Homecoming.

A sudden rustle in the bed caused Nix to stir awake quickly and sit up to look around, where she found Sheeva quickly scampering over to the table where her helmet and rifle were and sighed softly. As Sheeva reached for her rifle, Nix's alarm rang in her head and caused her to reach towards the cub.

"Child, easy, that things dangerous." Though Nix spoke softly, it still caused Sheeva to jump a bit and pull her hand back. As the cub looked at Nix, her ears fell flat on her back to rustle her rather long, snow white hair. It was as sleek as Nix's now that she saw it, which made her wonder about the origins of her own body.

"I-I'm sorry..." The cub apologized as she grabbed the hem of her own shirt, making Nix's heart break a little at the sight of such an adorable child looking so pitiful.

"Child, it's alright. It's for your safety, you've done nothing wrong." Nix groaned a bit as she pulled the blanket off of herself. Looking down, she noticed she wore a pair of pelt pants, and a bandage wrapped around her chest. She'd figured it was just a bruise, but the Oracian did a bigger number on her than she'd thought.

As Nix slowly kicked her legs to hang over the side of the bed, Sheeva scampered over and held the woman's arm. "W-wait, you're still hurt."

"It's alright child, I've had much worse. I'm not gonna die anytime soon." Nix cooed softly, rubbing Sheeva's head once more before gritting her teeth. After a few breaths, she slowly stood up off the bed and took a step. It was only then that she'd realized her body was in a much worse state than before. She found herself stumbling a little before the cub latched herself onto her waist, helping her stand better while struggling a bit.

Nix let out a soft sigh as she felt the cubs arms around her waist. Letting out a little chuckle, she patted the cub's head once more before gesturing to her rifle. "Child, if you grab the thin end of my rifle, it'll be safe for you. I can use it as a walking stick, so bring it over."

Sheeva nodded quickly before letting go. Tiny platters followed by little sounds of claws scraping the wood could be heard as she padded over to Nix's rifle, carefully grabbing the barrel with both...paws?...before padding back over and offering it to Nix.

"A-are you sure you should be walking?" Worry caked the cub's face, reminding Nix of a child worried about their mother.

...

Wait a second, why are you even here in the first place?

Finally, the thought crossed Nix's mind as she tried to recall what happened after she'd passed out. Other worries began to creep up into her mind as she held her own chin. She'd realized many questions should be asked and other things should be explained, but her thoughts were broken as Sheeva tugged on her pants. "Nix?"

"Oh right, thank you Child. And it'll be fine. I've gotta meet the Chief, so can you go tell him I'm awake for me?" Nix asked the cub with a warm smile, gently taking the rifle away from those tiny paws...yeah maybe just stick with that...before flipping it around to rest her hand on the butt of the rifle.

Sheeva nodded quickly before running to the door. Twisting the knob quickly, she ran into the bigger room before another door was heard opening, followed by the sounds of voices and bustling could he heard from outside. Shaking her head a bit, she couldn't help but smile at how endearing Sheeva was once more.

Straightening up now, she took a few cautious steps to test her strength. Her legs were sore from the consistency of her movements, chest from what could only be a broken rib, and head from the blow she'd received. Other than that, her 5 foot 7 inch body was well fitted, and apparently not endowed given how light her chest was. She was decently curved in her old world due to some lucky genes, but now she felt like she was a teenager again.

She craned her neck to check out how she'd looked, eyeing her fair skin and reasonably shaped thin curves. That was, until she got a good look at her own butt and frowned a bit.

Mother Moon, once I meet you again, we are going to have a conversation. I liked my figure back then you know.

She sighed softly and rubbed the back of her head. She could only accept her fate of this new body, seeing as it's been a...

It was a pretty rough battle, how long was I asleep?

These thoughts crept up one by one as she limped out of the bedroom and into the larger room connected to it. It was obviously a living room, the fireplace roaring against the far wall and some glass windows against the wall connected to it. It looked like a woodcutters dream home to her, pelt rug, snuggly looking couch, and a table against the wall across from the shadow endowed window with a book and and ink and quill laid on it.

...

You know, whoever lives here needs some curtains. At least try and hide the fact that you're gathering up.

She thought as she limped to the open door. Just from the window alone, she noticed it was a deep night, torches had already been lit among the buildings and the people had gathered around her door to see her awake. Everyone had a warm smile as they saw her at the entrance, calling out thank yous and bowing their heads to her. Some even called her a hero, while others called her a fearsome Goddess of battle.

She'd suddenly felt shy at the praises, something she hadn't gotten much in her old world. It felt new and fresh, but some discomfort was felt in her chest as people called out to her. Either that or the bruised or broken rib, she couldn't really tell.

She then noticed Sheeva rushing back over to her, latching onto her leg once more with a giggle and turning her head to look at the splitting crowd. The people they split for were the Chief, Vern, Vela and Stoll as they strode up to her. The crowd fell silent as the four stood in front of Nix, making her raise a brow.

"Nix, I see you're finally awake. We were worried our hero would be asleep forever." The Chief chuckled softly with a bright smile. Vela behind him gave Nix a softer smile, while Stoll and Vern chuckled as well on either side of the Chief and nodded in agreement.

"You act like it's been months since I fell asleep or something."

"It's only been 3 days since you've returned. How are your wounds?"

"I'll be better after some rest. What's all this about then?" Nix asked as she looked around at the smiling faces of the crowd. Whoever she made eye contact with gave a small nod of approval, no one showing a hint of fear in their eyes as they looked at her, which confused her even more.

"Not only did you save us when the soldiers attacked our village, but you've also wiped out a battalion of soldiers on your own as well to help us. Vela here couldn't stop singing your praises after the second day of you sleeping."

Vela blushed a little and hit the Chief in the back, pouting a bit. "Drevid, you promised to keep that a secret." A roar of laughter erupted over the Oracian's prattle, making Nix wonder what she'd told everyone to make them trust her so much.

"Ahem, now Nix. Everyone here has been made aware that you are not of this world. First, we all apologize for the harsh welcoming we've given you when you first arrived after saving us." As the Chief spoke, everyone else bowed their heads a little to Nix, even Sheeva, who had let go of her leg to follow in suit.

"It's alright, I understand how my actions had raised some suspicions given the circumstances." Nix said as she raised her hand, hoping everyone would take the hint and raise their heads.

Without missing a beat, Drevid continued his speech. "Second, we not only owe you an incredible debt, but we also wish for you to stay in our village for as long as you wish." With this, Drevid finally bowed his own head, his bright smile very obviously planted on his lips.

The sight warmed Nix's heart as she'd realized what she'd done. She hadn't thought about her actions, instead only wanted to save this village due to her own train of thought. She was quickly reminded of her own family during the wars, making her heart melt more. As if to strike the final blow, Sheeva latched onto her leg and gave her what could only be described as pure puppy eyes, practically shattering Nix's heart.

Finally letting out a sigh, Nix scratched the back of her head and caved, unable to deny such sincerity no matter how she'd thought about it. "Well, I'd be happy to stay. Thank you for having me."

She'd barely finished speaking before a sudden eruption of cheers bellowed from he villagers, causing them to laugh and call out to Nix once more. Nix fully understood where they were coming from. To them, she looked like a hero that could save them from the impossible, as well as an ally they could truly trust. It wasn't all that surprising to her, but it helped her in taking in their kindness. Looking at Drevid, who had happily turned to the villagers and raised his arms, she suddenly looked forward to what could only be a long night.

"People of the village. Tonight, we celebrate the welcoming of Nix." These words brought about another round of cheers from the crows before they quickly dispersed and rushed around. Nix watched the bustle with a warm smile, her hand instinctively landing on Sheeva's head to pat it.

"Oh Mother Moon, just what kind of weirdos did you place me with. The dirt hasn't even set yet."