Ella's Wild Beasts

CHAPTER 25

The next morning came with a muffled silence. In the gaps of the entrance small flakes of snow were pushed in till they melted and were absorbed into the packed earth. Thinking of the supplies all Ella did with breakfast was to make a broth from some of the bones she kept from kills. Soon everyone was up except small Asha, who they allowed to sleep in and spoke in hushed tones. She still felt a little worn out from the previous day and decided to let her males take the lead, still feels weird to think that way; they're mine i guess, smiling to herself she continued with making break fast and listened to the discussions.

   "We have much to discuss." Caius began. "While we have more than most, we don't have enough to support all of you through the cold season." Noticing the guilty and dejected looks of the stag men and woman he continued. "Last night we discussed what we all believe to be a overall good solution to everyone's problems. The main issue each family is facing is a lack of protection and resources. Ella thought it would be a good idea to stay near each other and be available to assist each other, for instance on days when there is a lot to be done we can leave our females with a male of the other family to help in protection. Also if another falls ill or is injured and the whole family runs a risk of not enough resources the other can help supply so the other family doesn't die off. She has many ideas and ways to improve things as, you can see." He chuckled lightly. Seeing the attentive faces of the stags he let Ravi cut in.

   "She has been speaking of something she calls gardening in the spring. We think it would be good to have more help in this and we could share the resources that it brings." "What's gardening?" Atlas ask intrigued. "It's very simple but a lot of work. It's just taking the seeds of plants you can eat and growing them near you so you can make your own food without searching." Ella said a little shyly. At that the stags seemed quit skeptical and looked at one another in almost silent conversation. While doing this Tarak spoke out in a voice to silent to hear. "Can I stay too, even though I'm not apart of either family?" He kept his head low as he spoke. Caius and Ravi looked at her and she nodded reminding them to continue.

   Ravi straightened some and continued. "That brings us to the other matter at hand. Living arrangements, while we don't mind sharing till you strengthen yourselves again it is cramped. If you would like we can help you choose suitable locations nearby if you'd like to join our 'clan' as Ella calls it. We could also help with some construction to help speed the process. As you are unclaimed Tarak, until either female claims you, or you find a female you would like to join their family we think it would be best if you had your own burrow. Which of course we would be willing to help with as well." He seemed ecstatic at that and nodded eagerly.

   While he seemed to be around her age, if not a bit older, he still seemed very childish and cute. Smiling she looked to the Arya's family and asked. "What do you think of this?" They looked at one another for a few moments before Arya spoke. Sighing she began "While some of the things said were confusing and seemed impossible as a whole it seems to be a very good deal. You have shown us nothing but good nature and kindness and we wish to repay you even if only a little. Also this territory seems very good and much harder to ambush than our last home." She smiled bitterly. With that Ella thought it would be good to redirect the discussion as it was taking a sad turn and Asha was beginning to stir. She divided the broth up and they began to plan their future clan.