Astra and Averin sat close together, their laughter filling the hut with warmth.
Their voices rose and fell easily, like no time had passed between them at all.
Even Averin's so-called "unfriendly" partners remained nearby, seated quietly. Though they didn't join the conversation, they listened, silent shadows that never strayed far from her presence.
Ardis, on the other hand, sat a little to the side, distracted.
Her tiger cub brothers had climbed all over her, tugging at her sleeves and curling into her lap. She laughed softly as one of them pawed at her braid while the other tried to climb onto her shoulder.
For a while, everything felt… peaceful.
Time slipped by unnoticed.
Then Averin's gaze shifted toward the window. The light outside had dimmed, the golden hues of evening slowly fading into dusk.
"It's getting late," Averin said as she stood up. "I have to leave."
Astra's smile faltered slightly.
"Didn't I tell you to stay?" she said, frowning just a little, though her tone carried more reluctance than anger.
Averin softened, stepping closer.
"I'll stay tomorrow," she said, her tone briefly serious before it eased again into a smile. "I have things to take care of today."
Astra held her gaze for a moment, then sighed quietly.
"Okay then… be careful," she said.
Averin nodded.
"Bye, everyone," she said lightly, turning toward the door.
Astra instinctively tried to stand.
"I'll walk you to the end—"
Before she could rise fully, Averin reached out.
"No need," she said firmly, her eyes dropping briefly to Astra's large belly. "Be careful. You're pregnant."
Astra paused.
She let out a small breath, then nodded, accepting it.
Standing had already become difficult.
Ardis watched the exchange quietly.
There was something gentle in the way Averin spoke, firm but full of care.
Averin turned and stepped out of the hut, her partners rising immediately to follow her without a word.
For a moment, the doorway framed her figure against the fading light.
Averin--
Averin walked ahead with an easy smile, her hand wrapped around Maelor's arm.
It was obvious she was in a good mood.
"I can't wait to see our snakelings," Averin said, glancing toward Nyssor.
Nyssor walked beside them, his usual cold expression softening just slightly.
"It should be soon," he replied. "They are expected to hatch within a few days."
There was a quiet warmth in his voice, subtle but present.
It was his first batch of eggs.
Despite his calm exterior, a trace of nervousness lingered beneath it.
Korvahn noticed immediately.
"You must be nervous," he said, his tone carrying a faint edge of arrogance. "If you want, I can teach you."
His expression practically screamed: I have experience. Learn from me.
Nyssor's brows twitched slightly.
"No need," he said flatly, turning his face away.
Nyssor was known for being cold and calculating… but for some reason, Korvahn always managed to irritate him.
Korvahn clicked his tongue softly.
"Your loss," he said, casting him a faintly pitying look.
Nyssor felt a dull throb form at his temples.
He chose to ignore him.
Averin, used to this dynamic, didn't interfere.
Instead, she let out a soft sigh.
"And we have to attend the ceremony… I'm a bit nervous. How should I act with their females?" Averin sighed, her fingers lightly gripping Maelor's arm.
Maelor glanced at her, his expression softening. "Just act natural. They'll like you. And if they don't, it's their loss. It's not like we'll be staying there long anyway."
Korvahn snorted lightly from behind them. "Exactly. We'll just show up, give the gift, and leave. No need to worry so much."
Averin nodded, though a hint of unease still lingered in her eyes. She pushed the thoughts aside for now, unwilling to let them dampen her mood.
"Oh, and I've started teaching my snaklings how to dance," Korvahn added suddenly, his chest puffing with pride.
Averin blinked, then laughed softly. "You must show me. I can't imagine it."
It was Korvahn tribe's way. They dance for everything, ceremonies, rituals, even celebrations of birth. It's how they express themselves.
The image of tiny snakes wriggling in clumsy rhythm formed in Averin's mind, and she couldn't help but chuckle again.
By the time they reached their hut, the fire inside was already burning warmly, casting flickering shadows along the walls.
"I'm here," Averin called as she stepped inside, a smile returning to her face.
Ishkara was already waiting. He held a towel and a bowl of warm water, steam rising faintly from its surface. Without a word, he dipped the cloth, wrung it carefully, and gently wiped Averin's face.
The others moved past them, heading to wash up.
"The meeting has ended," Averin murmured, closing her eyes as she relaxed into the familiar care.
Ishkara gave a small nod. "There is warm water. Wash up properly."
Cleanliness had always been important to Averin. Over time, her habits had influenced everyone around her. No one dared approach her without at least trying to be presentable.
After washing, Averin returned, dressed in the soft fur Ishkara had prepared. She settled onto her seat just as Vaelrix approached, handing her pieces of roasted meat, neatly cut.
"Thank you," she said quietly, eating in small, composed bites.
The others soon gathered, the atmosphere easing into something more relaxed as they sat around the fire.
Vayreth leaned forward, curiosity evident in his gaze. "So, how was the meeting?"
"I don't think he is the one," Averin said, her voice calm but firm as she finished recounting the meeting.
Vaelrix leaned back slightly, brows drawn together in thought. "If it comes to it, I think she'll choose the one you mentioned, Averin."
Vayreth shook his head faintly. "Perhaps. She may seem mature and quiet, but she's still young. She grew up surrounded by care and affection." His tone softened. "She'll need someone reliable. Someone steady."
Averin nodded in agreement, her gaze lowering as she considered his words.
Maelor, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "I received some news. The white caravan will arrive after the cold season… after the priestess selection."
That drew everyone's attention.
"Then we should leave with the caravan," Averin said after a moment, her voice thoughtful. "It's the safest option."
Korvahn gave a small nod. "And the most convenient."
The conversation continued for a while longer, drifting between plans and quiet speculation, before the group eventually retired for the night.
Nyssor remained behind, carefully tending to his eggs as they neared hatching. In another room, Vayreth, Ishkara, Vaelrix, and Korvahn settled in together, their voices fading as sleep claimed them one by one.
The snaklings were curled in a corner, their small bodies coiled together in a soft, rhythmic stillness.
Meanwhile, Averin and Maelor lay on their bed of grass and fur.
Averin rested her head against Maelor's chest, her fingers lightly gripping his clothing. Her eyes remained open, distant, as thoughts lingered in her mind.
"Sleep," Maelor murmured gently, his hand moving in slow, soothing motions along her back. "It's getting late."
Gradually, her breathing evened out, and she drifted into sleep.
Once he was certain she was asleep, Maelor pulled her closer, holding her protectively.
His expression shifted, subtle, but unmistakable. His eyes darkened as his gaze lifted toward the window, where pale moonlight filtered in.
The forest beyond looked ominous in the night, shadows stretching and twisting as if something lurked just beyond sight.
"I hope you keep your promise," Maelor whispered softly near Averin's ear, his voice barely audible.
After a moment, he closed his eyes as well, though his hold on her remained firm.
Outside, the forest stood silent… yet eerily alive, as though at any moment, something unseen might emerge from its depths.