Healing The Beastworld

CH 25: Arrival

The humid air hung heavy in the dense forest, a symphony of chirps and rustling leaves filling the space between the towering trees. Three weeks had passed since Rontu, Karee and Kaden had left Ninebark village, their journey a long and tireing but full of beauty.
They were nearing their destination, the City of Tails, a place of promise and potential. But the journey had taken its toll. The last few days had been particularly hard, ever since Karee's period had started. Rontu, ever the attentive mate, had insisted on slowing down, taking frequent breaks for her comfort. Their pace had slowed, their progress measured in the gradual dimming of the sun each day.
Now, the sun dipped low, casting long shadows across the path. Karee, sat in Kadens strong arms as he carried her so she could rest. She felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. Kaden had been carrying her with an unspoken strength, his powerful arms had been doing this almost non-stop for the past 3 days. Rontu, walking beside them, was a steady, silent presence, a large branch over his shoulder with the baskets hanging on with strong vines. His eyes scanning the path ahead, his hands subtly adjusting the branch he carried.
"How much further?" Karee asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Not far now, love," Rontu replied, his voice a soothing balm against her weariness. "We should reach the city before sundown."
Kaden couldn't help but grin. "Don't worry Karee, my arms are here for you. I can carry you all the way."
Karee laughed, a soft, melodious sound that resonated through the forest. "You don't have to, Kaden. But I appreciate the offer."
He let out a low chuckle, "I will even if you say you don't need me to. We have been traveling for a long time and I don't want you to be more tired than you already are."
The three of them continued on, a silent agreement existing between them. Rontu, with his experience, knew the way. Karee, with her observant spirit, noticed the subtle shifts in the forest's ambience, the change in the air, the growing sense of anticipation. And Kaden, strong and resilient, carried her with a silent devotion that warmed her heart.
The path, though long and arduous, had been a journey of discovery. They had seen breathtaking waterfalls, views from atop mountains, and shared countless moments of laughter and companionship. The forest, once a daunting wilderness, had become an intimate acquaintance, a silent witness to their lives.
As the sun dipped down almost touching the horizon, casting the forest in a golden glow, they emerged from the dense foliage onto a wide clearing. In the distance stood the City's wall. Rontu let out a whistle, his relief palpable. "We made it. Welcome to the City of Tails." he said, his voice full of joy
Karee looked at the citys wall, a mixture of awe and excitement swirling within her. It was bigger than anything she had seen in this world, it looked like it was made of large stones with dried mud filling the spaces between them, there were also large logs every so often providing extra support. As she observed everything she also saw a path that lead to an entrance in the wall with 2 men standing guard.
They approached the stone wall that encircled the city. Karee, her face pale with pain from her cramps, leaned against Kaden’s broad chest. He cradled her gently, his strong arms a comfort against the throbbing ache. Infront of them, Rontu strode with purpose, his eyes scanning the scene ahead. The two figures were massive and imposing as they stood guard at the entrance, their bear ears twitching with suspicion.
"What business brings you to the City of Tails?" one guard boomed, his voice a rumble like distant thunder. His companion, just as imposing, mirrored his stance, arms crossed, eyes narrowed.
Rontu, unfazed by their intimidating demeanor, stepped forward. "We seek shelter, a home to build our lives. I am Rontu, and this is my mates Karee and her other mate Kaden." He gestured towards them, his voice a held a reassuring warmth.
The guards exchanged glances after spotting Karee in Kaden's arms, their expressions softening slightly. The presence of a woman, a rare treasure in their harsh world, seemed to appease their initial skepticism.
Karee, despite her discomfort, managed a small smile. "Hello." she whispered, her voice soft but clear.
The older of the two gards steped forward, “A home you say,”  his gaze falling upon Karee. “What sort of dwelling do you desire?”
"Something comfortable," Karee replied, her gaze never leaving the guards. "A place that's spacious and well lit, preferably not to close to any other homes incase we want to expand in The future. If possible id prefer to be near water and trees."
Rontu reached for a pouch at his waist, extracting the large blue gemstone that shimmered in the sunlight. "We offer this as payment."
The guard’s eyes widened at the sight of the gem. The world outside the city was a harsh and unforgiving place, and colored gemstones were rare treasures, often bartered for sustenance and protection. He reached out, his rough hand gently taking the gem.
"Very well," the guard said, his voice now cheerful. "Follow me. I know just the place for you."
The guard led them deeper into the city. Stone and wood homes, some dim with age, others newly built, crammed together along winding, cobbled streets. The air was thick with the scent of earth and flowers flowing in the gentle breeze, the sounds talking and laughter echoing through the paths and alleys.
Karee, her pain momentarily forgotten, gazed in wonder at the vibrant city. This was unlike anything she'd ever seen. The towering stone walls, the bustling marketplaces, and random patches of small plants and bushes next to many of the homes. There were hundreds of men walking the streets some carried food for their families while others stood guard of the few females she saw. Many males stoped to stare at her has the guard led the way, its not often a new female joined their city especially one with so few mates. Many who didn't notice her at first stoped apon smelling a female in heat causing them to look as well. All the men staring at her made he nervous so Kaden let out a deep grown that caused most of the males to continue minding there business.
As they continued to walk the guard led them to a house, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. The house was modest, with sturdy stone walls and a thatched roof. A small wooded area bursting with life not far behind the home with a decent sized pond. Around the area flowers bloomed faint scent of lavender drifted in the air, a familiar comfort to Karee's senses.
Karee, her gaze drawn to a patch of blue blossoming flowers, felt a sense of calm descend upon her. "It's lovely," she whispered just loud enough for kaden to hear her. A feeling of warmth spread through her as she imagined creating a home here, a refuge from the harshness of the outside world.
Kaden, ever eager to please, knelt down and plucked a bright blue flower from the bush Kareehad been looking at. He presented it to her a playful glint in his eyes. "For you, my beautiful Mate."
The guard, witnessing the tender exchange, chuckled softly
"It is yours, should you choose it, the guard said, a hint of something akin to pride in his voice.
"It's lovely, thank you." Karee smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.
"Welcome home then," The guard said after checking their satisfaction, befor he bid them farewell. "Make yourselves at home,” he said, his voice tinged with a hint of warmth. "Should you need anything, do not hesitate to call upon us."
As the guard retreated, Kaden lowered Karee gently onto the solft grass beside the house, his strong arms easing her down as her feet touched the grass. Rontu hurried to her side, his hands hovering over her, sensing her discomfort due to her cramps.
"You're doing well love." Rontu whispered, his voice soft and caring. His touch was a gentle balm, easing her pain.
"Dont worry I'm alright," Karee said, trying to mask her discomfort. "Just a bit tired."
Kaden pulled out a small leather pouch from his own belt, offering it to Karee. Within were a mixture of herbs and other plants she had collected the last couple of days to help ease her pain.
Karee, despite her pain laughed softly at his quick actions. He was determined to make her as comfortableas possible.  "Thank you Kaden." she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
As Karee settled into the house, she felt a wave of peace wash over her. The warmth of the setting sun peeked through the windows, the scent of the earth, and the love of her mates – all conspired to soothe her pain. She knew, despite their humble beginnings, they had found a place where they could build a life, a place where they would be safe, cherished, and together. This city, a haven of stone and wood, had become their home.