Chapter 32: Cascading Falls Village Welcome
The group have ascended the stairs, grumbling and complaining about the bird beastment all the way. Yue Lixue was panting, her heart thumping in her chest as she struggled to keep up. The sun was dipping low over the horizon, casting long shadows across the steep staircase. They were nearing the top, and start of the sight of the village sent a wave of relief through her.
"Finally," Korran groaned, wheezing as he leaned against the wall. His amber eyes scanned the village, taking in the warm, inviting atmosphere that radiated from the quaint, colourful houses.
Just as they reached the topmost step, a sudden gust of wind swept through the village, sending a cloud of cliff dust billowing up around them. Yue coughed, her eyes watering as she tried to suppress the sneeze that threatened to explode from her nose.
"It seems... empty." Her words were cut short as two figures emerged from one of the lowest and nearest terraced colorful houses, their faces creased with age and wisdom.
The older women, one with silver hair in an intricate bun and another with a mane of grey curls, both bore the same distinctive leopard beastmark. One on her neck and the other on her shin, revealing from her dress as she walked. They were clad in tunics of vibrant reds and oranges, adorned with beads what looked that clacked softly as they walked.
"See that?" Yue Lixue panted, still out of breath but taking this opportunity, "Those beads are metal!" She was overjoyed.
"Welcome, welcome!" called out the one with grey hair. "I am Sakura Ishinagare, and this is Artemis Harune." The older woman with grey curly hair spoke first, her voice warm and welcoming despite her age. "You must be Korran, son of Zevaris." She stood tall, her eyes keen as they took in Korran's features. "You look just like your father."
"...and your late mother, Namia," Artemis added, her silver bun bouncing slightly as she nodded. "How are your father and brother? We have not seen them in many seasons." Her expression was one of genuine interest concern, her eyes filled with a warmth that put Yue Lixue at ease.
Korran offered the women a polite bow, a small smile playing on his lips. "They are well, thank you for asking. They send their greetings and will visit soon, if the journey permits," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity.
The two older matrons exchanged a glance, their keen eyes missing nothing. "And who do we have here? A group of unexpected visitors," Sakura remarked, her gaze sweeping over Darian, Maria, Yi Chun, and Sun Qui. "Introduction is in order," she added, her voice firm yet kind.
"Of course, Sakura," Korran said, stepping aside to allow the others to come forward. "This is Darian, a young panther from our tribe; Maria, the eldest daughter of our Elder Matron; Yi Chun, a stag from the Deer Tribe; and Sun Qui, the younger stag. They are all here with us, assisting in our mission to find out the truth for them."
Sakura's gaze lingered on Maria, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the young woman's bearing and the way she stood, authoritative and confident.
Maria's face lit up with a smile, her eyes reflecting the same warmth. "Thank you, Sakura but my mothrt has now had two daughters Sira is my younger sister and has only recently shifted to her human form. My mother often spoke fondly of the Leopard Tribe's wisdom and strength. I'm honored to be here among you," she replied, her voice filled with sincerity.
"What a delight!" Artemis's eyes sparkled with amusement, humour and warmth in her eyes as she looked at the young woman. "...and what of you, child?" she asked, her gaze sweeping over Yue Lixue. "You've a look of our distant cousins the snowy peaks about you."
Artemis's gaze softened, her eyes scanning Yue Lixue's slender form, her long, flowing light strawberry blonde hair, and her piercing blue eyes, clad in a dress made from white rabbit fur. "...however your clothing, and your scent, they're not of our usual leopard kind."
"She is my mate, Sakura, Artemis please meet Yue Lixue," Korran announced, a proud smile on his face as he stepped forward to place a protective hand on Yue's shoulder. "She's new to our... part of the world, and she's still learning."
Sakura's eyes widened in surprise, but Artemis merely nodded, her gaze assessing Yue Lixue with a keen, observant air.
"How observant and knowing, I'd expect nothing more from elders such as yourselves," Korran remarked, a hint of pride in his voice.
"Ah, well welcome, welcome!" Sakura exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "We are delighted to have such esteemed guests from such far regions! Tell me, did you know that our village is famous for... many reasons but one is its sunsets? They've been known to take one's breath away. If you hurry, you can still catch the best part from the lookout point at the village's edge."
Artemis nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Indeed, it's a sight not to be missed. The way the sun dips behind the far mountains, casting golden hues across the sky... it's truly a marvel.
Artemis then looked at Yue, "You may even be able to get a glimpse of home, at the farthest mountains in the distance if they're visible."
The group followed the winding stone path, marvelling at the huge terraces that held homes carved out of the very rock, as if the earth itself had moulded these dwellings into its own shape. The river, a lifeline for the village, was channelled and bridged over beautifully, its crystal-clear waters babbling gently over smooth pebbles. They passed by a family of leopard beastmen, their children laughing and playing on the bridge, their tails swishing playfully in the cool evening air.
"This is truly a sight," Maria breathed, her eyes scanning the intricate stonework and the lush greenery that thrived in the crevices between the homes. "I've never seen anything like it."
"It's a testament to their people's harmony with the cliff and river... or more, harmony nature itself and living that way," Korran explained, pride in his voice. Having spent time here as a child before.
Darian smiled, "It is beautiful indeed, isn't it? Each terrace, each home, is a part of a whole, interconnected like the branches of a tree. It's a marvel to see it all come together so seamlessly."