Exiastgardsun Chronicles – Twelve Fruits of Creation

Noon sun peeked through the thick bamboo groves as the elf party stepped onto the winding path into Verdastra. The land of the beastfolk greeted them with more than just sights, warm, lazy winds drifted through the trees, carrying the scent of grilled meats and wildflowers. From distant huts came the rhythmic clang of blacksmiths, the faint laughter of children, and the occasional bark or chirp of beastfolk chatting in their native tongue. Bamboo leaves rustled like whispers, and everywhere, tails swayed and ears twitched, the air filled with a soft harmony only beastfolk villages possessed.

At the gate, they met Leonhart, a towering lion beastfolk whose golden mane caught the afternoon light like spun bronze. "Greetings, young ones of the woodland realm," he rumbled, his voice carrying the weight of ancient authority. Beside him stood his daughter Liora, smaller and more reserved, her tawny ears flicking nervously as amber eyes studied the newcomers with quiet intensity.

"Hi-hi! We're the elf squad!" Fahleena greeted, twintails bouncing.

Fuhiken stepped forward, proper as always. "We thank you for your hospitality, Chief Leonhart."

The chief chuckled. "Polite lad. Come, let's show you our village."

As they strolled deeper into Verdastra, lively voices filled the air. Market stalls bustled, children chased each other, and scents of grilled meat and sweet buns floated around.

"Nyah!" a cry rang out as two small figures pounced into view, Feliya and Meika, twin cat beastfolk girls. Their oversized ears and tails twitched energetically.

Gaby's eyes widened the moment she spotted the twin cat beastfolk. Her calm demeanor cracked like a dropped teacup. "...So fluffy…" she whispered, voice trembling with awe. Her bow nearly slipped from her hands as her gaze locked onto the oversized, twitching ears and plush tails. The world around her faded, no battle, no mission, just pure, unfiltered fluff. Her fingers twitched with suppressed instinct. It wasn't just admiration. It was destiny.

Sakura squeaked, "Can I pet you?"

Before the twins could answer, Gaby had already scooped Feliya into a hug. "Soft! Too soft!"

"Nyah!?" Feliya blinked, tail flailing.

Meika was immediately snatched by Sakura, who buried her face into Meika's tail with a dreamy sigh. "Fluff heaven…"

"She's hugging the fluff," Kyle muttered.

"Gaby's down," Sinryo said. "Critical weakness confirmed."

Yuuna blinked. "That's new."

Adiw raised an eyebrow. "She's the calm one, right?"

Fuhiken sighed. "She was."

As Sakura and Gaby continued their cuddle assault, Feliya managed to squeak out, "We can give a tour if you let go…"

"Oh! Right! Sorry!" Gaby gently released Feliya, though her hands lingered with longing.

The twins led them through the village, pointing out bamboo houses, herb gardens, and a dancing area where fox beastfolk were practicing.

Then came Karnag, a hulking bull beastfolk whose sheer presence made the younger elves freeze mid-step. His horns curved high and proud, polished to a mirror shine, while thick iron armor clanked with every step. Muscles rippled beneath his fur, and a massive greataxe rested across his back like it weighed nothing. He stopped in front of them, casting a long shadow. "You the elves?" he rumbled, voice like gravel dragged across stone.

"Yes. Please excuse our earlier behavior," Fuhiken said, bowing.

Karnag grunted in approval.

Caelderun, a tall, sleek horse beastfolk, trotted up beside Karnag with graceful poise. His short mane was neatly brushed, and polished leather armor clung to his lean frame. Unlike Karnag's imposing bulk, Caelderun exuded calm authority, his sharp eyes scanning the party with quiet interest. "Elf visitors are rare," he said smoothly, his tone polite but measured. "But your manners are appreciated. It's not every day forest children show such respect." He gave Fuhiken a small nod of approval.

Meanwhile, Kyle poked Gigih. "Bet they think we're the weird ones."

"Correct," Yuuna said flatly.

At the market, stalls offered fruit, cloth, gear, and more. Gaby and Sakura made a beeline for the textile booth.

"FLUFFY PILLOWS!" both squealed.

"Only two left," the shopkeeper warned.

Gaby clutched one. "Mine."

Sakura clutched the other. "Also mine."

Peacefully resolved.

Nearby, Jessica paused in front of a small weapon shop, her steps slowing as her eyes locked onto a single object. A lone katana rested on a velvet-draped rack, its steel polished to a mirror sheen. The subtle curve of the blade, the way the hilt was wrapped in deep crimson cord, it drew her in like a silent song. She stepped closer, almost reverently. Her reflection shimmered on the blade's surface, and for a moment, the noise of the market faded. In her mind, she imagined the wind slicing with every swing, the clarity of a clean cut, the grace in motion. She was shy, quiet, but something in this weapon spoke to her. It wasn't just a blade. It was art.

"Want it?" Fahleena asked.

Jessica nodded slightly.

"Then claim it, Samurai-chan!" Fahleena posed, keyblade raised like a magic wand.

Jessica approached and bought the katana, her shy smile peeking through. "Feels...right."

Elsewhere, Orchid stood by a food cart, focused. "Today... I shall conquer dumplings."

"No," Yuuna said instantly.

Gaby appeared. "Absolutely not."

"But I, "

"Orchid," Yuuna said. "Last time you made rice turn into smoke."

"That was one time!"

"Or ten," Gaby said. "Step away from the food."

At night, the village glowed with lanterns. The elves stayed in a large guest house, cozy and warm.

In the corner, Fahleena stood dramatically before Liora, holding a chessboard.

Fahleena leaned in toward Liora, her eyes gleaming with mischief and mystery. She held up the chessboard like it was a sacred relic. "I shall now teach you... the forbidden arts of Mana Dragon Chess!" she intoned, voice deepened for dramatic effect. Sparks of imaginary lightning crackled in her mind as she posed with her keyblade as if casting an ancient spell. "A game where intellect meets fate, and only the chosen may grasp its hidden truths!" Liora blinked, unsure if she should be excited or concerned.

Yuuna interrupted. "It's called chess. Ignore her."

"Yuuna! Don't ruin the mystique!"

Ignoring her, Yuuna sat beside Leonhart and calmly explained the rules. "This is the knight, it moves like an L. It's shaped like a dragon for aesthetics."

Leonhart studied the board. "Interesting. And the jellyfish?"

"Pawn. Don't ask."

Meanwhile, Gaby and Sakura were already curled up on their fluffy pillows. "Fluff is justice..." Sakura whispered.

"Indeed," Gaby agreed.

Sinryo and Kyle were sneaking cookies. Adiw sparred shadow-monsters with his sword in the yard. Gigih accidentally scorched a bush while practicing. Yetsan shouted at him about carbonizing the environment.

Fuhiken sighed. "Another normal day... I think."

Yuuna moved a piece. "Check."

"Already?" Leonhart blinked.

Fahleena pointed dramatically at the sky, her twintails swaying with theatrical flair. "The stars have chosen the victor!" she declared, striking a pose like a sorceress from a fantasy stage play. Her keyblade gleamed in the lantern light as if to emphasize her words. A gust of wind conveniently rustled her cape, despite her not wearing one. "The cosmic prophecy has spoken, and checkmate is but destiny fulfilled!"

Everyone ignored her.

The night ended with laughter, pillow fluff, and burned dumplings (because Orchid tried anyway).

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