Ethernal Bounds: Love in the Beastmen's Domain

Chapter 7 Teasing You

After Leviathan rekindled the fire, he tenderly dressed Samaya, ensuring her comfort. Exhausted from the recent events, Samaya slept for a day and a night, finding solace in the warmth of the cave and Leviathan's protective presence.

As the dawn of the new day approached, Samaya stirred from her slumber, awakened not by the gentle warmth of the sun, but by the unmistakable smell of something unpleasant. The scent reached her nostrils, causing her to crinkle her nose in discomfort. Opening her eyes, Samaya discovered the source of the disagreeable aroma. "Oh god, not durian! Get this thing far, far away from me!" Despite being born and raised in Germany and loving Asian food, she detested durian. This smelly fruit was the horror of her culinary experiences, on par with mushrooms. Occasionally, Lev would bring her mushrooms, but she always discreetly tossed them away when he wasn't looking!

Observing Samaya's wrinkled face and distasteful expression caused by the durian, Leviathan couldn't contain his laughter. Her eyes, fixed on the offensive fruit, shifted instantly to Leviathan, who was still amused. "Do you want to kill me with this smelly thing?" she grumbled. Leviathan, looking at her, stopped laughing and gazed at her with wide eyes. "I can understand you now," he said. Leviathan, taken aback, looked at Samaya with surprise. The revelation that he could now understand her language due to the bond with the animal tattoo on her breast caught him off guard. His eyes held a mix of curiosity and realization.
Samaya, noticing the shift in Leviathan's expression, smiled. "You can understand me now?" she asked, a sense of wonder in her voice. Leviathan nodded, still processing the newfound ability.

The bond between them, marked by the mysterious tattoo, seemed to unlock not only a deeper connection but also a shared understanding of language. Perceiving her strong aversion to the durian, Leviathan picked it up and carried it away from their resting place. He returned, a playful smile on his face, and rekindled the fire. Samaya, relieved to be rid of the offensive odor, sat up and stretched. "Damn, my back is hurting like hell! How could he have so much stamina!"

As she sat by the fire, Leviathan prepared a simple meal, ensuring there were no mushrooms or durian involved. He had come to understand her culinary preferences, despite the language barrier. Samaya, feeling grateful for his efforts, watched as he skillfully cooked a meal that appealed to her taste. The forest echoed with the crackling of the fire, and the air was filled with the aroma of a more appetizing dish. Samaya, appreciating Leviathan's adaptability, felt a sense of comfort enveloping her, before settling down to sleep.

Opening her eyes the next morning, Samaya discovered a familiar unpleasant aroma. The horror repeated itself and this time, Leviathan was holding it with a mischievous grin on his face. "Oh no, not again." she exclaimed, playfully pushing the durian away. Leviathan chuckled at her reaction, finding amusement in her aversion to the pungent fruit.

Despite the initial shock of waking up to the smell she would rather avoid, Samaya couldn't help but join in the laughter. Leviathan found a secluded spot near the cave where he discovered a variety of vibrant flowers. Picking a few, he presented them to Samaya, creating a makeshift bouquet. Samaya, touched by the gesture, smiled appreciatively as the vibrant colors contrasted with the lush greenery of the forest. Their day continued with a leisurely stroll along a crystal-clear stream. Leviathan, with his keen knowledge of the wilderness, pointed out unique plants and animals, sharing his insights with her. Samaya, in turn, marveled at the wonders of nature, feeling a sense of awe and gratitude for the experiences their journey brought.

As the sun began its descent, Leviathan skillfully set up a cozy area by the lake, complete with a blanket of soft animal hides. The soothing sound of flowing water accompanied their evening, as they shared a meal prepared by Leviathan.Under the starlit sky, Leviathan and Samaya found themselves engrossed in storytelling. As the fire crackled, the dance of shadows on the cave walls behind them painted a magical backdrop to their evolving story.