~Ch. 25~ Gathering the People
“How do we do this?” Olivia starts to feel nervous.
“We stand as a united front and back each other up, no matter what!” Sterling tells her.
Her cheek blush because it wasn’t the answer she was expecting, “So you’re saying that the only thing we have to do is be united front?”
Sterling nods, “There’s nothing worse than having two leaders that can’t agree and can’t support each other. Especially when they’re supposed to be a Luna and alpha!”
Olivia smiles, “Who starts the conversation?”
He points to her, “This is what you wanted. This is your baby. I am just here to help and support you anyway that I can!”
Her heart starts to pound. “I’ve never imagined that I would have a mate and it turns out that I have the best one ever!”
Faith peaks her head around the curtain, “It’s time!”
Sterling grabs Olivia’s hand, “Let’s get the party started?”
She smiles and allows him to lead her to the other side. Her palms get sweaty. She didn’t realize how many people would be here. From the outside looking in, it looks like a small village. This is not a small village. There are hundreds of people and it makes her heart ache.
Sterling can tell that she’s nervous so he takes over, “Good afternoon and thank you for having us!”
Everyone claps and Olivia watches him in awe as he continues, “My beautiful mate and I are honored to be here. Just a few hours ago we were going through the biggest changes of our lives and your tireless leader found us.”
He nods to the leader and the leader loudly replies, “You’re welcome!”
Sterling winks at him and continues to address everyone, “As a thank you we have agreed to help you and your wonderful village become more sustainable…”
People start to gasp and whisper, but he continues, “You have the heart in the courage of any wonderful community but now we just need to help you build so that you can do it on your own.”
One villager shouts out, “What good will that do?”
Sterling is surprised by the ignorance, but treats it like a serious question, “The point would be to become the kind of village that others would want to become a part of. When we are done with, not only be your mates…”
He pauses and corrects himself, “Not only will you soulmates be wanting to join but other people that have a hard time surviving in their own villages will want to join!”
The crowd starts to clap. Olivia adds, “I will be training faith on how to become stronger and my wonderful mate will be getting to know you and showing all of you how to survive in your own ways!”
Sterling wraps a supportive arm around her waist and continues, “We will need to separate you in groups.”
The leader questions him, “Groups? Like men and women?”
Olivia shakes her head, “No, it’s not a gender thing. It’s a strength thing.”
Sterling nods, “If you have at least ten of these skills and attributes please go to the left of the room.”
He pauses before continuing, “If you’re quick on your feet, have fast reflexes, are you able to adapt to new surroundings without a problem?”
He takes a step forward and continues, “Paying attention to detail is important. Are you able to observe someone for just a few moments and notice the weak spots?”
He continues to make his way down the aisle, “When something unexpected happens. Do you come up with different ideas and how to fix it? do you have a strong memory? Able to plan ahead. Have you ever gotten into a fight and found out that you’re actually really good at it?”
He turns to Olivia in my links her, “What else should they need?” This is his wave challenging her to see if she knows.
She continues, “Can you learn at fast pace? When things are hectic, can you remain calm? Do you have strong instincts? Are you able to understand what a situation is without being told? Are you able to remain patient? Are you able to fight through pain?”
Sterling is pumped at how smart she is, and he continues in an excited tone, “ Can you remain, determined and focused? Do you have good judgment? Do you have good communications skills and a strong willpower? With all of this, you need to be able to be empathetic. Can you tell the difference on when and where to behave and how much to give?”
At the exact same time him and Olivia say, “If you feel like this describes you, please go to the left of the room!”
Only ten people stand up. Olivia looks worried Sterling her comforting smile before continuing, “Does this describe you? Quick reflexes, adaptability, great observation, skills, and problem-solving skills? Do you have a strong memory? Physical agility. Are you a fast learner and great under pressure? Are you aware of your surroundings and very patient? Are you determined with good judgment?”
Olivia takes over, “Do you have good communication skills? Do you have a strong willpower? Are you empathetic?”
Together they say, “If this describes you, please come forth.”
Only one person comes forth. Sterling gives the leader a worried look, “You have a few hundred and only eleven have skills?”
The leader makes his way to them and whispers. Sterling whispers back and the leader laughs. The people watch them in curiosity.
The leader announces, “The rest of you will be split into teachers, gardeners, and other areas!”
They start to chatter among each other. An older woman stands up, “I’m good at creating clothes!”
Olivia nods, “Our warriors will need special armor made, meet with me after the meeting!”
A made shouts, “I’m good in the kitchen!” Everyone around him agrees and others volunteer to help.
A young man admits, “I’m good at hunting and fishing!” Several others agree with him.
“Can I join Faith in her training? My soulmate, is also from the other villages and refuses to marry me” a young woman admits.
Olivia Anthony, how many young women agree with that? There’s at least 30 that claim that their soulmates have rejected them for being a part of the village.