The morning sun streamed through the windows of their new home, illuminating the makeshift breakfast spread laid out on the bare floor. Kaden, Karee, and Rontu, each with a different kind of fruit in hand, munched happily, their laughter echoing in the vast emptiness "This place is going to be amazing," Karee declared, gesturing to the empty space around them as she took the last bite of an apple. "Imagine, a fireplace here, a big comfy couch over there, and a workshop right by the window!" The two men laughed at her enthusiasm before sudedenly stopping as they both sniffed the air, their brows furrowing. "Smells like two people are outside." Rontu said Before they could react, a knock echoed through the house. "I wonder who that could be," Kaden said, a touch of curiosity and hesitation in his voice. Their home stood on the outskirts of the city, their home was a quiet haven, a space to build a life together, away from the bustling crowds. They cautiously walked towards the door, Kaden leading the way open the door before them. Standing on their doorstep were two figures bathed in the morning light. A tall young man with kind eyes and a warm smile, clad in a brown robe with blue accents, held a stone bowl brimming with fresh green vegetables. Beside him stood a young woman with long black hair that cascaded down her back, her blue eyes wide and inquisitive. Her skin was as pale as the moon, a stark contrast to her raven hair. "Good morning," the man said warmly, his voice a gentle melody. "My name is Sage, and this is my sister, Talia." He gestured towards the bowl. "We wanted to welcome you to the city and offer you these fresh vegetables. We hope you'll enjoy them." Karee looked between the 2 guest at there door and could see the resemblance between them, despite there breathtaking appearances what stood out to her the most was there lack of animal ears and tails. Talia sensing Karees gaze grew nervous, she was already shy as is but she still gave a small wave and smile. "It's nice to meet you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Karee, her discomfort momentarily forgotten, felt a surge of warmth. "Thank you so much," she replied, stepping forward. "It's kind of you to welcome us." Rontu, with his usual gentle nature, stepped forward and added, "We appreciate your thoughtfulness." He extended his hand towards Sage, a gesture of friendship. Sage nodded as he shook his hand. "We heard you moved in last night, We live just through the trees and wanted to introduce ourselves. Perhaps Talia and Karee could get to know each other and be friends?" Karee looked from Sage to Talia and a smile formed on her lips. "That would be amazing, i havent had any girl friends in a while but im sure we can get along." she said causing Talia to smile as well her cheeks dusted in a light pink. As they accepted the bowl Kaden invited them inside their home and everyone quickly entered with a new found sense of friendship. Apon entering Karees face flushed red with embarrassment at the lack of furniture in their hom despite only having been here for one night she turned and looked at her mates, "Kaden," Karee called out, her voice weak, "would you be a dear and fetch some furs for our guest to sit on?" He nodded his and quickly got some out of one of the baskets they had and spread it on the floor. "Sorry for the lack of furniture, we will be making some soon. I hope these furs are OK for you to sit on for now." Karee said. As Sage helped Talia sit on the furs he simply smiled at Karee, "Don't worry your still new and I didn't expect you three to have much right now. You and Talia can sit on the furs, us males will be ok on the ground." Karee was about to object but Rontu stoped her. "He's right love us males will be fine on the floor, you tow should sit where it's more comfortable." With a small nod karee carefully sat on the solft first next to Talia while the men sat infront of them creating a small circle on the floor. "It's wonderful to have new neighbors." Karee said looking at Sage and Talia. "I'm not trying to be rude but what kind of beast are you? I can't help but notice the lack of ears and a tail." Talia responded while ducking her head. "We're... Crows." "Crows?" Karee smiled, "I've never seen Crow beast before." Sage chuckled nervously. "It's not a common beast amd most places dont exactly like crows, they think we bring death." he explained. "It doesn't help that our village was quite remote. We had to move to the city after... our it was destroyed during a savage beast a few years ago, we were lucky enough to escape though." "I'm so sorry to hear that." Karee whispered, her heart aching for their loss. "It's alright," Sage said, his voice calm. "We're making a new life here. Talia's been quite lonely, though. May i ask what you are?" Karee noticed the sadness in Talia's eyes. "Oh im a human, its a species of ape, most people havent heard of us so its fine if you dont recognize my species." She said quickly, "I understand how you both feel though, It's difficult to be away from home. At least you have your brother to keep you company, plus with how beautiful you are im sure you have a long line of suitors vying for you attention." She said trying to lighten the mood but her words only made the girl shrink in on herself. Talia's eyes welled up with tears. "I have no mates." she whispered, her voice trembling. Silence descended upon the room as the weight of her words hung in the air. Sage placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Due to our race," he explained, "most beast assumes we will bring death and misfortune to them" He paused and looked at his sister, her eyes full of tears nodded at him allowing him to continue. "To make it even worse Talia is infertile. This has made her undesirable in the eyes of potential mates. Being a healer I have tried to find a cure but nothing has worked." He said shoulders slightly slumping. Talia looked up at Karee, "If you want to laugh or send me away I understand, you wouldn't be the first to do so." She said already attempting to stand. Before she could though Karees hand gently grabbed her arm, Karee's heart sank in remorse. "I am so sorry Talia." she said, her voice laden with empathy. I didn't mean to upset you. It's not your fault that you can't have children and no one should reject you for that. I would never send you away for something you have no control over. You are worthy of love and acceptance, just as you are." Tears welled in Talia's eyes. The fear, the isolation, the burden she carried, all melted away in the face of Karee's genuine kindness. With a sob, she flung her arms around Karee, burying her face in the warmth of her embrace. Karee held her tight, her own heart filled with empathy. She knew the sting of societal expectations, the pressure to conform. She understood. When Talia finally pulled away, her cheeks flushed and her eyes shining, she spoke, her voice shaky but grateful. "Thank you, Karee. Thank you for being so kind. I needed to hear that." Suddenly, a sharp pang seized Karee’s stomach, causing her to gasp. A wave of familiar pain washed over her, a harsh reminder of her monthly cycle. Rontu, ever vigilant, rushed to her side, his brow furrowing with concern. "Karee love, what’s wrong?" he asked, his strong hands gently guiding her to sit down. "Just a cramp, Rontu,” Karee said, wincing at the sharp pain. Rontu’s eyes darted towards a small pouch of herbs they had been carrying. "Do you need your pain relief?" he asked, taking the pouch and carefully selecting the herb she had been using. Sage, who had been observing the scene with polite curiosity, was visibly shocked. "You know about herbs? But you’re…" he trailed off, his voice hesitant. "I’m a healer to Sage," Karee said, meeting his gaze with an unwavering confidence and a playful smile. "My mates know, and I’m happy to share my knowledge with anyone." Sage’s eyes widened, his surprise evident. "It’s... unusual," he stammered. "Most females don’t…" "Don’t work you mean?" Karee finished, her voice laced with a hint of amusement. Kaden, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, his muscular frame radiating confidence. "Karee's a brilliant healer, Sage. She’s cured more than a few ailments in our old village." Rontu nodded in agreement. "She even cured the disease that ravaged the village earlier this season. She’s a miracle worker." Sage, humbled by their words, looked at Karee with newfound respect. "I apologize for my ignorance," he said, a sincere smile replacing his surprised expression. "You are welcome to my medical hut anytime. We could learn much from each other." Karee smiled, her smile warm and genuine. "Thank you, Sage. I’d love to." The air in the hut, previously tense, was now filled with a comforting warmth, a bond forged through shared understanding and mutual respect.