"You stand before me as a fifth-level water magician, while she is merely a fourth-level. Given your capabilities, you could easily secure a peaceful existence within our tribe. There is truly no necessity to present her to me as some form of offering!" Logan declared with a firm tone, eyeing Astali with a mix of suspicion and curiosity.
"Do you bring her to me with an ulterior motive, or does your gesture serve another purpose among the snake people?" Logan's gaze was piercing as he posed the question lightly, yet the undercurrent of his words carried the weight of his authority.
Astali, faced with the scrutiny, found herself faltering under the gaze of the Silver Mane tribe's leader. Her mind raced as she contemplated her next move in this precarious dance of diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Begon and Reynolds, who had been momentarily captivated by the enchanting presence of the snake woman named Elizabeth, snapped back to reality with the revelation of her magical status. The beauty that had once beguiled them now underscored a potential threat, they had not anticipated encountering other magicians, especially not here, in the sanctity of their tribe.
Their initial awe quickly soured into concern. "Could these snake people be assassins sent by our enemies? How could we have been so negligent?" The thought plagued Reynolds, his brow furrowing deeply.
Yet, the realization also came with understanding, the subtleties of magical concealment were beyond their non-magical senses. A warrior might betray his strength through his aura, but a magician's power lay hidden, masked by the quiet stir of elemental forces unseen to the untrained eye.
Turning to Logan, Begon's voice was tense, "Chief, should we detain these snake people?"
Astari's heart sank as she overheard the conversation. The fears that she had managed to keep at bay now threatened to overwhelm her. Despite her status as a magician, she knew the dire straits she faced, captivity or worse, the potential annihilation of her people.
The Silver Mane tribe was not just any tribe; it boasted a sixth-level warrior whose might was legendary. Such a figure could decimate her entire retinue with scant effort.
Desperation clawed at her, and with a heavy heart, she prostrated herself before Logan, her voice barely a whisper amid the tension. "Please, Chief, show us mercy. We meant no deceit. My people simply seek safety in your lands. I am prepared to offer more from our tribe, more treasures, more hands in allegiance, to secure your goodwill."
Her plea hung in the air, charged with the gravity of her situation. Logan listened, his expression unreadable for a moment before he finally spoke, his voice carrying a surprising note of amusement.
"Why would we arrest them, Second Uncle? Do we even possess a prison within our tribe?" His laughter broke the tension slightly, hinting at a different path forward, one perhaps not as grim as Astari had feared.
"Really?" Logan questioned, his interest piqued by Isabel's reluctant admission.
He touched Isabel's cheek gently, a gesture of comfort, before releasing her and addressing Astari with a light but authoritative tone. "I choose to believe your daughter's testament."
Turning to address the gathering more broadly, Logan continued, "The Silver Mane Tribe opens its gates to all beastmen kins who seek fellowship, offering equal standing within our ranks. Join us, abide by our laws and leadership, and you will find your place here as members of our tribe."
"But let this be clear," his voice hardened, carrying across the crowd, "any actions that threaten the peace of this tribe will not be tolerated. Typically, I would wield my sword without hesitation against those with deceitful intentions. However, considering your candid confession and the fact this is your first transgression, I will offer clemency this time."
His gaze fixed on Astari with a regal and commanding presence. "I expect you and your people to conduct yourselves with honor henceforth."
"Yes... yes, Chief! Thank you for your generosity. We, the Snake People, will not forget this mercy," Astari responded eagerly, relief flooding her features as she quickly raised her head to meet Logan's eyes with a look of profound gratitude.
"Rise," Logan commanded.
Astari complied immediately, standing up and casting a brief, meaningful look at her daughter, Isabel. She recognized the crucial role Isabel had played in altering their fate, potentially saving the Snake People from a dire end.
"Astari, you agree to a reevaluation of your tribe's strength, correct?" Logan's voice was firm, expecting cooperation.
"Yes, I am willing," Astari responded promptly, eager to maintain the fragile peace they had achieved.
"Uncle Begon, please see to the reassessment of the Snake People's capabilities," Logan directed towards Begon.
"Yes," Lot replied with a sharp nod, his gaze still frosty as he turned to lead Astari and five other Snake People away for the evaluation.
Isabel was left behind, a silent observer now entwined with the fate of the Silver Mane Tribe.