Re:Ant Lord-Chapter 57: Village Party

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Luna smiled, stepping closer so that her tall ears nearly brushed Kai’s antennae. Her presence felt strangely comforting to him and, at the same time, stirring in ways he did not fully understand. "Come," she said, "the village is not far. We can find food, medicine, and a place to rest."

So, with cautious steps, the ants followed Luna through a winding forest trail. The sun climbed higher, sending gentle warmth through the trees. Kai walked near the bunny girl, catching glimpses of her playful grin. Somewhere inside, he felt his pulse quicken. Something about her lit a spark of longing in him, a mix of curiosity and powerful attraction. Could she sense it, too?

A few moments later.....

They arrived at a small village nestled among rolling hills. Simple huts dotted the valley, each one made from wood and baked clay. A soft breeze carried the scent of fresh bread and blooming flowers.

People... no human shape beastkin, and other bunny folk moved slowly through the dirt paths, smiling politely at the newcomers. A few turned to stare at the ants, but no one seemed alarmed. It was as if the village was used to travelers.

"This is where I came," Luna explained, her long ears twitching as she guided them through a rustic wooden gate. "I have a friend here who helps me with herbal cures. I thought you might want to see if they have potions or bandages for your wounds."

Kai studied the village’s relaxed air, noticing many different species of children giggling and playing near a shady tree, while an older woman with cat or fox ears sold fruit from a woven basket. The group was weary, so they took up Luna’s suggestion. Darius, though tense, could not deny that a safe rest stop was welcome. He told the ants to remain on guard, but they agreed to at least settle for the night.

They could heal Lomar and eat some good food. It’s been days since they eat a proper meal. Since the beginning of their journey they were eating only dried meat.

Their first stop was a humble lodging type building, a small wooden village hall with a thatched roof. Inside, a friendly hall keeper welcomed them, unconcerned about the unknown people. Perhaps the bunny girl’s presence vouched for them or he revived many travellers visiting the village hall for rest. The ants were given a big room with straw beds. Basic, but better than sleeping on damp leaves. At last, the group could relax.

Luna, having seen the travelers safely to a safe spot, smiled at them. "You rest now," she told everyone. "I’ll come by tonight and bring you some food. Then... maybe we can talk more." Her last words were aimed at Kai, who felt a flutter in his chest.

When Luna left, Darius spat quietly, "We can’t lower our guard. Just because some bunny girl escorted us doesn’t make this place safe." He marched off to check the area’s perimeter, leaving Kai and the others a moment of quiet relief. Almost everyone was happy because he left.

Kai found a mat in a corner, leaning back against the inn’s wooden wall. The softness of the straw felt almost luxurious after the harsh forest floors. As he breathed out, his mind replayed Luna’s welcoming smile, her lively ears, her promise of seeing him later. A flush warmed his exoskeleton, a mild tingling that reminded him of how she stirred him in ways he could not ignore.

’What should I say to her when she comes later?" Kai asked himself.

The day passed gently in that tranquil village. Some of Kai’s comrades sought out an herbalist who gave them medicine for cuts and bruises. Others went shopping. They bargain with local vendors for some stuff. Captain Darius paced like a caged beast, uneasy about the calm. But no trouble arose. The villagers simply went about their simple lives, offering polite waves to the ant warriors as they walked by.

Late in the afternoon, while Kai helped Renna with bandaging Lomar wound, a messenger knocked on the door of their shared room. He announced that Luna invited them to a small feast at sunset. It’s a friendly gathering in the village square. It was a chance to share a meal, maybe some music, and forget the forest’s horrors for a night.

Kai felt a surge of excitement. Darius grumbled about "wasting time," but no one else wished to refuse. They needed rest, food, and fresh air. So they prepared. By the time the sun dipped behind the far hills, the ants emerged into the square, guided by flickering torches placed around a wide open space.

The villagers had laid out long wooden tables with simple clay bowls, bread, and fresh fruit. People chatted softly under the orange glow of lanterns. A soft hush of evening joy filled the air.

And then came Luna.

She appeared from among the crowd, wearing a dazzling outfit that took Kai’s breath away. It was a fitted garment, shimmering in the torchlight, hugging every curve of her tall, graceful figure. Her bunny ears stood proudly, flicking with playful energy. She looked both kind and incredibly alluring, with a radiant aura that drew every gaze in the square.

Kai’s antennae twitched. He had seen her in casual attire before, but now she seemed like a vision—someone who could outshine even the bright flames flickering around them. She smiled at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and motioned for him to follow as the villagers began their small feast.

Throughout the evening, they ate, drank, sang and danced with the villagers. The drink was a strong herbal brew, after a few rounds of alcohol they became tired. They forget about the mission and monsters lurking in the wild.

Luna chatted with them about small daily happenings, about the village’s farmland and the bunny folks’ local crafts. She teased Kai with witty remarks, coaxing only a half-sour grunt from him. The other ants Thren, Lomar, Vexor, and Renna sat more quietly, enjoying bread dipped in savory broth and drinks. The tension in their muscles loosened, replaced by a gentle feeling of relief.