[center][b][color=DBA901][url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9XK10VhW3A]X I U[/url][/color][/b]
Upper Ring.
[sub]Click the name to listen to her theme while reading :)[/sub]
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As a warm gust of wind blew in through the open window, the woman with the mass of curly brown hair was just beginning to stir in her bed. As Xiu Qianru was starting to rouse from her sleep, the wind that flowed into the room caused some few strands of hair to brush against her freckled cheeks and tickle her into a conscious state. Her nose scrunched up and eyebrows furrowed before her eyes opened and looked around the space in a daze. The sudden light of the room caused her pale green eyes to flicker open and closed as they tried to adjust, and a yawn escaped the woman as her hands went above her head into a stretch, the sound of soft fabrics brushing up against one another was lost to the intensity of the yawn. In one smooth motion, Xiu was up and out of bed, pulling her robe closer to her as shuffled across the room to the window. Upon reaching the ledge, she huffed and rested her elbows against it, peering outside and allowing the warm air to further wake her. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she took in the beauty of her surroundings. It was quiet, serene, and even the maids and butlers that were bustling around doing busy work in the garden seemed to be glowing along with everything else. Xiu had no better way to describe it. It was all just... glowing, and she glowed right along with it. With one last final grin and a wave to a maid that had spotted her, she closed the window and retreated to the next room where she would prepare herself a bath. She had a big day planned, and Xiu was determined to look her best through it all.

After she would go through the motions of bathing and dressing herself, she would tackle the biggest challenge of all... with little luck. Despite all attempts to tame her hair, Xiu failed to do so and simply tied it aside as she always did. By the time she was done getting ready for the day, she was already due to be at work. She wasn't too worried about arriving late, considering what day it was. Her mother was capable of running the flower shop with or without Xiu's assistance. Though, with the thought of a scolding in mind, she picked up the pace and gathered her things before heading out. 

She would stop off at her father's study first, knock a few times on the large door and then peer inside, only to find it empty. It wasn't odd for him not to be around considering he had an important position of work. Though she was a bit disappointed. It meant she wouldn't be able to see him until the day was practically over. Sighing, she retreated from the study and shut the door behind her. As she walked through the halls, she could see separate parts of the palace where the King and other Advisors and their families lived. With a space so big, even with the maids around, the place seemed so empty. There were just not enough people to fill it. As Xiu was lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear a light tapping sound of footsteps that mixed with hers in the hall. She hadn't realized she wasn't alone until she heard her name being called from behind her. 

[color=pink]"Miss! Miss Xiu!"[/color]

[color=palegreen]"Yes?"[/color] she called, pausing in her walking and turning in the direction the voice was coming from. Her eyes brightened when she saw one of the maids who she was friends with. It was a woman a few years older than her who had spent more time with her than her parents ever did. 

[color=palegreen]"Oh, Yuni! It's you."[/color] she greeted with a wave as the woman approached before reaching into her back. In a way, Yuni was like a big sister to her. She was considered Xiu's 'personal' maid, who tended to her every need and anything that had to do with her. She was like the sweet and caring big sister she never had. One thing they shared in common was this very special day. Xiu pulled out a small box and extended it out towards Yuni just as the woman did the same.

[color=pink]"Happy Birthday!"[/color]

[color=palegreen]"Happy Birthday."[/color]

The two blinked at each other as they said the words at the same time. A moment later, the two erupted into laughter as they exchanged gifts. 

[color=pink]"Miss Xiu, you know you didn't need to get me anything."[/color] the maid told her, blushing and taking the gift. She pressed the box close to her chest as if it was something precious to her. 

[color=palegreen]"How can I not? You're always so caring towards me. Even when I said I want nothing, you still go out and spend your money on me every year. I had to return the favor this time."[/color]

[color=pink]"It's no trouble at all. You turned twenty one today and yet you still have work. It's a shame... I wanted to get you something at least. Something one of a kind, just like you."[/color]

The words of Yuni touched Xiu and she stepped over, drawing the woman into a hug. [color=palegreen]"You're so kind, Yuni. Thank you. Though, it's your birthday as well and you need to work. I suppose today we're the same."[/color] she said with a grin.

[color=pink]"I suppose so. Each year I grow older and you grow more beautiful."[/color] she said, placing the small gift box into the pouch at her waist. [color=pink]"As soon as I have free time, I'll open it."[/color]

[color=palegreen]"Same for me."[/color] Xiu told her, placing her own gift into her bag. [color=palegreen]"I slept in very late today so I need to hurry over to the flower shop."[/color]

[color=pink]"Alright. I'll stop by the shop later and pick up some flowers for your room, how about that?"[/color] she suggested.

[color=palegreen]"That sounds perfect. I'll be seeing you then!"[/color] Xiu said, waving again before turning around and continuing on her way out of the palace. Yuni waved towards her retreating back before going her own way as well.