Among many beasts, there is only one beauty

✿ Chapter 1.2.3: His mark is on me. ✿

When I stop pondering about my decisions and what led me to this, I see that Cheng is in front of me with a wide smile. He comes with another person. The teenage boy that was in the ceremony with the three of us. I move in front of the table, standing up from my seat.

I take a better look at him, and it's obvious that he is a teen. I ask his age, and he replies

"Almost 240 moons, traveler." I do some quick math in my head, and he is almost twenty. "And you?" I look towards Cheng, and he answers "310, love." He is a couple of months away from being 26.

I look at them in awe; their appearance is so different, even if they are more close in age than what it seems. I can see that he has no tattoos visible, yet his hair is long and frayed, like Cheng's.

"How come that you have no tattoos, yet you haven't lost any fight?" I ask boldly.

"Wow, good assumption, miss! I have never fought; I am a pacifist by nature. Which is why I never developed divine markings in my body. You acquire them through breakthroughs" he responded to me.

"What is that?"

"It happens when you fight ferociously and almost get defeated. But you didn't after all. When it happens, you get sick for half a moon phase and gain a marking" Cheng responds as he is grebbing me on my shoulders. He looks down on himself as to show off his tattoos. "So four is the max?" I reply.

"It's the greatest we have ever seen. There are legends that once you gain five, you get a special one in the shape of your animal. Like a spousal mark" says the teen, and I inspect my surroundings again, checking the women's bodies. They have little pandas over them. In different positions, each one of them. The prettier females—it does not matter if they are younger or older—have more of them. Signaling that they have more spouses than the others.

"Hmm, then if you have almost no strength, how do you hunt?" I wonder in my head, but speak aloud.

"I don't. See, I wanted to show you our tools and how we work the leather and animal bones. We even mastered ceramics!" He says gladly.

"Wen" says Chen while pointing at the boy. "He has mastered the arts; the people of the village use him for utensils and clothes. He exchanges objects for pieces of meat." He lets his arm go off my shoulder and covers his mouth before clearing his throat. "We wanted to ask you if you will allow him to be your companion; he is the creator after all. And although he can't hunt, I can feed you both." He turns his necklace to show me that he is telling the truth. They look at me with puppy eyes, and I give in. "Okay, if that is what you both wish, I will agree. As long as we are just that, companions."

They both look extremely happy. Wen gives a little clap and slightly jumps. "I promise just that; I wouldn't even dare to share a tent with us, lady." He holds my hand softly. "I will teach you many creations and wonders; do not fret."

"If he is going to teach me how to become an artesan. What will you do?" I look towards Cheng, and he turns around his necklace. "Mine says protector on it, so I guess I'll do so." He pulls Wen's hand from mine and grabs it for himself. "We should talk about this in private. Don't you think?" He looks at the meadow where the fight occurred. It is now covered in petals, as the people that are dancing also throw them. The beating of the drums seems more musical instead of ceremonious. They are in the center of it now, while the rest of the tribe jumps around the musicians.

He drags me to the side and indicates for me to sit down; there are other couples who are besides us. He positions himself in front of me. Close enough so that we can whisper in each other's ears.

"Explore the tribe with your eyes. See, every male here is looking at you. Mesmerized. Even the ones that have a spouse already are risking banishment for a chance." He giggles at his own words. "Now look at the females; they are looking at you with envy in their eyes."