chapter 41

The villagers send us off with warmth and gratitude, thanking us once again for our help, but also excited about our next trip.

It took us two days to get to the Blue Feather village, where Liam and his uncle Lao live. The journey is exhausting but beautiful, with constantly changing jungle landscapes and the company of my husbands and Lao that make time pass quickly.

Halfway through the trip, Lalabel began to feel a persistent dizziness. At first, I try to ignore it, thinking that it is just the tiredness of the trip, but when it becomes constant, I decide to mention something.

-Lao, I feel a little dizzy, I say as we walk.

The healer Lao approaches me, with concern evident in his face. He asks me to sit down and takes my pulse, his expression becomes serious but gentle.

-Lalabel, you're pregnant. - he says, his words full of certainty.

I couldn't believe it at first. I tried to take care of myself as best I could, but his words make a wave of emotions flood me. I look at my husbands, who are around us, with expressions ranging from surprise to understanding.

Yang, Tarish and Teru were the first to suspect, noticing the changes in my smell and the increase in my appetite. They approach me with smiles and words of support.

-I knew it, Yang says with a smile. I could smell it in your scent.

Teru nodded, her eyes shining with emotion.

-Yes, you've been eating more lately -she adds with a soft laugh.

Tarish, always so observant, takes my hand and gently squeezes it.

-We're gonna be fine, Lalabel. We're here with you.

Noir and Liam, on the other hand, seem more surprised. Noir, always so protective, comes over and wraps me in a hug.

A system message blocks my field of view:

Congratulations

You're pregnant

The system rewards you:

40 crystals white

10 blue crystals

The following system message:

Congratulations you have reached level 10

 The system rewards you:

you are awarded 5 attribute points

Accept the rewards and continue walking into the village.

When we settled back in the cottage next to the house of the healer Lao, I decided it was time to have a serious conversation with my husbands.

I gather my husbands in the main room. Yang, Noir and Liam sit in a circle around the table, their faces reflecting curiosity and some concern. Tarish and Teru are nearby, watching with interest but keeping a respectful distance.

—I need to talk to you -beginning, feeling a mixture of nerves and determination-. During the time we were in Ara Macao village, I only had intimate relations with Yang, Noir and Liam. I'm sure Yang is not the father, which means that the father is one of you two -I mean, looking at Noir and Liam and walking around seriously.

Noir frowns, clearly surprised by my stern tone, while Liam leans forward, his eyes showing a mixture of surprise and concern.

-Lalabel, are you sure? - asks Noir, his voice low and cautious.

-Yes, I'm sure -I firmly answer-. That I had told you, that I didn't want to get pregnant yet. - I complain with slight anger.

-We'll be constantly traveling so that's why I didn't want to get pregnant yet, - I sigh to calm my anger.

Liam hands his hair, clearly nervous.

-Lalabel, I don't want you to feel pressured or upset, she says. But... if we're being honest, it could be either of us.

—Exactly, Noir adds, trying to keep calm. Not that we want to avoid responsibility, but at this point, it's hard to say for sure.

I feel the tension in the room, but I also see the sincerity in their eyes. I approach them and take their hands, one in each of my hands.

—What matters now is that we are in this together -I say, looking at both of us. We're going to face this as a family, no matter who the biological father is.

Noir and Liam nod, their expressions relaxing a little.

-Thank you, Lalabel -says Noir, squeezing my hand with affection. We will be here for you and our chicks, no matter what.

-Yes, we are a family, Liam adds. We will take care of you and the chicks together.

()()()()()

3 days later...

The days pass and I find a calm and comforting rhythm in the village of Pluma Azul. The cottage next to the house of the Lao healer becomes our temporary home, and each of us assumes roles that help keep us busy and connected.

I spend a lot of time resting or weaving baskets, which I find surprisingly relaxing. The baskets become little works of art, each with unique patterns and colors, reflecting the beauty of nature around us.

My husbands take care of their daily chores. Noir and Yang go out hunting, bringing back fresh meat and furs. Every time they return, I feel a deep gratitude for their dedication and care. Teru, always diligent, goes out to chop wood, making sure we never lack heat on cool nights.

Liam, for his part, dedicated himself to taking care of me with a tenderness and devotion that move me. Every morning and evening, she sits behind me and comb my long purple hair, her hands moving with gentle and careful skill.

-Your hair is so beautiful, Lalabel -she tells me one evening while carefully untangling a knot. I love spending this time with you.

-Thank you, Liam -I reply, feeling love in each of your gestures. You make me feel very special.

He smiles and continues to comb, sometimes braiding my hair in intricate patterns, other times letting it flow freely.

()()()()

On a sunny afternoon, while I am weaving baskets in the front yard of the cabin, I hear a noise of hurried steps. As I look up, I see my friend Roxy coming towards me with a big smile on her face. Her brown hair shines in the sun and her blue eyes flash with emotion.

-Lalabel! - Roxy exclaims, opening her arms for a hug-. I heard the news! Is it true you're pregnant?

I quickly get up and run to hug her.

-Roxy! Yes, that's right. I'm pregnant, I say, feeling a wave of joy sharing this news with her.

Roxy hugs me hard and then she stepped away to look at me carefully.

-That's wonderful! - he says, his eyes full of happiness -. I had to come see you as soon as I knew.

We sit in the patio, enjoying the warm afternoon sun. I offer a cool drink and we start catching up. I tell you about Blue Feather Village, our days here, and how we've been adjusting to the new routine.

Suddenly, Liam appears with a smile on his face, carrying a basket full of fresh fruit. Roxy stands up, surprised.

-Liam! - she exclaims, her eyes opening and focusing on the conjugal mark of the east neck.

Liam stops, blinking at Roxy.

-Roxy! I didn't expect to see you here, he says, with a mixture of surprise and joy in his voice.

I stare at them, clearly surprised by the familiarity between them.

-Do you know each other? - I ask, curious.

Roxy nods, still smiling.

-Yes, Lalabel. Liam is my cousin -he replies laughing -I didn't know him, but now he's your partner.

Liam nods, coming closer to pat him on the shoulder.

-Yes, we are family. Roxy and I grew up together, but since she got a partner we hardly see each other.- she explains, looking at her cousin with affection.

Roxy tells me funny stories about her childhood with Liam, and I can't help but laugh when I hear some of his antics. The connection between them is evident, and I am grateful to have her by my side in this special moment.

()()()()()

On the coral reef near the Arana Peninsula, crystal clear waters allowed the sun's rays to filter into the depths, illuminating an underwater world of vibrant colors and life in constant motion.

A group of mermaids were gathered in circles, floating gracefully among the coral formations. Their melodious voices echoed through the water, creating a symphony that blended with the gentle murmur of the ocean. The mermaids were creatures of unequalled beauty, with long hair floating like silk in the water, and tails covered with gleaming scales.

Adela, an adult of the mermaid tribe, stood out for her beautiful dark green hair that waved softly with the movement of water, and her sky blue eyes that seemed to contain the immensity of the ocean. Her profiled nose and her skin white as the sea foam made her look like a mythical figure from a dream.

Adela was surrounded by a group of young mermaids, all expectant and anxious, listening to each word with attention. Adela's wisdom and experience were respected by all in the tribe, and when she spoke, the entire reef seemed to stop to listen.

—Young mermaids -began Adela with melodious and authoritative voice at the same time-, in a month's rain season will begin and our cycle of rut. Each of you must prepare for this important moment.

The young mermaids looked at each other, exchanging looks of excitement and nervousness. For many, it would be the first time they experienced the courtship ritual that had been a tradition in their tribe for generations.

—It is normal for more than one male to attend the frequency of their singing, continued Adela, seeing the mixture of anxiety and enthusiasm in the faces of the girls. Remember to choose the male who offers you the most pearls, that indicates that it is the strongest and able to protect you and your future offspring.

—Don't be carried away by the number of pearls, but also by the character of the male, added Adela with a wise smile. Strength is important, but kindness and intelligence are also important.

The young mermaids nodded, understanding the importance of what was being said. They knew that they were not only choosing a partner, but also a protector and a father for their descendants.