Ashton closed his eyes, he still had three dryad seeds to heal for the fae… the Fae would also be extremely interested in this mana fruit tree that had not only gained sentience but could travel. If he accepted the Great Tree's terms… he wouldn't see any returns for possibly hundreds, maybe thousands of years…
But the increased threats would be immediate… Ashton's silver eyes gazed up at the tree while the fox shifted ever so slightly behind him.
"Five seeds." Ashton stated with no room for negotiations. The vines coiled in agitation several times, but Ashton didn't yield. Protecting the Dolquist while inside a barrier was already taxing, for them to be able to travel freely… he would have to mark them or create an artifact for them to carry every time they stepped out of their tribal lands. Regardless… he would be at an immediate loss as he hoped the investment paid off in the long run.
Neveu couldn't help but glance between the young beast's firm stare, and the anxious branches. He also.. felt the Great Tree's serious contemplation. The Great Tree's mana fruit didn't have seeds, in fact… he wasn't sure if the Great Tree even produced seeds. Even in legend… mana trees seemed to spontaneously sprout, for thousands of years people and the Fae had attempted to grow them. In all of history… a mana fruit tree would be found, then civilizations would gather around it.
Though… the mana fruit trees would only produce a few fruit a century and more often than not wither once the fruit fell. Never had they found a fruit that contained a seed. If the Great Tree could produce seeds… at least one chief should have been aware. Eventually… the Great Tree offered up a vine.
Ashton watched as five lumps passed from the branch then the tip of the vine split open revealing five white seeds that resembled giant unshelled sunflower seeds. Ashton carefully picked out each seed inspecting them. They would be useless if they couldn't sprout into mana fruit trees, they would also need a consistent infusion of mana.
Each seed was the size of his pinky; he wrapped them in wards that would draw in mana as a temporary measure. Then Ashton opened his spacial rift pulling out two clear crystal vials, both contained his teers. He placed them carefully in the vine, the Great Tree lifted its roots and placed them where the stored mana fruit had been.
"Our barter is concluded, Agapi and half of the gryphons will escort you home at first light. Upon your return each member of the Dolquist will be required to make a blood sacrifice to become my property. Agapi will lead the ceremony." Ashton informed, the details of the barter need only be known by the Great Tree, and the three.
Neveu bowed, the Great Tree was distressed… but also happy. He was mildly surprised the young beast didn't hold the ceremony now… but who would be daring enough to challenge a beast of Sin?
Nerium then stepped forward with a warded basket, inside were mana fruit slices no thicker than a butterfly wing, coated with honey to help act as a preservative. Usually, a single fruit would result in over a hundred slices, and each adult member of the tribe would compete for a slice. A single preserved slice would be the equivalent of a mage or warrior absorbing a peek fourth or mid fifth tier mana crystal. Any more than a single slice… and the person might explode from mana overload. In the last ten years, every fall the Great Tree would bestow between three and seven fruit, but since their numbers were sparce… a single fruit would be more than enough to go around.
They had all agreed to save the rest in case of emergencies, and to give half as thanks to their benefactor. Ashton accepted the basket about the size of his head placing it beside the larger vine basket of mana fruit. Nearly all eyes were glued greedily to the treasures.
Caius watched the tree with narrowed eyes… a conscious plant… he thought only the Fae mother trees were capable of cognizant thought. Caius was also miffed that one of his rarest treasures… was little more than a seasonal treat for his Little Snack.
After a brief hesitation, the children started to show off their catches, or kills.
Caius wasn't interested what the humans presented, only noting that the strongest of the tiger children had earned the feather. Her speed was noticeably faster, probably by a tenth as she darted around, red hair a mess.
Ashton didn't miss the big fox's disinterest as Rowena excitedly darted around the area. Today's catch had been a leader class caiman lizard, surprising the beast had been captured while it slept. Ashton eyed the stony skinned lizard still sleeping in its cage. Just once it opened an eye to look at him, then fell back asleep.
Caius stretched as he pushed himself up to curl around his Little Snack. Aiya, Caius felt as if he were neglected when he wasn't being used. How heartless.
Ashton heard the dramatic huff and puffs of the fox. Soon Ashton could feel each exhale as the fox shifted closer and closer. "Fox, perhaps we might barter." Ashton finally acknowledged as the giant nose was almost against his back.
Caius perked his ears but kept looking everywhere except at his Little Snack. "Aiya? What could such a strong, rich beast want from me?" Caius lamented eying the large basket of mana fruit… just sitting there, unattended. Surely no one would notice one or two going missing…
Ashton couldn't stop the amused smile, "I am a nouveau rich unfortunately, I was hoping to barter for your preservation method for the mana fruit. I might also, be able to barter away one of their defenses." Ashton teased as he shifted to the side to start scratching the giant fox snout.
Caius finally glanced over the Little Snack, aiya, that's the spot! "Hmm. What are you willing to offer for my personalized ward? I'll tell you now, I spent over twenty years perfecting it." Caius watched the youth, aiya… he must be strong. Fight for his benefits, demand compensation for being neglected!
Ashton raised a brow, then pretended to look pensive, "Hmm," Ashton then selected the first slice of mana fruit, eyeing it critically, "Perhaps, I might trade you… three ripe fruit, and a third of my basket of slices?" Ashton asked contemplatively.
"Five fruit and half your honey slices." Caius demanded refusing to look at the slice so close… aiya! Stay strong! Don't concede!
Ashton almost couldn't contain his laughter, all seven tails were inching toward the baskets, "Agreed." A giant tongue then almost knocked him over as the tiny, barely the size of his palm, fruit chip was swiped.
Caius took advantage of the Little Snack to lick the slice out of his hand. The poor little bird's feathers were left in disarray while his human hair was stuck straight up, not to mention the Little Snack was now covered in his saliva. "Aiya, so sweet!"
Ashton sat stiffly, smile cracking around the edges… sneaky fox. Ashton slowly wiped the saliva from his face while also doing his best to fix his hair…. "Careful fox, I might decide to be petty and retaliate."
Caius blinked at the small, disheveled bird, "Aiya? Was it not for me? A down payment for my services?" Caius asked innocently, then licked his lips. Really, he would be worse than a beast if he didn't take at least some advantage.
Ashton gave the fox a side eye, "Uh huh." Ashton remarked as he lifted the basket of slices to Talvi, "If you separate the slices, I will pay you five of my remaining half." Even if she was a guardian class, more than a few slices wouldn't be safe. Though she probably wouldn't eat them all at the same time.
Talvi gave a deep bao before accepting the basket, "It will be done." Since neither Caius nor the younger beast had made any commitments, she had to be wary of how she addressed him. Besides, birds tended to be skittish… it wouldn't do her any good if she made the little bird any more wary of father Caius.
Caius glanced around, the slices would be perfect rewards for his kin. Perhaps he could barter for more in the days to come, but for now… he still had several snacks that were just dying of anticipation. Though… nose scratches were so nice… but he had to make sure the Little Snack was fed properly before sleeping. Sleeping on an overly full stomach would not be good!
Ashton had noticed Leonard speaking to Neveu, the talks did not seem to be going well. Ashton half leaned on the nose as he continued to absentmindedly scratch around the snout. Ashton glanced down at the basket of mana fruit… he wasn't exactly hungry… but food was always nice… then again if he couldn't finish the fruit it would be such a waste…
Caius noticed the Little Snack's glances so he wrapped the little one up in a tail walking over to the tribal chief and speaker of the dragon kin. If he was going to stick around… perhaps it might be useful to be able to tell them apart but they all looked the same… dark hair, dark eyes, gloomy expressions… Aiya he should just eat them…
Leonard tensed seeing Caius wrap Ashton up and walk over. Leonard's desperate negotiations had fallen on deaf ears… the tribal chief had refused to even entertain the thought of bartering away any of the fruit.
Neveu was almost relieved when the beasts started walking over, he didn't show it, but his frustration was getting the better of him. Neveu had no intention of ever trading the Great Tree's fruit to the people that had slaughtered more than two thirds of their people. Even if one day they became friendly enough to consider trade… right now the tribe didn't have any whole fruit left, they had only half a fruit of slices left.
Caius plopped down beside the little chief, "Aiya, I am hungry and it's almost bedtime for my Little Snack. Where is the dragonkin?"
Leonard's heart sank, he wanted to argue… something… but he'd seen 14 people get eaten and it was just Caius's first day. Arguing with Ashton hadn't… Ashton hadn't really ever punished them.
Jaxon just stared at the giant fox, then he slowly picked Monroe up and walked over. Jaxon hadn't expected to be able to buy a fruit, especially not after Ashton's little spiel. To expect mercy from the tribes he'd personally thought he'd help wipe out… karma really was a bitch.
Caius watched the oldest of the dragonkin step forward, he'd half expected it to run off. "Now, which pieces are you keeping?" Caius just wanted this over and done with, though he did throw Zane a toothy smile.
Zane kept his smile, as stiff as it was. Caius hadn't bothered looking at them all evening… now this smile that could easily be mistaken for a snarl… Zane forced himself to not shudder… they had two full chests of jewels and gold.
Ashton reached up and pulled himself out of the tail burrito. This way at least his upper body was visible… surely the fox didn't think he was squeamish. Ashton glanced down as Jaxon gently laid Monroe on a prepared stretcher. It would seem then intended to rush him inside for treatment right after.
Caius looked at the Little Snack pitifully, Aiya! Pulling on his poor fur, "Aiya, I would have let you up if you'd asked Little Snack, we are civilized beasts. Words can solve much!" Caius complained looking at his tail as if he would find bald spots from all the tugging.
Ashton rolled his eyes as he propped himself up on an elbow, "I will remember that in the future Fox." Yes, words could solve much, says the beast that attacked without warning. Ashton yawned as Monroe's left leg was exposed, Jaxon had cut a slit all the way up the thigh as a dozen mages waited around anxiously.
"How much of the… leg will you be getting?" Jaxon asked expressionlessly as he looked up at the giant red fox. They were all… so nonchalant… was this how the other countries saw Smyrna when demands were made? Just swallowing their grievances down without being able to demand an explanation or even hope for mercy…