Healing The Beastworld

Ch 9: a walk

  As she soaked in the warm water enjoying the scent flowers Rontu came back carring a fluffy off white hide.  "I brought you a solft fur to dry with." He says gently placing the fur over the edge of the tub. Karee smiles at him and gently places he hand on his cheek and leans in to kiss him, "Thank you love. I'll be out in just a minute. After this want to go on a walk" "Of course  just let me know when your ready."He smiles before kissing her forehead and leaving the room to give her privacy.
After about 10 minutes Karee saw her fingers had gotten pruney and decided it was time to get out. As she stands she grabs the fur Rontu had given her. It looked like the skin and wool of a sheep but it felt much softer. Wrapping the fur around her she gets out the tub and walks to where her clothes are and grabs a one shoulder dress made of redish orange fur that shows off her new mating mark. Walking through the doorway she sees Rontu patiently waiting for her by the main entrance. "Ready to go?" She asked causing him to turn and look at her, "Of course, let's go." He says gently taking her hand his and leading her out the door.
  While walking down the pathway through this village many villagers waved and greeted the two as they walked by while others asked Karee if she wanted to be their mate, she promptly yet politely declined. Sudedenly Misty and her entourage of mates approached the two looking straight at Rontu. "RONTU," Her eyes blazed with a searing anger. "What are you still doing with this?" She trailed off, looking Karee up and down with disdain. As she looks at Karee she spots her mating mark angering her even more. "Don't look at my mate like that Misty, she has done nothing to you."Rontu said while stepping infront of Karee to block her from Mistys sight. Misty's jaw clenched before speaking. 'Mates? Thats a joke! Rontu, you would never choose that thing over me!'' "Misty, I have never wanted you and never will want you. I have chosen her and would choose her over you anyday," Rontu said calmly. "And she is my mate in every sense of the word. I love her." Misty's anger erupted. "You'll regret this, Rontu! You'll be begging me to take you back when you realize what you've lost. I'll make sure you pay for this, for choosing her over me! And you," she trys to step around Rontu to get to Karee on to be blocked by him. "I'll make you regret ever coming to this village, you should have just died in the forest." Her words hung in the air, thick with menace. Rontu, his face hardening as he let out a low growl, shook his head and pulled Karee closer, shielding her from Misty's fury. "Don’t waste your time,' he said coldly. "I will never regret choosing Karee." With a final, furious glare, Misty stormed off her males close behind, leaving Rontu and Karee stood in their spot.
  Once Misty dissipeared Rontu turned to look at Karee "Are you ok?" He asked as he tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I'm fine, just glad she's gone. If you ask me I think she might be missing a couple of screws." Karee said causing herself to chuckle. Rontu tilted his head to the side confusion on his face. "I'm glad you ok but what are screws and why do you think she is missing them?" This only caused Karee to laugh harder, "Its an expression from where I'm from, It means that I think she's crazy." She said wiping the tears that had formed in her eyes from laughter. "I see," Rontu said now laughing as well. "I agree with you there then. Shall we continue our walk now that she's not here  distracting us?" "Of course, let's go to the edge of the forest to make sure she doesn't bother us again and ruin our walk." He smile at her nodding his head in agreement before they both head towards the direction of the forest.
  After leaving the village and entering the edge of the forest Karee spotted many new plants she hadn't seen along with some she was familiar with like blueberries, wild tomatoes, cotton, oak trees, pine trees, mint and many others. "Wow, I wish I had a basket with me so I could harvest some of these plants." She says as the stoped to sit on a fallen log and rest for a moment. "Whats a basket? I can try and find one for you." Rontu says. "A basket is kinda like the bucket at the well. It's a container made of vines or sticks that are woven together to make the basket, they come in many shapes and sizes. If you can get me some of long bendable sticks or vines I can teach you how to make one if you'd like."  "I'd love to. Stay here and I'll gather some vines." He says before quickly placing a kiss on her head and going to collect vines, never going to far so he can insure her safety. After about 15 minutes he comes back arms full of vines and Karee begins to teach him how to make a basket. Karee began to unravel the secrets of the craft. With patient guidance, she showed Rontu how to select the finest vines, ensuring their flexibility and strength. She explained the importance of splitting the vines into thin strands, creating the very foundation of the basket's intricate structure.
  Hours passed and Rontu's hands moved with newfound dexterity as he absorbed Karee's teachings like a sponge. He learned the art of coiling, twining, and weaving, each technique adding a layer of complexity to the emerging basket. By time he had finished his first basket it was late evening, the sun casting an ethereal glow over the surrounding forest, Rontu's first basket was complete. It was a modest creation, but it was a testament to his newfound skills and his unwavering determination.