Chapter 24: Deep, Insatiable, Yearning

Tuesday, Trill's village

8:03 pm, 20 years prior

Felix doesn't know what to say after having met the Chief upon arrival at Trill's home. The girl guides him through the horde of villagers gathered around the bonfire, chatting merrily with drinks in their hands. She sits down beside her mother and Pon'yo beckons the thinner man to sit at his left. The chief pats his back once he's sitting.

"Did Trill tell you what we're celebrating tonight?" Pon'yo inquires.

"She told me it was just dinner," Felix replies with a brow raised.

"The entire village has come together to celebrate her arranged marriage in a few short years to our strongest hunter's son. The announcement will be the start of the two getting to know each other," the Chief explains with a soft smile as he gestures to a small boy across from them on the other side of the bonfire.

"Is it common for parents to arrange marriages in your village?" Felix asks turning away from the boy to look at Pon'yo.