Jerome sniffed the air as a strange, yet tranquil chorus drifted across the valley.  Somewhere, another tribe must be celebrating, he did not know, and looking at his own, they had no reason to celebrate.  He trundled over to the group and settled in before a large rock, his massive frame nearly as big as the piece of earth.  Crawling atop of it he gazed long upon his kin, they were tired, and food was scarce here.  The waters in the valley held few fish, none truly large enough to feed one bear, let alone many.  He sighed inwardly and shifted to his human form, knowing that it was unfortunate but necessary as they did not need as much food as people, and could hide from hunters just as easily.<br/><br/>"My friends, we are here, in this place the Dragoons have proclaimed as ours.  We do not fight, for though we are willing to die for our freedom, I am not willing to let our children do the same.  Let them have the chance for life, let them come forth and prosper where we could not.  It is this that we owe them." Knowing the explanation was not needed did not help him feel easier, all of the kin knew the reason, all of the kin had agreed.  It was why they all had come with him.  They knew he wanted to fight, they knew he wanted to die in their name, but for some reason, they would not let him.<br/><br/>He dropped off of the tall rock and walked through his clan as they too stood upon human legs, men, women and children rising up in respect, one he never thought he deserved.  Perhaps such is what they believed made him a good leader, the fact that he never thought himself above the tribe, above his own people.  Even the weakest amongst them he treated as stronger than he.  Had Jerome been the type, he would weep at their current state, he would weep openly at the shame that had overcome them.  But here, here in this so-called oasis of life, they all would finally find the peace they once had.<br/><br/>Standing at the edge of the forest upon a log, he looked out at the valley he had brought his people to, once more.  It seemed quiet enough, the serenity filled the air much as the chorus that followed the winds.  He found himself still looking for enemies though, yet none presented themselves.  He prayed to Gaea for his people's sake, that none would ever show, and even though it pained him to sit idly, it was what his people needed.  They were too tired to go any further, too tired to fight, too tired even to play and wrestle with each other as they set about making the cave that would be theirs more livable.