LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 134: Incubation!
Beneath the moonlit sky, Isabel and Logan found themselves wrapped in an aura of tranquility, their backs resting against the ancient stones of Logan. The night seemed to invite confidences, and soon they were immersed in exchanging tales of distant lands and mythical stories.
As Isabel spoke of the Golden Basin, a place shrouded in legend and mystique, Logan listened intently, absorbing the lore she wove with enthusiasm. In turn, Isabel was captivated by his descriptions of Canyon City, its bustling streets and the vibrant life it harbored. It was as if they were piecing together a map of stories, each tale a landmark in their growing friendship.
Their conversation naturally drifted to a story that seemed to resonate deeply with Isabel, the tale of Snow White. "In the end, Snow White and the prince lived happily ever after," Logan recounted with a gentle smile, his eyes twinkling in the moonlight.
Isabel responded, a touch of dismay in her voice, "What a happy ending, indeed! But the stepmother, so cruel and unjust!"
Logan chuckled, the sound mingling with the rustle of the leaves. "My dear, if Snow White's stepmother hadn't been so vile, how would our heroine have grown into the compassionate soul she became? How else would she have crossed paths with the prince who adored her?" As he spoke, he playfully pinched Isabel's cheek, eliciting a light giggle.
After a reflective pause, Logan's expression softened. "By the way, how are things with your mother now?" He was curious; the story of Snow White seemed to hold a peculiar significance for Isabel, as he had narrated it to her on multiple occasions, yet he refrained from drawing parallels with her own mother, Astali, fearing it might touch a raw nerve.
Isabel's eyes shone with a serene light as she looked up at the moon. "It's much better now. I considered what you said by the river that day. My mother's overbearing nature, I mistook it for something else. She cares, perhaps too fervently, and I, in my ingratitude, failed to see the love in her actions. It's not her who was in the wrong, but me."
Logan nodded in approval, relieved. "That's wonderful to hear!" It was heartening that the misunderstanding between mother and daughter had been resolved, even if Isabel's mother had her own complexities.
The conversation shifted to the community efforts in their region. "By the way, extend my thanks to your mother, Astali. Uncle Begon mentioned the snake tribe's exemplary efforts in fishing. They're really setting a standard for us all."
Indeed, Uncle Begon had been effusive about the advancements in fishing techniques among the snake tribe, predicting that fish would soon become a staple in their diet, thanks to the bounty of the Danube River, rich with fish, crabs, and other seafood.
Isabel smiled, pride evident in her voice. "I will. We snake people take our responsibilities to the Silver Mane Tribe seriously. We are committed to being a part of this community, despite our distinct heritage."
She was keenly aware of the precarious position of her people, the snake tribe. Their numbers had dwindled tragically in the last war, and it was crucial that they maintained good relations with the other tribes to ensure their survival.
"Let your mother know," Logan said firmly, "as long as the snake people see themselves as part of the Silver Mane Tribe and abide by our governance, they are free to flourish here."
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Isabel nodded, understanding the weight of his words. "I will convey this to my mother and our tribe. Many have already embraced this land as their home, preparing for the future."
Their dialogue, enriched by mutual respect and understanding, spanned from mythical tales to the tangible realities of their lives, weaving a tapestry of shared histories and hopeful futures under the watchful gaze of the stars.
"Really? That's wonderful news!" Logan exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with an unmistakable glow of approval. The prospect of reproduction signified stability and contentment, a sign that a tribe was thriving peacefully. For orcs, securing a stable habitat and reliable food sources often heralded a time of growth and expansion. The snake people, it seemed, were no different in this regard.
His thoughts took a playful turn as he suddenly drew Isabel close, his arms encircling her waist. With a mischievous whisper, he kissed her delicately pointed ear and murmured, "And when shall we start our own chapter of life together?"
Isabel's cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she gently pushed him away, flustered by his boldness. "Logan!" she exclaimed, half-scolding, half-laughing. "Must you be so forward?"
His laughter boomed through the air, a rich sound that seemed to dance with the rustling leaves around them. "I can't help myself, especially when your blush makes you look so enchanting," he teased, winking at her.
Though mildly annoyed, Isabel couldn't stay cross with him for long. She remembered the more pressing matter that needed his attention. "Actually, there's a significant issue concerning our people's future that needs your approval," she began, her tone shifting to one of seriousness.
Logan straightened, his expression turning earnest as the playful air dissipated. "Tell me, what concerns your mother and the snake people?"
Isabel took a deep breath, the gravity of the topic steadying her nerves. "You know we snake people are water-bound by nature, but our need to live near water isn't just a preference, it's essential for our reproduction. We need to construct an incubator, and such a structure must be built near a water source, as the hatching of our eggs relies heavily on water magic elements."
She hesitated for a moment before adding, "So, my mother, Astali, requests your permission to allow us to build this incubator along the Danube."
Logan's initial ease gave way to contemplation. The implications of her request were significant, not just for the snake people but for the integration of various tribes within the Silvermane domain. "And does Astali envision this as a step towards relocating our entire snake population to the riverside?"
Isabel nodded, her eyes locked on his, searching for signs of his thoughts. "Exactly. It's not just about an incubator. She proposes that the snake people move to the Danube to ensure the survival and growth of our tribe."
Logan's surprise was evident, his brow furrowing slightly. "Move everyone? To live independently by the Danube?" His voice carried a mix of disbelief and concern.
"Yes, she believes it's crucial for our future. But it's not about seeking independence from the Silvermane tribe, rather ensuring our survival within it," Isabel clarified, her voice earnest.
Logan paused, absorbing her words. After a moment, he smiled, a reassurance spreading over his features. "You needn't look so worried, Isabel. If it's for the well-being of your people, we'll make it work. Tell your mother that I support this move, as long as it strengthens the bond within our tribe, not just the survival of one."
Isabel's relief was palpable, and she managed a grateful smile. "Thank you, Logan. This means more than you can imagine."
As they resumed their walk under the stars, the night no longer just a backdrop but a witness to their deepening understanding and commitment to their people's intertwined destinies.