In the heart of the Rekes mountains, where jagged peaks pierced the sky and shimmering crystals jutted out from the rocky landscape like natural sculptures, four Xunari ventured into the unknown. Guide, Judge, Reach, and Seal, had been sent on a mission to extract some resources from the Rekes region. 

 

The colony didn't come to Rekes often, preferring to trade or even have excursions to Mireh instead, but the list of resources they needed had grown too long, and Bloo and Seymore had insisted a group went out to gather some of the materials themselves.

 

Guide was a surprisingly well navigator, and easily led the group trough the mountains, her eyes sparkling with determination as she went. She seemed to like the challenge. 

 

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows over the mountains, the group found a suitable spot to rest for the night. They set up a small camp near a cluster of particularly large crystals. Judge started on a campfire, to surround the makeshift camp in a soft, orange light.

 

"This place is incredible," Reach said, her eyes wide with awe as she gazed at the glowing crystals.

 

Judge nodded, sitting down on a flat rock. "It is. These crystals are unlike anything we've seen back at home. They're beautiful."

 

Seal nodded. "I think they're unique to the region. I've seem some underwater along the coast, too, but never anywhere else." he sighed, setting up the campfire to grill some of the fish he had caught in a stream earlier. "Let's focus on getting some rest for now. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

 

Guide had been peering into the horizon during the inter conversation, grimacing. "We're not alone," she whispered.

 

The group fell silent at that, their senses on high alert. From the shadows emerged a figure, moving gracefully and with an air of confidence. It was a Tsabhua, her fur a striking shade of pink. She took in the group curiously.

 

"Who are you?" Guide called out, stepping forward. She wasn't the most intimidating of the group, that probably went to Seal, but she wasn't about to let her friends get hurt.

 

The pink Tsabhua paused, her eyes flickering over each of them before she spoke. "I am Nathalia, I live in these mountains. Who are you, and what brings you to Rekes?"

 

Guide nodded his head. "I am Guide, and these are my friends. We were just looking for some resources." he frowned a little, unsure about what Nathalia would want. "We don't mean any harm, if that's your concern."

 

Nathalia's expression softened slightly, but her gaze remained cautious. "I see. It's not often we get visitors here, the mountains are not to be taken lightly."

 

Judge pipped up from the campfire "We are well aware. There's no need to worry about us."

 

Nathalia regarded them thoughtfully, her green eyes glinting in the soft, orange glow of the campfire. "I see. Well, if your intentions are pure, then perhaps I can help you."

 

Guide, Judge, Reach, and Seal exchanged glances, relieved but still cautious. "In that case, we would greatly appreciate any help you could offer," Guide said, stepping back with a respectful nod. "We made a campfire, as you likely noticed already, and you're welcome to join us until tomorrow. We plan to head out again after a nice rest."

 

Nathalia nodded. "I'd love to sit with you for the night."

 

The night deepened in the Rekes mountains, and the campfire's glow cast flickering shadows across the rocky terrain. the Xunari sat around the fire, their eyes occasionally darting towards Nathalia. The initial tension in the air began to ease as Nathalia's cautious demeanour softened.

 

She had settled on a rock not far from the fire, her green eyes reflecting the flames. "The Rekes mountains are indeed treacherous, but they are also magnificent. The crystals here are unique to this region, and they hold a special significance for many of us who grew up here."

 

Reach nodded "We understand that. We only ever take what we need, we would never want to disturb anything of importance."

 

Nathalia's gaze softened even more, clearly appreciating their respect for her homeland. "Your intentions seem noble. If you promise to take only what you need and respect the land, I will guide you to some of the less important areas where you can freely gather resources."

 

Reach's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you, Nathalia. That would be incredibly helpful."

 

Nathalia nodded happily. "I'm just glad you're being thoughtful. The same can't be said for many others passing by." she sighed.

 

Seal took the fish off the campfire. "Would you like some?" he offered to Nathalia. He hadn't planned for there to be a fifth Xunari, and had only caught and grilled four fish- one for each of them- but was sure they could all share.

 

The pink Xunari's eyes widened. "I would love to! I heard those are quite the delicacy. I've never been fast enough to catch one myself, though."

 

Seal offered her a small smile, she hadn't been wrong about them being hard to catch. "I just managed to get these. Took some strategizing, but I'm sure they'll be worth it." he started handing out the fish to each Xunari around the campfire.

 

"We should go to sleep when we finish this." Judge hinted. "It's been a long day, we'll need our energy for tomorrow."