𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 [Kny × OC]

3

Yui's stepmother's shrill voice echoed through the mountain air, a stark contrast to the tranquil serenity that Yui had sought.  "What are you peasants doing? We haven't got all day!" she barked at the servants struggling to light a fire for their rest stop near Mount Sagiri.

Yui sighed, the discordant symphony grating on her nerves.  Leaving the chaos behind, she ventured deeper into the mountain, her steps lighter with each passing moment.  This place, shrouded in an unfamiliar peace, was a welcome respite from the stifling confines of her life.

A rustle in the branches overhead caught her attention.  A squirrel, its bushy tail a flash of auburn, scampered up a towering pine.  A mischievous glint lit up Yui's eyes.  Slipping off her intricately embroidered sandals adorned with jade pendants, she began to scale the tree with practiced ease.  Climbing trees was a childhood refuge, a secret world hidden from the watchful eyes of her tutors. 

Reaching a sturdy branch, she settled in, the cool mountain breeze whispering through her fiery red locks.  Lost in the moment, she hummed a soft melody, unaware of the eyes watching from the shadows.

High above, nestled amongst the leaves, Sabito and Giyu, in training, observed the commotion below.  News of an elite family stopping by the mountain had reached them, and they couldn't help but scoff at the absurdity.  Thanks to the combined efforts of Urokodaki, their master, and themselves, the mountain and nearby village were demon-free. 

Suddenly, the tinkling of jewels pierced the silence.  A young girl, a vision in a pink kimono adorned with shimmering jewels, emerged from the trees.  Her elaborate updo was askew, strands of ginger hair escaping their confines to frame her beautiful blue eyes.  They watched in surprise as she discarded her sandals and began a surprisingly adept climb.  They hadn't expected such a feat from someone adorned in such finery.

Just as Yui settled on a branch, it creaked ominously under her weight.  Before Sabito could shout a warning, she tumbled down with a surprised yelp, landing in a soft patch of snow. 

"Ouch! Stupid tree!" she grumbled, dusting the snow off her exquisite clothes.  A burst of laughter shattered the quiet, drawing her gaze upwards.  Two figures descended from the trees, amusement dancing in their eyes.  

One, a boy with peach hair and striking violet eyes, chuckled openly, a scar marking his cheek.  The other, his raven hair framing big blue eyes, offered a small, amused smile.  Yui's cheeks, already flushed from the fall, burned even brighter under their scrutiny.  Despite her embarrassment, she couldn't deny the undeniable handsomeness of these unexpected visitors.  They seemed older, undeniably a few years older than her and an air of quiet confidence hung around them, hinting at a life far removed from her own.  They walked towards her holding katanas.

"Need a hand, princess?"  The peach-haired boy, a mischievous glint in his violet eyes, couldn't resist teasing.  Yui bristled, her cheeks burning with a mixture of embarrassment and indignation.  "It's impolite to tease a lady, mister" she retorted, her voice laced with a forced composure.