Surviving the Beastworld

Civil

Hope you enjoy<3

"I think some tea would be in order then." Jaxon added, grabbing the sack of goods off the table before heading out the way his father had entered the room.

Once he was gone, Xavier's father turned back to Xavier and me and gestured to the table. "Why don't you both settle down. I do apologize for the single setting. It's not often that I host guests."

"It's all good, sir..." I said, the last word spilling out before I could stop myself. I cringed a little at his confused expression and added, "We did drop by unexpected..."

As I spoke, I set the basket of fruit on the table before sitting down on one of the furs. Xavier followed suit, keeping close to my side. Meanwhile, Xavier's father took a seat on the opposite side of the table, watching us both like a hawk.

My stomach churned nervously as he watched us for a moment, wondering what he was thinking. I knew he had to have a deep hatred for ferals and rootless beastmen considering what his past job was and how he got those injuries....

But he was being nothing but civil with me despite knowing I was connected to ferals in some way. It was quite strange and keeping my anxiety dialed to nine because I couldn't quite get a read on him.

Perhaps he was being civil for Xavier's case... Or knew that the younger beastman would get between us if a fight broke out which I hoped would not happen.

"Hmmm... That word you used. What does it mean?" Xavier's father suddenly asked. "I've never heard it before."

Well, I guess I could get nothing past him. "Um... it's meant to be a term of respect one can use towards other beastmen... Normally those who are elder to you. It's a custom from my tribe."

"Ah... I'm surprised ferals have those. Then again, the crocodiles do form clans." Xavier's father mused. "I suppose Xavier rescued you from your... tribe."

"Erm... not quite." I murmured, deciding it was best that I get this misunderstanding out of the way. "I'm not really a feral... The feral scent you are catching is likely from my mate. He's a snake beastman."

As I said that, I pulled away the cloak covering my body to show the marking over my heart. I figured it was probably better to be truthful about everything while things were still civil.

The king and queen had been convinced, so hopefully this would work for Xavier's father. Otherwise, this could screw up their relationship... worst case scenario.

"I lost my tribe and got trapped in the Feral Jungle... Ahi, my mate, found me and managed to get me to a nearby village, rescuing me from some crocodile beastmen." I continued. "It might seem strange to hear this, but Ahi acted like a normal beastman willing to court me and everything.... We met Xavier when we got to the village and decided to journey to the city."

"They're an odd pair, nothing like the ferals I've seen before. Especially Ahi." Xavier added. "He felt it would be safer to live here and for Elisa to find other beastmen."

Before anyone could say anything further, Jaxon arrived with a tray in his hands. He took a seat next to his father, handing out some cups filled with chilled tea before picking up a bone knife and one of the fruits.

"So, what did I miss?" The bird beastman asked as he began cutting up the fruit and placing it on a plate he had brought.

"Your brother has found himself a mate.... Or is it still a courtship?" Xavier's father stated before posing the question.

"It's still a courtship." I answered with a faint blush. "But I suppose you could say things are getting a little serious."

"Mother is already concerned about hatchlings." Xavier muttered with a huff, but I didn't miss the way his cheeks were getting red.

"That's not surprising." Xavier's father let out a gruff laugh, turning to Jaxon. "I suppose it's time you start settling down too then. You can't keep caring for an old beastman."

"I have no interest in such things." Jaxon stated plainly, sliding the plate across the table. "Would you like some?"

"Thanks..." I grabbed a small piece before adding, "You should all enjoy it as well."

Because if I did not say a thing none of these beastmen would pick a single piece of fruit. And I was not about to eat alone, especially when this was meant to be a gift.

Xavier's father responded by grabbing some fruit as he asked, "So where do you plan on staying?"

"Currently, we're staying at the palace, but perhaps we'll find a place in the upper district." Xavier mused. "The king granted permission for Ahi and Elisa to live here, but it'll take some time to... ease through things."

"No doubt." Jaxon murmured. "I bet there are some beastmen who'd be willing to sacrifice it all to kill a feral... Especially in the lower district. Maybe even try their luck with you seeing as you're a feral lover."

That got a growl from Xavier and a pointed look from their father. But at least, I knew one thing for sure. The blunt gene definitely ran through the family.

"It's fine." I said, placing a hand on Xavier's arm before he decided to get physical. "I know... some won't like me for the beastman I chose. But it's a risk we had to take on when coming to this city. I hope with time people will see Ahi as different from other ferals... but if not, then we'll have to consider moving."

I wanted to be optimistic about living in the city, but I had to be real too. Ahi was taking a big risk living here as was Xavier associating with me, a feral lover. If others couldn't warm up to us, moving was an option we'd have to look into.

Because I'd be damned if I was going to have to look over my shoulder all the time because of who I loved.

"Likely the best course of action." Xavier's father murmured. "It's good to be prepared for everything."

Thankfully, he was taking this all well. Jaxon still seemed a little wary, quietly eyeing us as we continued to speak for a bit, moving onto other matters. Xavier's father asked him about the village as well as how the queen was faring.

I would've thought that he would be bitter by what the queen did, but he seemed the opposite. Perhaps, it was because of their bond, but I could see how it could complicate things.

Then again, they could be similar to my parents. Separated, but on friendly terms. But I doubted that was the case on the queen's side considering that she was not interested in the older beastman.

That aside, I was still happy with how this meeting went despite the rocky start.