The aid stood tall and firm, his eyes never broke Ildapan. He then began to move, so as to usher Ildapan, and once Ildapan returned, Gernot appeared far more elated than usual. "Father! The natives didn't kill you!" He approached Ildapan, but stopped when he saw the native. "W-Who is this?" The aid looked to Ildapan to translate what the man was saying as he had a look of confusion on his face.
✧ ✧ ✧
When Nisaba and her people reached the nearby village, the refugees scattered among the masses. Idmah stood by her mother and brother as the three of them moved to this village's center. Here it was a small ziggurat the size of a three-story building, and was adorned with carvings venerating Ama-sin. Idmah felt at peace here, but it was tense as Nisaba stood before this village's elders.
They cast a doubtful eye over her, but she remains firm. She said, "My elders.. My mate, the chief of our village, was slain by foul men.. Those men came from beyond our land, and now seek to burn all that we know. Their intentions remain unclear at this moment, but I know they mean all of us harm."
One of the elders, after quiet dilberation, spoke, "Your heart rings with the sadness of loss. That is new for me, and new for all of us. Those cracks of thunder were not storms, but were weapons of war.. Very few of us still remain to remember a time where peace was a farcry.. I sympathize with your pain, and will house your people. We stand by your cause, and will aid where we can."
Nisaba bowed, "I humbly thank you for your support and will come back to you when I know of what we intend to do to return your kindness." She turned and walked out, Idmah and Illum-sha followed in behind her. The two were in awe at how she handled things, and wondered individually how she was holding up.
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