Chapter 6: A Beast Feast of Welcome
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the Panther Tribe's village, Korran stood outside his family's dwelling, adjusting his leather tunic. The sounds of laughter and the enticing aromas of raw meats mingled with fragrant herbs wafted through the air, hinting at the evening's festivities. Tonight, they would welcome Yue Lixue into their family, and Korran felt a mix of excitement and apprehension building within him.
Suddenly, the door to the dwelling swung open, revealing Korran's father, the village chief. His strong, weathered face broke into a warm smile as he stepped outside, the light of the lanterns illuminating his features. "Korran!" he called, waving him over. "Come here for a moment."
Korran approached, feeling the weight of his father's gaze as he stood tall, embodying the strength of their lineage. "Yes, Father?"
"I wanted to discuss tonight's dinner," his father began, looking past Korran to the gathering area bustling with preparations for the feast. "I've invited Veylan and Maria to join us, along with your Yue Lixue. I believe it's important we make her feel at home after her journey from the Snow Leopard Clan."
Korran's heart leaped at the mention of Yue Lixue being both warmly included and welcomly invited, "That's a wonderful idea, Father. She's been feeling a bit out of place, and I'm sure a warm welcome will help her adjust."
His father nodded, a proud glint in his eyes. "Exactly. It's essential that she sees the strength of our family and the bond we share. After all, she is now part of it."
Lixue stood a short distance away, observing the exchange. She felt a flutter of nerves at the thought of being included in such an intimate gathering. The way Korran spoke with his father, filled with respect and admiration, warmed her heart. It was clear that family meant everything to him, and she felt honored to be a part of this moment.
"Father, I appreciate you including her," Korran continued, his voice earnest. "She's special to me, and I want her to feel that she belongs here."
His father placed a hand on Korran's shoulder, squeezing it gently. "Then let's make sure she knows it. You've chosen well, my son. Let's invite them in and prepare for a night of joy."
As they entered the gathering area, the soft glow of lanterns illuminated the space, casting flickering shadows on the ground. Veylan and Maria were already there, helping to arrange a vibrant spread of fruits, nuts, and a variety of raw game. Korran felt a swell of gratitude as he saw the effort they were putting into making the evening special for Yue Lixue.
"Look who's here!" Maria called, her voice brightening the atmosphere. "Korran, you should be proud. Tonight, we celebrate your choice!"
Korran smiled, his heart racing at the thought of Yue Lixue joining their family. He looked over to see her approaching, her presence as striking as ever. She wore a flowing dress made from soft, earthy shades that complemented her natural beauty. Her long, silvery fur glimmered in the lantern light, and her eyes glowed with a mixture of curiosity and excitement.
"Wow," Lixue said, taking in the vibrant feast. "This is incredible!"
As they took their seats at the large wooden table, Korran noticed the array of raw meats laid out before them—untouched by fire, glistening in the lantern light. His heart sank as he glanced at Yue Lixue, who wore a look of discomfort. He could sense her hesitation, but he didn't know why.
"Dig in!" Veylan encouraged, reaching for a piece of raw meat. "This is the best way to enjoy it. Fresh and full of flavour!"
Yue Lixue's face paled as she forced a smile, her mind racing. She had not expected this and felt a wave of repulsion wash over her. It was a cultural norm for the Panther Tribe, but for her, the thought of consuming raw meat was daunting. She took a deep breath and focused on the fruits and vegetables instead, piling her plate with vibrant berries and crisp greens.
As the meal progressed, Korran's family noticed but continued to animatedly share stories and laughter, but Yue Lixue felt increasingly isolated. With every bite of raw meat that the others enjoyed, she felt her stomach churn. She tried to mask her discomfort, but it was evident to Korran. Who was now familiar enough with her to see it.
"Yue Lixue, how do you find the food?" Korran asked, his concern evident as he noticed her reluctance to join in the feast. "Do you still feel ill? This is good fresh meat from Veylan and Maria's hunt earlier."
"Oh, eh, you can call me Lixue. We are familiar enough. As for the meat it's... different," she replied, forcing a smile as she picked at her plate. "I'm not very hungry."
Korran's brow furrowed in worry. "Are you sure? You should try some of this," he said, gesturing to the selection of chunky raw meats.
"No, really, I'm fine," she insisted, her voice shaky. "I just prefer the fruits and vegetables."
Maria, noticing the exchange, leaned in. "It's okay, Lixue. You can eat whatever you like. We just want you to feel comfortable." Maria was stunning to look at, with high cheek bones and cascading dark chestnut hair and sun-kissed skin.
Yue Lixue appreciated the kindness but felt the weight of her secret pressing down on her. How could she explain her aversion to raw meat as a snow leopard without revealing her true nature? Instead, she focused on the fresh produce, trying to suppress her growing anxiety.
Korran's father turned to her, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "You must be used to different foods in your clan. Is there something specific you'd prefer? We can always add it to our next hunt list."
Yue Lixue's heart raced. "No, it's really not a problem. I just... I'm still adjusting, that's all."
Korran's gaze lingered on her, his worry deepening. He could sense that something was troubling her, and it made him uneasy to not know what. "You belong here, Lixue. If there's anything we can do to help you feel more at home, just let me know."
The sound of laughter and lively conversation returned after that. It surrounded them, but Yue Lixue felt a growing distance between herself and the family. She appreciated their warmth and kindness, but the fear of revealing her true nature loomed large in her mind.
As the feast continued, Korran felt a longing to bridge the gap between them, to help her feel accepted and loved in their family. He reached out, gently touching her hand. "I want you to know that you're safe with us. We'll figure this out together." This time as he held her hand, she squeezed back. A silent confirmation.
Yue Lixue looked into his amber eyes, her heart swelling at his sincerity. "Thank you, Korran. I just need a little time. You're family are lovely and I greatly appreciate all of this."
The night continued, filled with stories, laughter, and a sense of belonging that wrapped around them like a warm blanket - even with Yue Lixue feeling disconnected. Despite her struggles, Lixue realised that she was surrounded by people who genuinely cared for her, even though they didn't know everything, and that thought offered her a glimmer of hope.
In that moment, Korran made a silent vow to try his best understand Yue Lixue better, to help her find her place in his world, and to support her in whatever way she needed. The journey ahead would be challenging, but together, they would face it all. He would go to the ends of the world for her.
He steeled his heart, as he thought, 'Yue Lixue, I will be worthy to be one of your mates. I will keep you safe.'