The entire herd of bisons have been traveling for a long time, and Satchiko already has fallen asleep on Mayumi's shoulders. Tahki hovered gently above the clouds as most of his passengers rested comfortably on its back. They were all too tired from the fight, and decided to recuperate. Having spent energy both physically and mentally, most of them are now sleeping soundly, feeling a great sense of security as they are high up in the air on a bison.

The sun is already setting across the horizon, making the sky turn orange with color. While looking at the sunset is a beautiful sight to behold, gazing at it from a sky bison brings the experience to a whole new level. Both literally and metaphorically, one is able to admire the setting of the sun in full view without the obstruction of clouds and mountains. It's certainly breathtaking for those who have never ridden a sky bison before.

Mayumi stayed awake the entire time, making sure if Satchiko is ok. She placed her arm over Satchiko's shoulder to make sure the she doesn't slump over while asleep. Whenever possible, Mayumi would check the girl's forehead to see if there is any rise in temperature. This is to ensure that Satchiko's health is constantly monitored in case she falls ill.

While they have fought pirates in the past, their combat experiences have never been so intense as to fight a blood bender. She knew well, that Satchiko has certainly expended more energy than usual.

It's shameful that she cannot protect her own sister in the face of people who tried to kidnap them, she thought. Being out of action for most of the fight, she did very little to help them. Mayumi contemplated this, she unsheathed her katana and looked at the blade's reflection of her face. How unacceptable, she told herself. Should something like this occur again, she vows that she will do more to keep Satchiko safe.

Looking occasionally at the sunset, and taking care of her sister, Mayumi suddenly heard a loud snore from a man nearby. Wearing a brown fur piece of clothing, and a lighter lamellar chest plate, the man's mouth created loud vibrations that ranged uncomfortably in Mayumi's ears. She is surprised that none of the others on board is not awakened by such a disturbance. Satchiko did shifted a little in response, but the others ignored the noise completely.

"Ah, he is snoring again." Ganbaatar said from the front of the bison. "You will get used to it, this happens every time he sleeps." He continued to guide his bison, occasionally checking the status of his leg wound. The bandage has already turned dark, as some of his blood managed to deep through the cover.

"Is he an Airbender?" Mayumi asked, noticing the man's apparent lack of heavier armor. From the fight today, she concluded that air-benders wore brown fur clothing instead of a full set of lamellar.

"Yes, the air benders in our group don't wear too much heavy equipment, they want to move freely without a large suit of metal weighing them down."

"But, your leader, he is an air-bender, I saw him manipulated the air around him, how come he wore such impressive armor without being slowed down?" Mayumi questioned. She is fascinated by these people, especially the Khan, who managed to move at relative speed while wearing possibly the heaviest equipment out of them all. If he had worn the same medium weight lamellar Ganbaatar has, then she would at least understand. However, that 'thing' the Khan wore doesn't look as though it would allow very free movements.

"Our Khan is strong," Ganbaatar emphasized heavily. "He is not some everyday warrior like the rest of us. The armor he had is made specially for him, but he also has his own ways manage the incredible weight."

"Does it involve air bending?"

"Precisely."

Mayumi continued, she wanted to know a bit more about these people and who they are. While their aesthetic and culture intrigued her thirst for knowledge about the world outside, it has also created some questions she wanted answered. "The air benders, I thought they all live peacefully in the air temples. So harmless they are, they even forbidden actions such as killing animals. Why are you people so...well..."

"So different from what you heard?" Ganbaatar interrupted abruptly.

"Well, harmonic convergence have turned some of our people into air benders, but not all of them are foolish enough to abandon everything they know and love. Those bald headed losers can preach how great their way of life is for all I care, but that isn't going to convince everyone to just blindly abandon their families and responsibilities behind." There was hostility in his words, which caught Mayumi off guard a little. Despite this, her mind did wondered wildly after hearing Ganbaatar's words. For her entire life, she has read books about the outside world to better understand it. Pouring her time into those in her father's study room, she first comprehend the existence of people who possesses the ability to manipulate air. The world, divided into four types of bending, incorporates water, fire, earth and air. Following the destruction of the One Hundred Year War, it is thought that the Air benders ceased to exist until the return of Avatar Aang, the last airbender who have survived the Airbender genocide. The numbers of air benders slowly increased through Aang's children and grandchildren, who, along with the air acolytes, devoted themselves to preserve airbending culture in hopes of reviving it. Their cause would soon be bolstered, when Avatar Korra opened the spirit portal and facilitated an incredible event known as the harmonic convergence. This period have not only connected the spirit world with the physical world, but also granted airbending to non-benders throughout the Earth Kingdom. Those receptive enough would embrace Air nomad traditions under the guidance of Aang's son, Tenzin, and become full fledged air nomads.

While more traditional air benders are a peaceful people, Batu's people, which also have airbenders, seemed to completely contradicts this entire perception. Yes, the air benders among them tattooed arrows on their heads, but they apparently follow the exact opposite of the pacifist nature practiced by conventional air nomads. Air-benders here are aggressive, vengeful and have no qualm killing those who attacks them. The Khan himself is an air-bender, he killed Shui without a second thought by throwing that saber into her back.

Even the diet, like Batu stated, composed of a lot of meat. Which suggested they also have no concerns in disregarding the air nomad's vegetarian lifestyle.

One particular thing about Ganbaatar's sentences noted by Mayumi is the man's shared disdain for the 'normal' air nomads. She can clearly feel the shift to a negative tone when he spoke about those other air benders.

"Is there a reason why the air-benders in your people didn't join the new Air nation?" Mayumi inquired carefully. "I thought most people who have received air bending would train in the temples to become an air nomad."

Mayumi didn't get her answers immediately like she has expected. Ganbaatar didn't say anything at first, only continued to guide Tahki to the correct coarse. His body remained still and silent, not turning his head around to face Mayumi like before. This caused the Kyoshi warrior to rethink her approach, perhaps she might have spoken something that have angered him. She doesn't know the history of these people, and it might be better for her to just remain shut.

"It's...hard to explain..." Ganbaatar slowly break Mayumi's suspense. The girl released a sigh to soften her tensed muscles. "There are things that I did not want to speak about, things that affected our people including the air-benders with us."

"I understand, sorry about that." Mayumi said. She cleared her voice, and changed the topic to something a bit more personal to her. "Anyway, I want thank you for saving my sister. If you didn't shot that arrow, the unimaginable would have already happened to her."

"It's fine, I shot that witch because I saw her and only got one chance. One chance to not let a tragedy occur before my eyes. If I hadn't take that shot, I would make the same mistake of seeing my enemy as a human being. For me, that has costed me more than it needed in the past. Remember, there will be no second chance if one was to hesitate in a life and death situation."

There was a long pause, as Ganbaatar tried to regain some air before speaking again. The exhausted expression and voice was present in every words he dispensed. "It's a long day, and I very want to rest back at camp." Ganbaatar replied solemnly. There seemed to be a lot of hesitation in Ganbaatar's words, it's as though he is trying his best to not shutter in his speeches. "I think it might be better if we continue this conversation over some fermented milk."

Mayumi body suddenly felt that the entire bison is slowing down. Checking the surrounding sky, she noticed that they are descending under the clouds, and gradually returning closer to the earth. She can see rows of trees that make up an entire forest, which itself seemed to obscure some weird objects lying behind it.

As the pack of bisons hovered over the countless trees, Mayumi widened her eyes to better observe what she is seeing. For she has never seen something as eye opening as this in the pages of books.

"We are here," Ganbaatar announced tiredly. His entire body is a little slumped forward. His words felt like literal command as everyone else on the bison rubbed their eyes, waking from their deep slumber.

"Well, that's good." Khenbish said with a weak yawn. "I hope the physician got enough herbs left to treat my headache." The armored man grabbed his spear, and stretched his body so that he can better see his home.

Viewing from the bison directly, countless yurt tents can be seen installed on a large flat field. Each one is mostly painted with white color, along with a variety of beautiful decorations and patterns to set them apart. Red wooden doors are attached to the entrances of every tent, allowing occupants to easily enter it. While each of them are not as big as the wooden lodges Mayumi lived in, these humble dwellings do appear to provide adequate living spaces for these people.

As they got closer, Mayumi spotted the inhabitants that is watching them from the ground. A pair of children, donned in similar brown fur outfits, scurrying out of their tents and waved cheerfully at the return of their fellow clansman. It was here that Mayumi noticed this large yellow tent erected at the center of the countless others. It's height towered over all other tents by a large margin. A small iron dome covers the top, and multiple entrances are created from different directions. There are even plenty of guards around that area, but so are regular civilians.

They went past it, and soon Mayumi found herself above a large clearing surrounded by multiple tents. She immediately realized that there are more sky bisons on the ground, all grazing the grass or taking care of the younglings. This must be where they station their herd of sky bisons.

They slowly landed on the ground. Grass fluttered as strong swirls of wind from the bison run through them. Warriors slowly disembark their rides, sliding off the saddles, and all made themselves once again connected with the earth itself.

Most decided to first visit their families, whereas others take care of other businesses such as escorting their wounded fellows with the help of onlooking bystanders. Those that are injured and can still walk, followed them to one direction into the crowds of tents.

Ganbaatar himself supported Khenbish as they carefully climbed off the bison's ladders. Making sure Khenbish does not injure himself while stepping on the ground, the captain took extra precaution by lowering the ladder more than he usually would.

Khenbish hissed the moment his foot made contact with the hard surface. It appeared that his injury has made every step he took a painful journey. He treaded as slowly as he can, but still, the nerves in his body responded by increasing the pain inside his skull.

Seeing that everyone else is getting off the bison, Mayumi gently nudged Satchiko's shoulder, trying to wake her up. "Sister, we are here!" Mayumi said. She tried again, but Satchiko only made some small action, she slowly lift her upper body from her sleeping position. To Mayumi's surprise, Satchiko only made some inaudible noise before lying down instantly.

She is too tired, Mayumi thought. She felt a small sensation on her face. A small gentle breeze blew right into her face, which is followed up with gentle roar.

Turning her attention to the source, she noticed that a baby flying bison is hovering above Tahki's head. The young bison appeared very playful and energetic. With its tiny premature horns, it flew itself right into Satchiko.

Before Mayumi can stop it, the bison forcefully jumped onto Satchiko's stomach.

Satchiko coughed loudly. She instantly snapped open her eyes and shuffled herself quickly.

Mayumi tried to pull the restless bison away. Luckily, it hovered away from Satchiko after being slightly frightened by the girl's instantaneous reaction. It took it a while for it to calm down again. Once it had, it landed on Tahki's large saddle, and looking Satchiko curiously.

Satchiko held her breathe and widened her eyes at the sight of this baby bison. Its adorable appearance caused Satchiko to be captivated by its cute looks. She felt an irresistible urge to use her hands and pat the baby bison's forehead.

"By the name of Kyoshi, this thing is so cute!" This was the first thing that came to Satchiko's mind. She slowly drew out her hands to touch the baby bison, thinking it would be tame enough to allow her to do that. But before she can react, the baby bison licked her face first.

Mayumi couldn't even process what is going on, the bison just continued to 'assault' Satchiko. Her brown hair and the war paint has been severely disoriented, making Satchiko look like a madman by those around her.

"Hey, shoo, behave yourself!" Ganbaatar commanded to the baby bison. The bystanders watched with interest, amused by the grown man's feasible attempts to calm the bison.

The creature only hovered slightly out of Ganbaatar's reach. It circled around him, mocking his inability to control it. Ganbaatar climbed onto Takhi to get to a higher point, but the baby simple adapted by flying a bit higher. While it is still an infant, bisons are still considered very intelligent creatures. This one knew Ganbaatar is a non-bender. Therefore, it knew the man himself can linger hopelessly as it played around with his frustration.

Takhi's growled, making the baby bison immediately quiet. It hovered slowly and gently landed on the grass.

"Thanks old friend," Ganbaatar said, climbing down the ladders for the second time.

Satchiko tried to use her hands to comb her hair back to her normal look, but the saliva has made it near impossible. Her hair is too wet, and a bit sticky...

"Come on, we can't remain on the bison for too long." Mayumi chuckled. While she tried her best to hide her laughter, she can't help but giggle at her sister's misfortune.

"Yeah, very funny!" Satchiko spat back, crossing her arms. Her war paint is now in disarray. The red paint near her eyes are now out of order, spilling across her cheeks and forehead. If she had been more deliberate and organized red lines painted like the ones Akunin has, then it wouldn't be a problem. But seeing the pathetic state of her face, she can't help but felt a slight embarrassment.

Mayumi offered her hand to Satchiko, who took it without hesitation. It's good that Kyoshi warriors all have gloves, otherwise Mayumi's hands would also have contacted some of the baby bison's saliva. They both swiftly jumped off Takhi the bison, and joined up with Ganbaatar and Khenbish.

"Take some rest Takhi, you have done enough today." Ganbaatar said soothingly. The giant beast slowly crawled away. It found a small batch of grass, and proceeded to graze it away. After chewing its food for a while, it then slowly made its way to a large opened tent, where a few clansman removed the large saddle, freeing Tahki from its service.

The baby bison meanwhile, remained stationary, and stared at them with large bright eyes. It only sat there, as if it's waiting for them to give it a command or some sort.

Satchiko kneeled down, and caressed the little creature's fur. The bison started to roll over on its tummy, and the girls complied by rubbing its stomach.

"Hehe, I guess you are a cheeky one!" Satchiko joked. She continued to rub the bison's tummy, which also made it feel more relaxed.

"We shouldn't be here for too long," Ganbaatar stated. "I will bring Khenbish to the physician's tent, want to come alone?"

Upon hearing this, Satchiko remembered something. They still had to check on Batu's health.

"Sure," Mayumi answered simply. There is some scratches on her from Shui's ferocious attacks, it would be better to treat it before it gets worse. Her main worries are Satchiko's health.

As the four of them begin to make their way deep into the numerous tents and people. Satchiko felt her shoe was being pulled by something. When she looked down, the baby bison is chewing on her left foot. The girl knew it wanted more tummy rubs from her, as much as she also wanted to do it, she can't stay around forever just to play with a baby bison.

She knelt down and touched the bison by its cheeks. "Sorry little buddy, maybe later, I must say, I would love to use you as a pillow!" She stood up again, and quickly trailed after Mayumi and the others.

The baby bison meanwhile, produced a sad whimper as Satchiko blended in with the rest of the crowd.

Instead of chasing after her, the baby bison simply gave up. It hovered over to Tahki, who is now resting near a tree along with a large herd of other bisons. Seeing that there are still other infants playing around, the baby bison decided to join their games first. Hopefully, the girl in white face paint would come back soon.

...

They slowly walked through the bustling crowds of tents and people. Children chased each other in their fun little games of tags. Men and women, are both seen dressed in a type of clothing that is different from the ones worn by Ganbaatar and his company of warriors. Instead of the brown fur coat that are more practical for fighting, these people wore soft colorful deels composed of interesting symbols and textures, none of which are familiar to the two Kyoshi warrior sisters. Regardless, Mayumi does felt a sense of accomplishment. She knew in her guts that she had stumbled across a new culture that is not fully known throughout the world. There are no records of these people in the books she had read, and it's fascinating how they live in tents while also possessing sky bisons as their ride. She thought only the air nomads have access to sky bisons, but now, she isn't so sure if that is the case.

Onlookers would occasionally cast curious glances at the two Kyoshi warriors behind Ganbaatar. While still going on with their tasks such as carrying hunted animals, wood and hay for the bisons, they cannot help but watch the two newcomers walking inside their camp. Nevertheless, they did not allow their interest hindering their labor. As to them, everything they do must ensure the survival of themselves and their families.

As they all walked on, a large square tent came into their view. Ganbaatar carried Khenbish towards it, slightly stumbling as the lamellar soldier is on his back. Mayumi and Satchiko watched nervously as the middle aged man carried Khenbish all by himself. They knew he is exhausting his depleted stamina. Based on past experience on Kyoshi island, they understand that an injured leg would not support a grown man for too long. While both of them have offered help, Ganbaatar refused and insisted that he can carry Khenbish alone. Whether if it's out of pride or something else, the man has proven to be stubborn when the two girls wanted to provide their assistance.

"Almost there," Ganbaatar said with tremendous effort while clenching his teeth. He expended more energy, and finally made it to the tent. There are multiple beds here. Already, injured warriors are rested on them. Most of those patients are neatly bandaged, many of which suffered injury from Shui's attacks.

A man with a large beard, presumably the physician, hurried over to Ganbaatar and helped him place Khenbish on an empty bed. The injured man made a grunt as he finished a soft landing.

"Physician, my head hurts!" Khenbish cried. The physician didn't say anything in response, only drew out a small bottle of medicine and hand it over to Khenbish. After drinking it, the painful expression diminished, and he felt a great sense of relief,

"Wow, that's quick!" Satchiko remarked.

"Walk slowly, your head doesn't hurt, but the rest of your body would take time to heal." The physician informed Khenbish in a solemn manner. He gave the man a walking stick, and turned around to address Ganbaatar, who is now sitting on a creaking wooden chair.

"Rough day?" The physician asked in neutral tone. He is appalled by the terrible bandage on Ganbaatar's leg. Dark colored blood is already dripping out of the flesh, and there are even signs of swelling and inflammation on the site. "Count yourself lucky, any later and I would need to cut you leg off entirely!" He warned in a scolding manner. He then proceeded to pull out a fresh and clean bandaged to replace the dirty one. After wrapping it around Ganbaatar's leg, he then applied some herbs that will assist in reducing the effects of the inflammation of the leg.

Satchiko is glad that she doesn't have to see the sight of blood any longer. It painfully reminded her what happened to Shui. The disturbing sight of her body burning away would scar her for mind forever. No matter how much she tried to forget about it, the hideous smell of the oil and flame would always sharply cement this unpleasant memory on her.

As Ganbaatar felt that the new bandage reinforced his leg, he got up and marched around the room to check the herb's effectiveness. "Good as new!" He said. His face brightened at the sight of his leg regaining the strength to walk freely. "With you around, I don't need to be afraid even if my heart is pierced!"

While Satchiko and Mayumi felt happy that Ganbaatar has regained his cheerful nature, the physician was not amused. "One day, your body will fail you!" He warned intently. "If you continue to damage it during battle, losing a limb would not be the worse that will happen to you! By that time, not even a water bending healer would be able fix you up!"

Ganbaatar laughed off this notion. "You are worrying too much old friend!" Ganbaatar replied. "If I very need a leg to be sawed off, I will definitely trust no one but you." He said assertively.

While reckless, Satchiko does like the carefree spirit of this warrior. Even though he is a non-bender, she can admire his courage when facing an opponent that is naturally stronger than him.

The physician sighed hopelessly. It's clear he has treated Ganbaatar for many times. More than needed. More than anyone. His face shows he seriously concerned about the future of Ganbaatar's health.

Feeling content from the treatment, Ganbaatar walked out of the tent, leaving Satchiko and Mayumi with the physician.

"I swear, that fool would get himself killed." The physician muttered as though no one is listening. "His family is gone, now he is becoming a madman!"

"Um, excuse me, sorry to trouble you." The physician immediately stopped his senseless mutter, and faced Mayumi, who is now introducing herself. "If it's fine for you, would you check if there is anything wrong with my sister?" She asked in a sincere tone.

The physician checked on Satchiko, who looked like a mess with all that bison saliva on her. The physician didn't know what to say, other than what is required from his role.

"I don't see anything wrong with her," the physician communicated to Mayumi. "I have heard about what happened from the patients here, and I recommend both you take some rest and not partake in activities that are taxing to your health."

The physician took out a pouch full of herbs inside. He handed to Mayumi, who examined it. Additionally, there is also a small vial of medicine used to treat sword wounds.

"If you or your sister fell ill, this should come in handy." He said, reminding them of the many perils that might happen on their journey to Ba Sing Se. They would need as much help as they needed, some medical herbs are definitely nice additions to their inventory.

As Mayumi continued to converse with the physician about the scratches on her body, Satchiko wandered around, passing the women nurses tending to the wounded. When she arrived on the other side of this tent, she noticed that there is another section at the back.

The thin piece of veil separated her and that room at the back, preventing her from seeing what's behind it. However, the veil suddenly moved, Satchiko saw a hand emerging behind it. Recognizing that it to br metal features of a specific lamellar armor, Satchiko knew this must be the Khan.

Her hunch is immediately confirmed when the man himself exited the room. His armor is still exactly the same, concealing his face from everyone else. But as the Khan opened the veil, Satchiko saw something in the secret room during the small window of opportunity before the veil closed again.

Khiimori, all wrapped up in multiple layers of bandages, is resting on a single bed. He is breathing very weakly, taking a very long time to perform each individual breathe. He doesn't look too good that's for sure. Each time his chest rises, loud crackles and wheezes are heard. With a painful expression on his face, he increased his work of breathing in order to get as much air into his body.

It's a bit frightening, but luckily the veil is now concealed. Satchiko blinked her eyes, and looked at the Khan that just went past her.

He arrived next to the physician, who respectfully bowed to the leader. "My Khan, please do not worry about Khiimori, I can assure you, he will live." The words were straight to the point, leaving little doubt in the intentions of the man.

The Khan simply responded by nodding once. There is a huge trust between them both. And then, the leader just left.

When Ganbaatar came into his view, the Khan made a hand gesture, telling him to follow. Ganbaatar obeyed immediately, and they both traveled away from the medical tent.

"You two should go to the centre of our camp," the physician suggested to the Kyoshi warriors. "Everyone is having a feast tonight, and I am sure Batu would be glad to see you again."

"What about you?" Mayumi asked. Seeing the numbers of patients in the tent, she knew the physician might not be able to get his food.

The man looked at a person sleeping on a nearby bed. Satchiko also observed, the grey arrow on the patient's head tells her that he is an air-bender. A thick bandage is tied around his neck to immobilized it, preventing any unnecessary movement that might fracture more bones. A doctor never abandons the patients.

"I am needed here," the physician replied. "But don't worry, someone will bring me food later." He went ahead and continued to check the status of his patients. Afterwards, he entered the room at the back, and monitored the conditions of Khiimori.

Mayumi decided that it would be better to leave the physician to do his job in peace, she signaled Satchiko to follow her out the tent. But before Mayumi can get out of here, someone else marched right in.

"Where is he!" A voice of a female boomed. Satchiko looked around, and saw an adult women stormed into the medical tent. The women bear a face of great annoyance, and swiftly entered the tent and begin to yell at Khenbish. All the other patients are also alerted. Despite them being warriors, this woman frightened them.

"You idiot!" The woman yelled, pulling Khenbish's ear. "Do you know how worried we were when we heard you got smashed into a tree! Huh!"

Khenbish tried his best to calm his wife down. But the women is relentless, and continued to berate him as people outside started to peer into the tent. Some even laughed a little at the amusing sight.

Mayumi and Satchiko didn't intervene, they only waited until the women finally stopped. To their surprise, this mean looking women, changed her face to a very hospitable one the moment she talks with Satchiko and Mayumi.

"Honey stop, we have guests here!" Khenbish said.

"Oh my, where are my manners!" The women transitioned to a more light hearted tone. "Come with me, my husband will join us later!"

Mayumi and Satchiko followed her. Before they left completely, Satchiko gave Khenbish a sympathetic look.

"I will go afterwards," Khenbish said with a smile. Despite being heavily lectured by his wife, he still managed to produce a kind expression. "Oh I almost forgot! Can you give this to my wife? My daughter might need this later." He held out a poach with a bundle of flowers in it.

Satchiko, who examined with interest, isn't too sure what flower is this. The flower has red-reddish pink peddles with white streaks on it.

"This, is the famed White Dragon Bush!" Khenbish proudly stated. "I just so happens to stumble across it when I knocked my head into the tree trunk from the battle today!" His voice was joyous and happy. "Quite lucky eh?"

"Eh, wow!" Satchiko complimented, even though she is only pretending to be interested. She now remembered the exact moment when Tu used Earth bending, and pushed throw Khenbish back. It looked very painful when he hit that tree.

Khenbish proceeded to share some of the flowers. "Here, have some of it!"

"Oh my, thanks!" Satchiko politely replied. "Is this some sort of special medicine?"

"Oh no, no." Khenbish quickly clarified. "This is just some flowers used to boil tea."

The physician secretly peered through the veils, he wanted to make sure that those flowers are not the poisonous White Jade Bush. The similarities between the White Dragon bush and the White Jade bush often confuses inexperienced tea enthusiasts, but for herbalist like him, he can easily tell the difference. One is used to boil delectable tea, it is said to be 'so delicious, it's heartbreaking'. The other however, contains deadly toxins. Upon its ingestion, the victim would obtain rashes that will slowly spread throughout the rest of the body. Their airways would then tightened as a result of the rash spreading into the lungs area.

"I will take it to her, don't you worry!" Satchiko reassured eagerly. She rushed out of the tent to catch up with Mayumi and Khenbish's wife.

While she herself have zero interest in tea, she knew someone else do. Her father.

Hakaru is a heavy tea drinker. Which is good, unlike other unhealthy beverages, tea are known to clean the body's digestive system. Or so her father claims. Other men in the village tend to prefer wine over hot leaf juice. But she knew he is a tea enthusiast. If the flowers in her hands are indeed as good as they say, then she definitely was bring some to her father.

...

Khenbish himself only smiled contently. He slowly stand up, using the walking stick to support his weight. He walked out of the tent, breathing the fresh air. Spending some time to gaze at the stars above. It's a beautiful night indeed.

His eyes caught something moving. It was hard to see, but his sharp eye sight tells him that it must be a sky bison.

"Ah, must be some hunters returning." He murmured himself. Almost every member of their clan knows how to hunt and forage in the wilds. Since they lived a nomadic lifestyle, it is almost essential for every able men and women to learn the skills for survival. As a result, their diet is mostly composed of meat. As long as the animal is not a Sky bison, which they considered sacred among their people, they would hunt it without a second thought.

As Khenbish looked at that specific bison longer, he felt something is a bit off. The people riding on it look...weird. As tried to narrow his eyes to get a better look at them, a suspicion begin to form inside him.

'It can't be them right? He thought to himself. His heart begin to beat a little faster, he can feel a little anxious.

As the bison flew across him, dark silhouettes begin to form in his vision. Khenbish quickly widened his eyes. With shock, he tried to reconfirm his hunch in case his eyes are playing with him. Even though it was very dark high up there, Khenbish now knew without a doubt who those people are.

They rode bisons just like them, but here is where the similarities end. They disagreed in almost everything, even trivial issues. But there is something more than that, a rift so wide that hatred is the only thing that his people have displayed.

He started to panic a little, but calmed himself when he remembered that he can't overexert his injured body. He sped into his medical tent, and found his trusty spear lying next to bed. "The leader must know!"

As he extended his hands to grab his weapon, he stopped. Breathing heavily, he reevaluated the situation. Is he very going to use weapon on those people? He looked down on the floor, and remembered the very day where he lost many of his family and friends. No one helped him, no one came to save them from the onslaught.

He thought about it for a while, and sadness slowly filled his heart. He can't do it. Those people are not dangerous enough to be treated as an enemy. Him and many others understand this. But still, that doesn't change that they all hated that group of people for what they have done, or more specifically, what they didn't do.

Khenbish looked at his iron spear, then looked at the walking stick in his hands.

He made a deep sad sigh, and decided to leave the weapon. He took a long walk, heading towards the centre of this camp. With each step, he tried his best to forget the pain from the past. He sometimes thought to himself, would everything have been different if they fulfilled their promise.

He suppressed those thoughts, it's useless to think about it anyway. What has happened cannot be reverted. His priorities now is to protect the remaining people he held dear.

Using his walking stick, he slowly but gradually made his way to the centre. They are holding a feast tonight, the Khan's should be there. He knew his news would ruin everyone's mood. But the Khan, to his knowledge, disliked uninvited guests, especially those who have not proven their trust like Satchiko and Mayumi. Usually, the Khan only welcomes outsiders who have been invited by a fellow clansman. However, those who intrude the camp without permission are always violently kicked out, and that is only if they are lucky. If the Khan would dispose an uninvited visitor through forceful means, Khenbish can only imagine what he would do to that specific group of people.

Author's notes:

-The tent used by Batu's people are directly inspired from real life mongol yurt tents.

-The name Takhi, is actually the name of the Central Asia horses ridden by Mongolians.

-The 'deel' are actual Mongolian clothings. Admittedly, my writing skilled does not do enough justice in fully describe the dress in detail.