Healing The Beastworld

Ch 11: a strangers gift

As the orange rays of dawn peeked over the horizon, Karee stirred from her slumber, her heart filled with anticipation for the day ahead. She looked next to her and sees her beloved mate Rontu, his chest rising and falling gently in sleep. He looked so peaceful, his features softened by slumber. A smile touched her lips as she gently disentangled her arm from his, careful not to disturb him she decided to venture outside their humble hut and immerse herself in the serene beauty of the early morning.The morning air was crisp and clean, carrying the sweet scent of pine and damp earth. She yearned to breathe it deep into her lungs, to feel the warmth of the rising sun on her skin. She couldn't resist the pull of the outdoors. Stepping out of the hut, she stretched her arms, feeling the tension ease from her muscles. She looked around, drinking in the beauty of the village they called home.
The sun's rays pierced through the gentle morning mist and the songs of birds filled the air but it was something else that caught her eye, something nestled to the right of the doorway. A basket, woven from willow branches, sat beside a small pile of freshly gathered wood. It was filled to the brim with fruits and vegetables, all vibrant and ripe. Wild berries, plump and juicy, nestled beside plump mushrooms and leafy greens. The sight of such bounty, so perfectly arranged, filled her with a sense of wonder. The basket was not one they had crafted the previous day, and the craftsmanship of it was very well done. Curious, she picked up the basket, its weight surprisingly light. The scent of the fresh produce, earthy and sweet, filled her senses. It was a gift, undoubtedly, but from whom? To her knowledge only herself and Rontu could make baskets and Rontu, of course, was still asleep. Had they witnessed her foraging expeditions in the woods? She scanned the surrounding area, her ears straining for any sign of movement, but there was nothing. Only the gentle rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. She looked down the path of the village to see if she could spot anyone who could have left it but saw no one.
She gave one last look before turning to go bak inside with the basket of treats in her hand. Rontu was still asleep when she entered, his face relaxed and peaceful. She set the basket down on the floor, the scent of the fruit filling the air. "Rontu," she whispered, nudging him lightly. "Wake up, you need to see this."His eyes fluttered open, his gaze focusing on her. A sleepy smile touched his lips.
"Good morning, love," he murmured, his voice deep and gravelly. "Look," she said, motioning towards the basket. "Someone left this for us." Rontu's brow furrowed in confusion, "Did you show someone else how to make a basket?" He asked as he leaned down to inspect the gift. "No, I've only taught you, plus there are fruits in here you thought were posinous before i told you the were safe." Rontu's eyes narrowed as he examined the basket's contents. His keen senses detected a faint but distinctive scent that he recognized from the previous day and it made him uneasy.
He let out a low growl as he thought about the unknown person who must have been watching them far longer than he had noticed. "I think I know who left us this gift," he said looking up at her, "It has the same scent from yesterday that fallowed us back to the village." Karee's heart skipped a beat at this news.She watched as he slowly brought a handful of berries to his mouth and took a bite.
A moment of silence passed. Rontu's eyes widened, and a hint of surprise spread across his features. He took another bite, his growl subsiding into a low murmur. "It's... edible so we shouldn't let it go to waste."
Relief washed over Karee. The unknown benefactor had not intended them harm. Rather, they had left a thoughtful gift. "They also left some wood that we can use for fires, I left it out there so we could get it later." She said smiling at the thoughts that must have behind the gifts. Together, Karee and Rontu sorted through the contents of the basket, organizing the fruits and vegetables with the plants they had harvested the previous day. Once done a surge of gratitude swelled within her, and she couldn't help but step outside and look towards the forest and call out, her voice filled with warmth, "Thank you!" her voice carrying through the air. "Whoever you are, your kindness is deeply appreciated." As the echo of her words faded into the distance, a solitary figure concealed deep within the forest emerged from the shadows. His emerald eyes twinkling with a joyful glint. It was he who had bestowed the unexpected gift upon Karee. Hidden amidst the dense foliage, the man watched with a contented smile as Karee skipped back inside, her eyes filled with childlike wonder. His heart swelled with pride as he witnessed the joy that his gesture had brought to the woman he had come to adore from afar, causing a purr like rumble to come from deep within his chest.