Beastmen: She Tames the Land-Chapter 45: Drinking tea for farewell

Before the sun rose the following day, the group woke up.

After coming back from the festivities, Uri gave notice that they would be leaving before dawn. They wanted to avoid further conflict. They kept their promise and gave the Tiger tribe food, now they should go.

After the talk they had yesterday, everyone realized they were no longer a part of the Tiger tribe. It became more evident when they realized they were being asked for information rather than truly welcomed.

They asked questions about Kit, how they managed to stay safe during the winter, and what they had eaten. All the while, never telling them about their own struggles during the long winter.

They thought that after coming back, getting in touch with friends and family, it would be like before. But for some reason, they could feel the divide. There was a disconnect.

They didn’t realize it until last night.

As if there was a smoke screen separating them from the rest of the Tiger tribe. When they saw the way they acted and felt the distance, they knew this place was no longer their home.

They packed their belongings, almost ready to leave. There was only one loose end left to tie up.

Heta sat there watching them prepare to leave. Last night, when she was with the Tiger tribe, she felt a sense of belonging.

Although she wasn’t sure whether she wanted to stay because of what she saw when they arrived at the Tiger tribe. She realized, sitting there watching them pack, that she couldn’t do as they did. The thought of roaming, looking for a place to live, was unbearable for her.

Although Cato was her partner, she would be able to find another. Nimo was her child, but she could have other children. She was still young.

The Tiger tribe is the place she belongs.

Eleven small cups were placed on a low table. Each person sat in their assigned seat.

"Have you decided to stay with the Tiger tribe?" Uri asked.

Heta kept her head down and replied. She felt that if she were to look up, she could help but cry. Even though this was her choice, it didn’t make things easier for her.

She nodded, her decision final. "Yes, I will stay with the Tiger tribe. It is my home."

The disconnect was immediately felt. Heta couldn’t help gasping for a moment before looking up. She didn’t expect to feel as though she had been separated from them the moment she said her decision out loud.

No one made a move to comfort her.

She looked at Nimo, who had tears in his eyes, but his resolute little face broke her heart.

Heta couldn’t help asking, "Nimo, do you want to stay with Ma?"

"Ma, something bad will happen if we stay. Can’t you come with Nimo?" Nimo’s tears fell silently. His voice broke as he spoke to Heta. 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

The hut was silent, except for Nimo’s sniffles.

Heta looked away, closing her eyes. She didn’t know what the future would hold. She only knew she would not stay with them.

Cato comforted Nimo, putting him on his lap and stroking his back.

"Since you’ve made the choice, don’t regret it, Xeno stated. "We decided to say goodbye with this drink. Once we drink, it means you are no longer a part of us. Remember, everything you’ve learned should never be said. Especially nothing about Visha."

Visha had not spoken this entire time.

Heta looked at her. This woman she had only known for a few months.

She swooped into their lives and made it better. She herself had no issue with her. However, after the day she left the cave, she felt something grow inside her. She wanted the attention this woman had.

She wanted the position of power she held.

There was a time she thought that Cato could take up the mantle after hearing Visha didn’t want it. But things happened too quickly. Now Uri and Xeno lead them.

There is some resentment towards Visha. She is always able to get what she wants. She had others look at her with admiration, which she, Het, did not get. Just like her, Visha had no home. Yet, she was surrounded by people who listened to her.

It was jealousy, plain and simple. Heta acknowledged it. She would not say it aloud, but in her own heart, she acknowledged the feeling.

Watching Visha pour coloured water into the small cups she had created, Heta sighed. She decided she would not dwell on these things. She was no longer a part of their journey.

The pleasant aroma drifted into Heta’s nostrils. The earthy smell made her feel calm.

Visha lifted her cup, "Heta," she said, her voice calm. "I wish you the life you are looking for. I wish you happiness, peace, and longevity. Although we’ve parted ways, if fate deems it, let’s meet again."

Heta’s eyes went around the room, at the people she had spent most of her life knowing. And the people she had only met during the winter.

She saw the complexity of emotions each person carried, unsure of what they truly meant.

Heta lifted the cup, "I hope you all find what you’re looking for." After saying that, she drank from the cup.

Everyone drank when they saw her drinking.

This was a final farewell. When would they all meet again? None of them knew.

Heta started feeling light-headed. She put her hand to her temple, leaning against the table. Her eyes closed as she entered a dream-like state.

She felt she was asleep, but she could hear the words being spoken.

"We stayed in a cave, hunted, and found food. We were safe thanks to the beast god. After the harsh winter, you wanted to go back. Remember, this is your choice."

This was the last thing Heta heard before she completely lost consciousness.

The next time she woke up, she found herself lying on a stone bed. She looked up to see the face of the tribe leader and the priest.