Dragons, Elves, Teufel, Halloblood, Humans, Kobolds, etc, all were welcome at this beautiful spa. Massages, haircuts, scrubbings to help the scales, manicures pedicures, the works. A plaque by the door, both in images and multiple languages read "Long hair trimmings will be made into wigs for those in need, short hair to bundles for bird to make nests. Scales, claws, and nails shed or trimmed shall be ground into fine powder, and mixed into the soil helping the free garden to grow for anyone who's hungry. -- Anon Guest
Those with prejudices kept away from this particular place. Just the sight of some Unwelcome People working the fields was enough to make them go around the peaceful valley. It worked in close association with the hefty Draconic protection runes guarding the entire area from violence.
Draconic runes were far more powerful than Elven ones. Elven runes of protection would merely rebuff attacks. Draconic runes destroyed the weapon and visited harm on the attacker.
That way, the Unwelcome who found the peaceful valley knew they were safe. Many who came wound up staying there, after a bout of tearful begging to whomever was in charge at the time. After they learned that such begging was never necessary, they were quick to be helpful to the valley in any way they could manage.
It was not just a sanctuary. It was an entire medical rejuvenation centre. The Unwelcome everywhere else were welcome in this valley. And they had to receive treatment before they could gift to others. Many came in terrible shape.
Unfortunately, many more could not reach that valley. More than that number would never know it was there. Like all organisations determined to help the oppressed, they couldn't help them all. They could save the few they could reach.
Wisp had been scooped up from the woods as a toddler. He spent his entire life watching the ruined folk coming in. Listening to their stories as he did what he could to help. Growing ever more determined to find and save more Unwelcome People by bringing them to the valley.
They went to a battle-scarred fellow-Hellkin. Fresh from revitalisation and physical therapy. Still healing from all the weight the world put on his shoulders.
"You fought a lot before you came here," said Wisp.
"I had to," said the newcomer. "What of it?"
"Can you teach me? I need to know how to fight."
That earned Wisp a frown. "Why? You're perfectly protected here. You're safe in this valley."
"Staying safe here? That's selfish for me," said Wisp. "I want to save others. I want to help people like you. Or... kids who were like me, left alone in the forest with nobody to help."
"I can't teach you all of it. Not here. The wards will get us both. I can get you started though. Start moving heavy things around. Lift 'em up on tall shelves. Take 'em down. Move 'em around. Remember to bend your knees when lifting from the ground or you'll wrench your back. You also need to practice moving quickly. Not just running. Throwing. Catching. Throwing your hands up in front of your face. I'll be watching while I enjoy doing nothing for a while. When you're about ready, we'll find somewhere outside the wards to get to the rest of it."
Wisp knew this newcomer could fight and win. He may be covered in scars, but he had also got to the valley alive.
With Wisp learning all he could from all those who knew about fighting, there would be more arriving without so many scars.
[Photo by Tobias Federle on Unsplash]
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