Chapter 17: Smoke and Sour Fruits
Sun Ying, one of the Deer's prominent figures, felt a swell of pride as he observed the initial interactions. It was himself who answered the old panther female. Recogising that she would be an elder, "The road has not been kind to us. We have lost 3 to traps and a hunt by spotted cat beasts on the route over."
The elders glanced at each other, it was just as they had feared.
With that affirmation, the elders quickly moved the Deer Tribes delegation inside the temporary buildings. Posting young Panthers on patrol in threes. Korran among them and leading that patrol.
Maria and Lixue jumped down from the low branches and began remaining around, as Maria, as a two starred panther beast, was posted to help guard the delegation and negotiate. This allowed for, Yue Lixue to remain close by and observe.
Wearing panther Tribe soft tanned leather top and skirt, Lixue almost looked the part. The beige was enough to add colour to her look and complemented her rose blonde hair while contrasting her blue eyes.
As the day unfolded, the Deer Tribe presented their offerings to the panther village elders—an array of medicinal herbs carefully collected from the depths of the Verdant Grove. Sable studied them briefly, but Halika took a closer interest.
However, as the diplomatic exchanges began, he felt the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on Sun Ying, although he was used to this now. His father Zhu had taught him well in the art of diplomacy as his own sons were now getting the honourof some mentoring by him. This was both of their Shu and Qui, first significant roles as representatives of the tribe, and doubts began to creep into their mind about doing dealings with a carnivorous tribe like the Panthers.. Would they be able to navigate the complexities of this meeting? Would they be able to stand strong in their beliefs while also finding common ground with the panther beastmen?
Korren returned from his patrol and announced a clear patrol. He was intime to watch as Sun Zhu stepped forward towards his father Zevaris, the old stag's voice steady and melodic as he spoke of the herbs they had brought and their healing properties, explaining how the Deer Tribe had used them for generations to promote health and well-being. The panther beastmen listened intently, Sable and Halika, but one more intently than another, their curiosity was safely piqued by the knowledge being shared.
Yet, amid the exchanges of knowledge, Korren sensed a tension brewing beneath the surface. Some of the panther beastmen tribe, accustomed to a diet rich in meat, eyed the Deer's offerings with skepticism. Some whispered doubts about the efficacy of a vegan diet, while others questioned whether the Deer's healing methods could truly rival their own traditional practices. Korren could feel the strain in the atmosphere, and he glanced at Zhu and Ying, hoping to find strength in her presence.
Ying, however, was grappling with his own uncertainties. Deer were naturally anxious creatures and had always been confident in their identity as a Deer, but now they felt like outsiders and in danger. Shu and Qui in this new role felt it even more. As Ying spoke, his voice wavered slightly, and he struggled to maintain the poise his father Zhu had, which he'd hoped hoped to mimic and project. The panther beastmen's questioning glances weighed heavily on them, and they fought to suppress the doubt that threatened to seep into their hearts.
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In the midst of the discussions, Lixue noticed Korran's gaze drifting towards the edge of the gathering. Maria's expression shifted, revealing a flicker of recognition of their importance as Korran spoke. "Do you see that figure?" he whispered to Korren, her voice barely audible above the murmurs of the crowd. "I think those are Thalen Thistlereach' research aids Yi Feng and Yi Chun."
Lixue and Maria followed his gaze and spotted yhe two tall, slender figures standing apart from the crowd, cloaked in green and golden robes that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly light. A 5 star beast tattoo glimmered from one of their chests, the stars inside leaf-shaped emblems around a leaping green stag.
Maria had to explain in more detail to Lixue as Korran had assumed she would know and understand alewady, "Thalen is the knowledge keeper of the Verdant Grove, he's a real figure shrouded in mystery and reverence. Few have ever seen him, even in the Verdant Grove."
Yue Lixue imagined that rumors swirled around such individuals like autumn leaves caught in a breeze, "Some claimed he was descended from the Deer God, while others whispered that his blood was silver, marking him as something more than mortal, maybe descended from a Moonborne." Korran spoke lower, feeling sheepish for not explaining more sooner.
As they observed Thalen's aids from a distance, Lixue's expression grew more intense. "If he truly possesses the knowladge wisdom of the Verdant Grove, perhaps he could help me with my memory illness," she mused, her voice filled with hope.
Comsidering this further even Korran considered to himself, "I have heard he has insights into the mind... that could be invaluable."
"Maybe the Deer Tribe have your cure, Lixue." Maria smiled, retaining her guarding warrior pose and post but somehow showing warmth.
Korren nodded thoughtfully, aware of the significance of Maria's words and knowing how much this thought would weigh on Lixue.
Thalen's presence could indeed be a turning point, not only for Lixue but for helping her re-awaken her beast spirit that she had so struggled with. Maria couldn't help wonder if that was linked to her memory. Yet, as they contemplated the possibilities, Korren felt a pang of anxiety.
Would they be able to approach the real Thalen, who was still in Verdant Grove, without causing trouble or drawing attention to Lixue's condition? Would the knowledge keeper be willing to share his insights with them?
What could prompt Thalen to help Lixue?
Breaking discussions for the day, the Panthers prepared for a community fire on the forest floor. It was supposed to be a welcoming celebration.
Instead of Zevaris it was Veylan who spoke to the Deer Tribe, inviting them to the evening fire, "Would you like to join us for fire?"
Sun Ying looked terrified and until the old Deer beastman placed a hand on his son's shoulders did Sun Zhu's grandson's also relax more.
However, most beasts in this Beastworld were terribly afraid of fire. "What do you mean... join you for fire? Fire destroys all things..."
It was now for Zevaris to step in and explained theor custom of a community evening fire for celebrations.
The evening started off tense as the Deer beasts couldn't settle around the fire. All seemed ready to run at a moments notice, sitting farthest away from it.
The Panthers had also been given strict instructions; not to eat meat infront of the Deer Tribe's delegation. This was easy enough for Lixue, who had grown partial to the few types of sour fruits and nuts that grew in the forest.
This caused Yi Chun to strike up a conversation with her, although she sat nearer the fire. He approached cautiously, never taking his eyes off of the roaring flames.
"You are a cat-beast, yes?" Yi Chun asked, his brother Feng looking over with curiosity but not having the bravery to move closer to fire.
Lixue nodded, "Call me Yue Lixue, and yes I am a slow leopard beast." Thanks to her training with Maria, she was coming more to accept her transmigration and gaining unexpectedly fluffy ears.
Hearing this surprised Yi Chun greatly and he kneeled from his tall human form stature to look closer at Lixue, "You are a very long way from the Snow region, what brought you here?" Chun sniffed the air slightly, the sour fruits had a odour that was quite strong, "...and you eat fruit?"
"It's actually quite delicious once you get used to them." Yue Lixue held out one of the sour fruits, to give it to Yi Chun.
Sitting cuddled together, Korran eyed his little females actions and they met Yi Chun's. Causing the Stag beast to hesitate in accepting the females gift. Korran knew it would mean more to the Stag than perhaps Lixue realised.
"It is not customary of us to take food from another's mate." Yi Chun stuttered before continuing, "If you like fruits, my brother Feng has some of the Verdant Grove's finest greens and fruits with him. He growns them in Thalen's medicinal garden - of course with permission."
Realising he messed up, Korran set Lixue on her feet. "Go an see those fruits, you might like them. I'm only over here." There were too many Panthers around for the male Deer to really try anything, and live to tell the tale.