The door creaked open, and Leon entered the hut, his large, tawny hands filled with a steaming wooden bowl of stew. Ruby eyed him warily as she accepted the meal, her lavender eyes clouded with distrust. The steam from the hearty broth rose in tendrils, briefly obscuring her porcelain face before dissipating into the air.
"Thank you," she said, her voice cold and guarded. Leon remembered what she had told him about her previous life and felt a pang of sympathy for her. He knew she had been through unspeakable hardships and needed time to adjust.
"Enjoy your meal," he replied gently. "Once you're done, I can show you around the village if you'd like." He retreated a few steps, allowing her some space.
As Ruby cautiously tasted the stew, she couldn't help but secretly enjoy the rich flavors that danced on her tongue. It was a relief to have something so solid and warm in her stomach after days of uncertainty. She devoured the meal quickly, savoring every bite.
Setting the empty bowl aside, she ran her fingers through her wine-red hair, untangling the knots that had formed over the past few days. As she did so, she made a silent decision: she would cut her hair short, short enough that no one could ever hold her captive by it again. When Ruby felt more presentable in her new clothes and with a full belly, she glanced up at Leon and nodded, signaling her readiness for the tour. A flicker of warmth passed between them, the first tentative steps towards trust.
"Let's go then," Leon said, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. As they ventured out together, Ruby couldn't help but wonder what the future held, both for herself and for the others who called this strange, new world their home.
The sun warmed Ruby's face as they stepped into the village, its vibrant energy immediately enveloping them. Young male cubs playfully sparred with each other, eager to demonstrate their newly acquired hunting and fighting skills. Their movements were swift and agile, drawing occasional praise from observing adults.
"See that group over there?" Leon pointed towards a cluster of males busily tending to various tasks. "They're making sure there's enough food for everyone in their home, while also caring for the cubs and their females."
Ruby watched as the females sat in circles, chatting and laughing together, their voices harmonious and filled with joy. The air was filled with a calmness she had never experienced before, as if this place held a secret formula for happiness that had eluded her all her life. She couldn't help but feel envious of the serenity and contentment that seemed to surround these women.
As they walked further into the village, Ruby felt the curious gaze of the females upon her. Their eyes held a mix of pity and concern, making her suddenly very aware of her own frailty compared to their well-fed, cared-for appearances. Even the female babies looked healthy and plump, with rolls of fat that spoke of abundant nourishment.
"Are you okay?" Leon asked, noticing the subtle shift in Ruby's demeanor.
"Y-Yeah," Ruby stammered, trying to brush off her insecurities. "It's just... they all look so happy and well-cared for. I can't help but feel... out of place."
"Give it some time," Leon reassured her, his voice gentle and understanding. "You'll find your place here too, once you get to know everyone better."
Ruby forced a small smile, hoping he was right. But deep down, she couldn't shake the feeling that she would always be an outsider, forever burdened by the ghosts of her past. As they continued their tour, Leon led Ruby past a group of young females who were engaged in animated conversation. Their laughter was infectious, and for a moment, Ruby found herself envying their carefree disposition.
"Let me tell you a bit about how our village works," Leon began, his voice gentle yet informative. "You see, women are highly valued here because of their ability to give birth. They're not treated as commodities like you have experienced.” He paused, glancing at her to gauge her reaction. Ruby nodded, urging him to continue. "Relationships in the village are quite different from what you might be used to," Leon explained. "Women have the final say in everything, including who becomes their mate and what happens within their homes. We respect and honor the choices of our women." Ruby listened intently, taking in his words as she scanned the village. She couldn't help but wonder if she could ever truly belong here, with her own dark secrets and guarded heart. Leon's description of their customs did make her feel more secure, but she knew it would take time to fully trust anyone again.
As they walked, Ruby spotted an open area on the outskirts of the village, large enough for her to build her own house and perhaps even have a small farm. The thought of having her own space, completely under her control, brought a sense of comfort she hadn't felt in years.
"Leon," she said hesitantly, "I've been thinking... I'd like to build my own house."
"Really?" Leon looked genuinely surprised. "That's not something we usually do here. Most females choose to live with the mate who builds them the best house."
"I know," Ruby admitted, looking down at her hands. "But, I need this. After everything I've been through, I can't bear the thought of relying on someone else for my safety and well-being."
Leon studied her for a moment, his golden eyes filled with understanding. "Alright," he agreed, "if that's what you want, I'll support you. We can gather some materials and get started on your house whenever you're ready."
"Thank you, Leon," Ruby whispered, her heart swelling with gratitude. She knew this was a significant departure from the village's customs, but it was a necessary step for her to reclaim her independence and heal from her past. And as she stared at the empty plot of land that would soon hold her very own home, she couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope for her future in this strange new world.
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The sun was a warm embrace on Ruby's back as she surveyed the plot of land, her lavender eyes filled with determination. Leon approached her hesitantly, his golden gaze softening as he made a gentle offer.
"Ruby, I could build your house for you, if you'd prefer," he said, trying to hide the hope in his voice. "Or, if you need time, you're welcome to stay with me."
She shook her head, wine-red hair swaying with the motion. "I appreciate the offer, Leon, but I can't accept it. I need to do this myself."
Leon's ears drooped slightly, and his disappointment was evident. But he quickly pulled himself together, remembering the trauma Ruby had experienced and why she needed this independence. "Alright," he conceded, "but at least let me help you gather materials and tools."
"Thank you," Ruby replied, her gratitude genuine. She knew Leon meant well, but she couldn't risk having someone else hold power over her again.
Over the next month, Ruby became more comfortable with Leon's assistance as they worked side by side, crafting her clay ondol house. They talked as they gathered materials, Leon teaching Ruby about the flora and fauna of their surroundings, while she shared stories of her past life. It wasn't long before they were laughing together, the bond between them slowly growing stronger.
"Look," Leon called out one day, pointing to a small group of flightless birds known as Cluckies. Ruby watched as the chubby little birds waddled through the underbrush, their feathers a mixture of colors. "We could catch a couple for your chicken coup."
"Great idea," Ruby agreed, a smile lighting up her face. "And maybe we could find some boars for a pig pen?"
"Of course," Leon nodded, his golden eyes reflecting Ruby's excitement.
Together, they worked tirelessly, their shared goal bringing them closer with each passing day. As Ruby's belly grew, so too did her trust in Leon. But she remained firm in her decision to build her own life, knowing that only she could ensure her safety and the safety of her unborn children.
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over Ruby and Leon as they put the finishing touches on the chicken coup and pig pen. The golden light bathed the village in an aura of hope, reflecting the newfound sense of belonging that had blossomed between them.
"Once we set up the storage shed," Ruby said, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, "I'll finally have everything I need to start my new life."
"Ruby," Leon responded softly, a solemn promise in his voice, "no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you." And as the sun disappeared behind the horizon, Ruby knew that she had found something precious in this strange new world: a friend who truly understood her.
Ruby's swollen belly glistened with a sheen of perspiration as Ras, the village healer, placed his hands on it. The woman's lavender eyes flickered with unease, but she remained still under the healer's touch.
"Two strong and healthy boys," Ras announced, his voice tinged with awe and pride. "Congratulations, Ruby."
"Boys?" Ruby furrowed her brow, confusion written across her face. "But...boys take three seasons to grow while girls take two."
Ras chuckled, his fingers still gently pressed against her abdomen. "No boys take two or less seasons depending on which beast kin fathered them. Besides there has never been more than one female born at the same time from the same mother." Ras shook his head with a smile, thinking how silly this woman was.
As the realization dawned upon her, Ruby hesitated before deciding to confide in the healer about her past. She revealed the truth about her previous pregnancies and problems, watching as Ras's expression shifted from excitement to fear. "Such information must be kept secret," he warned her, his voice barely above a whisper. "If word got out, we could find ourselves facing...unwanted visitors."
"Swear to me that you will keep this between us," Ruby insisted, her voice trembling with determination.
"I promise," Ras swore solemnly, locking eyes with her.
Unbeknownst to Ruby, Leon had been waiting just outside the door, listening intently to their conversation. He had returned from gathering food and supplies for Ruby's storage shed, an impressive haul balanced in his strong arms. When he heard the mention of her twin girls, his heart swelled with excitement – yet he knew better than to let it show.
"Hey, Ruby," Leon called out as he stepped into the hut, doing his best to hide his enthusiasm. "Look what I've brought for the storage shed."
"Leon!" Ruby exclaimed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she wondered how much he had heard. "Thank you. This will be perfect for storing my food for after the birth."
As they worked together to unload the supplies, Leon couldn't help but steal glances at Ruby's belly, now aware of the two precious lives growing within her. A newfound sense of protectiveness welled up inside him, and he vowed to keep Ruby and her children safe from harm – even if she never chose him as her mate.
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the village as Ruby and Leon worked side by side to put the finishing touches on the storage shed. A light breeze picked up, rustling the nearby leaves and carrying with it the faint smell of earth and wood. Ruby couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment in this simple moment.
"Leon," Ruby began hesitantly, "I spoke with Ras the healer a few days ago, and he...he told me something I didn't expect."
"What's that?" Leon asked, pausing his work to look at her intently.
"Ras believes I'm carrying twins," she confessed, watching his reaction carefully. "But I need you to promise me something, Leon. Promise me you won't tell anyone about them."
"Of course," Leon replied without hesitation. He remembered what she had said to Ras about how she always gave birth to twins or more no matter the gender. "Your secret is safe with me, Ruby." He gave her a reassuring smile, and she felt her heart flutter in her chest. Was this the beginning of love?
"Thank you," Ruby whispered, and Leon nodded before returning to his work.
As the last nail was hammered into place and the final board secured, Leon wiped the sweat from his brow and stepped back to admire their handiwork. "There we go. All done. What do you say we celebrate our hard work with some dinner?"
"Sounds wonderful," Ruby agreed, her stomach rumbling at the thought of a hot meal.
Inside Ruby's house, Leon busied himself in the kitchen, expertly chopping vegetables and seasoning meat for a delicious stew. Ruby watched him from across the room, marveling at how effortlessly he moved about her home, making her feel completely at ease.
As they sat down to enjoy their meal, Ruby couldn't help but reach out and place a hand on her small baby bump. "I can't tell you how grateful I am to have you here, Leon," she confessed softly. "Your presence lessens my fear of being recaptured by my previous owner and the owner of my unborn children."
"Ruby," Leon said with fierce determination, his golden eyes locked onto hers, "I will protect you and your children with my life, even if you never choose me as your mate. You have my word."
Tears welled up in Ruby's lavender eyes, touched by his unwavering devotion. As they continued to eat, laughter and conversation filling the small house, Ruby realized that perhaps, just perhaps, she had found a place where she could truly belong. And as the last light of day faded from the sky, Ruby and Leon sat together, their bond growing stronger, ready to face whatever challenges the future might bring.