Chapter 19: Early Journey
Yue Lixue stood at the edge of the Panther village, the light of the day filtered through the forest canopy casting a golden hue over her light strawberry blonde hair, making it shimmer like spun gold against her vivid blue eyes. She felt a mix of anticipation and trepidation as she prepared for the journey ahead, other than Korran guiding her back to the village she had never seen anymore of the beastworld than that so far.
The path to the Leopard village stretched out before them, a two-week trek fraught with potential ambushes from the Jaguar tribe.
Initially, Korran carried Yue Lixue on his back in the panther. It was faster to travel in beast form, that was the two week estimate. In human form, it might double. It was considered rude for male beasts to outright ask a female to ser her beast form so there wasn't much issue. Both Maria and Korran knew that her memory illness might have something to to woth her not being able to shift into snow leopard beast form but they didn't announce it publicly. With Korran being Yue Lixue's accepted mate it wasn't it of the ordinary.
Yue Lixue wondered how odd her party might look if there were any onlookers. Three panther beasts, one with a female dressed in a somewhat stylish white rabbit fur dress, and two stag beasts accompanting them and journey together? It almost felt like the start of a joke.
Korran and Darian were constantly on high alert, sniffing the air, moving slowly, their eyes scanning for any signs of danger. The Deer beasts, Sun Qui and Yi Chun, were equally vigilant, their heightened senses attuned to the slightest movements in the forest. Deer beastmen were always more nervous and skittish, usually easily panicked, but that was a herbivores trait and common to find in their behaviour. That the Panther's weren't panicked probably is where tye deer drew their confidence from to hold their nerves.
Lixue laughed, thinking to herself, "It's like having a big scary dog, or three while your out walking on a street." Yet as that thought emerged, she quickly had more as she began to forget... what's a "street"? She felt that fading as it did. "What's a... dot? That went, too. Trying to grab on to the fading knowledge was like grabbing air.
Then, the headach started. She lay down on Korran's back. In panther form it was big, warm and fluffy enough for her to relax a little and even go to sleep. He realised by her light snoring and altered his walk to try and move more smoothly for her.
Maria, Yue's newfound friend and mentor, was brimming with excitement. As the daughter of the formidable Halika and mate to Korran's brother, her fighting spirit was unmistakable. Her thick black hair bounced with her every step, a stark contrast to the tension in the air.
As they ventured deeper into the forest and now long and far away from the Treetop Village - further than Yue Lixue had ever been at any rate - the group moved with caution. The journey was not just about uncovering the truth behind the traps but also about uniting the beast tribes.
"Do you think the Jaguars will try something tonight?" Maria asked, her voice a mix of excitement and caution.
"I wouldn't put it past them," Korran replied, his eyes scanning the path ahead. "They're unpredictable and know we're on the move."
Sun Qui chimed in, "I've heard their leader is cunning. We should be ready for anything."
Yi Chun nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, but we mustn't let fear guide us. Our focus is reaching the Leopard village and understanding what happened."
Yue, listening, felt a growing sense of responsibility. "Whatever their motives, we need to stick together. This journey is about more than just our safety; it's about building bridges."
The forest around them seemed to close in, towering trees forming a natural corridor. Maria's voice broke the rustle of leaves. "I bet I can guess what the Leos are planning," she teased Sun Qui. "Something dramatic, like always."
Sun Qui grinned. "Maybe they'll have a feast or a grand ceremony waiting for us!"
Korran chuckled. "Let's hope it doesn't involve too much drama. We have enough of that already."
Their banter was a welcome reprieve, a reminder of their camaraderie. Yet, beneath the surface, the potential dangers lurked.
As they navigated the terrain, Yi Chun's pace occasionally faltered, his struggle with his beastmark evident. Yue offered a reassuring smile. "You're stronger than you know, Yi Chun. We all are."
Gratitude mingled with determination in Yi Chun's eyes. "Thank you, Yue. I won't let my past hold me back."
As night fell, they found a clearing under a starry sky. The campfire crackled, casting a warm glow as they settled around it.
Korran leaned back, gazing at the stars. "Every step we take brings us closer to understanding and unity."
Yue nodded, her heart full of hope. "And every story we share adds to the legacy we're creating. Together, we're stronger."
The firelight flickered as they shared stories and dreams, weaving a tapestry of connection and purpose. Though the road was uncertain, they moved forward with shared determination.
The forest was alive with nature's sounds—rustling leaves, chirping birds, distant beast calls. Yue admired the beauty of the beast world, even as she stayed vigilant. Minor obstacles tested their teamwork, such as a fallen tree blocking their path, but they navigated them with resilience.
As the group gathered around the campfire, Yue expertly roasted the bird meat Korran had caught earlier. The savory aroma mingled with the forest's fresh scent. A small collection of eggs lay beside her, a surprise that had amused Korran.
"I still can't believe you like eggs," Korran chuckled. "In our tribe, they're not exactly a delicacy."
Yue laughed, her eyes reflecting the flames. "I guess it's something from my old life. They're nutritious."
Maria, grinning, said, "Yue, you're a mystery sometimes. But that's what makes you interesting."
Maria seized the moment to share more about The Whispering Brook. "Yue, the Leopard village is special. Terraces carved into cliffs, homes of stone and wood, all adorned with flowers."
"It sounds beautiful and peaceful," Yue said, tending to the meat.
"It is," Maria continued. "The village is led by a matriarchal council, like my mum, Halika. Female power and wisdom guide them."
Korran agreed. "The council is respected, making decisions for the tribe. Their connection to nature runs deep."
Yi Chun and Sun Qui listened with interest from the edge of the firelight. Yi Chun asked, "How does the council make decisions?"
Maria explained, "They meet to discuss the tribe's needs, guided by elders and skilled individuals, ensuring traditions continue."
Sun Qui asked, "How does their connection to nature influence daily life?"
Darian said, "The river and waterfall are central, places for gathering and celebration."
Maria added, "Their annual terrace maintenance unites the community. Their dances, inspired by leopards, are graceful."
"Their craftsmanship reflects their connection to the land," Korran said.
Yue smiled, captivated. "It sounds like a place where every action has meaning."
"Exactly," Maria said, meeting the Deer beasts' intrigued gazes. "You feel a sense of belonging and connection."
As Yue Lixue attempted distributed the roasted meat and eggs, all panthers refused and the Deer weren't offered being vegan. The group shared in the warmth of the fire, hopeful for the journey ahead to be a smoother one, especially Sun Qui and Yi Chun. The Leopard village, with its deep cultural roots, held some promise of knowladge in the attacks but also adventure and a deeper understanding for Yue Lixue in this new beastworld.
As the night deepened and the stars twinkled brightly above, Yue Lixue settled around the campfire, the warmth of the flames casting a cozy glow on her features. The roasted meat she had prepared filled the air with a savory aroma that mingled with the earthy scents of the forest. With a satisfied sigh, she took a bite, savoring the flavors.
"Delicious!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she looked at her companions. "You know, we should tell campfire stories while we eat. It's a great way to bond and share our experiences."
The Deer and Panther beasts exchanged curious glances, their expressions mirroring a mix of intrigue and confusion. "Campfire stories?" Korran echoed, tilting his head slightly as if trying to decipher the term. "What do you mean?"
Yue smiled, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "You know, stories that you tell around the fire! They can be about adventures, lessons learned, or even legends passed down through generations. It's a way to connect with one another, share laughter, and even face fears together."
Maria's eyes lit up with interest. "Like what? Give us an example!"
Yue pondered for a moment, her mind racing through her memories. "Well, in my old life, we would gather around fires during gatherings. Someone would start by telling a tale—maybe about a brave warrior who faced a great beast or a clever trickster who outsmarted a rival. The stories would weave through laughter and sometimes tears, but they always ended with a lesson or a sense of hope."
"Sounds interesting," Sun Qui remarked, his ears perked with curiosity. "But how do you decide who tells the story?"
Yue chuckled. "It's usually whoever wants to go first! Sometimes we'd even take turns, each adding a part to the story. It's about creativity and collaboration."
"Wait," Yi Chun interjected, his brow furrowed. "What if someone tells a story that scares everyone? Wouldn't that cause panic?"
Yue shook her head with a laugh. "Not at all! The key is to choose stories that fit the mood. If things get too intense, someone might lighten the atmosphere with a funny tale afterward. It's all about balance."
Korran nodded, a grin stretching across his face. "I like the idea. But what if the stories are about things we've never experienced? Like your old life?"
Yue shrugged, a twinkle in her eye. "That just makes it more fun! You can share your own stories about your experiences, and I'll share mine. We can learn from each other's worlds."
Darian leaned forward, intrigued. "And what if we tell a story about the Jaguar tribe? Something that could help us understand them better?"
"Exactly!" Yue exclaimed, her excitement contagious. "That could be a great way to prepare for our meeting with the Leopards! Sharing stories about challenges we've faced can help us bond and learn from one another."
The group nodded, the idea settling among them like a warm blanket. The flickering flames danced in their eyes as the prospect of storytelling filled the air with a renewed sense of camaraderie.
"Alright then," Korran said, his voice steady and encouraging. "Let's start. Who wants to go first?"
As they settled into their roles, the fire crackled, and the night deepened, each member of the group ready to share a piece of their world through stories. It was in this moment of connection that they found strength, united in their journey, and prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
"How about our story of coming to Treetop Village?" Yi Chun offered.
Innocently, Yue Lixue nodded eagerly. Not expecting the story she got.