Arrival

"C'mon, damn it move! Unf!"

The horse bucked and whinnied as it resisted Reta's constant tugs and pulls to move it forward. Syri couldn't help but laugh as she watched her fight with this horse since they started their travels. They had stopped at a traveling post while following the trail, with Janette now exchanging words with one of their workers. Everyone went walking on foot, Janette did not have any horses or stables after all. She runs gardens and crops, not animals, something she had to remind them often.

"Gurrr, why did I have to be stuck with this stubborn pony?"

Felix stepped in, passing Emyri in cat form to KuliKuli. "Here, let me try."

"Hmph, she's all yours." She stepped back, wiping her hands on her dress. Felix placed a hand on the horse's face, gently padding its side and back while making small hush noises to its ear. KuliKuli tilted her head and observed as her mate sort of spoke to the animal from its appearance, petting its hair and making eye contact with it. At least, it stopped stomping its front hoof and its breathing became much calmer compared to its previous grunting.

"Huh, well now why couldn't you do that before?"

Felix smiled. "You drew the short stick and it was funny to watch. I started to feel bad though."

"Thanks I guess,"

"Oh not for you, I meant the horse. It's a stallion by the way, not a mare." He grinned, enjoying Reta's angry huff as she crossed her arms and turned her back to him.

"Jerk."

Just then Janette said her thanks and came walking back to them. "Okay, so he says that the sign on the saddle looks like it belongs to a horse stable down the path into the Kershin Market, just as I thought. Just needed to be sure." She looked down and smiled at the soft cat rubbing against her leg. "You hear that, you'll have your sister back soon."

She jumped as suddenly the cat leaped up, climbed her arm and perched itself on her shoulder, getting comfortable and wrapping her tail around her neck for support. "Cute, but easy with the claws." She blushed as it began to lick her cheek.

KuliKuli and Felix were just smiling, watching them interact. "When did they become a thing?" He asked.

"Hm, I'll tell you later." She smirked, brushing her fluffy tail beneath his chin as they continued walking forward. "So what do we do once we get there, how does it look?"

"Well," Janette began, "I don't know if you've ever been in a city before. This market is close to one, a bigger city means more customers which makes for more profit. Hence the market grew into it's own little city. Not as close to my house as where my shop is though, so..."

"You think he stationed over there to keep a safe distance?" Felix asked.

Reta shook her head. "I'd say yes, but we're just guessing here. I hope you brought money for an overnight stay."

Janette nodded, they continued walking for several minutes without a word.

"So, we never got into details. What happened between you and the hunter? You know, when you two fought. I assume."

She nods, thinking over the details of that night. "He knows my name, said he would offer letting us all go if I let him have Dimyri."

Everyone kept silent, no one asked. Why would they, it seemed unanimous after all. Felix looked forward, contemplating what they would do when they reach there. Which seemed to be soon, judging from the growing sight of shops at a distance.

"There it is."

"Right." Janette took charge. "KuliKuli, keep your tails and paws hidden. Emyri, stay close to us. Felix and I will be up front, Reta will keep the horse at hand."

Reta grumbled but nodded, with Felix stepping close enough to Janette to nudge her arm.

"What are we doing about Na'Vi though?" He whispered. "We don't know where she is."

"You said she seemed upset with you not being able to protect KuliKuli right?" He nods. "Don't worry, I have an idea. Emyri, Syri, you two know what to do right?" Both cats nodded.

"Good, let's hope this works."