Putting two hillsides between them in a rush. Rainbow came to a sudden stop. Dropping a hammer fist to the aft, a curtain of ice sprung up in her wake.
In the tight valley, it would make an effective impromptu defense. As far as they’d come though, it was an effect of spite, growling as the barrier set.
Berry was sent careening through the riverbank. Securing their footing only a few feet before the next obstacle. It was likely that word of this would have to be brought back to the chief, but by the look of their partners face, wouldn’t be pressing the issue.
Fighting back tears, Rainbow brushed her brow and neck before switching back to face the bear. They would pay for this. It would be months before she could recoup her losses, and anywhere between a handful of miles and a commissioned trek to do so. She could work around the shortage of supply, if she really had to, but the blow to her pride and happiness stung.
Carefully, the bear spoke, “We can work something out. Elly’s kept up with your work, and with the festival, I’m sure she’s willing to address the pads. We just need to clear this up.”
The rabbit massaged her brow, stemming her frustration with a labored sigh, “Mages… don’t come from the north during storm season. Something to bring back.”
Berry nodded graciously, “C’mon. I’m sure the best of them could use some fresh soil.”
The pouch, near full of valuable herbs, appealed to the rabbit. With a quick nod, the two persisted through the valley, and wove their way toward the mountain.
A sea of bright rainforests, fruit and bloom, and columns of smoke and steam in the distance. Nestled in the fringes of the dark forest, their camp. Lilies and reeds climbed from a spring near the gate. Ferns lined the pathway, and cave way to a wide quarried pit.
Stalls and gardens propped from the ridgeline at every turn. Grow Beds overhanging pathways on shelves of lichen fossils. Homes carved into the earth. Supports and decorum blended with native roots and plants, until the stone layers gave way to more defined structures.
One such building was further back, deep within the verdant shrubs. The stone temple was well hidden, if not for the blue seams in it’s stone pillars. The glow cast over a dark interior, broken up by fire and lamp light. Chambers that contained scrolls, records and treasures of the beastkin.
It always made the rabbit a touch nervous, to think that something might discover their staches. The alcove was largely undefended, Sans standing guards and those tending the harvest.
Steps gave way to the very same corridor. A breeze where eddies of warmth mixed with the outside air. As they furthered into the temple, the air became notably cooler.
A way before becoming distinctly uncomfortable. The two reached a chamber. A simple fountain, surrounded by four pillars of the same blue seem, and a wall with more detailed writing. At the far side of the room, something stirred. There, seated facing an altar, was the chief of their tribe.
Berry palmed a fist, and bowed their head, “Thought we might find you here.”
The head turned, and two banner-like ears shifted, “You bring word from the north?”
“An outlier. Mages from the ridge. We had a scuffle with them, and one of the fields suffered significant damage.”
The head turned to appraise the two. Now revealing the elongated snout of her kind, “Your project, rainbow?”
“They took an interest. I lost my temper, and at least a third of the plants were ruined. There may be some remaining, even if they take their fill.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
Given a pause, Berry took that time to add, “Of the two mages, one was very powerful. The other in her prime. The former’s magic was able to compromise my barrier in the time it took to make a retreat.”
The elephant frowned, and then spoke, “Send a messenger to extend a challenge properly.”
“My lady-” Rainbow pleaded.
“Scouts have already found a secure position for your project rainbow. Still more secluded than I would have liked for you, but your guard should be fully capable of warding off unwanted guests.”
Berry flushed a bit at the indirect assignment. It essentially became a full time assignment in the meantime, “What will you do without me?”
“I know you’re more comfortable keeping close. I trust your abilities at any length, and I will be affording shifts to this.”
Performing another bow, Berry offered, “Thank you, Elydias.”
I am still working on the names.
