2 The Village and A Warm Touch

*Flower maiden's POV*

There is a large clearing surrounding the village which made it all the more standout amongst the dark green forestry that surrounded it.

The village got closer and closer to me as I approached as if enticing me to visit it… I could barely keep my heart from thumping loudly against my small chest. A sense of frenzied elation crashed into me like waves as I prepared for my first time meeting with people and seeing a village up close. The marvel of what is the great tree at the center of the village drew closer too, though due to its size it was hard to tell. I didn't sense it before but as I got closer, I noticed a large amount of that strange energy from before and it seems to be directly from the great tree.

My bare feet padded on the hard surface of the paved path as I approached the village. It wasn't uncomfortable as the stone pavement was imbued with the warmth of the sun making it especially pleasant to lay my feet on.

In addition, the cool breeze brushing against my naked skin, the musical chirping of adorable birds, the lively rustle of plants, and the sound of bare feet on the ground enveloped my senses. I'm still trying to get my fill of these new sensations, how couldn't anyone be excited in their brand new life?!

Looking ahead of myself, the stone pavement was tread upon by the lonesome me. I'm surprised and a little disappointed that I didn't get to see any caravans or people on the path with me. From my view, the village seemed also to lack any walls. Maybe this is a more isolated village? It does seem rather peaceful and distant from any other place.

Immediately interrupting my thoughts, my long ears twitched as it picked up the sound of flapping… no many flapping sounds. I gaze up to see groups of… bird people? Their legs were similar to birds with shining claws and their arms seemed to be structured like wings with claw-like hands visible at the end. Plumage covered their lower legs and some even covered their necks like some poofy scarf! Must be warm and comfy too! Their gleaming feathers display various colors differing for each individual from warm forest green to metallic violet. They even have so many different feather tails! I saw one with twin spirals of red feathers sprouting from their hair and other cool designs. I touched my own head and felt the boring two licks on the top… hmph. They also wore some clothes although minimal and a few of them had bags looped over their shoulders looking like travelers of sorts… but wouldn't not wearing any clothes feel even better? Surely the cool wind blowing against you would feel even more pleasant without clothes… and to soar through the sky with so much freedom… I could wonder how awesome it would be.

The sight was stunning as they flew in unison towards the village. I only broke out of my stupor as a feather slowly drifted onto my nose causing me to sneeze. Though the village was still a good distance from me, at this point I could no longer keep the excitement in my heart as it threatened to burst. The rush of adrenaline fuel ardor pumped through my body and before I knew it, I was sprinting towards the village with glee. How many other people were there?! Do they look like birds too?!

Perhaps I should have held myself back a little… okay maybe a lot more cause the next thing I noticed I arrived at the gates of the village as a massive current of air pressure blew past me, creating a huge whirlwind of dust. It's normal to hear a sonic boom after you sprint… right? I need to have more control over my body. Actually, this is really my first time doing some sort of physical movement with more effort.

As I looked above me, my worries over my untamed strength dissipated when the monumental, fire red gate loomed over me. Made of sturdy wood, the gate stood by itself at the entrance as a welcoming symbol. Some green vines wrapped firmly up along its wooden pillars and sprouted brilliant flowers. The wooden gate showed age and wear, but it only served to enhance its natural beauty as it stood the test of time. On top of the gate, the words "Heiwa" was carved ornately.

The village was named Heiwa, what a pretty name… I wonder what it stands for? I noticed there also weren't any guards or security of any kind around, which confirms my feelings that this was a peaceful village probably. My eyes wandered beyond the gate and I was met with a broad, dirt road that extended through towards a massive, circular open center of the town. The main road also had various other smaller paths throughout the village. The giant ancient tree was at the center of the town. It looked out of a fairytale, its bark pulsed slightly with warm light, and above, its leaves burst a healthy shade of green. No doubt, I sensed a massive amount of that strange energy as well as life radiating off the tree, almost forming almost a protective barrier around the village. Some buildings and structures even extended up along the tree reaching the enormous branches that were as high up as the clouds… and look! The bird people I saw before are now landing on the extended platforms of those buildings, maybe their houses!? They perched on their houses while some landed in the lower parts of the village, carefully avoiding people on the way down.

At the ground level, there were buildings that resembled temples made of wood slightly elevated off the ground with tiled and thatched roofs. From a glance, one could tell how high quality the wood was used in the construction of such beautiful homes and architecture. It's natural aesthetic complemented the occasional gardens of flowers, plants, and beautiful cherry blossom trees that pleasantly grew at the side of roads with places of its own in rich, dark, and soft soil surrounded by bricks to hold it together. Cage-like lanterns sat upon pedestals located outside some stores and houses as well as in public places.

I was a bit distracted by the sight before me, so it took a while for the chorus of voices that fell upon my ears to register. Some of the voices were distinct enough to pick out:

"What was that loud explosive sound?"

*cough cough* "Where did all the dust come from!?"

"Who is that… a young girl?"

After some of the dust clouds settled down… sorry. People were halted during their daily activities. Some halted while walking, some stared out of windows of houses, one still had their hands reached out for fruit at a vendor stall among various others that lined the main road.

The ensuing chatter and the bewildered audience went unnoticed as I turned my head fervently left and right at the people in front of me as I stared… perhaps almost rudely in awe at the myriad of people all living in tranquility in this village. Look! Some of the people had cat ears and all so fluffy tails! Some had dog-like ears and tails while others had smooth shining scales covering some areas of their skin as their slit-like pupils stared at me. Their peculiar clear membranes of their eyes retracting as they blinked at me. I also saw horns that were of various colors that spiraled, pointed, and protruded out of their heads! I even spotted several on a single head! Several other unique and fascinating people were halted before me as I continued to scan with my uncomfortably intrusive eyes over them. This is so amazing!

I saw a couple of people with branches entwined around their bodies and small flowers sprouting out of their heads. Woah! Are they some sort of flower or plant people? Perhaps they're like me… but they look rather different than myself with their slightly green but tender skin, attractive figures, velvet cloaks, and plant made dresses. Their shining emerald eyes directed towards me. Faced with their stunning beauty… I kind of wished I could look as pretty as them. Most of the people I see are so pretty and cool… also a lot taller than me too…

I can't help but feel slightly ashamed and embarrassed by the awe-struck gazes of my audience. Though I noticed some quickly turned away seemingly out of embarrassment as well… was it because of how I looked? Was it because of the ruckus I caused? A few decided to resume their activities but most seemed to be stuck in a dumbstruck stance, trying to process what to do as I stood there awkwardly, presumably the cause of all this trouble. Did they fear I'm an intruder? If so… they sure aren't panicking…

"Mom… why is the girl not wearing any clothe~ shhh don't look, honey."

"I've never seen her kind before… "

"Why is she nude?"

"Is she some sort of pervert?"

I could pick up the whispers clear as day.

A pervert? I looked down at myself… Oh… I wasn't wearing any clothes… is it strange not to wear clothes? It's quite comfortable… right? I should be wondering why you all wear clothes instead. With a number of you wearing thick jackets and most of you multiple layers of clothing, I shuddered, thinking of myself in such suffocating things. Though I hadn't tried to wear anything yet and maybe biased, bare skin is still a blessing! Otherwise, I wouldn't have had the full pleasure of rolling around in the grass or feeling the breeze brush against my skin! Plus some of the village people didn't wear many clothes like that scaly lady over there who only wore some rags over her waist! Though her black, shining scales covered most of her body like some sort of hard, sharp armor. The thick tail that swayed slowly behind her was longer than her body and covered in sharp protrusions of scale… can I ride on top of it? Though it may hurt my bum. I decided to try to ignore some of the nervous glances as I walked towards the center of town.

"Are you alright little girl? Are you hurt?"

I turned to my right at the sound of approaching footsteps and saw a tall, well-endowed fox lady walk over to me. Her long soft, bright orange hair hung down to her waist, blowing softly in the wind as the sunlight behind her further outlined her lovely figure and her soft, caring expression. She practically exuded a mother's aura. She had tufts of hair around her neck and her legs which were bent forward and backward ending with a furry paw as a foot like an actual fox. But my attention was drawn more so to somewhere else. I couldn't help but notice her slightly drooping fox ears and really… really soft, fluffy tail…

When I came to, I already grabbed onto her tail and started hugging it, enjoying the pure bliss that is fluffiness.

"Ah! I know my tail is soft but tails are quite sensi~Uahh! Please let go!"

After the fox lady pried me off her tail I whimpered slightly as the comfy strands of her tail left my yearning grasp. I looked back at her with a little disappointment.

"Sorry… it's just… it's the first time I've held something so fluffy and comfortable."

I admittedly was a bit jealous of her dazzling looks and her soft fur and tail… if only I had them I could hug it whenever I want!

"Hehe, thanks for complimenting me… but are you ok? You seemed lost and well…"

She slightly turned her face away seemingly in the all too familiar embarrassment.

"Well… you aren't wearing any clothes."

She was wearing a short skirt and blouse along with a short cloak on her shoulders. Ah I see, she is one of those inferior clothes-people too… what a shame.

"Sorry but I don't have any clothes, actually I prefer not to wear such suffocating garments anyways."

"Ummm… well we could deal with that later. Where are your parents?"

"Parents? I don't have parents I think. Unless giant flowers count as parents… do they?"

"… What about your home?"

"Home?"

The fox lady looked more and more puzzled as her brow furrowed deeper when I replied back honestly… What a cute expression. But still, her determination did not waver.

"Okay… how about we talk somewhere else, I can't leave such a young child by yourself alone… here take my hand I'll take you to my house."

Without hesitation, she carefully grasped my hand in hers as she led me to the outskirts of the village near the edge of the forest. She wrapped her soft cloak around my small frame despite my reluctance and hugged me close to her body. Uwaahhh… so soft and warm… I guess this isn't so bad…

We would get some questioning glances from people as we passed through the streets while the fox lady did what best she could to shield me from their looks. We didn't say anything during the walk and I couldn't help but wonder why she was so willing to help a stranger like me?

We walked past a meadow of flowers and grass. They weren't as impressive as where I was born but comparing them would be far from fair. We arrived at a small cottage on a small hill not far from the village on the outskirts. The small brick and wood cottage sitting amongst the meadow gave off the overwhelming feeling of welcoming and warmth.

The wooden door gently creaked open as the fox-lady opened it still with one arm holding me close. We went inside and she sat me down on a couch still with her cloak wrapped gently over my shoulders. I sat down with my thighs together like an obedient child. I looked around me, the inside is quite cozy with a fireplace as well as several couches. The wooden interior of the house looks really pleasant and there was the kitchen where the fox lady was now pouring a glass of water. She passed the water to me and got a warm, soft blanket wrapped around me. The water was warm as I wrapped my hands around the cup and the blanket didn't itch me so much so I didn't mind. I wasn't thirsty but I still took small sips out of gratitude. The liquid rolled into my throat swiftly. For my first time drinking water, it sure was a weird experience as the smooth texture flowed into my stomach… do I have a stomach?

"Thank you, kind fox lady… I'm sorry for the trouble I caused everyone."

"Oh… I forgot to tell you, my name is Ohari Kitsune. I'm a mother and my sweet Kyui will return home soon. And it's ok… it's just we never had a visitor like you before… in more ways than one. You were the cause of the large dust cloud and explosive sound?"

"… Sorry... I didn't realize I broke the sound barrier when I ran over to the village."

A look of surprise crossed Misses Ohari's face.

"… Ummm… do you know where you came from?"

Looking out the window, I pointed in the direction of the flower field I was born in. Though far away, I could no doubt tell its signature beauty from the surroundings.

"I was born in that flower field from a large lily flower."

Misses Ohari's body suddenly froze.

"Wait did you just say the flower field over there? THE Flower Field?"

A look of confusion and shock was smeared on her face as the realization settled in. Her hand pointed in the same direction as mine as if to confirm her disbelief.

"Yeah, why?"

Misses Ohari looked towards the flower field in silence… her eyes seemingly pondering something I can't tell.

"Misses Ohari?"

"Eh? Oh… it's just that the flower field over there is very unique and special… it's a memorial… to someone important."

Misses Ohari smiled at me, her smile carrying a hint of indescribable sadness. A memorial? I remember the words "in the memories of Asura" on the mask. Was the flower field dedicated to… Asura? Maybe I can ask later…

"That's odd though… I've never seen someone like you or any people like you especially with your features. You say you were born from a flower, but I've never encountered a dryad such as you?"

Misses Ohari studied me a bit. Dryads? Are they perhaps the beautiful flower people I saw before? Does… this mean Misses Ohari doesn't like my appearance?

"Perhaps you are one of a kind? Or maybe my knowledge is lacking. Those flower symbols on your body and your bright yellow eyes as well as that dark tan… and those muscles at such a young age… but I think you still look cute and pretty regardless especially with your adorable long pointy ears and poofy hair."

She poked my ears and gave me a smile this time with the holy glow of a thousand suns (my eyes!! It's too bright!!). Her compliment and smile made me feel all fuzzy as joy rose through my body. It was warm, lovingly warm.

"Really! You think so?!"

"Come one, I have no reason to lie… especially to someone as innocent and naive as you."

I beamed my best smile and Miss Ohari poked my cheeks a little and took the seat next to me. I leaned into her a little, despite knowing her for a short time, I felt comfortable next to her… and her fluff.

"So why did you decide to come to this village?"

"When I saw the village I decided to come here in hopes of learning where I am, about this world, and maybe find clues about who I am… Oh and go on an adventure!"

Misses Ohari chuckled a little at my exclamation.

"Well aren't you quite the energetic and inquisitive one. Adventurous too. By the way, I forgot to ask, what's your name? "

My name?

"I don't have a name… I was just born not even a day ago."

"Oh right… whoops… sorry."

I don't have a name… as I fell deeper in thought…

"Are you okay? You seemed lost in thought."

"Yep I was, I was trying to think of a name… hmmmm… "

I struggled some more to think of a name but with my limited experience in this world, I slumped my shoulders in defeat in the end. I thought about perhaps giving myself a flower name since I knew all of them… but that would be no fun and unoriginal. Misses Ohari saw my defeat and reassured me.

"Don't worry… finding a suitable name for yourself takes time you know? Though I couldn't say my daughter's name is… creative."

Misses Ohari seemed to question herself before focusing back on me. Her hands now together on her lap and her eyes locked on me with intent.

"You don't have a home or any place you plan to stay at do you?"

"No, I do not… I don't have a place called home."

No place called home… that's right. Though it just occurred to me, I really don't have a place to return to do I? The flower field I was born in seemed nice but looking around me once more, I thought maybe this is what a home is, a place of warmth, a place where someone kind would always care for you. A place among others where I could meet many different kinds of people like before. I looked at Misses Ohari, and the thought of being alone on an adventure with no place to call home dampened my desire to explore the world and a heavy weight set upon my chest. Misses Ohari is a compassionate and kindhearted person that I want to be around.

"Aww… don't look so down. It'll ruin that cute face of yours. You think I'm just going to let a young girl wander around by yourself? You can live with me and my daughter for the time being."

She patted my head gently, playing with my two licks of hair that seemingly wagged around. My face brightened up immediately to her response. My mood sure turns around quick, part of my charms I guess… or maybe issues.

"Really!?"

At my grateful enthusiasm, Misses Ohari blessed me with another heartwarming smile.

"Of course! Food and money are no problem. Plus, I always wanted to have another daughter! I don't get any sense that you're a bad person, in fact, you're quite lovely… and a little awkward."

I leap into Misses Ohari, throwing the cloak she gave me off my shoulders and hugging her tightly. Her breasts provided a very soft pillow for me to face plant into. Her tail was super soft but this is nicely soft too in a different way. Misses Ohari almost fell upon impact, but after saving herself from falling, she smiled down at me and embraced me in a loving hug of her own.

"I'm sure my daughter will love to have an energetic and fun little sister like you."

Just as she finished saying that the door opened and a confident voice resounded through the cottage.

"Mother I'm home! I got all the groceries and sold some of your cookies. Jeez… what would you do without me? I don't know how you can still get lost after living here for how many yea~"

The voice abruptly stopped.

"Hmm?"

I turned my head around that was once nestled in Misses Ohari's bosom when suddenly a karate chop of righteous fury came down on my head. I immediately sank down onto the floor clutching my head.

"Owwww!"

Through the head-splitting pain, I hear a fuming voice.

"Stay back you vile temptress! You won't have my mother! Leave or face my wrath!! Mother! How many times did I tell you not to talk to suspicious people that come to the village, especially this nude pervert!"

Still crouching in pain I raised my head to see my attacker. Before me, standing protectively in a fighting pose guarding Misses Ohari was a fox girl with fiery orange hair tied into nine tails glaring at me with an equally fiery, amber set of eyes.