The Endora village was small, but cozy. The heart of the tribe was a shallow cave near the river, which was usually used as shelter during meetings. Most of the dwellings could be described as tents, which were made from large leaves and other plant matter, often with the trunks of trees serving as the main structural support.

To avoid any unnecessary conflict, Sezio decided to enter the village with Suwa alone, and left his group at the edge where they would remain unseen for now. He knew that most secluded communities were wary of outsiders, and based on the way the village and its structures were designed, there was a high possibility that the people here still followed the old ways. This could be a complication to Sezio's plan.

In the village, the elders were three, and although their decisions were final, they also heeded the advice of a small council. When Sezio and Suwa arrived, this council was meeting to communicate their concerns regarding the recent worries of the people.

“We should allow for a small group to explore more of the areas nearby,” a woman was arguing as Suwa and Sezio approached. Her dress was made of banded ferns, and the rest of the group seemed to be wearing clothes made from similar material. “If we’re not careful, we will run out of resources here.”

“You're wrong Deia. If we venture out more, Rashendala could see it as expansion. That could be the end of everything. Have you not learned from the mistakes of your husband?”

The man who replied to Deia didn't seem to be any more important amongst them, in fact, there was no hierarchy within the council. However, the rest seemed to agree with him, so he continued:

“As the elders have said, there is nothing to be found within the wilds except for the destruction and end of the tribe. We shall continue as we always have.”

“How can you know that?!” Suwa interrupted. “Not a single one of you have ventured beyond the edge. How do you know that that is not where our salvation is?”

“Suwa!” Deia scolded in a reprimanding tone.

“I see your son takes after his father, Deia. Very well, let me explain to you,” the man paused briefly as he noticed Sezio, but continued with what he was saying. “The elders are elders for a reason, don't you agree? Not everyone lives long enough to gain the wisdom and experience that the elders have earned. Their words come from that experience and carry weight. They are to be heeded, lest we make mistakes that could doom us.”

“The elders are elders because they are cowards. Nothing will change if we don't change it.”

“And that is where your lack of wisdom shows. Nothing needs to change. There is an order in the world that is best for all if it is not disrupted.”

“Say that to Rena. You sound just like the snake and its beasts.”

“Suwa!” Deia tried to reprimand her son again, but he was already storming off. Rather than chasing after him, she looked at Sezio and sighed, “He found you somewhere outside the village, didn't he?”

“Well, it's true that I am an outsider,” Sezio claimed, “But I met Suwa at the edge of your settlement, not outside it. He was nice enough to agree to guide me to your leaders.”

“I appreciate you trying to protect Suwa with your words, but everyone already knows that he doesn't obey the rules. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before he decides to leave us for good. I can only hope that he will not meet whatever terrible end likely befell his father.”

“And what promises did Suwa make with you, outsider?” The man who had been arguing with Suwa was still heated, and dealing with an outsider did little to calm him.

“Don't worry, I was not promised anything. I only came with the hope to speak with your elders.”

“Then you've wasted your time. The elders meditate and should not waste energy on such a meaningless meeting. If you have something to speak to them, then we shall hear it.”

“Very well,” Sezio cleared his throat before speaking, “My group and I are travelers, and it has been a long time since we have met other gehm. We were hoping that we might find shelter here, and perhaps a means to replenish some of our resources.”

“Travelers? So, you are unbound gehm?” the man sighed deeply. “What misfortune for it to be our village that you stumbled upon.”

“Excuse me?”

“It is you unbound gehm that ruin the image of the rest of us. We may have always been weak and bullied by the other beasts, but we were not considered natural enemies like we are today. Not before the appearance of the apostle.”

“But we have only been taught how to defend ourselves and be equal. How could that be bad?”

“We don't need any more troubles. Please move on. If you are travelers, then continue to travel.”

“That's,” Sezio began, but he also was not looking for trouble. Rather than continuing to argue his case, he resigned, “All right. We will move on as if we hadn't come across this village. I will inform my party, and then we will be on our way.”

Sezio turned away, hesitating to move his feet for a moment, but once he took his first step, the next followed. Soon, he was far enough that he could no longer hear the council talking about him and his group. However, there was one voice he recognized from the council meeting which he could still hear clearly.

“Wait. Sezio, was it?” The voice belonged to the woman who was arguing with the rest of the council; Suwa's mother, if he recalled. “You did find Suwa outside the village, right? I'm sure he was wandering about again. Was he in some kind of danger? Did you help him?”

“I'm sure he was fine. I didn't do much.”

Deia scoffed and shook her head with disbelief, although there was a slight smile on her face. “It seems that he really does take after his father. Thank you for helping him.”

“Like I said, I didn't do much.”

“Perhaps. But I’m glad you came across him. Whatever happened out there, I hope it was enough to convince him to stay within the safety of the village. You as well, Sezio. Despite what Rudahl thinks, he cannot make any decisions on his own. If you would like, you're welcome to stay nearby to get some rest before continuing your journey. At least until the elders say otherwise.”

“Thank you. I'm sure my friends will be happy to hear that we've received a friendly welcome. What did you say your name was?”

“It's Deia. I hope you will find the rest you are looking for.”