Healing The Beastworld

Ch 18: news apon returning

The midday sun beat down on the thatched roofs of the village, dappling the forest floor with light and shadow. Birds chirped their midday song, a melody woven into the tapestry of the forest. Karee, her face flushed with the warmth of the sun and the passion of her recent mating, walked beside Kaden, their hands intertwined as the entered the village, a new mark of a panther plasteredon her left shoulder. As they approached their hut, they saw the village chief, his eyes as deep and wise as the forest itself, talking to Rontu. Karee's heart skipped a beat. Rontu, a man whose strength was as comforting as his smile, was the epitome of their village's protector. Seeing him so intently engaged with the chief, she felt pride knowing he was hers to love.
The chief, sensing their arrival, turned, his face full of relief. "Ah, Karee, my child," he said, his voice roughened by years spent under the sun. "Welcome back. You have returned just in time to hear what I was about to tell Rontu." He said turning to face said male once again.
"Tomorrow, you shall join the trading party," the chief intoned. "Our salt supply dwindles, we used more than expected the last white season and now the journey to the seaside village is upon us."
Rontu's face lit up with eagerness. "With pleasure, Chief," he replied. "I have made this journey many times before. Thank you for trusting me with this important task."
Karee's heart sank. Although she understood the importance of the trade mission, she could not bear the thought of parting with Rontu, especially so soon after she had reunited after mating with Kaden in the forest, she wanted to spend more time with the two of them as a family. Kaden, sensing her distress, wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders.
"Don't worry, my love," he whispered. "Rontu will return safely, as he always does. We shall spend this evening together, making memories that will stay with us during his absence." Rontu aproached and intertwined his fingers with Karee's, his eyes holding a depth of understanding. "Don't worry, I've made this trip many times. I'll be back before you know it," he promised. "And I shall bring tales of our journey that will keep you entertained for nights on end, and gifts I can shower you in." He said with a comforting smile.
Karee felt a twinge of apprehension as she realized that her mate would be away for an extended period. However, she knew that his duty to the village was paramount.
"Im going to miss you so much." Karee whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Rontu leaned down and kissed her tenderly. "And I you, my love. But do not worry, I shall return safely."
Kaden, ever protective of his mate, stepped forward and offered his support. "I'll look after Karee while you are away, Rontu. You can rest assured that she will be safe."
Rontu nodded gratefully. "Thank you Kaden,Your words bring me peace. I'm glad you have joined or family officially." As the chief left the trio walked around to their new fire pit and decided to spend time talking and enjoying each other's company.
The evening stretched out before them, warm and intimate. Rontu finished a carving he had been working on since they began talking around the fire, a coyote running made from the wood of a pine tree. He admired it, his eyes filled with quiet pride, before handing it to Karee. "For you,'" he said. "A reminder of my love, so even in the coming weeks you can hold a piece of me close to you."
Karee pressed a kiss to his cheek, her heart overflowing with gratitude. "It's beautiful, Rontu. Thank you."
Kaden, who had been watching with wide eyes, jumped up and grabbed a handful of berries from a small basket sat a small distance from.the fire. "I have an idea!" he announced, his voice filled with excitement. "We can play a game! You both close your eyes and I'll feed you one berry each. Whoever guesses the flavor first wins!"
Karee and Rontu exchanged playful smiles, their hearts filled with the deep comfort of their bond. They closed their eyes as Kaden hurried from one to the other, carefully placing a berry on their tongues. The sweetness of the elderberry, the tartness of the wild grape, the subtle tang of each bite a delightful surprise. The game created a moment of shared laughter and warmth. The game evolved into a lively evening of storytelling and laughter. Karee regaled them with tales of her grandmother's wisdom, her voice filled with the cadence of ancient lore. Rontu, ever the storyteller, spun tales of his journeys through the forest, his voice a soothing melody echoing in the small hut. Kaden, in his own mischievous way, wove his own fantastical stories, each brimming with playful charm. As the moon rose high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the forest, they gathered by the fire, their bodies close, their souls intertwined. They shared whispered secrets, dreams, and longings. The warmth of their love, as strong and enduring as the forest itself, filled the small space, a testament to the beauty and strength of their family.
When the fire finally flickered out, leaving the area bathed in the silver moonbeams, they lay together, their bodies a tangle of limbs and love. The silence was not an empty one, but a comforting hush that whispered of love and enduring bonds. Karee would miss Rontu, yes, but she knew he would return, bringing with him tales of his journey, his love, and the promise of many more evenings like this one, filled with laughter, stories, and the enduring warmth of their shared love.