Jamari was excited as she stepped into the main village. The place was busy but oddly quiet, with only a few people around. She carefully looked at everything, making sure to keep her face hidden under her hood.
Corvus, sensing her excitement, flew off her shoulder. A crow drawing too much attention wouldn't be good. Jamari depended on the bird's sharp vision to help her find her way through the village, seeing things through its eyes.
The village was full of people going about their day. Houses lined the streets, each with its own character. It was a big change from the isolated cabin where she had been kept for twenty years.
As she walked into the market, Jamari was surrounded by busy merchants and eager shoppers. She was amazed by the bright colors and different goods on display. From beautiful fabrics to fragrant spices, the market was full of things to see and smell.
She was curious about everything but held back from asking too many questions. Corvus stayed at a safe distance to avoid drawing attention. Jamari quietly watched the people around her, focusing on each face that passed by.
Some were old, with lines on their faces showing a life full of experiences. Others were young and energetic, their eyes full of dreams. She even saw children, their laughter and playfulness showing their innocence.
Jamari noticed the beauty in each person but couldn't help searching for someone who looked like her. With her snow-white hair and pale skin, she stood out, but she didn't dwell on it, focusing instead on the freedom to explore.
Lost in the market, Jamari smiled as she touched the patterns of a beautiful garment. Some people gave her strange looks because of the large hood covering her face. But she didn't let their curiosity bother her, continuing to explore the market, fascinated by everything around her.
As she wandered through the stalls, the scents of food made her hungry. The sounds of people bargaining mixed with the laughter of children nearby.
In the middle of the activity, a small child caught her attention. He came up to her and tugged at her cloak, his wide eyes asking for help. Jamari knelt down, her heart softening.
"Are you hungry?" she asked softly.
The child nodded, holding out his tiny hand. Jamari noticed a cart nearby with fruits. She picked up a ripe apple and handed it to him.
The child smiled, took a quick bite, and then ran off into the crowd. Jamari felt a sense of satisfaction from her small act of kindness.
However, her good deed didn't go unnoticed. The fruit seller, who owned the cart, approached her with a stern expression. His eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"You need to pay for that," he said, his voice harsh and accusing.
Jamari was confused, trying to understand what he meant by payment. Her eyes widened, showing her innocence.
"I thought we were free to take from nature since it belongs to everyone," she said sincerely.
The man's anger grew, and he grabbed her wrist tightly. To him, she was just a thief. Panic started to rise in her, and she struggled to free herself from his grip.
Sensing her distress, Corvus swooped down, creating a distraction. He flapped around the man, cawing loudly and pecking at his arm. The man was momentarily startled, giving Jamari a chance to escape.
As she pulled away from his grasp, the man struck Corvus, sending the bird tumbling to the ground. Stunned but determined, Corvus still tried to protect her.
The commotion drew the attention of the market-goers, who started watching the scene unfold. Whispers filled the air as people's eyes moved between Jamari and the fallen bird.
Not giving up, the man yanked Jamari's hood, determined to reveal her face. As sunlight hit her pale skin and white hair, the crowd gasped in shock.
Her porcelain-like skin and flowing white hair made her stand out, unmistakably different. The whispers grew louder, spreading fear, awe, and superstition.
"Vedan," the man muttered, his voice trembling with fear.
Jamari realized she was now the center of attention, her mysterious identity exposed. The crowd's reaction shifted from curiosity to fear, and the atmosphere grew tense. Mothers pulled their children close, and panic spread quickly.
"Vedan!" someone shouted in terror.
Chaos erupted as the crowd scattered, trying to escape the perceived threat. Jamari's heart pounded, the weight of their fear pressing down on her.
Sensing danger, Corvus urged her to run. "You need to get out of here now," he said urgently.
Without hesitating, Jamari pulled her hood back over her face and ran through the alleys of the market. Her feet hit the cobblestones hard as she focused on finding safety, not daring to look back.
She kept running until she reached the woods, where the thick trees provided cover. There, hidden from view, she finally stopped, breathing heavily. She leaned against a tree, her heart still racing from the chaos she had just escaped.
As the adrenaline faded, she took a moment to calm herself. She let out a long, tired sigh, her mind spinning with confusion and frustration. In the quiet of the woods, she found comfort in Corvus's presence.
"Corvus," she called, her voice filled with exhaustion and curiosity. "What just happened? Why did they react that way?"
Corvus landed on a nearby branch, his eyes showing sadness and understanding. "I didn't expect you to be discovered so soon," he said solemnly. "Maybe it's time for you to learn the truth."