The mountains or Rekes were not particularly known for being inviting. However, both Koi and Woodland knew that the region also had plenty of herbs, growing high up on the tall mountains. While many of them weren't commonly used, being hard to grow even in greenhouses because of their odd natural habitat, some of these plants were extremely important as herbs used to cure rare illnesses.

 

They ventured up the mountains, the air thick and cold with how high up they were. Despite the bad visibility, both of the Tsabhua all bundled up to fight off the cold, Woodland eventually spotted the tell-tale signs of some herb patches in the distance.

 

However, as they approached a particularly promising patch, they stumbled upon something unexpected. A Tark'ee stood in front of them, and despite the various layers of equipment, Woodland and Koi could still tell that the other Xunari was *grumpy.*

 

Woodland and Koi exchanged a curious glance, but approached cautiously. The Tark'ee, sensing them walking up to him. "What are you two doing here? Can't you see I'm busy?" he grumbled, his eyes narrowing at the pair. Woodland, flashed a friendly smile. "Apologies. We're Woodland and Koi. We're here to forage mountain herbs for our colony. We didn't mean to intrude."

 

The Tark'ee's scowl deepened "My name is Tanim- not that that's any of your business. And you've already intruded, haven't you?" He pointed accusatorily at a bundle of herbs hanging off of Woodland's bag, realizing that the two Tsabs were the reason a herb patch he had previously set his eyes on had mysteriously disappeared.

 

Koi, sensing tension, tried to diffuse the situation. "Our mistake, Tanim. We didn't realize. We're happy to share, though. We're all here for the same reason, right?" Tanim huffed but softened slightly at Koi's words, partially realizing that he couldn't really blame the two for harvesting wild-growing herbs before him. "Share, you say? Fine, but only if you help me find another patch. I'm not leaving empty-handed." 

 

Woodland and Koi exchanged glances again, this time with a silent agreement to help out Tanim. The mountain herbs were honestly plentifull, and if Tanim was complaining about one bag of herbs, he probably just needed some extra help gathering them himself. Honestly, it probably wasn't worth the effort to fight it.

 

Despite the initial tension, Woodland and Koi instantly felt a sense of determination to turn this awkward encounter into a an opportunity to help someone in need. Tanim had grumpily led the way. The misty peaks loomed above them, shrouded in clouds that clung to the snowy mountains. Koi and Woodland hadn't really intended to go up this high, but they also knew that the further up they'd climb, the more valuable the herbs they'd find would be.

 

Tanim, despite his gruff exterior, began sharing insights into the herbs that thrived in the harsh conditions of the mountains. He pointed out specific rock formations, telling the two about the moss that would sometimes grow between them, explaining that in previous times the moss was useful in fighting off infections. He also pointing out that nowadays, there was no real need to use the moss, as modern medicine had opened up many better, easier to gather, solutions. Koi hastily shoved some in her bags, knowing Empress would appreciate the opportunity to research it regardless.

 

Tanim's mood seemed significantly better as he pointed out another herb patch, this one not being one that Koi or Empress knew about. "This is what I'm after," Tanim declared, eyeing the herbs with a determined glint in his eyes. "But you have to be careful harvesting them. They're delicate, and we need to harvest them without damaging the roots or the petals." Woodland and Koi nodded, appreciating the opportunity to learn. The trio set to work, delicately harvesting the small flowers and carefully storing them in their respective bags. 

 

Just the one patch had filled both their bags enough as it was, but Tanim didn't quite seem satisfied yet. He had dragged the other two to another patch, and they sat there harvesting that patch, too, for a while as the sun set. Tanim looked up at the two- "This way, you guys have enough to bring back home too." Koi nodded gratefully, while picking up their supplies again. "I suppose that this is where our ways part." Tanim spoke. Koi and Woodland briefly thanked the older Xunari, helping him also pack his bags up properly.

 

"You guys will have to be careful on your travels" Tanim reminded them, "Those herbs are very fragile, even Moreso now that the plant is not keeping them alive." Koi and Woodland nodded again. "Thank you for teaching us!" Koi said enthusiastically, always eager to learn. Tanim nodded. "Of course. It only felt fair with how you guys helped me out." the three exchanged goodbyes again, an eventually waved goodbye as they lost sight.