Chapter 23: The Great Falls
The next few days we're cycles of waking at first light and covering as much ground as possible. Then setting up camp. There were a few times the panther beastmen convinced the Deer beastmen, Korran and Darian were the most effectively persuasive, to camp in the trees and off the road for safety.
Sun Qui and Yi Chun agreed hesitantly but given the story that had been shared by Yi Chun. Discomfort? It was a small price to pay for peace. Sun Qui, didn't want a repeat of the journey in.
This journey had been eerily peaceful to the two Deer beastmen. A contrast to the recent prior attack on the road in.
As the day turned to night, and that wore on, Yi Chun and Korran found themselves alone under the starry sky. There was thankfully no aftermath to speak of, of their journey this time.
Extending words and thanks of sincerity, Yi Chun spoke at length that night with Korran about some future help from Panthers accompanying Deer delegations. Preventing such travesties happening ever again.
Yi Chun's initial trip into to the Treetop village had left a somber mood upon both him and Sun Qui. They had witnessed the aftermath of a brutal ambush, and the memory still lingered fresh in their minds. As they walked side by side, the silence between them was heavy with unspoken thoughts and lingering pain.
While back on the road, the older deer beastman had to check on the younger, "You alright, Sun Qui?" Yi Chun finally broke the silence, his voice a low rumble. He knew the young deer beast was still haunted by the bloody scene they had encountered on their previous journey.
Sun Qui nodded, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking about the others." He paused, his voice barely above a whisper.
Both Maria and Yue Lixue listened in with empathy in their hearts for these beastmen. Now knowing what they had been through and what fueled their determination. Sun Qui continued, "I can't help but wonder if we could have done something differently. If we could have saved them..." His voice trailed off, and he shook his head, as if to clear away the dark thoughts.
The rest of the party carried on ahead a little, while Maria and Yue Lixue stayed back. As Yi Chun stopped and turned to face the younger stag, his expression softening. "Sun Qui, look at me," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "There's nothing you could have done. We all fought as hard as we could. Sometimes, the fates are cruel, and there's nothing we can do to change that."
Sun Qui met his gaze, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "I know, Yi Chun. But it doesn't make it any easier."
Placed a comforting hand on the younger stag's shoulder. The bark cloth sturdy but the comforting touch was still felt, "No, it doesn't. But we honor their memory by moving forward. By making sure their sacrifice wasn't in vain."
Sun Qui took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "You're right. We need to keep going. For them, and for the others back home."
Yi Chun smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes. "That's the spirit. Now come on, let's catch up with the others.
The small group quickly began to catchup to the main party. When Darian turned round to look at Sun Qui and asked, "What I'd the main fabric that you wear? Its neither the Verdant Groves silk. The type that Yi Chun's cape is made of but it's not leather."
"Those of us in Verdant Grove could use the inner bark of certain trees to create a strong, durable fabric, we call ot bark cloth." It rhymed and rolled off of you young beastman's tongue, "This process involves stripping the bark, pounding it to soften it, and then beating it into a flat sheet. This fabric could be used to make sturdy, long-lasting clothing."
He looked down at his own outfit, "It's a bit rough, but it gets the job done."
Darian nodded in appreciation, "Very resourceful. I must admit, I've never seen anything like it. We panthers use animal hides and leather for our clothing. It's not always warm, but it's heavy and tough, but it can be a bit hot in the summer months."
Yi Chun chuckled at Darian's comments, "Well, we deer folk can't really go around wearing animal hides. It might give the wrong impression."
Darian laughed, "True enough. I'll have to remember that. You know, I think my people would appreciate a trade for some of that bark cloth. It'll make a fine addition to our houses and clothes."
Yi Chun raised an eyebrow, "You think so? I'll have to mention that to our chief, Sun Zhu. He's always looking for ways to build stronger ties between tribes and this would be very simple."
Yue Lixue, who had been listening to the conversation with keen interest, spoke up, "I'd be more than willing to trade. Once we're back in Treetop Village, of course." Her eyes sparkled, not with excitement at the prospect of forging new alliances but at new clothing materials. The white fur was soft and pretty but the bark cloth interested her and she wondered to herself if it could be dyed. The deer didn't seem to do that.
Sun Qui, overhearing the conversation, nodded in approval, "That's a fine idea, Yue. We could use some of the panthers for security of our own parties and it'd ensure fabrics get delivered without harm to us."
"Certainly," Yi Chun agreed, "We could use the extra protection. Until so recently, it had been a while since we've had any real trouble, but now we can never be too safe."
Sun Qui nodded, "Agreed. And with the added benefit of strengthening ties between our tribes, it's a win-win."
As they walked, Korran, the first mate, looked ahead and pointed, "We are close. See those great sheer cliffs up ahead? That's the border of Leopard territory. We should reach the base of their cliffs by nightfall."
Yue Lixue, eager to explore her new surroundings, peered at the cliffs with curious eyes. "It's beautiful," she said, her voice filled with wonder. "I can't wait to see the village."
Korran smiled at her, "Yes, it is indeed beautiful. But we should prepare to move on soon," his amber eyes softening, "We're close to The Cascading Falls now, and I'd like to get there before nightfall."
"A great, glorious waterfall!" Sun Qui exclaimed, his young voice filled with awe. The sight of the massive cascade of water, the sun catching its droplets and casting a million tiny rainbows, was breathtaking. It was as if nature itself had painted a masterpiece just for them.
Korran led them to the base of the waterfall, where a soft, cool mist hung in the air. The group let out a collective sigh of relief, their shoulders relaxing as they realized they were nearly at their destination. After the two week journey they had endured, the sight of the waterfall offered a much-needed rest before scaling the cliffs.
"Let's rest here for a while," Darian suggested, his brown eyes reflecting the shimmering drops of water. The journey had been long and arduous, and they all needed a moment to catch their breath and regain their strength.
Yi Chun nodded in agreement, his body aching from the relentless pace they had kept. "It's a good spot. The sound of the water will mask our presence, and the mist will help hide our scent."
The group quickly set about making themselves comfortable, stretching out on the soft moss and letting the cool spray of the waterfall wash over them. Yue Lixue found herself grateful for the brief respite. She had been pushing herself hard, determined to keep up with the more seasoned beastmen travelers, and her body was beginning to protest.