"No, no, that isn't quite right!" Isabel exclaimed, her voice tinged with urgency as she noticed the deep furrow in Logan's brow. Her words tumbled out in a rush as she sought to clarify her mother's intentions. "Mother envisions the Danube as a bountiful artery, teeming with fish and shrimp. She proposes we establish a robust fishing fleet to harness these resources effectively."
"The sheer scale of the operation would necessitate the construction of a pier along the Danube to accommodate the vessels," Isabel continued, her hands gesturing vividly as she painted the scene.
"Under her plan, our people, the snake tribe, would inhabit this dock area. But it wouldn't just be us; she sees potential for a thriving settlement, encouraging other orc tribes to join us, which could evolve into a bustling township."
Isabel's voice grew animated as she outlined the grand vision. "In time, with a strong naval presence patrolling the waterway, our tribe could dominate the Danube, turning it into a vital commercial lifeline that stretches across the continent."
The weight of her message bore heavily upon her, and inwardly, Isabel recoiled at the thought of conveying these ambitious plans to her mother, Astali. Her fear of Logan's potential disapproval or worse, losing his support; made her heart race.
Logan's gaze was penetrating as he asked, "Is this truly what Astali intends?" His voice was calm but carried an undercurrent of skepticism.
"Yes, exactly as she said!" Isabel replied, nodding emphatically, her anxiety palpable.
Logan considered her words, his expression unreadable. "The waterways in the Golden Basin are well-developed, yet they're tightly controlled by various water tribes," he mused aloud. "Navigating these routes often incurs hefty tolls for merchants."
He referenced the rich tapestry of water tribes; crocodile, river turtle, snake, and others, who had long vied for control of these precious resources. The history of their struggles and alliances was as deep and turbulent as the waters they inhabited.
"Essentially, the tribes that command these waterways wield considerable power," Logan added, his tone reflective.
With such a perspective, time is a trivial concern.
Meanwhile, the strategic development of resources like large-scale naval fishing promises immediate benefits for the tribe's growth and prosperity. It's with this foresight that Logan praises Astali's acumen.
"Well, concerning the dock," Logan began, addressing Isabel, who appeared anxious, "invite your mother to the council hall tomorrow morning. We'll discuss its feasibility then."
Isabel exhaled in relief, understanding now why her mother had predicted Logan' interest. Despite her initial fears, her mother had accurately gauged his ambitions.
"Did I frighten you earlier?" Logan asked gently, drawing her close with a comforting embrace.
"No," Isabel replied, her voice steady.
"And what tale would you like to hear tonight? After that, it's time for bed."
"Bed?" she echoed, a flush creeping across her cheeks at his earnest tone.
"Yes, sleep," he confirmed with a nod, his expression serious.
Caught off guard by his solemnity, Isabel found herself speechless, her earlier resolve wavering under his gaze. She remembered her mother's caution about sharing a bed without consent, her thoughts a whirl of confusion and newfound feelings.
The next morning dawned swiftly. Logan, rising early with the remnants of their conversation lingering in his mind, prepared for the important meeting with Astali, where they would chart the course for not just a dock, but potentially the future of their entire tribe.