Chapter 34: Night Flower
The warm, golden hues of the setting sun painted the sky with a breathtaking display of colors, as if the very essence of the heavens were on fire. The air was filled with a symphony of soft rustles and gentle whispers, the ancient forest that bordered the village coming to life with the chorus of nocturnal creatures. The limestone cliffs, typically a stark contrast against the vibrant greenery, now took on a soft, honeyed glow, their edges kissed by the fading light.
Standing close to the edge of the terrace was Yue Lixue andand Korran Nightstrider, and their travelling group of companion beastmen, and beastwomen companions, her blue eyes wide with wonder as she took in the spectacle before her.
Wrapped around her waist was Korran's arm, as hers was around his. In an intricate embrace they watched the sky's colours bleed into one another. Occasionally, he planted a few forehead kisses and head rubs, or his thumb absentmindedly would stroke her cheek.
A soft breeze carried the scent of blooming night flowers, their sweet fragrance mingling with the crisp, cool air of the evening.
Yue Lixue inhaled deeply, her eyes widening in awe as she breathed in the unique scent for the first time. "Korran," she murmured, her voice filled with wonder, "what are those flowers? They're so sweet and crisp, like the honeyed wine we had... at the... Snowy Peak Festival." She had almost given herself away again, her secret thatsye was not from here; this world but who would believe her? She'd barely believe herself now. This beastworld wasn't all so terrible.
His amber eyes crinkled at the corners as he gazed down at her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Ah, those are the night flowers of the Cascading Village's cliffs. They only bloom under the light of a full, or nearly full moon like tonight and their scent is the sweetest then. They grow in clusters, creeping up the sheer face of the cliffs. They close up during the day and they're difficult to reach, but the scent is well worth the effort... I'll get some for you." Korran said without hesitating. He wasn't asked but it was so automatic for him as all beastmen wanted to please their mates.
Maria, who was standing nearby in Darian's arms, chimed in, "I've heard tales of these flowers, my mother speaks fondly of them bit this is the first I've found theor scent so sweet and strong, but I have never heard of honeyed wine?" She looked at Yue with curiosity, her panther twitching slightly.
Her face paling slightly at the mention of her secret, her heart pounding in her chest like a frightened rabbit. "Oh, it's just an... expression about a drink from my homeland. The wine there has a unique sweetness, like honey. It's... it's not something you'd find here." She stammered, her eyes darting to Korran's, seeking reassurance.
He didn't know her secret but, Korran, sensing her discomfort, quickly stepped in to save her. "Ah, yes, it's a peculiar custom from Yue's homeland. They have a unique way of describing their foods and drinks, don't they?" He said, his voice filled with pride and affection, as if he were sharing a precious secret. If only he knew the truth...
The old matron Yue Lixue had seen earlier, Artemis, approached them with a knowing smile. She leaned in close to Yue Lixue, her voice barely above a whisper. "New love is always so sweet, isn't it, child? Remember, the path of love, especially for one so young as you're with one of your first mates, is paved with many trials and challenges as well as joy. Embrace both, for they are what make us grow in both sorrow and love." She patted Yue Lixue's hand gently before stepping away, leaving her with a sense of both comfort and apprehension.
A soft breeze carried the scent of blooming night flowers, their sweet fragrance mingling with the crisp, cool air of the evening.
Yue Lixue inhaled deeply, her eyes widening in awe as she breathed in the unique scent for the first time. "Korran," she murmured, her voice filled with wonder, "what are those flowers? They're so sweet and crisp, like the honeyed wine we had... at the... Snowy Peak Festival." She had almost given herself away again, her secret thatsye was not from here; this world but who would believe her? She'd barely believe herself now.
His amber eyes crinkled at the corners as he gazed down at her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "Ah, those are the night flowers of the Cascading Village's cliffs. They only bloom under the light of a full, or nearly full moon like tonight and their scent is the sweetest then. They grow in clusters, creeping up the sheer face of the cliffs. They close up during the day and they're difficult to reach, but the scent is well worth the effort... I'll get some for you." Korran said without hesitating. He wasn't asked but it was so automatic for him as all beastmen wanted to please theor mates.
Maria, who was standing nearby in Darian's arms, chimed in, "I've heard tales of these flowers, my mother speaks fondly of them bit this is the first I've found theor scent so sweet and strong, but I have never heard of honeyed wine?" She looked at Yue with curiosity, her ears twitching slightly.
Her face paling slightly at the mention of her secret, her heart pounding in her chest like a frightened rabbit. "Oh, it's just an... expression about a drink from my homeland. The wine there has a unique sweetness, like honey. It's... it's not something you'd find here." She stammered, her eyes darting to Korran's, seeking reassurance.
He didn't know her secret but, Korran, sensing her discomfort, quickly stepped in to save her. "Ah, yes, it's a peculiar custom from Yue's homeland. They have a unique way of describing their foods and drinks, don't they?" He said, his voice filled with pride and affection, as if he were sharing a precious secret. If only he knew the truth... but she couldn't bring herself to tell him. Plus, it was far too public a space.
Yue was grateful for Korran's intervention, though she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for lying to him. She knew she would have to tell him the truth eventually, but the timing just didn't seem right.
As Yue contemplated her situation, completely forgetting Mari's question, the first of the three moons began to rise over the horizon, casting a silvery glow across the sky. The sight was breathtaking, the full moon joined by its two smaller companions, one slightly larger and the other a delicate crescent. The sight was so stunning that it pulled everyone's attention away from the sunset, their eyes drawn upward to the celestial display that glittered the sky, so much clearer than anything you might see back on Earth.
"Behold, the three moons," Althea's voice called out from behind them, a little mockingly, startling Yue and the others. They turned to see her perched on one of the flatter roofs of a nearby stone terrace, her white wings folded neatly behind her and Finchlyby her side. She was in her human form, her grey eyes reflecting the moonlight as she looked out over the sky. She as beautiful so there was no need for smugness or snobbery.
"Behold, the three moons," Althea's voice called out from behind them, a little mockingly, startling Yue and the others. They turned to see her perched on one of the flatter roofs of a nearby stone terrace, her white wings folded neatly behind her and Finchlyby her side. She was in her human form, her grey eyes reflecting the moonlight as she looked out over the sky. She as beautiful so there was no need for smugness or snobbery. Her golden hair flowed around her like a waterfall, contrasting starkly with the intricate and ornate white feather silk attire she wore. Althea's eyes scanned the group, lingering on Yue before flicking to Korran, her lips curving into a smirk. "I must admit, I'm surprised to see a snow leopard so far from home and in the arms of a panther." Her voice, even in mockery, carried a sultry edge that made Yue's cheeks flush.
Korran's amber eyes narrowed, his protective instincts rising. He didn't like the way Althea was looking at Yue, as if she were a challenge or a prize to be won. He tightened his arm around Yue's waist, a subtle show of possession that sent a clear message. "She's mine," he growled, the words low and threatening. Althea's smirk widened, unaffected by Korran's warning. "Oh, I can see that," she purred, her gaze flicking to the bulge in Korran's pants, which had grown noticeably larger, but not fully. Beasts had no shame and so he wasn't affected by her perusing eyes on his form, "I must say, she's a delightful surprise, and those she has brought with her. It you really are such an unusual sight." Althea's toned seem genuine and kind but her next words hit Korran in a soft spot, "Her beauty is even more under the moonlight... so where are the rest of her mates? Surely you cannot be her only one."
Althea's words struck a chord within Korran, a truth he had long danced around but never fully acknowledged. He had been aware that Yue likely had other mates, her weak and faded snow leopard mark too faint to be her own beast mark. Though he had never taken the time to fully explore her body, to trace the curves of her soft skin and purposely seek out the true mark of her beast spirit, he had felt fear in thr thought of it, a faint echo of, "What if?" Yue had other bonds, other connections. He had pushed the thought aside, unwilling to face the truth that there may others who claimed a piece of her heart, just as he did.
The swan beastwoman's words hung in the air, a painful reminder of what Korran had chosen to ignore. Yue's eyes widened in surprise, her gaze flicking from Korran to Althea, a silent question in her eyes.
Unknown to either Althea or Korran, Yue had no other mates. He truly was the only one, and the thought of taking more in this world was foreign and unsettling to her. She couldn't picture it, and decided to remain silent on the matter. She had been content with one mate in her human life, and the thought of having more was not something she had ever considered or desired.
Althea's words had struck a nerve, however, and Yue felt her cheeks burn with a mixture of embarrassment and indignation. She didn't want to be the center of attention, or the object of Althea's scrutiny. She wanted nothing more than to blend into the background and observe this new world, to learn and grow without the weight of expectation or judgment.
Only Korran's mind raced back to what had been seen in the ancient cave, his heart hardened as he looked down in accepting the future, "Even if she does, how many mates have you taken?"
The swan female beast shifted uncomfortably, her wings rustling slightly as she did so. "That is none of your concern, Korran. My mates are not here, and they do not concern you," she replied, her voice hardening as she matched his tone. She knew she had struck a nerve, and she was not about to back down. She had her own secrets, her own past, and she was not about to let some young panther make her feel guilty for it.
Yue felt a wave of nausea wash over her, she thought it was due to the spotlight on her and the tension between Korran and Althea. IF Althea had been a male beast, he would have pounced at her by now and removed the smirk from his face. She had never seen this side of Korran, this more aggressive side, and it frightened her a little but it also made her feel safe. She was tied to Korran, both by their bond and by the cubs they would have in the future together. They had both seen the same thing.
Yue Lixue's heart was pounding in her chest, her breath coming in short gasps. She could feel the heat of Korran's body against hers, his muscles coiled and ready to spring. This was growing tiring to Yue and the audience, one of the old leopard matrons stepped forward to defuse the scene.
Artemis, her vibrant red and blue tunic flowing around her like a river, stepped between Korran and Althea, her hands held up in a calming gesture. "Now, now, children, let's not spoil this beautiful evening with such... unpleasantries," she said, her voice steady and firm, but not unkind. She turned to Korran, her light eyes softening slightly. "Korran, my dear, you must remember your manners and as for you Althea you are being quite rude to our guests. Please apologise and be on your way." Artemis's voice held a stern edge, but her eyes were kind as she looked at Korran, urging him to back down. She turned to Althea, her expression firm. "I'm sorry, dear, but we do not treat our guests this way in our village. Please, join the others and enjoy the night."
The swan female huffed, narrowing her eyes at Yue before nodding to the leopard elders and leaving with the feathered beasts, her wings rustling in annoyance. Finchly followed swiftly behind her, his eyes darting between Korran and Yue, a hint of amusement in his gaze. As they walked away, the tension in the air began to dissipate, the irritation and danger disappearing with Althea's departure.
The older of the two leopard matrons, Sakura, approached Yue and Korran, her face softening into a warm smile. "Ah, that was quite a scene," she said, her voice calm and soothing, "but don't let it spoil your evening." She looked at Yue, her eyes kind and understanding. "As I am Sakura, and this is Artemis, we are part of the matriarchal council of our tribe. We would be honoured to show you to the accommodations that have have been prepared for you, a place for you and your companions to rest and recuperate from your journey. We can get to business tomorrow."
Korran's grip on Yue's waist relaxed, the tension in his body easing as the immediate threat disappeared. He looked at Sakura, gratitude shining in his amber eyes. "Thank you, Sakura. That would be most appreciated," he said, his voice warm and sincere.