Soon after composing myself enough to meet the members of the tri- caravan. I correct myself. The members of the caravan that I will be joining at least for a little bit. Taking slow deep breaths, keeping calm as I approach Xertrics again.

  “I've started hearing the others waking up, is it time that I get introduced to Ket and the others?” I rumble out quietly, my voice partially catching in my throat.

  With a smile Xertrics responds. “It is getting close to their usual wake up time so I guess it is time for Introductions. My favorite part of working in a caravan.”

  The last part of her answer sounds sarcastic. Is it sarcastic? Did she mess up the tones? Was she, I got broken out of the cycle of thoughts by a laugh that I'm beginning to grow familiar with. Looking at Xertrics I think my thoughts were planned for her to see how she could tell I don't know? Maybe she's part shifter?

  Standing she motions for me to follow her forward to the center of the tents. Eventually she leads me to a man with tired eyes staring up at me from the stump he's sitting on. Letting out a yawn Xertrics begins speaking to him in a language that I don't understand. Something that I could probably learn while with them.

  Eventually Xertrics turns back to me. “As you could probably guess this here is Ket. The leader for this whole mistake of a venture. But that's not the point right now.” She moves in front of the man, Ket. Sighs loudly as she does so. “Ket wants to know what you want in exchange for joining us.”

  I look at Xertrics and I really think, what can these people offer me besides new experiences, and possibly the language that they know. Spending a few moments thinking, really thinking of what I want that they could have. They won't be able to offer me a place back in my tribe or an easy way to fully connect with myself but they might have clothes.

  Clothes that might fit, the cold doesn't reach my skin under all my fur but clothes were a nice thing that I had before they got shredded on my escape from the wolves.

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  Turning my attention back to Xertrics taking a deep breath and in a fully clear voice I say “clothes that would fit me would be nice.”

  Then she gives me a look over before she returns to conversation with Ket. Eventually a few more members of the caravan are called over before disappearing into tents and saddle bags. Once they come back it's with a large coat, that looks like it could fit me if not for the sleeves being too small around and pants that might fit if I didn't have as much fur as I do have. But I think that I could make these work in some way.

  Taking the clothes once Xertrics hands them to me. I barely keep track of what she says next. “Once you are ready we'll head out. Not much more to do here than burn daylight.”

  With that I turn away from her and Ket to get out of the caravan and their attempts to pack up everything that they have and be ready to head out. Once I find a space I begin making adjustments to clothes. Quickly separating the sleeves from the coat so that my arms would fit in it. Putting it on felt nice and comforting even. Tying the two sides together was met with some difficulties. Not being able to tie the bottom knot together leaves most of my stomach out in the open but that's fine my fur covers that area well.

  Then turning my attention to the pants, the waist is about the right shape but they're without a tail hole. So that is the first thing that I do add. Then with care I begin to cut back more and more of the pant legs until they finally fit my legs. Once I do so they end just above my knees which is good.

  The bear and elk faintly grumble about restrictions of movement but even they're brought comfort by the clothes that I now wear. Seeing that the caravan is still getting ready to leave, I quickly enter the tunnel to retrieve my pack and the pelts I was making, storing everything inside it including the scraps from my clothes. Everything could come in handy eventually. For patches to these clothes to maybe trading with tribes if they'll let me near them.

  Once I exit the tunnel I quickly join the caravan as they set off. The corners of my lips curl up faintly as I remember many memories of traveling with my tribe searching for a new spot to set up with the coming season or whenever the shamans needed a change. I never understood why they would suddenly need a sudden change but it always excited me when we all traveled. So many shifted to move quicker to haul their tents and belongings.

  Laughter finds its way into my throat as I think about the time I almost fell down a hill because I insisted on carrying my entire bedroll, pack, pelts, and spear. It was too many for a younger me to carry. The sounds of spooked horses break me out of my memories as I notice the eyes on me and the rider who's attempting to calm his horse. I am reminded I am not with my tribe and that these horses aren't shifters carrying their children or partners but regular horses. I slowly make my way to the back of the caravan to not spook anyone else. With my laughter or anything else. A faint cry begins to well up in my throat. It takes all of me to keep it down to keep it contained. The bear sinks its claws and fangs into it, the elk stomps it down, while the firebearer yanks down hard as strongly as he can to keep it there.

  Taking anything that I can eat off of the side of the trail that we are following, I continue to eat it. Hoping that filling my mouth with something will keep the cry contained if I fail to hold it back. I succeeded but I feel exhausted mentally as we continue through the forests and trails. The rising sun brings warmth to my back while my eyes feel cold with the suppressed tears.