h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Day 13:

This morning, Vinco announces that with any luck they will reach the first settlement by the end of the day. This is useful, since using the sled is going to be harder and harder now that they are running out of snow. Using some of the ropes, the sled is pulled in turns while the others walk beside it to guide it through ever muddier terrain. The ceremonial dresses have been packed safely as the women each take their share of pulling together with their still fresh husbands.

They make good progress until they encounter a beautiful but inconvenient waterfall in a narrow part of the gorge. Aggen points at a large overhanging tree at the side and suspends a rope over a thick branch. He then climbs down so that he can lower the packed pieces of luggage from the sled one by one. That being done, the sled remains. With Aggen's rope and an extra held from above, they carefully lower the sled along the waterfall. Not yet halfway, disaster strikes as a surge in the waterfall catches the sled and breaks the upper rope. The now falling sled launches Aggen upward until it smashes at the bottom of the waterfall. The now missing counterweight means that Aggen goes back down again, fast. Everyone at the top of the waterfall cringes at the terrified scream from below, even though they have still to come to terms with falling over themselves. Yusna hurries to peek over the edge and is slightly relieved to see her man is clutching at his leg, swearing but still breathing. The luggage has broken the worst of his fall.

Using the remaining rope, one by one they climb down to check on Aggen. When Yusna tries to straighten out his left foot, he cries out in agony. It is clear he will not be able to walk on it for some time. While the women try to fixate the foot with twigs, strips of fabric and creepers, the other men try to recover and rebuild what is left of the sled. This takes quite some time.
Eventually, Aggen is perched between the softer bits of luggage on top of the sled as they continue on to the promised settlement.
Not long before sunset, they finally reach the stone enclosure wall of the settlement. It is a jumble of round and vaguely rectangular buildings, some stone, some dried mud brick, all rather small in the eyes of Pato and Bora. Cows and some sheep walk around between the buildings as villagers come out to greet them. Apparently the group, minus Pato and Bora, is known here since they already stayed here on the journey up the mountain, so Aggen is swiftly taken inside for further care, closely followed by Yusna.
Vinco discusses the proceedings of the last few days with the village elder. Apparently, this settlement is part of the larger Clan that Vinco has just recently become heir apparent to, so Pato is not surprised to see him take charge, introduce Bora as his wife and then Pato himself as his brother-in-lore.
Each couple is assigned a hut for the night and food is shared with the Elders. (and most of the youngers as well). This time Pato takes care to go easy on the dark red fruit drink that is offered since the a sharp aftertaste reminds him of his stag night on the mountain.

When everyone is filled and content, the couples retreat for their first night in privacy.

That fall must've been Aggeny. Ouch! (sorry)

Don't be sorry, I hid the same idea in the story already.

It makes you realise how vulnerable these people are. I admire their resourcefulness.

Average life expectation 26 years...

If the volcano doesn't get them, the waterfall might...