Beastmen: She Tames the Land-Chapter 199: Merry-making

"The inter-tribe festival is open to everyone!"

This was what Gorn and Josed shouted together. Both men were overwhelmed by the news and had no way to stop themselves from blurting it out.

The moment it was said, the surroundings became quiet. Visha understood why they were so anxious. It wasn’t that the news was bad. The news was so good they couldn’t control themselves.

Well, whether it is good news depends on who it is delivered to.

Some tribes have heard about the inter-tribe festival and have longed to go but are unable to. Some tribes might not know what it is. Only after knowing will they begin to panic.

Visha had a feeling the entire continent was up in arms about the decision to allow everyone to attend the inter-tribe festival.

She still remembered the last time, when Gorn was hesitant to even mention the festival. Now, it was common knowledge. But why? What would the ruling classes gain from making the inter-tribe festival public?

This was the question Visha shared in her mate-link with Uri and Xeno. They echoed her sentiment. However, the three of them still agreed that they would attend.

Gorn continued before Josed could speak. "I told you before that only a handful of tribes actually get to, but for some reason, they decided to include everyone. So far, no one has been able to give a definitive answer to why."

"If only to find the answer, many tribes are planning to go."

Josed continued as soon as Gorn took a breath. "This festival is a chance to get in touch with tribes you wouldn’t normally be able to reach. They will trade with each other. All kinds of wondrous things you might never have seen before."

"But that’s only part of it. After everyone is done trading, there is a mating segment. If anyone wants to partner with another person from another tribe, they can use that time to court them."

"If they decide they are suited for each other, they will mate before their respective tribes. This is seen as a lifelong union."

"As for what happens after they go back to their own tribe, only they know whether it’s lifelong or only for the moment."

The way Josed said that last sentence, it sounds as though he had some experience. And the experience wasn’t good. But Visha did not ask. Whatever happened to him would be his own secret.

Gorn let out a heavy sigh when he heard Josed’s words.

"The festival isn’t just merry-making. They do sit together, eat, drink, and do all the other fun things. But it is more than that. The festival sets the hierarchy. It’s politics and debates."

"The tribe leaders always find themselves in some sort of heated debate about how to govern the packs. Which pack is weaker or stronger? Anything other reason they can come up with to fight and showcase their strength."

"The priests have their own topics. They talk about signs and omens. Whether the Beast God will bless another year."

"In my opinion, it’s all tedious." Girn’s eyes flickered. "Tedious or not, you must go."

Josed and Gorn had practically told them everything they needed to know. They took turns talking. It could be seen how excited they were to hear the news.

Only when they finished talking did Uri say anything. "When will it start?"

"The beginning of summer. There are still many suns before then." Gorn replied lightly.

"Your tribes are planning to go. How many of you will go?" Uri asked.

"We mainly plan to bring the ones who don’t have partners. Whether male or female, whoever wants to go is allowed." Gorn answered. Josed also answered similarly.

"I wonder if you would mind if we went with you? Either of you?" Visha asked.

"There are many tribes that have friendly relations and travel together. The three of us can set out together," Josed replied, leaning forward.

He turned to Gorn, wondering whether he would be averse to travelling with them. Seeing him nod, Josed smiled. The journey is much safer with more people.

Visha got up to go to the kitchen. They had not eaten for three days. And while they did not feel hungry. It was only right to treat their guests. "We can make plans as the days go by. We don’t need to rush to plan everything now. I will get us something to eat."

Gorn and Josed shook their heads, refusing the food. But Uri and Xeno told them both not to worry. "Just stay and eat. You came to tell us the news. The least we can do is feed you."

Visha moved quickly. The meal she created was simple. A soup to warm the stomach. A meat dish to nourish the organs. As for dessert, she had already made quite a few pastries and put them in the space.

She brought the food to the table and called everyone to eat.

Uri and Xeno were used to Visha’s cooking. Visha was even more used to her own cooking. But Gorn and Josed, who had never had her cooking, sang endless praises.

"You just need to know the right herbs to use," Visha smiled, taking a sip of the soup.

Before long, everyone was full.

Gorn and Josed felt embarrassed having eaten more than the trio.

"You don’t need to be embarrassed. It’s a compliment to me that you ate so much." Visha walked back to the kitchen and came out with two wooden boxes. "Your females and cubs can have a taste. Thanks again for letting us know about the festival."

Both men accepted. They spoke briefly about the next time they would trade. Just idle talk while the food digested. When they felt it was enough, they got up to leave.

They stepped out of the house and were about to leave when they heard Josed exclaim. "Ah!" he turned to Xeno, "You used to be part of the Tiger tribe in the East, yes?"

Xeno nodded, unsure of why he asked.

"Recent news has said the tribe disappeared. No one knows where they went. If I hear anymore news, I’ll let you know."

With that, he walked away, leaving the trio dumbfounded.