Rianna: Mage in the Beastworld

Rebuild, Re-plant, Revitalize

As dawn broke, I was introduced to the remainder of my family. Mama Rose presided over a unique kinship comprising three stalwart companions: Papa Liam, my father and a formidable cougar-beast; Papa Amal, a majestic golden eagle-beast; and Papa Cedric, a cunning fox-beast. In addition to her trio of mates, Mama Rose commanded a retinue of seven 'Protectors'—male guardians entrusted with her safety, yet forbidden from seeking her affection. Among Mama's offspring, I was the sole daughter, surrounded by nine brothers. Four eagle-beasts had entered adulthood, while three fox-beasts awaited their transition into human form with the onset of the approaching winter. Accompanying them were two younger cougar-beast siblings, born a season after me.

Mama and I were given priority, followed by my brothers, before the remainder of Mama's clan could partake in what remained. The diligent efforts of Mama's protectors ensured ample provisions, while her mates attended to her every need. Her voracious appetite was notable, driving the necessity for ample sustenance. As the primary caretakers, our fathers and protectors ensured our well-being, leaving us to navigate our own paths otherwise. Being the lone daughter, I received particular attention, often sheltered from certain responsibilities. While my brothers and Mama's companions labored to rebuild the village alongside everyone else, I found myself tethered to Mama's side—a privilege bestowed upon me solely due to my gender. Even in my youth, I harbored a disdain for Mama's penchant for being doted upon incessantly. Her treatment of the males, who adored her with unwavering devotion, solely based on her physical allure, unsettled me deeply.

Aware of my tender years, I understood my limitations in contributing to the village's reconstruction efforts. Yet, I knew there were tasks suitable for women and children. My first step was to distance myself from Mama's constant presence. Under the guise of weariness, I would allow her to tuck me in for a nap, seizing the precious hour of solitude to explore the sprawling expanse of our encampment.

Nestled on the fringe of a dense forest, our makeshift settlement offered ample opportunities for solitary adventures. While cautious not to venture too deeply into the woods, I stumbled upon a secluded thicket, a sanctuary shielded from prying eyes. Here, amid the rustling foliage, I formulated my clandestine plans. My objective was clear: to gather an array of flora and their seeds. With my unique abilities, I envisioned a transformative future for our humble village.

Breaking off a portion of the knotweed that filled the thicket, I concentrated on the life-cycle of the plant and accelerated the process so that I had gathered a fair amount of dried stems that I could use to weave a simple basket. It wouldn't be my best work, since I had nothing sharp to cut it with, but still it would hold what I needed. Venturing into the forest, I treaded softly, my senses alert to the whispers of nature all around me. The forest floor was a tapestry of greens and browns, adorned with the treasures I sought. With each step, I scanned the undergrowth, seeking out the delicate forms of medicinal herbs and vibrant blooms.

Every plant I gathered held a story, a secret of the forest's ancient wisdom. I moved with care, mindful of the delicate balance of life around me. With gentle hands, I plucked each specimen, feeling the energy they contained. As sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows upon the earth, my basket filled with nature's bounty. With a sense of purpose burning within me, I turned towards home, eager to share the gifts of the forest with my family.

I had managed to get back to our tent and hide my basket of goods when Papa Liam came to check on me. He seemed to sniff the air and instantly his face turned hard as he glared down at me. His voice was filled with quiet rage.

"Rianna. Were you going off on your own again?" I could hear the growl forming in his throat as he stared me down. I bit my lip, looking up at him with my best 'puppy dog eyes' impression. When I heard him sigh, I knew I had gotten past my first obstacle.

"I just wanded to help, Papa... I found feew bedder pwants." I took some of the medicinal herbs from my basket and held them up to him excitedly. He took a sniff of the herbs and looked down at me with a look of surprise.

"Do you remember where you got these? The Healer will want to gather more for the village." He patted my head and knelt down in front of me. "You did very well, little cub, but please don't go off on your own. It makes your Mama and I worry very much." His amber eyes held my gaze and I felt bad for making him worry. I may have the mind of an adult mage, but I do have the body of a young child, and I didn't want to make my family worry about me. I wrapped my small arms around Papa Liam's strong neck and hugged him tightly.

"Sowwy Papa... I can take da heawer to the feew bedder pwants." I gave him my best reassuring smile and he picked me up into his arms, taking me to the village healer.

The healer's tent stood proudly at the heart of the village, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos of injury and ailment. Positioned closest to the esteemed quarters of the Village Leader, it exuded an air of importance and reverence. Thick hides adorned the floor, their sturdy fibers warding off the chill of the wind while absorbing the dampness from the earth below.

Stepping into the tent, I was enveloped by its spacious interior, though the solemn atmosphere was palpable. Injured villagers lay strewn across the floor, their groans of discomfort echoing softly within the canvas walls. My heart swelled with empathy for their suffering, aching to offer solace in any way I could.

My attention was abruptly diverted as a glimmer of movement caught my eye. With a startled gasp, I watched as a sinuous tail, resplendent in its ebony sheen with iridescent rainbow hues, began to coil gracefully before me. Entranced by its mesmerizing beauty, I found myself drawn closer, unable to tear my gaze away.

The magnificent tail belonged to a young man, his features striking and ethereal. His slender frame bespoke a grace more akin to that of a mage than a hardened warrior, reminiscent of figures from my previous life. Short-cropped hair, as dark as the midnight sky, mirroring the shimmering allure of his scales. His eyes, dark pools of depth and mystery, captured my gaze with their intensity, holding me transfixed in their hypnotic allure.

In a display of deference, Papa Liam inclined his head respectfully towards the man, showing the respect he had for his position.

"Healer Kairon," My papa began, shaking me from my trance. "My rebellious daughter, Rianna, had ventured out into the nearby woods and somehow returned with medicinal herbs. I thought you might want to take a look." I could tell that Kairon did not seem to think the herbs a young female could find would be of any help, and couldn't hide my smirk when his eyes lit up at first glance. I held my head proudly, knowing exactly what herbs I had gathered. Papa Liam and Kairon both looked at me with confused stares.

Papa Liam refused to put me down while in the presence of another male, and so the three of us went to where I gathered the herbs so that Kairon could gather more for the injured villagers.