How about I bite you.

Game plan, just do what you do best. Act like you belong, lie, and shank if things get hairy. It’s gotten you this far. Once you meet Yenkaran, just observe and gather information; feel him out a little bit. And when it seems like the right call, only then you’ll spill the beans on the robbery.

Now, it comes as no surprise: the plan doesn’t always work. So here are your options: 

Plan A – He says yes. You go meet with the Circle and do the robbery.

Plan B – He says no. Well, you’ll still try to meet with the Circle, because it’s not like you can go back to the Beacon right now without a Qothic sword in your chest.

Plan C – He rejects you outright. Go back to Zeb’s home and hope he lets you in, then tell the Lightkeeper in the morning that her plan sucks.

Plan D – He immediately thinks you’re full of shit and tries to kill you. Worry not, use the rockets and blow yourself up along with him.

The layman may call it overthinking, but a scholar calls it careful planning. Now as for how your scholarly status goes: it’s not. But you’re not exactly joining a book club here so you won’t worry about having to read something to them.

You check your bag. Aside from your own fangs and claws, you have Zeb’s little butter knife, and three Sorya rockets.

You peer over the edge and see steps leading down to a small boat. No sign of Yenkaran yet.

Might be a risk to taunt him with the sliced hand thing, if someone complimented your ability to function after being maimed, you’d probably just shoot them. Though he does seem to have more restraint than you would have.

Also it’s his boat, he can row it himself.

You turn southeast to face the moon. You did notice that nights were getting a bit brighter as you approached Siltria, but then again that boat trip over here was making your head spin so much around, you found yourself on numerous occasions waking at random times. It’s probably just closer on this side of the world, I mean, people are calling it the Near Moon. But you don’t recall it looking like moldy cheese, more like a ball of milk? Did the moon curdle?

Regardless, Yenkaran did mention to be out when the moon’s at its brightest so you’ll wait a bit longer. Part of you is considering walking off; perhaps you’d find comfort in never having to meet the cannibals again, but you know full well you’d be condemning Iron.

Not even a minute later, you reckon that ship has sailed, as a familiar figure saunters over to you, “Quite the majesty, eh? It must be a new sight for you.”

It’s him. Unmasked. Well dressed. And… pleasantly scented. Unfitting for a place like this. Unfitting for a savage.

“As you said,” Yenkaran continues. “You’re from the far west, yes? Beyond this moon’s glow.” 

You tell him that you can see the moon at home just fine.

He gestures in the sky behind you.” I believe you are referring to this one, our Far Moon?”

“I see…” You squint, suddenly caught off guard at the fact that there’s another one.

He smirks, “I can see the confusion. Like many others, the Near Moon has made its home in Siltria. I can only imagine how much darker the nights are from your home. Not a land meant for grazers I’m sure you’d know.”

“There’s enough.” you lie and change the subject, “Im here for the invitation— the uh, ‘fishing’ one.”

“Straight to the point, then. Come along.”

You follow Yenkaran down to the small boat. He fetches a few oars to row with.

“Where are we going?” you ask.

“To clearer waters. Somewhere with less fish guts.”

You look around, “So… are we really fishing, or y’know… fishing?”

“I’d say we’re fishing. What would you like that to mean?”

“You know what I mean.”

“Well, I suppose we’ll never know. Unless you’d like to join me.”

“If you say so…” You take a deep breath and step aboard, being mindful not to fall overboard again.

As Yenkaran rows out into the bay, you hear the busyness of the wharf fade, and the gore clear out from under you. You keep a ready hand on the knife.

He breaks the silence, “You know, Sister, after that introduction back in the woods I was afraid you would’ve wanted nothing to do with our pack. I’m pleased to be able to speak under much more… amicable circumstances. Some of my pack on occasion tend to forget that they are thinking creatures.”

“It’s not the worst welcome I’ve received.” you say.

“Glad to hear our pack’s not the worst at first impressions, no matter how low that bar may be— and to be given this second chance from someone that by all accounts should be quite sated.” he leans forward, “Did things go smoothly with your catch?”

“As smooth as can be. I suppose— uh…” 

You default to the only thing you really have in common with them: your knowledge of hunting— normal things that is. You remember a dish you and Dad used to cook from the beasts you’ve hunted back home: Salt Soup.

“…I salted parts of the shoulder and spare ribs, then took them out, and boiled them in a nice broth with some vegetables.” Your own mouth waters; you wish you had some with you right now— well, besides the Zeb parts.

He smiles, “A very thoughtful use of The Circle’s gift. I’m sure the rest would love to learn how to make it sometime.” 

You fake a smirk, “Well you know what they say, it’s best to use every part.”

“Yes.” Yenkaran points to you. “How refreshing to hear those words from someone other than Tazmun, and without the drool dribbling from his helm breaths.” 

“Have you had issues with waste before?”

“We’re much more efficient now, as we’re meant to be. Peradventure soon you can help lend your techniques of slaughtery to the pack.”

Your fur stands on end at the prospect.

“Nevertheless, it is a relief to know it has been dealt with swiftly. I had concerns that you would be keen on “toying” with it after seeing you cut its binds and then later making off with it still breathing.”

“I’m not one to be cruel, but I didn’t really know what your intentions were.” you say. “Had to keep my options open.” 

“Fair, I would like to think we all could act responsibly the way our role in nature demands of us. But I cannot blame you, there you stood deep in the forest, with strangers surrounding you. We must’ve looked like a creepy bunch of merry brigands! Well I’ll speak only for myself, I actually know how to dress properly. As well as chew with my mouth closed.”

“I see, uh— sorry about the… hand.”

“It’s no worries. I’d say the insult cut deeper.” he chuckles and unwraps the bandage. “I’m afraid The Circle cannot mend pride.”

“Now,” he continues, “I must be curious— what do you seek in regards to entangling yourself with our pack? Especially as one with her immediate needs met.”

“I wanted to pay it back for not fighting me for my catch. Maybe I can help you get some more— from the Nanzuul in particular?”

“How thoughtful. I think the others would certainly appreciate your help. Hm, very well then. I’m going to introduce you to another of my pack—at a place that very few know about. Seeing as you’re still… blossoming, I must insist that you ride in the cargo hold.” he gestures to the front.

“The cargo hold, seriously?”

“We can’t risk revealing secrets, I’m sure you’d understand.”

“Do you do this with all your guests?” you ask.

“No, all have been eager to join us on the spot. —just a quarter-hour, I promise.”

You take a deep breath. “Fine.”

Reluctantly, you cram yourself in the cargo hold, being sure to keep your bag and knife accessible.

Well this is going rather smoothly. You’re not quite in yet, but you seem to have him fooled. 

Yenkaran is interesting, he would actually come off as a pretty charming guy if it wasn’t for his grand excuse for eating people. You can’t see how delusional one can be to not realize what is so twisted about eating something that can plead to you in fluent Continental.

Regardless, just keep up the act and you can be soon rid of these beasts and actually start your new life with Iron.

You hear mechanical clicks from the aft. You’re traveling north.