Shaking Grip (2)

It took Basil two days to integrate himself into the village. Knowing the ins and outs of the village could be done through the help of the Guide, but he didn't ask the Guide anything as he wanted to get to know his big family directly. The Pacifer clanswomen still found it boggling that the person they had been waiting for had come, but they no longer put him on a pedestal. At least, some of them no longer did.

Basil couldn't warm up to just anybody. He was naturally stoic and aloof. Given his demeanour, he always gave off the aura of absolute regality that would put any King to shame. This made many clanswomen feel unworthy whenever they interacted with him. Some wouldn't even hesitate to kiss the ground before him, which never ceased to irk him.

The Maha Dmitras themselves had a profound respect for Basil. Even though they could joke around and laugh together with him, Basil could tell they still couldn't bring themselves to treat him as casually as Zina did.