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Ethan, observing the sorrowful centaurs, felt compelled to offer assistance. "Perhaps I can help treat Little Betty?" he spoke.
The centaurs, upon hearing this, turned their attention to Ethan. Margery, standing up from her pony, addressed him sternly: "Witcher, if you can aid us in treating Little Betty, the centaurs won't forget your actions."
Without uttering a word, Ethan retrieved a bottle of pale white potion from his bag. It was the improved White Raffard's Decoction by Snape, specifically designed for detoxification.
Taking the potion from Ethan, Margery, after learning its usage, cautiously applied a bit to her finger and tasted it. Margery, recognizing the potion's value, hurriedly returned to the pony, gently opened its mouth, and poured in the potion.
The pony's recovery was visible, with its pallor turning to a healthy flush and its breath lengthening. Witnessing this, relief spread among the centaurs, lightening the atmosphere.
Even the bearded centaurs displayed a friendlier demeanor toward Ethan. Margery expressed gratitude and warmly invited Ethan to visit their tribe.
Amidst the centaurs' hospitality, Ethan reluctantly accepted an invitation to be a guest in their tribe.
During the journey, the centaurs, shedding their previous mystery and arrogance, enthusiastically introduced themselves to Ethan. Ronan, the man seeking help for the injured pony, was especially thankful, revealing a close connection to Little Betty.
The bearded centaur, Bane, greeted Ethan, showing appreciation for saving Little Betty. Soon after, Ethan departed swiftly.
Guiding Ethan into the valley, the centaurs led him to a mountain pass blocked by thorns. Margery stepped forward, touched a vine, and emitted a faint green light, causing the thorns to retract. Beyond them, a stunning view awaited Ethan.
The centaur tribe sat in a picturesque meadow, centered around a sparkling lake. It was night, and scattered stone houses adorned with carvings and flora revealed a tranquil scene.
A group of ponies frolicked on the grass, eyeing Ethan curiously as he entered the village. Upon Margery's arrival, the ponies respectfully saluted her. Ronan led, carrying the still unconscious Little Betty to a sizable stone house, while Baine and Firenze busied themselves with preparations.
Margery introduced Ethan to the other centaurs, sharing the tale of his heroics in saving Little Betty. The centaurs, accustomed to expressing gratitude through gestures, affectionately patted Ethan's shoulders and chest.
Excitement bubbled among the female centaurs as they adorned Ethan with a garland. Surprisingly, Ethan noticed female centaurs in the tribe, their human-like faces adorned with clothes crafted by the centaurs themselves.
Puzzled by the centaurs' unexpected warmth, Ethan realized they might not view him as a human, leaving him feeling oddly disheartened.
Baine and the younger centaurs arranged wood bundles in the tribe's open space, while Firenze directed the placement of jars of homemade fruit wine, and food, signaling preparations for a bonfire.
The festivities kicked off with Margery igniting the bonfire, enveloping the tribe in a lively atmosphere. The young centaurs, fueled by fruit wine, gathered around the bonfire, showcasing their unique tap dance.
Ethan couldn't resist the allure of the centaurs' fruit wine, its fruity aroma captivating him. The specially prepared grilled meat and bread, infused with nuts, surprised Ethan with the centaurs' exceptional culinary skills.
Inebriated, Ethan joined the centaurs' revelry. His Toussaint-style dance garnered appreciation, and in a playful wrestling match with Bane, Ethan's physical prowess prevailed. Bane, rather than annoyed, became unexpectedly intimate, sharing a drink with Ethan.
Amidst the festivities, a centaur girl with golden-red hair, lavender eyes, and a captivating human-like charm caught Ethan's attention. Her pure white lower body lacked the typical variegated horse features, standing out in the lively scene.
Ethan's attention fixated on the confident presence of the centaur girl. Slowly approaching him, Ethan noticed that many young centaurs shared a similar equine gaze with the girl.
As she reached Ethan, the centaur girl, named Anna, promptly seized his hands. "Witcher, thank you for saving Little Betty. I'm Margery's daughter, and the centaurs will always be in your debt," Anna expressed with a voice akin to a nightingale.
"Thank you for your kind words. I merely did what I could," Ethan replied with his usual courtesy toward beautiful ladies.
Intrigued by Ethan's recent dance, Anna asked, "The dance you just performed was fascinating. Can you teach me?" Her purple eyes locked onto Ethan's amber gaze.
"I'd be happy to help. I know a few good pas de deux," Ethan agreed without hesitation.
Anna proved to be a quick learner. After a brief lesson, she embraced Ethan's neck, and together, they danced around the bonfire. Ethan couldn't help but notice some disapproving looks from the younger centaurs.
Post-dance, Anna, flushed with excitement and perspiration, looked particularly appealing. Before she could speak, Margery intervened. Apologizing for her daughter's exuberance, Margery led Ethan to a secluded corner of the centaur tribe.
"Forgive my daughter. Centaurs tend to seize any joyful moment for indulgence," Margery apologized, but instead of blaming Anna, Ethan expressed mild dissatisfaction with Margery for cutting short his dance with Anna.