a set of tables with the wave of his hand.

The tables were away from the pavilion to ensure enough space for others. He also recalled the incident in the tavern and didn't wish to upset anyone's appetite if it should repeat. Harald, and Ren both grabbed a barrel walking to the tables with a crowd.

"I always see a drink in his hand but never seen him drunk. I'll be right back." Vicente said getting up from the table.

"Surprised you actually got involved. If your gonna make a habit out of fighting you should change your clothes." Madison told Cassandra.

"Her speed was impressive regardless of her clothing." Alisha praised.

"Does this mean we can finally fight side by side?" Arthur asked.

"You know I don't like fighting. It was just a special situation that's all." Cassandra replied.

"I'm the same way, but it's better to be prepared. Not just for your sake, but those waiting for your return." Yuki told Cassandra as she smiled toward the children's table.

"You did great back there, and I never knew you had that much power." Zack smiled kissing Yuki's hand.

Cassandra saw the praise Yuki was getting from Zack, and couldn't understand why it bothered her. Her sister saw this and had a little grin pop up.

"It's to be expected of a nymph. They are primordial beings of nature, and living here has to increase their abilities as well." Naomi stated.

"I've only heard of two other snow nymphs existing, "Haruna replied.

"My father mistook my mother for a Yuki-Onna when they first met. She told me it's why he chose my name. I've never met one before, but I hear we're rather similar." Yuki stated.

"They can only manipulate the moisture in the air, but you generate it from within your body. They also possess blue skin, and don't tend to share their partners." Haruna replied.

"Plus nymphs are little freaks," Lilith teased as she descended from the air.

Yuki glared at Lilith as Zack got up to embrace her, and welcome her return. When she took off he grew concerned about her safety. If there was a coup on the rise she would be a primary target. Seeing Lilith being casual, and playfully put him at ease.

"What happened?" Zack asked.