The morning was crisp, the air carrying the distinct bite of winter. Jin and his daughters made their way along the snow-covered trail, their breaths visible in the cold air. The faint crunch of snow underfoot mixed with Mochi's lively chatter and the occasional whistle of a winter bird.
"Father," Gian called out, her voice calm but curious, "do you think the city will look different in the snow?"
Jin glanced back at her, his expression unreadable but calm. "It will glisten, perhaps," he said. "Snow softens edges, but cities are more than their appearance. It's the people who make them."
Gian nodded thoughtfully, her emerald eyes gleaming with interest as she began to sketch a passing evergreen, its branches heavy with snow. Meanwhile, Mochi, unable to contain her energy, ran ahead and then back, her boots thudding on the path.
"Do you think they'll have sweet buns in the city, Gian? Warm ones?" Mochi asked, tugging at her sister's sleeve as they walked side by side.
"They might," Gian replied, not looking up from her sketch but smiling faintly.
"Sweet buns, sweet buns, sweet buns," Mochi chanted under her breath, skipping ahead again.
Jin, walking slightly ahead, kept an eye on both of them, his lips curling into a faint smile. He didn't interrupt their chatter, finding solace in their excitement.
As they approached the outskirts of the city, the landscape began to shift. The dense forest gave way to scattered homes, their roofs blanketed with snow. Smoke rose from chimneys, the faint smell of burning wood carried on the breeze.
By the time they reached the city proper, the scene was vibrant despite the winter chill. Shops bustled with activity, vendors called out their wares, and children laughed as they played in the snow.
"Oh!" Gian paused, her eyes wide as she took in the cobblestone streets and tall, intricate buildings. "It's so… alive," she murmured, hastily flipping open her sketchbook.
Mochi tugged on Jin's coat. "Father, can we get sweet buns now? Pleeease?"
"Later," Jin said, ruffling her hair.
Mochi pouted but quickly forgot her disappointment when she saw a vendor roasting chestnuts nearby. "Look at those! Are they sweet too?" she asked, pointing.
Jin shook his head, amused. "Not everything is sweet, Mochi."
As they moved deeper into the city, they came across a group of young cultivators, their robes marked with the insignias of various sects. Some carried scrolls, while others stood at attention, their hands resting on the hilts of their weapons.
Gian slowed, watching them intently. "Are they disciples?" she asked quietly.
"Yes," Jin replied, his tone even. "They train in sects to grow stronger, learning the ways of cultivation."
Gian's brows furrowed in thought. After a moment, she asked, "Could I join a sect one day?"
Mochi spun around, her scarf whipping behind her. "Join a sect? But why? Isn't it better at home?"
"It's not that I want to leave," Gian said softly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "It's just… it feels like there's more to learn out there."
Jin didn't respond immediately, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed her. The thought lingered in his mind as they finished their walk through the city and made their way home.
That evening, as the warmth of the hearth filled the room and snow began to fall again outside, Jin sat quietly, watching his daughters. Gian was sketching a scene from the city, her concentration absolute, while Mochi hummed to herself, playing with her wooden figurines.
Breaking the silence, Jin spoke. "Gian."
She looked up, startled. "Yes, Father?"
"You asked about joining a sect. When you're of age—twelve—you'll have the choice to enter one. But it's not a decision to take lightly," he said, his tone measured.
Her face lit up with a mix of surprise and excitement. "Really?"
"Yes," Jin said simply. "When the time comes, I'll make sure you have options. You'll choose the one that suits you best."
"What's so great about a sect, anyway?" Mochi interjected, her nose scrunched. "They look boring."
Jin chuckled faintly. "Perhaps for now, Mochi. But your sister wants to learn, and there's no better place to grow than where challenges await."
Mochi folded her arms, unconvinced, but didn't argue further.
As the fire crackled and snowflakes danced outside the window, Jin made a quiet decision. The peaceful life they had led was precious, but it was time to prepare his daughters for the grandeur of the world—and the weight of their lineage. Soon, they would move to the largest country, a land where powerful sects thrived. There, Gian would begin to understand the larger world—and the legacy of her father.