Chapter 18: Legacy of Silence
Inside, the atmosphere was one of cautious optimism. The previous day's discussions had laid the groundwork for understanding, and now both tribes sought to deepen their connection. Sable, a respected elder of the Panther tribe, opened the proceedings with a warm, welcoming smile. "We hope you are well rested and found our accommodations to your liking."
The morning sun filtered through the canopy, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor as the Panther Village stirred to life. The village was a living tapestry of activity, with beastmen moving gracefully among the trees, their presence a natural part of the vibrant jungle. Today held particular significance, as the elders of the Panther tribe once again gathered in the largest temporary accommodation, a space transformed into a meeting hall for this crucial dialogue with Sun Zhu's delegation of deer beastmen.
Sun Qui, the youngest of the deer delegation, opened his mouth to speak, his expression hinting at a lack of comfort. "The grass for the bedding was a little hard and uncomf—Ah!" His words were abruptly cut off by a swift, subtle knock to the back of his head from Yi Feng, a gesture from an elder to maintain decorum.
Feng's brother, Yi Chun, quickly interjected, his voice smooth and diplomatic. "It was warm, dry, and grounded. We thank you for your efforts."
Veylan, another elder of the Panther tribe, nodded graciously. "Our tribe is more accustomed to the treetops," he explained, "However, with the chief being made aware of your preferences, our villagers tried our best."
The old Deer beastman, Sun Zhu, bowed deeply, his antlers gleaming in the soft light. "We are grateful, Chief Zevaris Nightstrider. Your efforts to make us feel included and welcomed are commendable."
As the day unfolded, the dialogue between the two tribes evolved from formal presentations to the exchange of personal stories. The atmosphere relaxed, warmth and camaraderie replacing the initial stiffness. The Panther tribe's elders shared tales of their struggles against the larger Jaguar tribe, a narrative that resonated deeply with the deer beastmen, who had their own tales of territorial disputes and survival.
One elder, who is normally silent, an old seasoned Panther named Theros, took a moment to recount a particularly harrowing memory, where he lost his mate and his cubs, his eyes reflecting the shadows of the past. "I remember a time when the Jaguar tribe sought to expand their territory into our hunting grounds," Theros began, his voice steady but laden with the weight of history.
"It was a brutal campaign," he continued, his gaze sweeping across the assembled group, as if trying to convey the gravity of his words through sheer will. "The Jaguars attacked with overwhelming force, their numbers far greater than ours, and they came close to the heart of our territory. In the chaos, we lost over a hundred of our kin. Including women and children... mere cubs. My own mate, a leopard named Ulla was included and our four young sons, her other mates passed from the breaking of the matebond in death, our bond was weakest as I was newer - Zevaris has a similar story and its only due to him knowing how to heal from such things that I am still here - but my family? Is all gone now. The treetops, once alive with the vibrant chatter of our people, grew silent."
The elders listened intently, the gravity of Theros's words hanging heavily in the air. All of the panthers looked incredibly somber. The Deer beastmen, though not privy to the sight of the treetops from the ground, could sense the emptiness Theros described by the atmosphereand the toll the loss took by the room.
"Even now," Zevaris added, his voice tinged with an undercurrent of sorrow, "our village feels the echo of that loss. We have only five females among us and less than fifty beastfolk in total. Our existence is resistance, a legacy of silence that we struggle to maintain and overcome."
Sun Zhu and Sun Ying nodded together, the thought of losing their whole family that sat before them? Empathy clear in their eyes.
It was Yi Feng who answered after a respectful moment of silence for all those the panther tribe had lost,"Loss leaves an indelible mark on the spirit, or so I am told," he said softly. "We, too, have faced our share of battles and losses. As herbivores we are at the mercy of carnivorous beastfolk."
"Each scar tells a story, a reminder of the resilience required to endure." Yi Feng moved his shimmering gold and green robe, to reveal a mauled shoulder. Long healded as much as it will, bit this injury would always be ugly. It was where his beast mark was, and it was chewed in a way that was defiling, whether it harmed his abilities or powers - no panther beast knew or dared to guess.
The conversation took a serious turn when the traps set along the route to the Panther village were mentioned again, with the Deer's querying the spotted beasfolk who set them. Asking for assurances that it was indeed the Jaguars. These traps had troubled the Deer and Panther elders, raising suspicions about the true intentions of neighboring tribes.
Chief Zevaris Nightstrider and Halika, the wise matron, had tasked Korran and Yue Lixue with investigating the matter further.
"I will accompany them," Yi Chun proclaimed. Rising to his feet, he was nearly 7 foot in height. Deer could be among the tallest and smallest beastfolk, beside elephants and giraffes, where they always fell shorter. "Sun Qui, would you please join out inquiry party."
The panther matron then called in Maria, "My eldest daughter will accompany you she is a fine two star warrior of our tribe."
Veylan then answered, "As my younger brother is going please take Darian. He is a 3 three star panther beast who recently unlocked his element."
Just listen to the clamouring of demanded additions to the party, Korran nodded accepting. There would be nothing he could say.
Once the requested individuals were gathered and informed where they were going and who they would be accompanying where Maria looked thrilled! She weadled her way over to Yue Lixue and whispered excitedly, "Maybe this is when you get your one star breakthrough!"
This turned some heads, some knowing about Lixue being the moonborne but most not. Those knowing looked concerned but Korran the most looked terrified and concerned, "You're trying to gain a star?" He mouthed, the terror apparent on his face.
His horror didn't come from nowhere, there was a varying 80% success rate for breakthrough. However out of ever 10 beasts, male or female, seeking their 1st star breakthrough at least 2 would die. Some tribes had outright banned females trying to get stronger because it was not worth the risk.
"We can talk later, on the road?" Yue Lixue stroked Korrans arm soothingly before taking his hand. Which he reluctantly took.
"...We must ascertain whether it was the Leopards or the Jaguars who set those traps," Zevaris stated, pretending he never heard the couples discussion and moving back onto the pressing business of traps and slaughtered delegates, his voice firm yet thoughtful. "The safety of our guests and the integrity of our alliances depend on it."
Yue Lixue, standing beside Korran, felt a renewed sense of purpose. Her journey in this world had already been filled with unexpected challenges and revelations, and this mission was yet another step in her destiny. She exchanged a glance with Korran, who nodded at his father in agreement. He seemed to now be refusing to look at her now.
"Our path is clear," Korran said, his voice steady. "We will visit the Leopard tribe and seek their counsel. If they are not responsible, we will find out who is."
"If it is not the Leopards, which is unlikely," Veylan considering aloft, "it will only be the Jaguars. Brother, you should be careful on the road out. Take the trees as far as you can to the cliffs."
Korran nodded again, usually with many words he now had few.
A smug smile dawned across Maria, "Looks like your training over the last few weeks is about to be tested and put to use!"
While her panther still refused to look at her, his handed tightened around hers but not painfully, Yue Lixue couldn't help but feel smug at this point by Maria and the following thought, too: A little less helpless and a little more capable.
The meeting continued into the afternoon, with discussions ranging from territory boundaries to shared resources and mutual defense. The exchange of knowledge and culture enriched both tribes, fostering a sense of unity despite their differences.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village, the elders concluded the meeting. Promises were made to strengthen ties, to communicate openly, and to stand together against common threats.
Yue Lixue felt a sense of accomplishment as she left the meeting hall with Korran. The bonds forged today would not only benefit their tribes but also pave the way for a more harmonious future in the beast world.
Later that evening, as Yue and Korran prepared for their journey to the Leopard tribe, Yue reflected on the events of the day. The stories shared, the laughter and solemn vows, all served as a reminder of the strength found in unity.
"Korran," she said softly, as they gathered supplies for their journey, "I feel like we're part of something much bigger than ourselves. The legacy of the Sunborne, the whispers of the Moonborne… it's all connected, isn't it?"
Korran paused, meeting her gaze with a look of understanding. "Yes, Yue. I believe it is. Our world is woven together by stories and legacies, each thread adding to the tapestry of our shared history. And now, we're adding our own."