"Oh, Teacher Lucan!" Xue Lan called out with a warm smile, waving from across the snow-covered slope.
Lucan turned toward her. pleased to see her. "Ah, Teacher Xue. It's good to meet you again."
After their brief yet intense adventure in the tribal village, Lucan and Maris had returned to the snow-capped mountain where they had started. The sky was clear, and the sun gleamed brightly off the fresh layer of snow. The cool air bit gently at their faces as they descended back onto the slope.
As Lucan and Maris approached, they found Xue Lan waiting at the foot of the slope with the other students. Behind Xue, Maris could see her friends—Fiona, Bethy, and Hima—gathered around, It seemed everyone had gathered here.
"How about you? Are you having fun?" Xue Lan asked, tilting her head curiously.
