Folding her muscular arms, she positioned them atop her toned, veined thighs. "Moreover, I'll be the one guarding him, not the other way around. So, for everyone's sake, I think it's best for just the two of us to go initially. In essence," Fifi directed her gaze towards me, closing her eyes momentarily before reopening them, and exhaling as though she was bearing the burden of a tough decision, "I'll be joining Orion in this new settlement when the time comes," she concluded, raising her right hand in agreement, to follow me.
Once Fiona finished speaking, I expected a few more responses from the other women in the room. However, my expectations proved mistaken.
Immediately after her words, Gina's right hand shot into the air, saying "If that's the case, count me in as well." In quick succession, Grandma Celia, Sura, Fiona, and Ursa followed suit.
Soon, a chorus of raised hands depicted their unanimous willingness to follow me. I shifted my attention to the three individuals who had yet to voice their decisions - my mother, Reena, and Aunt Greta.
I regarded them both with an arched eyebrow, prompting Aunt Greta to release a loud, exasperated sigh. She raised her right hand in the air and spoke, "Allow me to make my stance clear. I have no interest in the Village Chieftess position. My role has always been that of a healer, and that won't change even in this new village. I'm certain my gift will remain indispensable when we arrive there."
Her gaze remained fixed on me, a challenging glint in her eyes as if daring me to prove my ability to emerge unscathed by the time we established ourselves in the new territory. I wisely chose not to engage in a contest of wills with her at this moment; after all, it's never wise to quarrel with your doctor, particularly one who provides care free of charge.
Turning my focus to my mother, I observed the intensity in her gaze as she locked eyes with me. She held my stare firmly, her fists clenched in anger.
Despite the tempting prospect of becoming the Village Chieftess, it was unsurprising that she remained unswayed by it.
A heavy sigh soon escaped her lips, the tension in her clenched fist releasing as she looked down momentarily before fixing her gaze back on me. "While I might have preferred if the construction of this new village was put on hold and the idea discarded," she began, her voice carrying a blend of resignation and understanding, "I realize that it's aimed at improving our village's safety, and by extension, the safety of all of us."
"Despite being a stubborn son who often chooses to make his own path, which I respect even if it leads to some reckless decisions, I can't let you go on your own. As your mother, I'm convinced I would regret it deeply if I did."
She shifted her gaze away from me and directed it towards the other women in the room, sweeping her eyes across their faces one by one. Then, with a raised right hand, she expressed, "So, like Greta, I have no interest in becoming the Village Chieftess. Instead, I'll be accompanying you to this new village to make sure you don't put yourself in dangerous situations or, worse, act impulsively."
Her gaze then fixed on Fifi, who intentionally shifted her focus elsewhere. Continuing, she said, "Aside from myself, it would be regrettable if this obsession with the Village Chieftess position consumes everyone or misleads them into thinking they're suited for it just due to their strength." She went on, "Moreover, we're heading to the new settlement with our children. This means that our entire families are relocating together. So, while I appreciate the competitive spirit among all the women here, I don't believe it should be our primary reason or sole focus as we prepare to enter an entirely unfamiliar area infested with Vylkr vines."
Once her words settled, a collective sigh of exhaustion filled the room, and nods of comprehension rippled through the women. Observing their shoulders slump in defeat, it quickly dawned on me that my mother had established herself as the unofficial leader of the group.
Well, considering she was the one who had pinned me to the ground to keep me from becoming a warrior in the first place, it wasn't all that surprising.
However, with the room now settled, my gaze shifted to the last person, Reena.
Apart from Gina, whose figure was taking after that of our mother, considering her curvaceous hips and the enticing outlines of her breasts against her tulga, Reena easily stood out as the most striking woman in the room, if I were to measure by the beauty standards of this world.
With everyone's attention fixed on her, including mine, she met our collective gaze with folded arms and an air of confidence that indicated she was quite accustomed to being the centre of attention.
"First and foremost, let's get something straight," Reena's voice sliced through the air, compelling everyone's focus in the room. "We all know the truth, if there's anyone capable or has the potential to become the Village Chieftess," she extended one hand, her index finger pointed firmly at herself, "it's me." Smoothly, she folded her hand back.
"That's the truth we're aware of. However, since we're all now part of the same family, I'm open to a friendly competition to see how well you all fare before I ultimately claim the title of Village Chieftess." Her declaration was unapologetically bold. "It could be a great way for us to bond and understand each other better. So, let's give it our all and contribute to the growth of this new village," Reena continued with confidence.
"Also, as my mother has said, we shouldn't get too carried away or distracted. We still have a family to care for." A warm smile graced her lips. She turned that same smile towards every woman in the room before fixing it on me, raising her right hand high in agreement.
