Chapter 87

"Thank you for inviting us, but if we stay too long the others may send a scouting party. Would you pass on our gratitude to the leader?" Harvey asked.

"I will, and fill this up to take to the others." Mero showed them the rings function handing it to them.

"Bring a few single people next time okay!" Fuuka shouted as she waved goodbye to Laura.

"I thought you wanted the chief?" Shiro asked.

"I do, but sharing him with all of us would be difficult. If it's just us two it should be fine. Keep in mind how many women are at his side, and we have a disadvantage of staying near the water." Fuuka whispered while glancing at Madison clinging to him.

"You're lucky he took you for a date. I don't think he's done it for the others yet." Fuuka said filled with envy.

"Yu told me they went for one in the city. She even showed me the trinkets he bought for her." Shiro announced.

As they discussed ways to grab his attention Mero looked back at Zack. She wanted to be with him more often. There was only one solution she could think of. Mero dove into the water swimming far enough away to be discreet.

Once Mero was alone she jumped on the bank. With immense focus, her tail dissipated into sand revealing long smooth legs. She glanced over her legs and the tail forming behind her. Mero wasn't a fan of this form but wanted to be closer to Zack.

When mermaids did this they resembled a human to perfection, but for a mershark it was different. The mermaids' form was to disguise themselves from the humans. Mersharks form was adapted for combat, not discretion. Her dorsal fin was still present along with her claws, and skin color. Her tail was a little over a meter and was made of dense muscles.

This form allowed Mero to maintain her superiority in the water, and spring from the water to battle on the land. Following the rivers through the human kingdoms would often lead to checkpoints along the riverbanks. Sometimes they would find themselves in the regions forbidding monster races from entering. Halting their migration to the outer sea was unacceptable making conflict a guarantee.

Mero wouldn't venture to the outer ocean due to all her friends residing in the neutral territory. She was rather adapt in combat, but only in the water. Mero's lethality would be similar on land if only she participated in training her other form. She attempted to stand up from the bank but fumbled into the dirt.

'It's been so long it's gonna take some time to adjust.'

Back at the pavilion, the feast was still ongoing. Eve was sitting at the table with Athlan, Kaya, and an elder from the lizardmen. His name is Dominic and was now the oldest member of their clan. He had a thick grey beard and a thick blue tail. He was old but still carried himself as a warrior. When the dragon attacked he lead the people to defend the hatchlings.

"Did you see how he killed the dragon?" Dominic asked.

"No all we could see was a pillar of light break through the clouds. After that, its presence vanished in an instant, and the forest was spared from destruction." Athlan replied.

"Then why did you come here?" Dominic investigated.

"Humans went searching for the dragon, and we wanted to avoid trouble. Then we were offered to stay. You can see why we did by looking around." Sun responded.

"The food is wonderful, and plenty of young men around. Why would anyone leave?" Andrea smiled scoping the crowd for a candidate.

"She has a point," Savannah stated while glancing at Zack.

Seeing this a young lizardman named Ray became irritated. He had always harbored feelings towards Savannah but could see her lustful glances at Zack. Ray clenched his hand in anger. His claws began to extend digging into his palm as blood trickled onto the ground.

"Why are you staring at him like that? He's not a member of the clan." Ray scoffed looking at Dominic for assistance.

"You're just jealous that's all." Savannah retorted.

"He slew a dragon singlehandedly and even granted us sanctuary in our time of need. What matters is the warrior's renown, and character. So long as these traits are present, and they can bear children that's all that matters. Keeping strong bloodlines in the clan is how we survive." Dominic declared.

"That's my companion, and only those who are worthy can join us." Kaya glared at Savannah.

"Kaya don't start." Athlan scolded.

"It's okay I can handle myself. I saw a nice arena on my walk earlier, and a spar is a good way to introduce oneself don't you think?" Savannah asked with a smirk.

"It surely is," Kaya replied forcing a fake smile.

"Tonight is a night for celebration, and there will be plenty of time for that in the future." Eve intervened while pouring Athlan more Rum.

"She's right now behave yourself," Damian said while glaring at Savannah.

Savannah apologized to everyone politely while returning to her food. Kaya did the same but maintained her cold stares.

"Where are the others at?" Athlan asked Eve.

"They prefer eating fresh fruit from the garden and are freshening up to visit the tavern tonight. The work in the forest is complete, and they wanna break in their new homes." Eve replied while sampling the lobster.

"Are you not participating? You and Yuki are the most polite nymphs I met. Don't wanna waste the good childbearing years."Kaya teased.

"Oh, I found my partner already, and the one will do." Eve blushed resting her head against Athlan.

"Y-y-you two c-cant be..."

Athlan's face was bright red, and he couldn't make eye contact with Kaya. The two were already spending time together before her trip to the valley. Seeing this Kaya was mixed with emotions starting with anger. That anger led to spurts of embarrassment, and nausea at the thought of her father in the deed.

"Y-you indecent ol-old man!" Kaya kicked his shin under the table.

"Indecent? This from the girl who shared a bed with six others." Eve teased while checking on Athlan's leg.

Kaya could conjure no response to Eve's words. She indeed was in an unusual relationship, and her mother passed long ago. Kaya knew her father cared deeply for her mother and began thinking about how lonely she felt when her first love fell in battle. She calmed herself looking at how happy he was as Eve smiled against him.

"I guess if it's something serious that's okay..." Kaya declared while turning her head.