Beastmen: She Tames the Land-Chapter 96: Going to the River Clan

Two days passed in a flash. They made sure to explain what they were doing to the pack. The leaders and priestess suddenly leaving would cause alarm otherwise. Krag and Chi were left in charge since they were the strongest in the pack. The pack did not disagree. Except for Kael and Heta, they had all seen both of them fight. They knew they were skilled.

In the blink of an eye, it was time for them to set out for the River Clan.

The gates of the caldera opened with a grinding groan. The entire pack was there to see them off. There was no cheering. The scene was silent as they watched their leaders and priestess make the trek to another pack in the hopes of making their lives better. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

The journey was uneventful. Kaelen scouted ahead, letting them know whether the coast was clear. Vish would find useful herbs and pick them to bring them back to the caldera. She would try to plant them there once she got back.

The world outside the caldera was warmer than before. The growth of many plants and animals had been nourished during this time. The journey made them think of their own home, which was just as lush.

"Do you think going to them like this will be okay?" asked Visha.

Uri’s eyes scanned the foliage close by. "I think we need to make our presence known, or we will be locked away from the world."

"Agreed. We can’t know whether things will be good or bad unless we try." Xeno replied. "We aren’t revealing anything about the pack itself. We’re only giving them a name."

Visha smiled. She realized their conversations were beginning to form a pattern. If it continues as it did, she would end up being the conscience of their bond.

Two days later, a signal came from Kaelen. It was to let them know that they were approaching otter territory. He landed and shifted. Xeno tossed him his clothes. They made sure they didn’t have anything on them that could be perceived as a weapon. They were here to become allies, not to start a war.

Visha took out the gift she had prepared. She walked with it carefully in her hands.

"Remember, we aren’t here to make enemies. We are guests." Her eyes met her mates. Xeno put on a well-meaning grin and Uri nodded slightly.

They walked towards a cluster of mud huts. It was the same as Kaelen had described. The houses were made of mud and reeds. They were on tall stilts over the river. Their houses were connected by wooden bridges.

As they approached, they heard the chaotic laughter and splashing of water. They smelled the fish, the wet earth, and the smoke from the fire. The females were weaving patterns on a large loom while children splashed in water. The scene was oddly comforting.

Visha watched the children running around. Their pack only had Kit and Nimo. The two children saw the adults working so hard every day and, at one point, joined the movement. Visha had to tell them that it was okay for them to play sometimes. There were many things they couldn’t do because of their age. But they would still help with foraging and farming without being told.

Their arrival didn’t go unnoticed. The laughter faded, and the children popped up out of the water to see the people who had entered their domain. The adults who were inside came out carrying sharpened fish spears and bone knives.

Their expression wasn’t aggressive. It was wary. Seeing the new people who have entered their territory, they are unsure of what they want.

A large man with grey streaked hair and a wise face stepped forward from the largest house. He moved slowly, his eyes assessing. Unlike his compations there was no fear in his eyes. He wasn’t wary of Visha and her group. Or if he was, he was able to hide it well.

A deep voice left his lips. "Greetings. You are unknown in the area. I assume you are here for a reason."

Visha stepped forward slowly. She didn’t want to make any sudden movement that might cause panic. "Greetings. We are the Warm Pack. I am Visha, the priestess. This is Uri and Xeno, the pack leaders. And this is Kaelen, our scout." She gestured to each person in turn.

The otter’s eyes shifted. They narrowed slightly. "I have not heard of the Warm Pack before. Your lands must be far from here."

"Yes," Visha agreed. "We know we are strangers. We don’t ask for your hospitality. We only ask for a moment of your time." Visha stretched her hands forward, showing the box she was holding. "This is a gift. I don’t ask for anything in return. It is a gift of goodwill, a sign of respect."

Opening the small box she was carrying, it revealed 3 claymoss bottles. "Inside is a soothing salve. It can help with skin irritation and has gentle healing properties."

The otter looked at the bottles for a moment. He stepped forward gracefully and took up one of the bottles from the box. He opened it and smelled the light floral scent. He smiled briefly, nodding as well.

He closed the bottle, placed it in the box and took the box from Visha.

"I am Reeva, elder of the River clan," the authority in his voice could not be hidden. "Thank you for the gift. I will give one in return."

It was clear it had an effect on the otter people standing behind him. Visha and the others could feel their respect for this man. As an elder, to garner such respect, he must have done many great things for the otter tribe.

Their reaction actually piques Visha’s interest.

He looked from Visha to Uri and Xeno. His gaze fell briefly on Kaelen before looking away. He gestured for them to follow, "Come, Warm Pack. It seems we can get to know more about each other."