- Even after two days of travel, Astrona was excited to make it to the Silver Ruins-- finally! She is not quite a year old-- and while Swift North, her mother, thought that the trip might have been too much for her cub, Astrona seems to be fueled by excitement. She kept up with her mother, pestering her with questions about what the Silver Ruins was like, what Dad was doing there, would she also be able to visit by herself one day when she's older?
Astrona's father, Linanthus, had done to the monthly open market to trade and sell items he had gathered for things he and his family may need. He left two days ago, packed up a small two-wheeled cart with items. Linanthus is a skilled hunter and had many pelts, antlers, bones, and dried meat for sale. Swift North carved skulls or decorated them with beads in the fashion of local gods, deities, and spirits. Astrona, wanting to help, had helped pack things up. She wanted to do some crafts of her own! If there was some spare money, perhaps her parents would let Astrona pick something out for herself. Despite having a cub born this year, Astrona's parents were doing well. Food was bountiful and no conflicts were diverting traders. It was expected to be a busy and successful market.
An hour before the Silver Ruins came into view, the road leading towards them turned from lined with carved stone to ancient stone cobble, put there by the Ancients generations of generations ago. Astrona, of course, had to inspect them-- and yes, even lick it-- before Swift could coax her daughter to move on. The road got busier. Felines, monkeys, and even a few canids were passing back and forth. Some were leaving the market with empty carts, the satisfied expression of a trader who had their wares sold. Some returned with many items in tow, pleased customers. Swift North had to curl her tail with Astrona's to keep her cub from running off.
"All these smells, mom! It's so wonderful!" Astrona exclaims, much too loud in the way all young cubs speak when excited. An ocelot mother with her older son smile in thier direction when Swift North nods.
"Yes dear, there is plenty of food. We'll meet up with your father so we can all eat together."
"Mom! Look at all these pretty things!" Astrona becomes distracted by the beautiful silk cloth bolt someone carries past her.
Even though their pace slows to a crawl so Astrona can look and admire all the different individuals and wares passing by her, Swift North finds herself grinning, too. Watching a cub experience the world through new eyes is infectious.
Astrona, too distracted by the bustle, doesn't realize they are climbing up the steps to the plateau. When the road levels into a clearing, a large ornate open-air entrance that overlooks the Silver Ruins, encircled by crumbling stone walls, Astrona gasps.
"Woah! Mom! The ruins are amazing!!!" Astrona bounds forward to peer over the wall next to one of the carved monsters guarding the path.
It is a beautiful sight. The midday sun is bright and cheery, sending light over the colorful banners and flags that indicate today is a market day. Below them is the market, a large space with stalls and rugs placed in messy rows and columns. Astrona scans until she spots a familiar dark red and black pelt.
"Dad, dad! We're here!"
Linanthus turns and waves his tail when he spots his daughter and wife on the old walls. Swift North has to run after her daughter to not lose her in the crowd as Astrona races down the stairs to meet Linanthus.
[620/500]
