Chapter 39 part 2

One week later, the village begins to regain its vitality. During those days, Nakao started courting Lalabel, bringing her gifts: exotic fruits, tender meat, and vibrant flowers. Although Lalabel accepts these gifts out of courtesy, she doesn't feel that special connection that defines her relationships with each of her husbands. Noir smells like pine, Teru like cinnamon, Yang like mint, and Liam like coconut. With Nakao, that spark simply doesn't exist.

With the infection problem resolved, the village decides to celebrate its recovery with a grand feast. Nakao announces the event, which will take place the following night.

"To celebrate the village overcoming the epidemic, tomorrow night we will hold a feast," Nakao announces, his voice full of excitement.

After the announcement, Lalabel approaches Nakao and explains how to build drums and a pair of maracas to make the feast livelier.

"We need drums for the music," says Lalabel. "The rhythm of the drums will make everyone dance and celebrate even more."

"Thank you, Lalabel. We will make the drums for the occasion," Nakao replies, grateful.

"I'll come back later to see how you're doing with the drums!" Lalabel says as she waves goodbye and turns around, walking away from Nakao's hut.

()()()()

She returns to her hut...

"There will be a feast tomorrow night to celebrate that we've overcome the epidemic," I say as I enter the hut, my voice full of joy.

"That sounds wonderful, Lalabel," replies Yang, a smile on his lips. "What do you have in mind?"

"I want to teach you all how to drum dance with me," I announce, feeling excitement bubble inside me. "It will be fun and make the celebration even more special."

The faces of my husbands light up with anticipation. I walk up to each of them, taking their hands and guiding them to the center of the hut, where there is enough space to move.

"First, let's learn the rhythm," I say, tapping the beat with my palms. "Listen to the rhythm of the drums in your minds and let your bodies follow it."

I begin to move to the rhythm I imagine, showing how the steps should be fluid and in tune with the pulse of the drums. Noir follows me gracefully, his natural elegance making him an excellent dancer. Yang, with his lively energy, moves with enthusiasm, while Teru, always calm and serene, follows my movements with a focused stillness. Liam, with his strength and gentleness combined, adapts his steps with ease, and Tarish, with his agility, joins us, completing the circle.

"That's it, very good," I encourage them, smiling. "Now, each of you will be my partner for a few minutes."

We spend the time practicing, laughing, and adjusting our steps until we all move in harmony. The connection between us grows even stronger, and I feel immense gratitude for having these incredible men by my side.

"By the way, after the feast, I'd like to mate with you, Liam," I add, looking at him with a mischievous smile. "It will be our time to enjoy and relax together."

Liam's smile widens with excitement at the good news that he will mate with Lala.

The night progresses, and finally, we stop, laughing and breathing heavily from the intense practice. We sit together, sharing stories and dreams, the light from the lamps casting dancing shadows around us.

"Thank you for this moment, Lalabel," says Liam, his voice soft and filled with love. "It means a lot to us."

"I couldn't have done it without you, my loves," I reply, feeling my heart full.

The next day...

The aroma of breakfast prepared by Teru fills the air, a comforting blend of spices and fresh food. We sit together at the table, enjoying the meal and each other's company. I feel grateful for these peaceful moments before a day full of preparations.

"Today is going to be a great day," I say, smiling at my husbands as I finish my plate. "After breakfast, Yang and I will go see the men in charge of the drums and maracas. I want to make sure the rhythm is perfect for tonight."

Yang grabs one of the maracas and begins to play, his contagious energy as he follows my lead. Together, we demonstrate the exact rhythm we want, and the men watch us attentively, their faces focused.

"Very well, now try it yourselves," I say, encouraging them.

The men begin to play, following our example. The drums resonate powerfully, and the maracas add their rhythmic vibration. Slowly, they all start to synchronize, creating a melody that fills the air with life and movement.

"That's it!" I exclaim, excited. "Keep that rhythm, and tonight the music will be incredible."

We spend the morning working together, fine-tuning the small details and making sure everyone feels comfortable with their parts. The connection between us grows stronger with each drumbeat and every shake of the maraca.

"Thank you, Lalabel," says one of the men, his face lit up by a smile. "We're ready for tonight."

"Thank you all for your dedication," I reply, feeling grateful for their effort and enthusiasm. "It will be an unforgettable night."

As we return to the hut, Yang and I talk about the excitement of the upcoming celebration. The sun shines high in the sky, and the village is filled with activity as everyone prepares for the feast. The aroma of cooking food mixes with the fresh jungle air, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and joy.

"It's going to be a wonderful night," says Yang, his voice full of hope.

"Yes, it will be," I reply, feeling a wave of happiness. "We've worked hard, and now it's time to celebrate our strength and unity."

()()()()

As night falls, a large bonfire is lit in the center of the village. The warm glow of the flames illuminates the happy faces of the villagers. Wooden tables are laden with food: fresh fruits, roasted meats, and traditional dishes prepared with care. The aroma of the delicacies mixes with the cool night air, creating a festive atmosphere.

Lalabel is surrounded by her husbands, feeling the comfort of their presence. The music of the drums echoes throughout the village, and the women begin to dance, their movements fluid and graceful, reflecting the joy of the celebration.

In the midst of the feast, Nakao rises, drawing the attention of everyone present. His strong, clear voice rings out over the noise of the party.

"Tonight, we celebrate not only the recovery of our village, but also the courage and dedication of those who saved us," Nakao announces, looking at Lalabel and her companions. "Lalabel, you have brought hope and healing to the village. Therefore, I want to give you a symbol of our gratitude."

Nakao extends his hand and reveals a red pearl, shining and perfect. The pearl, known for its rarity, is a highly valued treasure in the village. Upon seeing it, Lalabel feels a wave of emotion and gratitude.

"The Red Pearl," Lalabel murmurs, her eyes sparkling with surprise and joy.

Nakao steps toward Lalabel and hands her the pearl publicly. The crowd applauds and cheers, celebrating the moment with enthusiasm.

"This pearl is a symbol of our gratitude and the life you have saved here," says Nakao, smiling sincerely. "Thank you, Lalabel, for everything you have done."

Lalabel takes the pearl, feeling its smooth surface beneath her fingers. A sense of accomplishment and satisfaction envelops her. She looks at her husbands, who watch her with pride and love.

"Thank you, Nakao, and thank you all," Lalabel responds, holding up the pearl. "I couldn't have done it without the support and strength of this community."

Lalabel approaches the drummers and asks them to prepare to play the rhythm they had practiced just moments before.

"I want us to play the drum," she says with a smile. "The rhythm we practiced together."

The drummers nod, excited for the opportunity to show what they have learned. They begin preparing their drums, adjusting the tension of the skins and stretching their arms in anticipation of the intensity of the rhythm to come.

Lalabel, feeling filled with anticipation and joy, approaches her husbands. She had spent time teaching them the steps to this special dance, a legacy passed down from her maternal grandmother. She had always dreamed of dancing this dance with them, and now was the perfect moment.

"Let's go, guys!" she says enthusiastically. "It's time to drum dance. Remember what I taught you."

Noir, Teru, Yang, and Liam nod, their faces filled with excitement. They position themselves beside Lalabel, ready to begin. The drums start to sound, filling the air with a vibrant and contagious rhythm. The drumbeats are firm and resonant, following the pattern Lalabel had taught.

The drummers strike the center of the drum with the palms of their hands, creating a deep and rhythmic sound.

They tap a quick beat with their fingers on the edge of the drum, adding a sharp and dynamic tone.

A series of softer beats follow the main rhythm, creating a musical conversation between the drummers.

Lalabel begins to move, her feet gliding over the dirt floor as she follows the rhythm of the drums. Her husbands follow her, replicating the fluid and energetic movements she had taught them. Each step is precise, each turn elegant.

Each of the men has his moment to dance with his female, showing their love for her in a very passionate way. The dance captivates the gaze of everyone present.

Dawn begins to fall, and the feast continues in full swing, with music and laughter filling the air. However, I feel the need for a moment of intimacy, away from the noise and the crowd. I look at Liam, and he seems to read my thoughts. I take his hand, warm and comforting, and whisper in his ear.

"Let's go, Liam. I need a moment alone with you."

Liam nods, his eyes full of understanding and affection. We discreetly move away from the feast, heading into the nearby jungle. The sound of the drums and laughter fades as we venture deeper into the vegetation. The moonlight filters through the foliage, creating a play of shadows on the ground.

We walk in silence, enjoying each other's company and the serene atmosphere of the jungle. Finally, we reach a clearing where the moonlight illuminates a small stream, its clear and peaceful water reflecting the starry sky. I stop and turn to face Liam, feeling a wave of love and gratitude.

"This place is perfect," I say, smiling as I approach him. "Thank you for always being by my side."

"Always, Lalabel," Liam replies, wrapping me in his arms. "There's no place I'd rather be."

We sit by the stream, the water softly whispering around us. Liam's familiar coconut scent surrounds me, giving me a sense of calm and safety. I rest my head on his shoulder and close my eyes, letting myself drift in the moment.

"It's been two difficult weeks, but we've accomplished so much," I say, my voice barely a whisper.

"Yes, we have. And all thanks to you," Liam replies, gently stroking my hair. "You're amazing, Lalabel."

"I couldn't have done it without all of you. This success belongs to all of us."

Liam softly kisses me on the forehead, and I feel a deep peace filling me. I look into his eyes, shining with love under the moonlight, and kiss him. The kiss is gentle at first, but soon it becomes an expression of all the love and passion we share.