Silence had descended over the clearing, the only noise being the rustle of the wind, a child’s crying, and the mother trying to hush it before the demon’s eyes turned to them. With Ywa’n’s collapse, blood gushing from his broken nose, anyone who had even an inkling of challenge left in them felt it die away. As mothers began to urge their children away, warriors standing on trembling legs to block them as they began evacuating, laughter started up from the great stone platform.

[color=DeepSkyBlue]”Hehe... Heheheh... Ahahah!”[/color] Leaping from the platform to land in the bounds of the stone-edged arena, Kailani darted forward. She leapt right onto Siobhan, arms around her neck hugging her – and hanging off a tiny bit. Whatever, ‘demon’ girl could handle it. [color=DeepSkyBlue]”You did it! Holy storm, you actually did it! I’m going to build you the [i]best[/i] damn ship you could ever ask for! It’ll have three – no, [i]five[/i] wings, and I’ll deck the Captain’s area in gold, I’ll sew you a flag myself if I need-”[/color]

“Kailani...” For once the islander didn’t mind being interrupted, hearing the quiet tone of her mother. Kailani looked over, seeing the Chieftain approach. Finally she let go of Siobhan’s neck to drop back down, offering her mother a wide, genuine smile.

[color=DeepSkyBlue]”Hey, Mom, don’t look so down! We’re all getting what we want here. I get to go on adventure, build ships, and you’re young – you can still have another kid! One that can actually lead the tribe and isn’t such a fuck up.”[/color]

“I never wanted you to leave.” Her mother responded simply, looking down at her. The intense look was wiped away, her brows furrowed and looking older than she ever had. Sad. Even in proximity to the ‘demon’ her gaze didn’t stray, but Kailani’s seemingly ever present smile faltered.

[color=DeepSkyBlue]”... Aw, Mom, don’t get sappy. You know this is all I’ve ever wanted, and hey!”[/color] Gently, almost playfully the islander elbowed Siobhan. [color=DeepSkyblue]”At least you know I’ll be well protected, right? Siobhan has to be the strongest person on the other side of Ka Li’Ai!”[/color]

“... I suppose. The Demon did win the Tournament.” Aila’s eyes focused on the fishwoman, studying her. “I cannot grant you my blessing, Kailani, but ... I do wish you luck, if you are meant to leave with this ‘Siobhan’. At least I know you ended up marrying the strongest there was.”

[color=DeepSkyBlue]”Yep! Nothing to worry about there, we’ve – wait, what?”[/color]

“That’s a joke, Kailani.”

[color=DeepSkyBlue]”... I didn’t know you could make those.”[/color]