Valoria

When Thalos and Seraphina arrive at the Plains Tribe village, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. The once serene plains now feel tense, the usual warmth of his home replaced by suspicious glances and murmurs as the villagers notice Seraphina by Thalos's side. The Plains Tribe, known for its caution and deep-rooted traditions, isn’t accustomed to outsiders, especially from the Tundra Tribe, whose reputation for fierceness precedes them. As they walk through the village, the deer whisper among themselves, their eyes darting between Thalos and Seraphina, their distrust palpable. Thalos, usually confident in his surroundings, feels the weight of their judgment and the pressure of having brought an outsider into their midst.

Seraphina, sensing the unease, keeps her head high, her usual cocky demeanor tempered by the need to show respect in an unfamiliar territory. Despite the tension, she can’t help but feel a pang of irritation at their narrow-mindedness. “Do they always greet guests with such warm hospitality?” she mutters under her breath, her voice tinged with sarcasm. Thalos gives her a nervous smile, trying to ease the tension. “They’re just... cautious. It’s not often we have visitors from other tribes, especially ones as... formidable as you,” he says, choosing his words carefully. Seraphina huffs but lets it slide, understanding that this is Thalos’s world, and she’s the outsider here. Still, the cold reception is a stark contrast to the welcome she’s used to back home, where strength and skill are respected, no matter where one comes from.

As they approach the central gathering hall, where Thalos is expected to present himself, an elder steps forward, his gaze fixed on Seraphina with thinly veiled suspicion. “Thalos,” the elder begins, his tone formal and guarded, “you return with one from the Tundra. Why have you brought her here?” The question hangs in the air, the other villagers watching closely. Thalos straightens up, his resolve hardening. “Seraphina is my guest,” he says, his voice steady. “She’s here to learn from us, just as I’ve learned from her tribe. We could benefit from her experience.” The elder narrows his eyes but says nothing, leaving an uncomfortable silence. Seraphina resists the urge to snap back, instead meeting the elder’s gaze with a calm, confident stare. The challenge is clear: if she’s to be accepted, she’ll have to prove her worth to a tribe that sees all outsiders as a potential threat.