Just Another Beastmen Story

Part 37

A week had passed, and Iliana and Henry had settled into the gentle rhythm of their daily routine—tending to villagers, treating patients, and returning home together as the evening shadows stretched long. As they walked back to their treehouse after visiting another patient, Iliana's gaze caught on the stains smeared across Henry's deer-skin tunic.

"Henry, did you get blood on you?" she asked, her brow lifting in playful curiosity as they stepped inside.

Henry glanced down, a crooked smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "I think so. I wasn't exactly paying attention."

Iliana chuckled and shook her head. "Perfect timing, then! We can finally try the soap we made. It should be ready by now!"

With a hint of doubt, Henry moved over to the bowl where the neatly cut squares of soap sat, his fingers hesitating just above the pieces. "You're sure this is safe? Last time we made it, that liquid burned your skin."

"Yes, I'm sure," Iliana replied confidently, picking up a soap square and wrapping it in a leaf. "That was just the lye before it settled. After sitting for a week, it's neutralized now. All the harsh stuff is gone, and what's left is what will actually clean you."

She smiled brightly, her excitement contagious as she prepared the soap by wrapping it in a leaf. But a flicker of impatience crossed her face as her eyes darted to the windowsill where her seeds sat untouched, still refusing to sprout. A soft sigh escaped her lips. A week might be nothing for seeds, but it sure feels like forever.

"Come on, let's go to the swimming hole," she said, her mood lifting again. She tugged at Henry's arm, her smile mischievous. "We'll wash off all that grime, and you'll see—our soap will work."

Just as she was about to pull him out the door, a deep, familiar voice resonated from the other side of the treehouse, followed by a knock.

"Henry? Are you home?"

Iliana paused, her hand still on Henry's arm. He released a small sigh before moving to the door, swinging it open to reveal an older beastman. The resemblance was striking—like a seasoned version of Henry himself. His long, crimson hair, streaked with silver, and those same golden eyes greeted them with a warm familiarity. He wore a zebra-patterned tunic, his presence both commanding and gentle.

"Father?" Henry blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Bandar stepped inside with a polite nod, glancing briefly at Iliana before focusing on his son. "I'm sorry to drop by without notice, but I need your help with a patient. I've tried everything I know, but nothing's working. I thought if we put our heads together, we might come up with a solution."

"Of course," Henry said, gesturing to the small sitting area. "Let's talk it over." Then, turning to Iliana, he added, "Dad, this is Iliana. Iliana, this is my father, Bandar."

Iliana stepped forward and extended her hand, a warm smile lighting up her face. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bandar. You and Henry look so alike."

Bandar chuckled, his eyes crinkling in good humor as he clasped her hand. The scent of ginger wafted from him, comforting in its strength. "Ah, the pleasure is all mine, Iliana. Henry's spoken highly of you. We'd hoped to meet earlier, but—" He paused, his gaze shifting knowingly. "Well, you went into season, and it seemed best to wait. His mother and I are eager to know—any news yet? It's been, what, two or three weeks now? Are you feeling any morning sickness? You should be able to tell soon, given our gestation period—"