A tall, broad-shouldered Tabai with leathery, brindled skin reminiscent of a wildcat’s pelt—faded tawny shot through with gray and charcoal stripes. His right cheek is marked by two long, puckered scars that never quite healed flat. He walks with deliberate, earth-heavy strides that seem as patient as the mountains themselves, but when angered, he moves like a striking serpent. Unexpectedly, his feline ears are pierced with tiny bells that barely jingle—gifts from grateful children.