Before long, they had gathered a lot of fruits, it was at this junction that Ava realized the importance of baskets but it seems that the Beast people of this world had no concept of baskets, they would just tie everything up in a hide skin. Ava looked around and asked Kael and George, "Could you help me in gathering thin vines, stems or grass." Ava said, her eyes scanning the underbrush. "We need something flexible, yet sturdy."
Kael and George exchanged a curious glance but obliged, searching the area until they returned with an assortment of slender vines. Ava selected a vine type which seemed appropriate, it was called the weeping reeds according to George, because the tree had vines hanging down from the tree like a curtain and whenever the winds blew through strange whistling noise would be heard.
Ava's hands moved deftly, weaving the vines into an intricate pattern. Her fingers danced, intertwining the strands with a practiced ease. George watched, mesmerized, as a beautiful basket began to take shape.
"Wow, Ava, you're amazing!" Oma exclaimed. "We've never seen anything like this before."
The tribe's females gathered around, fascinated by Ava's craftsmanship. Kael smiled proudly, his eyes shining with admiration.
Within minutes, Ava completed the basket, its woven design sturdy and elegant. She began packing the fruits, carefully arranging them to maximize space but still wasn't enough.
Ava glanced at the setting sun. Time was fleeting, but she had one more creation in mind.
"I'll make a vine net bag," Ava announced, her hands already moving swiftly.
The tribe watched in awe as Ava's fingers deftly wove the vines into an intricate net. The women exchanged whispered marvels, while the men observed with quiet admiration.
This vine net bag would accommodate the excess of produce – onion cabbage, large peppers, garlic bulbs, ginger roots, and other fruits that couldn't fit in the baskets.
As Ava worked, Oma assisted, handing her vines.
Ava's hands moved with practiced ease, the vines transforming into a sturdy, flexible bag. The tribe's amazement grew as the net bag took shape.
"Unbelievable!" Oma nodded. "This will ease our harvesting."
With a final twist, Ava secured the net bag's edges. The tribe's people, their faces aglow with wonder.
Kael stepped forward, with George carefully loading the vine net bag with the varied produce. The onion cabbage, peppers, garlic bulbs, and ginger roots settled snugly within.
Ava smiled, satisfied. "This should hold everything.".
"This is incredible!" one of the tribe's older females said. "No more cumbersome hide skins. This basket and net bag will make gathering and carrying so much easier."
The tribe's females cheered, and Ava beamed with pride. George wrapped his arms around her waist, giving her a squeeze.
"You're not just beautiful, Ava," George whispered, "you're also brilliant."
Kael chuckled, his hand playfully ruffling George's hair as he expertly separated Ava from George's embrace with his other hand, not giving George the chance to protest. "Let's get moving. We've got to head back to the tribe."
With the basket and net bag filled, the group began their journey back to the central grounds.
As they walked, the tribe discussed Ava's innovative creations. The women pondered the potential uses for vine net bags, while the men admired the sturdy design
As they journeyed back to the tribe's central grounds, Ava's basket and net bag filled with an assortment of vibrant fruits and various spices, lifted the group's mood. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape.
As the tribe approached their central grounds, the females enthusiastically gathered, eager to showcase their harvest. They dropped their respective fruits onto a communal mat of grass, eyes sparkling with competition.
Oma proudly displayed her succulent berries, arranged artfully beside some vibrant citrus. Oma's basket overflowed with juicy melons, alongside Ava's diverse collection of herbs and spices.
The females compared their produce, playfully while few others boasted, attempting to outshine one another. Laughter filled the air as they bantered, each showcasing their unique finds.
Meanwhile, the males diligently gathered the fruits, carefully distributing them to each female's home. George and Kael worked in harmony with other males, ensuring every household received an equal share, while Ava kept her spices to herself.
Morris, the tribe's leader, approached Ava, his eyes fixed on her basket and net bag. He inspected the woven vines, testing their durability.
Impressed by its durability and design "Ava, your ingenuity will benefit our tribe greatly," Tribe Leader Morris said. "We'll make sure to teach this skill to our younger generations."
Ava smiled, feeling happy to be of help, today had been rather lively.
Tribe leader Morris turned to Ava, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "Will you share your knowledge with our females? Teach them the art of vine-weaving?"
Ava nodded, eager to contribute. "Of course, I'd be happy to."
The tribe's females gathered around, excited to learn. Even Odette, the oldest female in the tribe, hobbled forward, her wrinkled hands clasped together.
"Teach me, young one," Odette said, her voice wispy but determined. "I may be old, but my hands are still agile."
Ava smiled, touched by Odette's eagerness. "Let's begin."
With Kael and George assisting, Ava guided the females in gathering suitable vines. She demonstrated various weaving techniques, patiently answering questions.
Oma proved a quick learner, her fingers deftly mimicking Ava's movements, some other females' work were clumsy, while some females gave up altogether leaving the work to their males. Odette, despite her aged hands, showed surprising dexterity.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow, the females worked tirelessly. Baskets began to take shape, each unique and beautiful, while some others needed more practice.
The shaman, Lazur, approached, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Ava, your gift goes beyond practicality. These baskets hold spiritual significance."
Ava's eyes met Lazur's. She smiled awkwardly and replied, "Baskets are not just tools, but symbols of community and connection and it will play an important role in the gathering, storage and preparation of food."
Lazur nodded. "Your presence has brought change to our tribe. The ancient ones smile upon you."
Ava smiled, knowing her presence had sparked positive change.
As the sun fell, the females gathered around the fire George had prepared. Ava's heart swelled with joy, seeing the tribe come together.
However, the males' reaction was far from joyful. Morris, the tribe leader, and Lazur, the shaman, approached cautiously, eyes fixed on the flames.
"What sorcery is this?" Morris growled, fear etched on his face.
Lazur's eyes widened. "This is... holy fire. Only Beast City and the Temple possess such power."
The females retreated, alarmed, thinking the fire would consume the tribe.
George and Kael intervened, calming everyone. "Wait, don't be afraid. Fire can be controlled and used for good."
Ava added, "We'll show you how to use it safely."
George began explaining, "Fire provides warmth, cooks food, and keeps predators away."
Kael demonstrated, "We create a containment area, ensuring it doesn't spread."
The males listened intently, curiosity replacing fear.
Morris asked, "How did you acquire this holy power?"
Ava smiled. "I'll teach you how to make fire. It's not holy, just knowledge."
Lazur's eyes sparkled. "This changes everything. We thought only the Temple's priests knew this secret."
The males cautiously approached, allowing their females to sit at a safe distance from the fire.
As night fell, the tribe gathered around the fire, feeling its warmth and comfort.
Tribe Leader Morris turned to Ava. "You've shared much with us. We're grateful."
Ava smiled. "Knowledge should be shared, not hoarded."
Shaman Lazur nodded. "We'll incorporate fire into our rituals, honoring its power."
The tribe's acceptance of fire marked a new era of growth, it would prove useful in the daily lives of the Tree tribe people.
Kael wrapped his arm around Ava, pulling her close. George snuggled up beside her, content.
Soon Oma and a blond haired female with pink eyes that went by the name Lily walked towards Ava, Ava recognized her as the female who alongside Oma was catching fruits thrown down from the tree by George in the forest. They approached Ava and they started chatting about all the things they could do with the basket, their faces aglow with excitement.
"Ava, your baskets are amazing!" Oma exclaimed. "What else can we use them for?"
Ava's eyes sparkled. "Well, besides harvesting, storage, and transport, specialized baskets can be used as sieves for other purposes."
Lily's curiosity piqued. "Like what?"
"Cooking, processing seeds or grains," Ava began, "or even catching small prey or fish. The possibilities are endless."
George's ears perked up, intrigued. Kael nodded, interested. They both and other males in the tribe were interested in catching prey with it and wondered how to do it.
Unnoticed by the group, Lazur, the shaman, and several tribe females and males with their keen hearing eavesdropped from afar. Their faces reflected fascination.
Oma joined the conversation, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "We can make ceremonial baskets for sacred objects."
Odette, the oldest and respected female, nodded from across the fire, her eyes twinkling. "In my youth, we used large leaves to carry sacred herbs but now we can start using the baskets instead."
As Ava shared her knowledge, the tribe's females and males exchanged excited glances. The night air buzzed with creativity and possibility.
Ava continued, "For example, a basket can be used to serve or store dry food. A larger weave can catch fish in shallow waters."
Oma's eyes widened. "That's ingenious! We can use them to catch fish in the nearby river." But then Oma looked confused and then asked "what's a fish?"