Han Tai Prefecture, Yellow Mud Lane.
Through the years of trampling, the soil of the alley was compacted, reflecting an oily sheen. When the sun shone upon it, it was blindingly bright, dazzling the eyes.
Beside the alley, in the courtyard of a small household, was a well built with blue bricks, three feet above the ground. A few withered branches crisscrossed to cover the well mouth.
"Snap!"
A wet satchel broke through the withered branches, emerging from the well first, crashing to the ground and kicking up dust. Two furry paws hooked onto the blue bricks, and with a forceful leap, a shadow somersaulted twice and a half in the air, landing on one knee.
Beads of water dripped to the ground, staining the yellow earth brown.
"Achoo!"
Otter Kai sneezed twice, shivered slightly, and grabbed the satchel.
The Huangmei season in Pingyang was muggy and humid, while Han Tai Prefecture, though not hot, was incredibly dry.
