I had given them enough tempting offers for them to consider, but I wasn't sure if they would accept or not. Negotiations were never guaranteed to succeed, after all. Pushing these thoughts aside, I decided it was better to focus on the present. Perhaps conversing with Nix would give me insight into his tribe's condition and way of life.
As I followed Nix to one of the shelters, he suddenly turned to face me. His expression was hesitant, almost apologetic. "Thank you, Sir Adam, for saving me. I didn't thank you that day because I was confused," he said, his voice steady but tinged with sincerity.
I gave him a reassuring smile. "No problem, Nix. If I were in your position that day, I would have been cautious too. It's completely understandable."
He nodded, a faint sense of relief visible on his face. I paused for a moment before continuing, choosing my words carefully. "Now, let's leave that matter behind. I want to know more about your tribe's traditions and customs. They must be fascinating."
At this, his face lit up slightly. "We don't have any particular traditions," he began, his tone carrying a hint of pride. "But whenever someone creates a unique design, we celebrate it as a tribe. It's our way of honoring creativity and innovation."
"Interesting," I said, genuinely intrigued. But before I could ask more, his voice softened, and his expression grew somber.
"Sadly, we don't do that anymore," he added quietly.
"Why doesn't anyone create anything unique anymore?" I asked, leaning in slightly.
"It's not that we don't want to," he replied with a sigh. "For the past two years, we've been moving from one place to another."
"Why?" I pressed, sensing there was more to the story.
"Two years ago, skeletons began attacking us during the night," he explained, his voice carrying the weight of the memory. "To stay safe, we started relocating every week so they wouldn't discover our new location."
I frowned in thought. "I see. But I don't quite understand—if your tribe relocates weekly, how are you able to build these shelters so quickly?"
"Oh, you mean the shelters?" He gave a small smile, seemingly pleased by my curiosity. "Our tribe has an innate talent for architecture. Wherever we go, if we don't build something, we feel unsatisfied. It's part of who we are."
"No, I mean these structures specifically," I clarified, gesturing to the sturdy, well-crafted buildings around us. "How are you able to construct them so efficiently, especially in such a short time?"
"Oh, I see what you mean!" He chuckled lightly, his earlier sorrow momentarily forgotten. "We design our structures so that they can be dismantled without much damage. When we move, we carefully pack up the materials, and after relocating, we simply reconnect everything in the new location."
I couldn't hide my admiration. "That's remarkable. You and your people are truly ingenious."
"Thank you for your kind words," he said, his tone warm and genuine. "Now, follow me. I'll show you to a room where you can rest and have something to eat. You must be tired after everything."
I nodded, falling in step behind him as he led me toward one of the shelters. The intricate designs of the structures caught my eye as we walked, each detail a testament to the skill and ingenuity of his tribe. For now, all I could do was wait and hope the tribe elders would make a decision soon.
Pov narrator
Meanwhile, at the meeting place, the tribe leader sat silently, his piercing gaze moving from one elder to another as they engaged in heated discussions. Their voices echoed through the chamber, rising and falling as each elder passionately presented their arguments regarding the pressing matter at hand. Despite the intensity of the debate, the leader remained composed, his calm and unreadable expression giving nothing away. He listened intently, carefully weighing every word spoken, knowing the importance of this decision for the tribe's future.
As the arguments grew louder and more heated, the tribe leader cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the noise and immediately drawing everyone's attention. The room fell silent as the elders turned to face him, their expressions ranging from frustration to expectancy.
"Now that everyone has calmed down," he began, his voice steady and authoritative, "let us discuss this matter peacefully. Each of you will share your opinions one by one. Only by listening to all perspectives can we hope to make a fair and informed decision."
The elders nodded in agreement, recognizing the wisdom in his words. They understood that further interruptions and arguments would only delay the resolution they all sought. Slowly, the tension in the room eased as they prepared to speak in turn.
Two of the six elders were the first to voice their opinions. They argued in favor of joining the outsider, highlighting the potential benefits such an alliance could bring. Their voices carried a note of hope as they spoke of stability and peace, emphasizing that the tribe had long suffered the burden of constant relocation. "If we join him," one elder said, "we can finally settle down and live without fear of being displaced. It is a chance for a better, more secure future."
When they finished speaking, the remaining four elders stepped forward to present their arguments. Unlike their counterparts, they strongly opposed the idea of submitting to an outsider. Their voices were firm, laced with skepticism and caution. "We have lived independently for countless years," one elder declared, his tone resolute. "We have survived and thrived without bowing to anyone. How can we trust a stranger's promises? Words are easy to speak but difficult to believe." Another elder added, "Even if he saved one of our own, that does not guarantee his intentions are pure. We cannot risk the safety and freedom of our tribe based on empty assurances."
The room grew quiet once more as the tribe leader absorbed their words. His gaze swept over the gathered elders, his expression contemplative as he weighed the merits of both sides. He understood the gravity of their concerns—the hope for peace and stability balanced against the fear of losing their independence.
Finally, he straightened in his seat and addressed the room. "Here is our decision," he said, his voice carrying the weight of finality. "Tonight, after we share a meal, I will inform him that we cannot join him for now. Words can be empty, and trust is not built so easily. However, we owe him a debt of gratitude for saving one of our own. As a gesture of goodwill, we will offer to help him build a shelter, ensuring he has a place to stay as he establishes himself."
The elders exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement while others remained stoic. Regardless of their personal feelings, they respected the tribe leader's authority and the balanced decision he had reached. With the matter settled, the tension in the room began to dissipate, and they prepared to move forward with their evening, knowing that the tribe's unity was more important than individual disagreements.