The Beast World Resets

Chapter 25

The soft murmur of conversation filled the garden Colette continued her lesson with Nyssa, Kalira, Lirae and Shae. The four females were learning to dry fruits, a preservation method Colette had introduced. With this knowledge disseminated, Colette earned an additional 1200 points. The females had finally begun to understand the benefits, though Kalira still maintained a skeptical attitude. 

"You're telling me," Kalira muttered as she sliced through another fruit, "that all we have to do is dry these, and they'll last months?"

Colette smiled, patient as always. "That's the idea. You won't need to worry about hunting as much during the cold season. It's easier to store and less likely to spoil."

Lirae, the quietest of the group, nodded as she carefully spread the fruits across a drying rack. "It makes sense. And it's better than wasting food."

Just as Colette was about to respond, the familiar silhouette could be seen approaching her fence. She looked up to see Apollo figure, his eyes bright with mischief, a grin already spreading across his face.

"Little White," Kalira greeted him with a smirk, using the nickname they had for him, a playful jab at his smaller, lithe form compared to the more imposing ferals in the region.

Apollo rolled his eyes dramatically but returned the greeting. "You're never going to stop calling me that, are you?"

Kalira chuckled, tossing a dried herb at him. "Not a chance."

Ignoring the playful teasing, Apollo turned to Colette, his expression becoming more serious. "Elder Rin is here. He's looking for you, and I brought him with me."

Colette straightened, her brow furrowing with concern. "Elder Rin?" she echoed, quickly recalling her previous interactions with the elder of the Blacksheep tribe.

Apollo nodded. "He didn't say much, but it seems urgent."

Before Colette could ask further, Tarek, who had been quietly working with Shae at the side, lifted his head, his sharp green eyes narrowing as he spotted movement from the entrance. The elder had arrived, accompanied by one of his guards.

Elder Rin entered cautiously, his old but sharp eyes scanning the place. When his gaze fell on Tarek, the lizard beastman's imposing, scaled figure seemed to take the elder by surprise. He hesitated, his steps faltering slightly as his guard, Izikiel, stepped protectively in front of him.

Tarek, sensing the elder's unease, was about to leave with Shae, his body already turning toward the exit. But Colette quickly interjected. "Tarek, Shae, wait. Please stay."

Tarek exchanged a glance with Shae, then turned back toward Colette, a silent question in his eyes.

Colette stepped forward, her calm yet firm presence cutting through the tension. "Elder Rin," she greeted with a nod, her voice polite but laced with curiosity. "What brings you here? Come in, please. These are my guests."

Elder Rin hesitated for a moment longer, his eyes flickering between Tarek and Colette, before giving a slow nod. He stepped inside, though there was still a flicker of unease in his posture. Izikiel followed closely, his gaze sharp, though he seemed more at ease once he recognized Colette.

"I brought Izikiel with me," Elder Rin said as they settled in, still cautious of Tarek's presence. "You've met him before."

Colette smiled warmly. "Of course, it's good to see you again, Izikiel." She gestured to rattan furnitures near the shade.. "Would you like some tea? We've just made a fresh batch. It's lavender and chamomile—calming."

The elder and his guard exchanged glances before nodding. Colette poured them each a cup, the soft fragrance filling the air as they sipped.

"It's... quite good," Elder Rin admitted, surprised by the unfamiliar but pleasant taste. Izikiel nodded in agreement, though his eyes kept drifting to Tarek.

Colette gave them a moment to relax before addressing the reason for their visit. "What brings you here, Elder? You mentioned something urgent."

Elder Rin sighed heavily, the weight of his words showing in his expression. "Our village... we were attacked. Rootless came in the night. They kidnapped some of our females and killed others. We lost too many, and now only six single beastmen remain, along with two females and twelve mated. Three of our females were taken, and their mates were killed."

The whole place grew quiet, the gravity of his words sinking in. Even Kalira, usually quick to offer a snide comment, was silent.

Elder Rin continued, his voice grave. "We have eleven cubs left—one of them female. Our already small population has shrunk even further. We can't stay where we are. It's too dangerous now."

Colette's heart sank as she listened. She knew the Blacksheep tribe was already struggling with low numbers, and this attack was devastating. "I'm so sorry to hear that," she said softly, her mind already racing with possible solutions. "What can I do to help?"

Elder Rin's gaze shifted to Colette, hope flickering in his tired eyes. "We want to settle near you. We know this area is inhabited by ferals, but we feel it's safer here, with you and your mate nearby. We need your protection."

Colette's breath caught at his request. She glanced toward Tarek, then toward Apollo, who stood by the entrance, listening quietly. She knew this wasn't a decision she could make alone.

"I'll have to discuss this with my mate," Colette said carefully, her voice steady. "And with my friends. As you are aware, this entire forest is inhabited by ferals. It's not just Apollo, Curtis and me. Many of us have feral mates. If your villagers are willing to accept that, then I'm sure we can figure something out."

The elder nodded slowly, though the hesitation in his eyes was clear. "We are... aware of the ferals. But we have no choice. The danger from the rootless is too great."

Colette could feel the tension rising. She knew how ferals were treated in the wider beastman society, seen as dangerous and unpredictable. Most regular beastmen would avoid living near them, let alone forming any kind of alliance. But this was a desperate situation, and Colette saw an opportunity for both sides to benefit.

"I understand your fears," Colette said gently, "but you must know that living here means treating the ferals with the same respect you would your own people. We ask that in return for our protection, you offer the same to us. No judgments, no hostilities."

Tarek, who had been silent until now, crossed his arms, his green eyes glinting with quiet intensity. "Ferals aren't tolerated in most villages. Are you sure your people will be able to accept this?"

Elder Rin met Tarek's gaze, his expression weary but resolute. "We have no other choice. We need a place where we can rebuild, and we will respect your way of life if you allow us to settle."

Colette nodded, feeling the tension ease slightly. "Then we'll discuss it further. I'll speak with Curtis and the others, and we'll find a nearby area where your people can settle."

Nyssa, who had been quiet during the discussion, finally spoke up. "You'll need to make sure your villagers understand how things work around here. There's no room for fear of ferals if you're going to survive."

Kalira nodded, surprisingly serious. "Ferals are part of this place. If you can't handle that, it's best you find another area."

Colette stood, her voice firm but kind. "We'll work together, Elder Rin. But remember, this forest is home to many ferals, not just Curtis and Tarek. Your people will need to learn to coexist if they want to stay."

The elder took another sip of tea, the lavender and chamomile calming his nerves slightly. "Thank you, Colette. We will do our best to adapt. Call me Rin. I appreciate your willingness to help."

With the beginnings of a treaty in place, the group settled into a cautious but hopeful discussion about the future, one where ferals and regular beastmen might find common ground.