Chapter 16: The Arrival of the Deer Tribe

Chapter 16: The Arrival of the Deer Tribe

Yue Lixue was already up and out with Maria as dawn broke over the dense canopies of the Panther's Village. Her newfound female beast mentor and friend. The sun cast a golden hue upon the treetops, illuminating the intricate patterns of leaves and branches.

In Treetop Village and among the panther beastmen, a sense of anticipation buzzed among the panther beastmen, who had been tirelessly weaving temporary huts on solid ground for their esteemed guests.

Thanks to Maria's guidance in training, Lixue was no longer unsure on her feet. Although her confidence was not absolute in her new beastworld body, it was slowly being earned. She wasn't yet at the conference level to be as high off the ground on branches like jumping up to Treetop Village but she was comfortable practicing doing this with Maria closer to the ground, on the huge trees and their equality huge branches.

While Maria easily slipped in and out of her Panther form. Lixue had still to re-awaken her snow leopard and so was training her beast without being able to shift into her beasts form.

The Deer Tribe of Verdant Grove's arrival was imminent, and the Panther Tribe of Treetop Village wanted to ensure that their visitors felt welcomed and respected, even if it meant stepping away from their customary treetop dwellings.

The woven huts, crafted from sturdy vines and broad leaves, stood in neat clusters, each adorned with colourful floral decorations that reflected the vibrant forest spirit of the Panther Tribe. As the panther beastmen worked, their strong hands moved with a grace over days that belied their muscular forms. They understood the importance of this diplomatic visit; it was not merely a meeting of tribes but a chance to foster relationships that could benefit both communities.

Among the bustling panther beastmen, the younger son of the Panther Chief, and now happily mated, Korren stood tall, his keen amber eyes scanning the horizon for signs of the approaching Deer Tribe. His heart raced with a mix of excitement and trepidation. He had heard stories of the Deer, of their graceful movements and ethereal presence. Yet, he also knew that their vegan diets and reliance on medicinal herbs set them apart from the carnivorous ways of the Panther Tribe.

As the Deer Tribe approached the clearing of the makeshift village, a palpable tension hung in the air, mingling with the vibrant colors of the surrounding forest. Sun Zhu, leading his kin, bore the weight of his tribe's hopes on his shoulders, but even he could not mask the unease that flickered in his wise eyes. The journey had been riddled with danger, and the haunting memories of lost kin still clung to the edges of his thoughts.

Sun Ying walked closely beside his father, his posture rigid yet graceful, embodying the quiet strength expected of a leader. Despite his attempts to project calm, a subtle tremor in his hands betrayed his inner turmoil. Each step felt heavier than the last, a reminder of the fragility of life and the very real threats that lurked in the shadows of the forest.

Sun Shu and Sun Qui, walking in tandem, exchanged glances filled with unspoken fears. Sun Shu, his strong build silhouetted against the vibrant greenery, wore a mask of serenity, but the shadow in his eyes spoke volumes. He remembered the sounds of pain that had echoed through the woods during their journey, the sharp cries of their fallen comrades still ringing in his ears. Sun Qui, his heart pounding in rhythm with the tension around him, fought to remain composed, yet he felt his stomach twist with anxiety. They were not just entering a new territory; they were stepping into a battlefield of uncharted emotions.

As the Deer tribe crossed into the clearing, the sight of the panther beastmen stirred a mix of awe and apprehension within them. They could see the younger panthers standing in awe, their instincts torn between reverence and predatory hunger. Sun Zhu took a deep breath, attempting to steady his racing heart. He knew this was a moment of diplomacy, yet the primal instincts that bound their two tribes together loomed large.

The Deer tribe exchanged greetings with the panther beastmen, their voices mingling in a harmonious blend, but the underlying tension was palpable. Sun Shu caught a glimpse of the panthers' keen eyes, sharp and watchful, reflecting both curiosity and hunger. He fought to suppress the shiver that threatened to run down his spine. The Deer were more than mere prey; they were ambassadors of peace, yet the forest echoed with the remnants of their journey—of loss, fear, and the stark reminder that they were walking a tightrope between survival and diplomacy.

In that moment, Sun Ying stepped forward, his voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of emotion. "We come on behalf of The Verdant Grove with peace in our intentions, seeking to strengthen bonds between our tribes." As he spoke, his heart raced, the weight of his words pressing heavily upon him... Fung Ho, Lam Yuk and Lik Hang. He was painfully aware that their presence was likely a fragile truce, if these panther were in leage with thosespotted cat beasts... they too might die here having walked intoba trap. The remaining delegation wax held together by the haunting memories of those who had fallen along the way.

As Lixue and Maria watched from their perch, Lixue felt a swell of empathy for the Deer tribe. She could see the effort in their attempts to remain calm, the way they tried to mask their shaking hands and nervous glances with practiced politeness. They were not just visitors; they were survivors, and their journey had left scars that would take time to heal.

The moment hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fears and hopes. The Deer tribe stood poised on the brink of something monumental, their fragile peace hanging in the balance as they faced the panther tribe, determined to forge a new path together to strengthen their tribes, even as the shadows of their recent past horrors lingered in their sleepless eyes which kept darting just beyond the edge of the clearing.

Not far away, Zevaris and Veylan looked over from a lookout point discussing some of the politics between them, as they made their way down to the forrest ground. Both father and son are wondering the same: Would they be able to find common ground? More importantly, would this work and last?

As the sun climbed higher, a ripple of energy coursed through the gathered crowd. The panther beastmen straightened their postures proudly, their ears twitching with anticipation. From the direction of the Verdant Grove, a procession emerged, moving with a fluidity that captivated all who beheld it. The Deer Tribe, resplendent in their natural adornments of leaves, flowers, and soft fabrics made from woven threads from dried plant materials. They approached with a quiet air of grace and serenity that could only be from the Deer of Verdant Grove.

The elders in their human forms, and wearing formal clothes than what they normally would, bowed theor heads to show they meant no harm and respected the Deer tribe.

The Deer tribe, led by their patriarch Sun Zhu, moved with an air of grace and serenity. Sun Zhu, with his wise eyes and serene demeanour, was accompanied by his son Sun Ying, who carried himself with the quiet strength of a leader. The delegation also included Sun Ying's sons, Sun Shu and Sun Qui, whose names reflected their connection to the natural world—Sun Shu, meaning "Tree Son," and Sun Qui, meaning "Bamboo Son." Their names were a testament to their heritage and the resilience of their tribe.

At the forefront of this delegation was Sun Shu, despite his strong build his face in human form held delicate features framed by a crown of pine needles. Despite his beauty, a shadow lingered in his young adult eyes—a reminder of the very real danger that had plagued their delegation while being on the road for so long. They could very easily be food. Sun Qui and Sun Shi walked on each side of their grandfather, Sun Zhu. Sun Ying theor father brought up the rear.

The Deer, led by their patriarch Sun Zhu, moved with an air of grace and serenity. Sun Zhu, with his wise eyes and serene demeanour, was accompanied by his son Sun Ying, who carried himself with the quiet strength of a leader. The delegation also included Sun Ying's sons, Sun Shu and Sun Qui, whose names reflected their connection to the natural world—Sun Shu, meaning "Tree Son," and Sun Qui, meaning "Bamboo Son." Their names were a testament to their heritage and the resilience of their tribe.

Among the Deer, there were also the brothers Ye Feng and Ye Chun, whose names carried the essence of wind and spring. Ye Feng, with his agile movements and sharp mind, was known for his strategic thinking, while Ye Chun, with his gentle demeanour and deep connection to nature, was revered for his healing touch. Together, they added a dynamic duo to the deer delegation.

As the Deer Tribe entered the clearing of the makeshift village, the seemed to relax greatly. As they on the ground where the panther beastmen had spent days constructing their preferred accommodation.

Many of the younger panthers stood in awe, their instincts conflicted, one half urging them to bow in respect. The other, urging them to hunt and kill the prey before them. As though they were in the presence of the very kings of the forest, the former instinct won.

The Deer tribes, however, moved with an air of humility, at least thats how most of the panthers read it, acknowledging the panther beastmen's gestures with gentle nods and soft smiles. The two tribes exchanged greetings, their voices mingling in a harmonious blend of tones, each infused with the essence of their respective cultures.

The female pair of Lixue and Maria sat on one of the lowers treetops' branches lower to the ground and watched as the Deer Tribe arrived. Lixue in her human form and Maria in her panther form. It

wasn't clear how the initial meeting was going to go, so the pair stayed hidden but watching.

Many other Panthers chose to do the same. Sira and two other females sat watching from a higher up branch, all in their panther forms. It was easier for them to blend in with the old forests shade as they watched.

The elders were gathered in their go-to semi-circle formation.

Zevaris was the one who stepped forward, expectedly as he is Chief, "Sun Zhu, it has been many years since we welcomed you to our village. You were much younger back then, and after last time your delegation disliked the rope bridges of our village we hope these more grounded accommodations suit your needs."

"That..." An unusual occurrence of Sun Zhu losing composure in his old age and experience was glimpsed. A crack in the mask was visible for just a second, it was enough for the elders to see withered horror and pleading sincerity as he uttered his thanks, "That is wonderful. We are ever so thankful Zevaris."

While not a surprise, more unexpected, Halika then asked, "How was your journey on your way over here?"

The elders and Lixue knew they were probing for signs of jaguar traps and attacks. The look in each of their eyes said enough at such a question.

The composed mask each wore cracked as easily as an egg.

Sun Ying quickly remarked, "It has been days on the road and we are tired. May we rest a day before we begin more diplomatic discussions."

"Very well," Zevaris smiled, "We are glad to have you here."

Knowing what was witnessed, Halika spoke up again, "You will each have two panther beastmen assigned to be your security detail while here. Our numbers are small so please accept this is what we can provide."

"Thank you," Sun Zhu replied, bowing as some tears fell from his face and hit some leafs on the ground, "Thank you, Zevaris for your kindness."