After a brief speech from the village chief, the feast began in earnest. The once humble gathering of bland, empty tables had been turned into a riotous course of roasted meals, dried vegetables, fruits, and drink. Every table was packed with food and drink, no more so than the table of the adventurers.
I saw them sat around a long table in the middle, surrounded by the rest of the feasting beastkin. The chief sat among them. Tov was enjoying himself, downing as much beer as he could without faltering. That barrel over there was probably his alone. Gred was himself a glutton, stuffing his mouth full with the roasted meats. His plate was filled to the brim. He was particularly fond of the skewers. Redtail was more reserved, eating slowly with a modest plate. I could have sworn that she was the first to finish the meals Wheatley cooked for them. Though of course the meals here paled in comparison to that of my late helper.
Standing just on the periphery of the festivities had its perks. For one, nobody old enough dared to bother you, aside from the occasional curious child who would go up and pester you for something exciting to them, mundane for you.
One of them even asked if I was sick, pointing out that my skin was almost as pale as the year-end snow.
Speaking of snow, winter would come in a few months. After counting the food that was used for this feast, I couldn't help but doubt their ability to survive it. Not unless they hunted more. I was thinking at least ten boars a week, assuming that was even possible. Their fields wouldn't be enough to sustain them, especially if another storm decided to come.
However, it didn't seem like this village of beastkin was particularly bothered by their plight. Seeing their smiles and hearing their laughter, it painted a picture of a hopeful, happy community that was more than ready to face adversity.
Just a while ago, they were greeted by the news that some of their fellow beastkin would never return, lives stolen away by the goblins. I could spot the occasional gloom on the faces of some. But I could see that they did not dwell on the grief for long.
Some of the beastkin took turns standing guard on the watchtower and patrolling the palisades, switching out in-between short shifts. The brothers were among them, leading a few small groups in patrols. It seemed like the encounter with the undead queen shook their hearts. They looked tense and anxious. Worry clouded their brow.
I walked over to Gallant as he patrolled near the watchtower. My sudden intrusion seemed to startle the red fox and his two companions. They shifted uncomfortably when they came to a stop, looking away from my direction. The blue fox gave me a simple smile.
"Worried?" I asked.
"Something along those lines," He said, "What brings you here? Is the feast not to your liking?"
I shook my head, "The feast is fine. I wouldn't be bringing this if I thought otherwise." I pulled out the long skewer of pork I had kept hidden with my left hand. I took a bite as Gallant smirked.
"Thank you, by the way," He suddenly said, "You really saved us back there."
"All in the day's work," I said as if I killed malformed undead creatures on a daily basis. Well, at one point I did but that was long ago, "You and your companions should be enjoying the feast too."
The blue fox shook his head, "Can't. Though the goblins will no longer come, we can't say the same about... other things."
He was uncomfortable. Not at me, but at the fact that the forest was no longer as safe as it was. Though how safe was this village exactly? Constant storms most of the year. Thick forests surrounding it. Isolation from the rest of the civilization. Weird, unnatural and non-magical creatures deciding to die here only to rise up as undead.
That was only to name the problems that had occurred in the span of just a few short months. The winter was going to be a problem for these beastkin. I was so sure of it. It didn't matter how hardy they were. Suffering was still suffering.
I could do something about it, but what was there to gain?
Why did I even care.
Oh for goodness sake!
"Go and eat. I'll take watch." I said, surprising Gallant and his two companions.
"I must refuse!" He rejected quickly.
"You deserve to feast as much as anyone else," I said, adamant, "You, your brother, and your friends. Go."
The beastkin were undecided, "I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Viduri. But I cannot. You are our guest. It is not our way to make our guests work."
These beastkin were stubborn.
"Let me call the chief to convince you then." I said. Bringing their village chief into the equation seemed to stir Gallant and his companions. If my words held little weight, the chief would make up for it.
Soon enough, the village chief in all his humble glory walked over to where we stood.
"Go and feast with your brother, Gallant," The chief said, "And that includes everyone else."
"B-but, dear chieftain!" Gallant protested.
"Come now. Let's honor our guest's wish." The lion said firmly.
Gallant sighed in defeat, "As you wish, dear chieftain," He looked at me, "Keep us safe, Mr. Viduri."
The red fox turned away along with his companions and headed towards the feast. The lion nodded and followed after them. I was left alone as I watched the rest of the beastkin join the feast in earnest. Valiant didn't seem too happy with the arrangement, but he relented nonetheless when I found him walking with the chief not too long after.
Speaking of the chief, I still didn't know his name. That should be corrected later.
The night was old yet the festive cheer continued. There was no end to the feast in sight. The smell of good, roasted meat and spices still swept my nostrils even as the hours went by. At their current pace, they should be done by midnight when the moon was at its brightest.
I flickered over the palisades using teleportation, making sure that I was unseen by the rest of the village. With keen eyes I surveyed our surroundings, taking note of anything unusual. The forest was brimming with sound as crickets and owls sang their songs. Fireflies flew over the fields, blessing me with their mesmerizing light. If anything dared threaten the peace and tranquility, a simple and quiet spell would be enough to correct them.
My keen senses noticed Dalinah sleeping alone inside the chief's hut.
It had been a while since I went on patrol. I left that task to Frank and the Sentinels back home. That proved to be a fatal error on my part. Without proper leadership, there were lapses, and I only had myself to blame.
As midnight drew near, the feast began to die down. A few families had started going back to their huts with bellies full and spirits bright. The gloom that prevailed over the village before had been swept away, replaced by a contentment that was present in everyone.
Except for one.