The Desolate Expanse was as wind-blasted and treacherous as Jon remembered. Dust storms loomed on the horizon, and jagged rocks lined the uneven road like teeth in a predator's mouth. But amidst this barren wasteland, nestled within the cliffs, was a place of strange order and brutal camaraderie: the Ashen Fang Mercenary Guild.
Jon Snow stood cloaked in his Anbu uniform, animal mask pulled to the side as he walked through the outer gates of the guild compound. Mercenaries of all shapes and creeds eyed him as he passed, nodding in recognition. The guild master, a grizzled tiger beastkin named Gorran Steeljaw, met him at the entrance with a grunt of approval.
Gorran:
"You made it back, boy. Thought the Royal Academy would've chewed you up."
Jon (calmly):
"I left on my own terms. I have a different path to walk now."
But before Gorran could respond, a commotion broke out in the guild square. Jon's eyes snapped toward the sound—shouts, curses, and the clinking of chains.
A slave trader from the eastern caravans was displaying his latest 'product' to the gathering crowd. And among them—chained, thin, trembling—stood a pregnant rabbit beastkin girl, her long silver ears drooping as tears welled in her eyes. Her belly clearly showed she was eight months along, and she looked no older than seventeen.
Jon's expression darkened.
Jon (quietly):
"How much?"
The trader blinked.
Trader:
"W-What?"
Jon:
"I said how much for the girl. All of her."
There was something in Jon's voice that made the air go cold. Without another word, he tossed the trader a pouch heavy with gold. The man didn't argue. Moments later, the chains were off, and Jon was gently guiding the girl away, his cloak around her shoulders.
---
Kindness After Chains
Back in his private house within the guild's stronghold, Jon prepared a warm meal—roasted vegetables, grilled fish, and fresh fruit—and watched the girl devour it like she hadn't eaten in days. Her stomach was round and her face pale, but her eyes—soft, amethyst—began to flicker with warmth under his care.
After she finished, Jon knelt in front of her, offering her a glass of water.
Jon (gently):
"What's your name?"
She hesitated, then bowed her head respectfully.
Girl:
"My name is… Asha. I come from the village of Seirei no Tami... a home hidden deep within the forest, where the Spirit People live."
Jon tilted his head, listening intently.
Asha (softly):
"We are a community of non-human races… beastkin, elves, dwarves, wingedkin... We live with nature, protected by powerful spirit arts and traditions passed down since ancient times."
She paused, her voice cracking.
Asha:
"Our village... it's governed by the Council of Elders, ten leaders from each race, wise and powerful. We... we don't trust humans. Not anymore. We barely interact with the outside world. We live in harmony—until humans come. Like the ones who killed my husband."
Jon's fists clenched.
Asha (crying):
"We were ambushed... they killed him, and I—I was captured. I didn't even get to bury him. They sold me... like cattle…"
She broke down sobbing.
Jon sat beside her, gently pulling her into an embrace, his voice steady.
Jon (softly):
"You're not cattle. Not to me. You're safe now, Asha."
She looked up at him, blinking through tears.
Asha (whispering):
"Who… are you?"
Jon:
"My name is Jon Snow. But… you can call me Saji, if you prefer. That's the name only my family uses. I'm a wanderer, like you. I have no true home... not yet."
Asha sniffled.
Jon (promising):
"One day, I'll take you back to Seirei no Tami. That's a promise. But for now… stay with me. I'll protect you, Asha. You and your child."
Her eyes widened at the sincerity in his voice.
Asha:
"You'd… do that? Even after what humans have done to us?"
Jon gave a faint, sorrowful smile.
Jon:
"I'm not like the others. And I don't care what blood runs in your veins. You deserve peace."
For the first time since her capture, Asha smiled faintly.
---
That night, Jon sat near the window while Asha slept comfortably on the bed, wrapped in soft blankets. His mind turned to the road ahead—Seirei no Tami, the power of the Spirit Folk, and the many battles still to come.
But for now, he had someone to protect.