Chapter 22: Beast Shufting Struggles
The flames from the campfire flickered in Korran's eyes as he listened to Yi Chun and the deer delegations tragic experience.
"No wonder you looked on edge when you arrived at the clearing," Maria mused in deep thought. "That's quite a harrowing journey, even for a seasoned warrior."
Korran Nightstrider, his gaze fixed on Yue Lixue, nodded in agreement. "The jaguar beasts are brutal, cruel and can be unforgiving. Even their city a place where only the strongest and the smartest survive."
Yue Lixue, her eyes reflecting the dancing firelight, looked up from where she'd been absently petting the white fur of her dress. "It's not right to attack a peaceful group."
With olive toned skin under black leathers, the rest of panther beastmens party were clad in light armours customary of Treetop Village.
Yi Chun and Sun Qui had taken the first sleep. They needed it and the Panther beasts around them put then at great ease. Enough for them to sleep well and soundly.
It was Darian who was now looking around the edges of the campsight, where the light if the flames stopped, "We are going to need to be careful, the road still won't be safe. You can bet those jaguar beasts will still have traps out."
Korran stood, his dark panther beastmark on his chest rippled with the movement. "I'll scout ahead and make sure the path out from Treetop Village is clear." His amber eyes flickered with determination, reflecting the campfire's dance. Darian nodded, rising from his own position, his black panther beastmark shimmering in the firelight. "I'll join you. Two sets of eyes are better than one."
Yue Lixue looked up from where she had been absently petting her dress, her long, strawberry blonde hair catching the firelight. "Be careful," she whispered, her blue eyes filled with concern. Korran offered her a reassuring smile, his scent shifting to a comforting warmth. Don't worry, my little leopard. We'll return soon," Korran whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to Yue Lixue's forehead.
The flame of the campfire cast long shadows across his olive-toned features, highlighting the sharp lines of his jaw and the fierce determination in his amber eyes. Maria offered a reassuring nod, "We'll be back before you know it."
With that, Korran and Darian set off into the night, their panther forms melting away as they embraced their beast spirits. The forest, awakened by the rustling of leaves and the crunching of underbrush, seemed to hold its breath as they passed, their black fur blending seamlessly with the shadows that danced between the trees.
Yue Lixue watched them go, her heart pounding in her chest like a drum.
As the shadows swallowed Korran and Darian, she turned to Maria, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you think?"
Maria sighed, adjusting her seat on the log to face Yue Lixue. The fire cracked and popped, casting a warm glow on her olive skin. "I think we're in for a long nights on the road to the Leopard's village, Yue. Those two are fearless, but even they can't guarantee our safety." She ran a hand through her short, dark hair, her gaze scanning the forest's edge.
Yue Lixue nodded, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "I know. It's just... everything's been so chaotic since we arrived here. I can't help but worry."
Maria offered a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting the dance of the flames. "You're not the only one. Korran's had his fair share of close calls in the forest," Maria began, her voice low and thoughtful as she gazed into the fire. "I remember that time he tangled with a wild boar before he had his first beast star. He was in a bind, and the only thing that saved him was his older brother Veylan's quick thinking."
Yue Lixue tilted her head, her eyes reflecting the dancing flames. "I've never heard this whole story from. What happened?"
Maria leaned back, settling in for the tale. "It was a few years ago, before he took on the mantle of head village scout. Korran was out scouting, just like he is now, only then he was alone. He stumbled upon a wild boar, a massive beast, and it had taken a liking to a patch of truffles."
That was a surprise for Yue, there were truffles in this world? She would need to try and find some. Her thoughts were momentarily caught in the prospect of flavour upgrades to food.
She almost missed the flicker of the campfire casting long shadows, the dance of light and dark across the clearing. It brought her back to the present, to the reality of their situation. She turned her attention back to Maria, "Did Korran ever find truffles again?"
Maria chuckled, shaking her head. "Not that I know of. But that's not the point of the story. The point is, even the strongest among us can find themselves in over their heads." Yue Lixue blushed at her thoughts only focusing on the food mentioned thab Korran's risky fight when he was younger. She paused, her gaze shifting to the shadows at the edge of the campfire's light. "And sometimes, we need to rely on each other to make it out alive."
Yue Lixue nodded, her voice barely a whisper, "It's just... I wish I could do more." Yue Lixue sighed, her fingers tracing the intricate pattern of her beastmark down her side under her white fur dress, it was a pale and faint snow leopard. If she was much stronger on her own, it would be encircled by a constellation of stars. "I feel so helpless right now, like I'm not living up to my potential."
Maria nudged Yue Lixue gently with her elbow, her voice warm and encouraging. "You're stronger than you think, Yue. But I understand what you mean. Maybe it's time you focused on re-awakening your beast spirit. With your newfound abilities, you might even earn a star on your beastmark."
Yue Lixue's eyes widened with surprise, her hand stilling on her beastmark. "A star? But... but I-"
"Hey, it's me who has been training you Yue." Maria laughed, "I'd be disappointed if you never earned a star, or ever shifted again."
Yue Lixue tilted her head towards Maria, her eyes reflecting the soft glow of the campfire. "Have you ever met someone who couldn't shift into their beast form?"
Yi Chun's ear flicked up but his eyes remained closed, pretending to still be asleep.
Maria's smile faded slightly as she considered the question. "Not many, but there are a few. Sometimes it's because of trauma or some deep-seated fear. Other times, it's just a matter of practice and belief in oneself. But from what I've seen, you're capable. You just need to find your way."
Yue Lixue's fingers traced the edges of her snow leopard beastmark through her clothes again, her voice barely above a whisper. "And what about you, Maria? Have you ever struggled with your beast spirit?"
Maria's eyes flickered towards the dying embers of the campfire, her gaze distant. "There were times, especially after my father passed in an attack on the village by the Jaguar tribe..." her voice trailed off, a hint of sorrow lingering in her words.