The settlement barely warranted the name community. Perhaps thirty families scattered across a valley, their homes built around a central gathering space that was more clearing than plaza. No formal pack structure, just people who had chosen to live together in this remote place, far from the politics and hierarchies of larger territories.
The messenger who had guided them, a young man named Torin, explained as they approached. "We are what is called a free settlement. No Alpha, no Luna, no formal leadership. Decisions get made by consensus when they need making. Most of the time people just live."
"How do you handle disputes?" Kaelan asked, his scholarly interest engaged.
"Talk them through," Torin said with a shrug. "Usually the involved parties plus whoever else wants to weigh in. It is not perfect but it works for us."
"And healing?" Aria asked. "You mentioned limited resources."
