"Grandma Shaman, as part of the Watson Tribe, it is my duty to do these things. Right now, it’s most important to get the Orcs to collect some pumpkins as fast as possible. Everyone in the tribe needs to drink this potion."
Looking at those clusters of obviously overfed bugs not far away, Ji Nuan’s stomach twitched slightly. Especially when she thought of these bugs existing inside her own stomach, she instantly felt terrible.
The Shaman wiped away her tears: "Alright, Ji Nuan, you will take charge of this."
Ji Nuan nodded, turning to Ge Xing: "Clan Uncle, the medicinal herbs for treating the bug disease can be found near the stream where we clean our prey. Next to the large rock, there are some yellow fruits almost as big as the Stinky Fruit. Ask the Orcs to bring them back."
The tribesfolk listened seriously, even the baby Orcs held in their parents’ arms were opening their innocent wide eyes, nodding their little heads with their parents, appearing very serious.
The Orcs quickly moved all the remaining pumpkins from the riverbank. There were only four in total.
Picking up a pumpkin and placing it on a rock, Ji Nuan spoke loudly, "Everyone come and recognize these pumpkins. Remember what this medicinal herb looks like. When you are out hunting or gathering, bring whatever you find back.
After you bring them back, I will teach you how to process these herbs. We aim, before the onset of winter, to have every member of the tribe drink this potion."
The Orcs rushed forward one by one, taking a careful look at the four pumpkins as if they were precious exhibitions.
···
"Ya Li, for this tribal meeting, you will go with the Clan Leader to trade for more medicinal herbs and beast skins. If you come across strong Slave Beasts, trade for some of those too."
Shaman Benny was manipulating some fresh herbs in her hands, her brow slightly furrowed. The approaching winter filled her heart with worry.
Ya Li sat respectfully on the Beast Skin, not showing any signs of his cold pride seen outside the tribe. His slender, white fingers carefully selected the herbs, sorting them with great care as he attentively listened to the old Shaman’s instructions.
"I understand, Shaman."
"One more thing!" A trace of cruelty flashed in Benny’s eyes: "If that fool Lu Te trades any more of the tribe’s possessions for weak female beasts, you know what to do!"
Thinking of that smitten Clan Leader, disdain filled Ya Li’s eyes: "Don’t worry, I know."
"Mmm." Benny felt very reassured and satisfied with this prince, hoping Lu Te could be smarter during this tribalMeeting.
The Eneru Forest gradually became lively. Tribes of various sizes began their journeys from all over the place, gathering towards the Eneru Mountain Range. The annual grand tribal meeting was about to begin, and every tribe hoped to arrive early and secure a good spot.
The Watson Tribe.
"Uncle Clan Leader said, you can’t go to the tribal meeting two times in a row! You went last time, so this opportunity should be given to other Orcs!" Ji Nuan gently stroked the fur of Little Silver Wolf cub, comforting him softly.
The chubby cub whined disappointingly. After a few howls, he sulkily buried his head into Ji Nuan’s soft and fragrant embrace.
In a place out of Ji Nuan’s sight, the cub was not downcast or depressed. His round eyes were full of scheming and cunning.
Meanwhile, Lei Er, who was helping take care of his little sister in the cave, felt a chill creep up his spine, shivering slightly.
Touching his neck, he muttered softly: "Why do I suddenly feel a chill down my back?"
···
The ground outside Ji Nuan’s cave was covered with woven mats, filled with sun-dried pumpkin seeds. The mats were spread wide, with several chubby cubs rolling around on them joyously. Whenever a bird or beast flew down to sneak a bite, these cubs would scramble on their chubby short legs and rush forward with "roar-roar" noises. Occasionally, they would even catch one or two, adding a meal to their table.
With the cubs guarding, Ji Nuan set her mind at ease and focused on processing the newly gathered pumpkins.
"Anuan! Are you there?" The long-missed voice of a chubby girl came from outside the cave. Ji Nuan quickly put down the pumpkin she was working on and walked out quickly.
"Little Ye Zi, you haven’t been here for days!" Ji Nuan’s words were filled with longing for her friend.
Ge Ye chuckled, hooking an arm through hers: "I drank the potion you sent out a few days ago, too. I pooped out so many bugs it scared me. I made sure to drink it several times and was only brave enough to come out once I was sure there were no more inside."
Her eyes still held fear from her ordeal with the bug illness.
In his little nest, planning mischief, Xiu Yan instantly sprang up upon hearing Ge Ye’s voice. His chubby paws tumbled around and he jumped off the stone bed in a remarkably professional dive, landing perfectly.
"That annoying Ge Ye, trying to steal his little female again!" He was going to show her who’s boss.