Solae still wore the same gown as before, finding it the best representative of herself, her family, and the position she held in the Stellar Empire. If she was honest with herself, she also was inclined to keep on the dress that had left Rene speechless. While she was an ambassador, explorer, and duchess, she was also a woman absolutely smitten with a man, and she found herself incredibly biased towards the reactions of her beloved. Because he found her breathtaking in the hues of blue and gold, and his eyes had traced the flattering design, she felt twice as beautiful than when she was admiring herself in a mirror.

Lacking appropriate attire for a formal occasion, besides the suit that doubled as a uniform, both Yarue and Dasin had eagerly accepted the woven clothing generously gifted to them by their Kalderi hosts. It was of an obvious different style, but it marked the first major thread of commonality between the races, and the pair of Syshin had marveled over the craftsmanship between themselves. Both wore slacks tailored to their leg joints (a better fit than any previous) and a tunic that flowed from their shoulders to their knees.  Unlike either the human or Kalderi, however, there was no metallic adornment. The Syshin's culture centered on the earth as it was rather then glittering gems or aesthetic decadence. They wore a deep chocolate brown with thread of sapphire blue, emerald green, and vibrant shades of orange and yellow that represented water, vegetation, the sun and sand of their home world. They had come far from the arid, windy planet, but it was still dear in their hearts, even if neither had personally set foot on one of its deserts.

"This is like a temple," Yarue observed in Syshin, his eyes following the kaleidoscope of colors dancing along the shifting walls. "Our kind comes from a place that does not have oceans like these," he added in the common tongue, making an effort to be polite by using the universal language. "Water is..." he turned to Solae for translation help and, once she gave him the word, continued, "sacred to us. I wish I could show my people this place."

It was more a furtive desire than a request, but Lithyll stared at him calmly for a moment and nodded. "We will make a recording on a crystal for you," he offered. "You will be able to use it to create a visual copy like your... holograms you call them. Would that be acceptable?"

Darue and Yasin bowed deeply, genuinely moved by such a gift. The former was so sincerely touched he emoted something like a melancholy joy, which did not have a name in the imperial tongue, but was nonetheless profound. Darue mourned that he could not provide the real experience, because he recognized how blessed he was to have found empathetic humans doing so much on his behalf, and aliens that were similarly understanding, and felt almost guilty that he could not share in the bounty. Happiness swelled inside him as well, though, that he could return to the Syshin with visions of magical places they could travel if Solae's equality endeavors were successful. He remained cautiously optimistic. No one doubted the truth of her passion, but remained to be seen if her convictions could persuade others enough to combat the prejudice inherent in their society.

"I'm ready," Rosaria announced, uncomfortable with the delays.

"Yes, let us proceed Lithyll. I'm very excited to have Sir Rene dance with me," she said with an unabashed wink to her beau.