For a few seconds, all three of you stand in still silence like statues.
When Verix speaks again, his voice is much more subdued. “I see. Well, that would be quite the undertaking.”
Despite looking shocked, he does not come across as upset. Rubbing his chin, he paces back and forth. “But how would it be done? Simply ordering all males to the sacred swamp to change would not be enough, since many would just leave the village, taking their families with them. No, we would have to find a way to transform everyone at once, quickly and without warning. With all the males changed, they would simply have to adapt. Hm, yes. That might work.”
“Wait, that’s it!?” Zarsh nearly shrieks. “You’re just accepting it just like that!?”
Verix shrugs. “She is the chief. Besides, I have seen the signs. While I am no less surprised than you, I know this change must occur.”
The stunned former chief looks back and forth between the two of you in an almost comical way. This had clearly not gone the way she had expected.
Witnessing Zarsh’s reaction confirms a small suspicion you had. By directing you toward the priest, she had obviously been hoping the lizard man would talk you out of your plan. Rather than being annoyed, you actually find yourself impressed that she had attempted this manipulation. The old Zarsh had struck you as the type to force his opinions through brute strength and exerting his status as chief. Now lacking the means to do either, the current Zarsh is showing signs of adapting to her new situation. Perhaps, with some practice, she may once more become a force to be reckoned with, especially if she ever becomes aware of her charms. Running your eyes over her feminine form now trembling with rather cute outrage, you smile. Oh yes, you will definitely have to watch out for her.
Bringing your thoughts back to the present, you ask Verix, “So, what do you mean by seeing the signs?”
“Yes, what are these signs?” Zarsh demands in a petulant tone. “You never mentioned any signs to me.”
“They were not relevant to you before,” Verix explains to her, looking rather apologetic. “This one’s arrival has changed all that, however. Among the priesthood, we know well of individuals like our new chief here. Newcomers with no affiliations, no knowledge of society but, instead, strange notions of how things ought to be done. They also often claim to come from other worlds, though that is thought to be merely a form of madness brought on by their condition. Still, their notions are often messages from the gods. The grand temple in Muxra even has few in residence. They are rather like oracles."
Zarsh leans forward, hands on her hips. "Or they are just mad. Are we to follow the words of every madman that comes along? Is that what the priesthood recommends, Verix?"
"When that madman, or madwoman, manages to take over as chief, then perhaps yes," Verix replies coolly. "Clearly, there is more to her than madness. Would you instead have it said you lost your tooth to a madwoman?"
This seems to cow the former chief, as she makes no reply. You hide a smile. Apparently, the priest is well aware of Zarsh's enormous ego. You turn to the priest, thus missing the gleam in Zarsh's eye as she glares at both of you. "So, how will we do this?"
Verix rubs his chin, an odd gesture for a people with no beards. "There are a few options..."