After one full week, Ardis was finally allowed to meet everyone again.
When she stepped out of the priestess's dwelling, sunlight fell across her face, and countless eyes turned toward her. For a brief moment, she felt shy, but then she saw the familiar smiles, the relieved expressions, and the joyful faces of those she loved.
Cheers broke out.
A small celebration was held that very night. A fire was lit in the center of the village, and meat was roasted until the air was rich with its scent. The elders spoke blessings, and the cubs danced clumsily, still unused to their new bodies.
As tradition demanded, Ardis was even given a small bowl of alcohol. She only took a tiny sip, coughing from the sharp taste, which made everyone laugh. It was a simple ceremony, but one filled with warmth and acceptance.
Life soon returned to its natural rhythm.
Though much had changed for Ardis, the daily life of the snake tribe remained mostly the same. Snake beastmen and females loved basking in the sun, lying on warm stones for long hours. To be honest, snake females were often described as "salted fish"—lazy, quiet, and very fond of naps.
They loved to sleep.They loved to eat.They did not enjoy social gatherings or noisy celebrations.
Yet beneath that calm exterior, they were far from weak.
Snake females were known for their sharp tempers and dangerous strength. A poisonous snake female could kill several beastmen with a single bite, while non-poisonous ones were often massive in size, able to suffocate their prey with terrifying force. Because of this, snake females had one of the highest survival rates among all tribes.
Every race had its own nature.
Fox females were famous for their beauty and charm. They were graceful, clever, and extremely social—but behind their smiles hid sharp minds and cunning instincts.
Rabbit females were known for their fertility and gentle nature. Their numbers were always large, and they were deeply protected by their tribes.
Tiger females were fierce and proud. Eagle females were sharp-eyed and bold. Deer females were calm and graceful.
Each carried their own strengths, their own traditions, and their own way of surviving in the harsh world.
Ardis listened to these stories with curiosity. She was no longer just a cub.
She was now part of the world of adults, and her journey had only just begun.
Ardis pushed aside the fur curtain and entered the hut for her lesson.
The warm scent of dried herbs and burning wood greeted her, yet something felt strange, too quiet.
"Where is Grandpa?" Ardis asked softly. Usually, the Snake Chief would already be sitting by the fire, waiting for her arrival.
Sissira, who was grinding herbs near the table, looked up and smiled with clear delight. "Oh? You didn't hear?" she said lightly. "He held a competition to select your first male."
Ardis froze.
Her cheeks heated instantly, and she felt both embarrassed and confused. "W-What? But… why?" she asked. "I thought Dad Sorin could choose him from the fox tribe."
Sissira chuckled and set the herbs aside. "Normally, yes. Since Sorin is a fox chief, most females born into his tribe have their first husband chosen from among the fox beastmen." Her gaze softened as she looked at Ardis. "But you are a snake female, and your grandfather is the Snake Chief. That makes your situation… special. The rules don't bind you the same way."
Ardis nodded slowly, though her heart still beat strangely. "But… why a competition?" she asked again.
"To choose the best," Sissira replied calmly. "Your first male is very important. He must be intelligent, loyal, and strong enough to protect you. The right choice ensures harmony in your future family."
Before Ardis could respond, a cheerful voice suddenly rang out from outside.
"Mom!"
Sissira's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with joy. "Your aunt is here," she said quickly, standing up.
Ardis followed her out, curiosity bubbling inside her. She had heard countless stories about her aunt but had never seen her in person.
A young woman stood in the doorway, dust clinging lightly to her clothes. She was shorter than Ardis, with short black hair and dark brown eyes so deep they almost looked black. There was a playful confidence in her smile.
"Averin," Sissira said warmly, stepping forward and lightly slapping her back. "You troublemaker. Do you know how worried we were?"
Averin laughed softly. "Mom, let's go inside. I have so much to tell you."
Her gaze flicked to Ardis, curious and gentle. Sissira smiled and placed a hand on Ardis's shoulder. "This is your niece, Aeron's daughter. She just transformed."
Averin's eyes lit up. "So you're Ardis," she said kindly. "I'm Averin, your aunt."
Ardis bowed her head slightly, feeling a rush of admiration. Her aunt looked strong, confident, and free, everything Ardis wished to become.
A moment later, a tall beastman entered behind Averin. He had long black hair, one green eye and one blue, his presence calm yet powerful. Ardis recognized him from afar; he was Maelor.
"Mother," Maelor greeted respectfully, offering a woven basket.
Sissira accepted it and pulled back the fur covering. Her eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Maelor, don't spoil her so much."
"Yes, Mother," he replied obediently.
Averin leaned against him, smiling brightly. "Mom, do you know where I went this time? I crossed the desert… then reached the sea. It was breathtaking."
Ardis stared in awe. Traveling such distances was dangerous; only the strongest dared.
"Tell me everything," Sissira said eagerly.
Averin described golden dunes, endless waves, and burning skies. Then she added with a playful grin, "I even found another husband in the desert. I'll bring him tomorrow; his skin matches the sands beautifully."
Time seemed to pass far too quickly as they continued talking, laughter and stories filling the room. Before they realized it, the fire had burned low, and the shadows had grown long.
Averin finally rubbed her eyes, exhaustion settling over her face. Maelor gently placed a hand on her shoulder, greeting Sissira once more before leading her away toward their hut. Several beastmen followed behind them, forming a quiet, protective circle.
Sissira and Ardis stood at the doorway, watching until Averin disappeared into the lantern light.
"I'm thankful," Sissira murmured softly, her voice heavy with emotion. "They are doing well."
Ardis turned to her, eyes full of curiosity, sensing a deeper story behind those words.
Catching her gaze, Sissira paused, lost in old memories, then smiled gently, ready to speak.