The tension in the air became palpable, and I, in my panther form, felt fear coursing through my veins. Without hesitation, I pushed my way through the crowd, turning away from those scrutinizing eyes that seemed to pierce my soul. I ran out of the market, desperately looking for a place to hide from prying eyes.
I climbed a nearby tree and curled up on a branch, feeling my heart racing as I waited for calm to return. From my refuge high above, I watched the bustle of the market cautiously, trying to control my heaving breathing and calm my nerves.
()()()()
Pov Noir
I finished acquiring the sack of rice and cotton we needed and hurried out of the market in search of Lalabel. My heart was pounding as I searched through the crowd, worried for her safety after seeing her run away scared. Teru and I began to search for our Lala.
Closed our eyes for a moment and concentrated on locating Lala through the conjugal mark.
Together we wandered away from the market, following Lalabel's trail until we found her, curled up on a tree branch, like a shadow in the gloom. I carefully positioned myself under the tree and spoke to her, trying to convey tranquility with my affectionate voice.
—Lala, come down from there," I said softly, hoping my words would encourage her to come back to us.
—"No one will bother you. We are here to protect you."
Teru joined me, uttering affectionate words to comfort Lalabel. —"Lala linda, come down with us," she said gently.
—"We already bought what you wanted. You don't have to worry."
()()()()
From the height of the branches, I watched my beloved companions, Noir and Teru, who encouraged me down from the tree with soft, comforting words. Their voices echoed in my mind, reminding me that I was not alone, that they were there to protect and care for me.
I sighed deeply, feeling the weight of tension and fear slowly dissipate. I knew they had reason not to fear; Noir and Teru were by my side, ready to support me in any situation.
Finally, I gathered courage and took a leap down from the tree, letting gravity carry me back to solid ground. Upon landing, I rubbed affectionately on Noir's leg, expressing my gratitude and love for him. A soft purr escaped my throat, a token of my reassurance and his comforting closeness.
Although I was still reluctant to return to my human form, I knew I could rely on Noir and Teru to care for and protect me.
()()()
After our Lala came down from the tree, I was relieved to see her back with us, safe and sound. With determination, I set out to find the healer Lao, a figure who seemed to be crucial to our quest. I turned to the locals, asking them about the healer's location, hoping to get answers that would lead us to him as quickly as possible.
The villagers responded promptly, - pointing out the path we were to follow, indicating to us that the healer Lao resided in the last house at the end of the village. Wasting no time, we headed in that direction, advancing with a determined pace as we moved deeper and deeper into the heart of the village.
As we walked between the houses, I could feel the gaze of the inhabitants on us, but their curiosity did not stop me. I knew we had a clear and urgent purpose, and I would not rest until we found the healer Lao and got the answers we sought.
The sun was beginning to rise in the sky, casting a golden light over the village as we continued on our way. With each step we took, I felt more determined than ever to accomplish our mission and make sure Lala got the help she needed.
()()()()
After walking for an hour, we finally found the house of the healer Lao. It was a two-story house, suspended among the trees in a rustic and cozy style. Steps carved into the tree trunk served as stairs to access the dwelling, so the three of us climbed up and knocked on the door.
The door opened slowly, revealing a man in his sixties. His skin was smoothly tanned by sun and time, and his short hair had a greenish-blue hue that gave him an elegant and peculiar look. - He blinked twice because he didn't believe what he was seeing and suddenly the system gave me comms.
Congratulations, you have found the healer Lao.
Immediately another system message appeared saying.
Reach 60 favorability points with healer Lao, so he can reveal more information to you.
Lalabel could see a blue heart inside it a number 20.
Noir took the initiative, he said firmly and decisively —Orus told us about you".
When Lao heard Orus' name, a +5 appeared. Adding up, making now 25.
— "Orus, he mentioned that you know information about alpha females and betas."
—Lao crosses to arms and focuses his gaze on Noir's panther-shaped conjugal mark. And then he rests his gaze on the panther in the middle of Noir and Teru.
He looks at me and says in a gentle voice, — "Your secret is safe with me." - Lao implied confidently.
In my panther form I nodded, wishing to return to my human form, my charming presence attracted the gaze of the three males.
appears a +3, seeing the beauty of Lalabel.
—Hello healer Lao, I have made a trip to meet you, and look for information..."- At that moment my stomach growled, reminding me that I was hungry since we had skipped breakfast in the morning to get to the blue feather village as soon as possible.
I got a +2, when I heard Lalabel's voice.
—Let me fix you something to eat". - As he was about to turn around Lala stopped him and asked politely. - "I can see what ingredients you have to cook."
—Lao invited Lalabel into the kitchen, Lalabel's eyes sparkled with excitement as she saw the variety of grains and vegetables. -Let me prepare lunch and learn," Lalabel said.
()()()()
—First of all," began Lalabel, her soft voice echoing in the open kitchen space, "it is crucial to wash your hands before preparing any food. In this primitive world, hygiene can make the difference between health and disease."
As she explained the importance of cleanliness, Lalabel proceeded to wash her hands, demonstrating the procedure meticulously. Lao and Noir watched intently, absorbed by her words and gestures.
appears a +3, Lalabel sharing her knowledge.
Once everyone was ready, Lalabel began the preparation of the sautéed rice. She deftly chopped the fresh vegetables and arranged them in the hot pan, the hissing sound of the food coming into contact with the animal lard filling the air with a promise of flavor.
—"The secret is in the balance of flavors and textures," Lalabel explained as she stirred the ingredients expertly. - "The rice must be cooked but firm, and the vegetables must retain their freshness and color." -Lalabel said confidently.
Noir and Lao moved even closer, their eyes sparkling with anticipation as they followed Lalabel's every move. The tantalizing aroma of sautéed rice began to permeate the space, enveloping the three present, in a pleasant and satisfying sensation.
appears a +2 , by the smell of Lalabel's food.
After waiting for the food to be warm, he took some plates that Lao had, began to serve generous portions on rustic wooden plates, presenting his creation with pride.
()()()()
The first hint of reaction to the food came from Lalabel. As she savored the sautéed rice with vegetables, a tear of happiness and excitement slid down her cheek. Gently, she covered her mouth with one hand, trying to contain the overwhelming feeling that flooded her being. Her thoughts revolved around gratitude for finally tasting a different and rich tasting meal, something that had been absent, for so long.
Silently, Lalabel continued to enjoy each bite, allowing the flavors to fill her palate and her heart with a sense of fullness she had forgotten. The comforting warmth of lunch, combined with the company of her companions, created a magical moment she wished to treasure forever.
appears a +5, upon tasting Lalabel's food.
Teru, Noir and Lao watched Lalabel's reaction closely, noting the tear of happiness that adorned her face. Their own expressions lit up with smiles of satisfaction as they saw the impact the food had had on her. Without hesitation, they each took a second helping of the delicious dish, delighting in the flavors Lalabel had presented to them.
The silence of the dining room was broken by the sound of silverware clattering against plates, accompanied by murmurs of approval and delight.
Having sated their appetites, Lalabel, Lao, Noir and Teru remained seated around the table, digesting. The experience of sharing such a delicious meal had strengthened their trust with healer Lao, creating memories that would last a long time.
Lalabel, having gone many days without sleeping in a comfortable place, showed signs of physical exhaustion. - She began to yawn, over and over again.
Teru took the initiative and carried Lalabel in his arms to take her to rest.
Lao was kind to them and offered them to stay in the house, which was empty to rest.
Lalabel looked at Lao's blue heart, for she had a total of 40 favorability points with Lao, her eyelids became heavier and she fell asleep.
()()()()
With solemnity, Yang handed over to Orus the leadership temporarily, confident in his ability to guide the village in his absence. He reminded him of the importance of making wise and just decisions for the benefit of all members of the community, and urged him to maintain peace and harmony among the villagers.
—"I hope you will take good care and guidance of the village in my absence," Yang rests his hand on Orus' right shoulder, symbolizing that he places his trust.
Orus accepted the position with humility and determination, promising to carry out his responsibilities with diligence and dedication. He thanked Yang for the trust placed in him and pledged to carry on with integrity and honor during his temporary tenure as village leader.
With the leadership transition complete, Yang prepares to depart on his journey to reunite with Lalabel, knowing that he was leaving the village in good hands.