Loner affini who found themselves living in the middle of nowhere away from the compact. They convince a band of runaway feralists that they are not involved with the Affini compact and seems to respect the feralist’s independance.
Plus, from the feralists perspective - the Affini has grafted cannabis and is able to grow some of the best in the region. It’s a relic of home they sorely miss, and it helps take the edge off their constant stress of being kidnapped and turned into brainless plant-pets. Plus, it can’t be that bad right - it’s not like the weed tries to get them to stay for any longer than it takes to share a bowl.
Life gets better for the feralists, they’re more relaxed - even able to calm down to express care and affection for one another. Rather than bickering, they can actually cuddle to stay warm at night (though, they may not be ready to say that the reason they started cuddling was not for warmth).
The loner Affini, meanwhile, has been slowly increasing the concentration of class-A xenodrugs in the primo kush being given to the feralists. “Stay close, this is a stronger strain”, they say. Eventually the feralists find themselves wanting to linger by the Affini - it’s okay since it’s of their free will, nobody can stop them from leaving… right? Blissfully they drift to sleep not even thinking about the fact they haven’t left the Affini’s house (or den, as they call it). The best sleep since running during the surrender comes to them, only subconsciously knowing it was the xenodrug induced bliss of their Affini’s vines petting them as they slept.
The next morning, they don’t want to leave - they toke up again, sleep again… and wake with collars. It’s not like they noticed, though. For weeks they have only been imbibing class A’s of increasing strength. They wouldn’t be able to find a better bliss if they tried. Though, they wouldn’t try - after all, why would a pet run away from such a loving owner?
