As the sun cast a warm glow covering the city, Karee and Talia sat outside Karees home in the solft grass while Kaden and Rontu were splitting wood and small branches to collect for firewood. The two ladies joked and talked enjoying each other's company. "Its no fair all of your clothes are so pretty," Karee sighed playfully while gesturing at Talia's clothing, a vibrant mixture of colors on her dyed hides and furs. Talia's clothes were always a delight to the eyes, a stark contrast to Karee's simple, practical animal skin clothes she had since coming to this world. Talia's almost reminded her of the clothes you would find back on earth. "You should get some new clothes, Karee!" Talia exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "Imagine how beautiful you'd look in colors! You'd be the most stunning woman in the city." Karee felt a warmth spread through her. "Well we should probably have someone with us, I can ask Rontu. He'd probably want to come with us too." Talia grinned. "Perfect! We can buy you so many new things full of color for you. It will be the envy of the whole village. "Hey Rontu," Talia called out causing said male to look over at them, "Karee wants to go to the market and get some new pelts for clothes, Can you take us?" "Of course, just let me go grab our crystals and a basket to carry stuff in and I'll be right back." He said jogging into their home to grab said items. "Your gonna have to teach me how yall make those basket things, they're so much lighter than the stone buckets and pots we have." Talia said standing up and dusting the dirt off herself. "Of course, I'd be more than happy to. I bet it would also make collecting herbs easier for Sage." Talia chuckled at the mention of her brother, she put her hand out and helped Karee stand, "You know he's not mated, I bet he'd love to have you as his mate though, you both have so much in common." Karee's face turned red at her friends words, "Don't joke like that," she said playfully hitting her arm, "You know im not looking for mare mates right now and I doubt he even sees me like that." Talia playfully roles her eyes, "Sure he doesn't." She says while laughing. As they finish dusting off the dirt of themselves Rontu come out a sack full of clear gems strapped to his waist and a basket on his back. "Ok, I got everything. You ready to go?" Karee gives him a warm smile before answering, "Of course let's just say bye to Kaden before we go. As she aproached said male to tell him bye he turned to face her. Kaden chuckled. "I thought you were gonna leave without telling me bye for a moment there." Karees eyes widened at his statment, "I would never do that." Her reaction only caused him to smile more as he ruffled her hair, "I know you wouldn't love dont worry. I suppose I'll have to stay home and tend to our humble abode while you three venture out. But fear not my love, I think its about time we enjoy something you taught me about." He said leaning in to whisper in her hear, "I'll make us a new bed, just like we did in Ninebark." Karees eyes opened wide with joy, "Really! Are you sure?" She asked which only made Kaden laughter harder. "Yes love, now go enjoy the market with your friend. I'm sure you'll find something you'll love. Take your time and stay safe." With that said he gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead and turned to walk into the small patch of forest behind their home. With his departure Karee turned and ran back to Rontu and Talia ready to go. As they stepped into the vibrant market, a kaleidoscope of colors and textures greeted their eyes. Colorful fruit and vegetables lined many stalls, while others had colorful powders in small clay bowls. Bright fabrics fluttered in the breeze, enticing passersby with their intricate patterns. Furs of every hue and texture adorned the stalls, promising warmth and comfort against the harsh elements. But amidst this vibrant display, Karee noticed something that sent a chill down her spine. The crowd seemed to instinctively avoid their small group, parting ways as they approached. A cold realization washed over her as Talia leaned in close, her voice filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation. "Sorry, They avoid me." she a nervous chuckle escaping her lips. A wave of anger and protectiveness surged through Karee. Talia was her friend, her companion. With a determined set to her jaw, she took Talia's hand and led her deeper into the market, ignoring the disapproving glances that followed them."Don’t let them bother you." Karee said, her voice firm and loud enough anyone close by could hear, "They are fools. You are a good woman, and any male should love to be your mate and the female's are just jealous of your good looks." Rontu nodded his agreement, his gaze unwavering, and Talia, touched by their unwavering support, managed a watery smile. Karee, determined to lift Talia’s spirits, steered them towards a stall piled high with vibrant yarns. She ran her fingers over the familiar textures, her eyes sparkling with delight. "THERES YARN HERE!" She said looking between her two comrades. "Why didn't you guys tell me, I could make so much with this." "What are they love?" Rontu asked looking at the flimsy looking strings. "These my dears are yarns," Karee replied, her voice laced with excitement. "They are spun from the fibers of plants and animals, and they have more uses than i can name." Talia's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "But what could one use such delicate threads for?" Karee smiled, "You twohave so much to learn! You can make clothes, warm sweaters and dresses that are as soft as a baby's touch. She picked up a bundle of delicate pink yarn and held it against her cheek. "Imagine a beautiful shawl to keep you warm in the cold nights." Rontu’s eyes widened. He had rembered the the intricate patterns on Karee’s clothing when she first came to his world. Perhaps this was a similar material. To think that they could be made from this seemingly simple material was astounding. "You can even make blankets," Karee continued, "Imagine snuggling up on a cold night, wrapped in a blanket woven from the softest wool. It would be like a warm hug from the sun." Talia, always a sucker for warmth and comfort, felt a shiver of excitement run down her spine. She could already picture herself curled up in a soft, colorful blanket, the wool a comforting weight against her skin. "You can also make toys for cubs, it would be like a whole world of magic." Rontu, who had never seen a toy watched as Karee described the fun cubs could have, the only entertainment he could think of was learning to fight and hunt when he was young. The thought of something so simple and solft that allowed cubs to play caused a smile to spread across his face. "Even decorations," Karee continued, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "You can use yarn to make beautiful tapestries that would cover the walls of your home, or intricate rugs for your floors." Talia, her imagination sparked, could already see the possibilities. She pictured the walls of her home covered with vibrant tapestries, the floors covered in soft, colorful rugs. It would be a haven of warmth and joy. As Karee spoke, describing the endless possibilities of yarn, Rontu listened intently, his face a mask of fascination and admiration. He had never known there were such things in the world, such beauty and utility hidden within a simple strand of wool. He watched Karee with a love that bordered on worship, aware of her intelligence, her vibrant imagination, and her ability to envision a world beyond his own. Karee turned to the man tending the stalls, "How much are these sir?"she asked The merchant, his face weathered by the sun and old age smiled and replied, "One gemstone per bundle." Karee gasped in delight and looked towards Rontu who smiled at her, "Pick as many as you want love, we have enough gems so don't worry." Full of joy she started looking through all the colors with Talia by her side, both comparing how the colors looked against their skin. "Ooh, Rontu, look at this one!" she exclaimed, holding up a bundle of shimmering emerald green yarn. "Just imagine it, sewn into a light, airy blouse, perfect for the heat in wet season." Karee's eyes sparkled. "I'm going to make a whole wardrobe!" she announced, her voice brimming with excitement. "Anything you make will look amazing on you love. I'll help you choose if youd like," he said, his voice deep and reassuring. "And I'll carry everything for you, no matter how much you buy." while he adjusted the basket slung over his shoulder, ready to carry her purchases. Karee, her eyes twinkling, gave him a grateful smile. "You're the best, Rontu. I don't know what I'd do without you." Talia who had a cheerful glint in her eyes, was already sifting through the furs, her fingers running over the soft, supple pelt of a young fox. "I'm thinking a new dress," she said "something light and comfortable to wear at night." They spent the next hour browsing the stalls, discussing the different yarns and furs, the feel of each texture. Rontu patiently held the ever growing pile of chosen skins and strings, the basket long since full. His face a full of patience and love. Talia loved seeing Karee so happy and would point out any pretty colors she saw. Hours passed and Talia took note of the sun getting lower in the sky. "Alright, Karee," she said, her voice a little tired. "I think we've done enough damage for one day. Let's head back." Karee looked at the sun dipping down and at Rontu who was now almost completely covered in furs and yarn bundles, "I guess we should, I didn't realize how late it was getting or how much we brought." She said approaching Rontu and talking part of the stack he was holding into her own arms causing him to smile with gratitude at her as the three left the market to head back to their homes.