[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/acCZCUg.png[/img][hr]Jocasta [@Force and Fury], Yalen [@pantothenic], Ysilla [@Pirouette], Zarina [@YummyYummy], Kaspar [@Wolfieh], various NPCs.[hr][b][color=7ea7d8]Event:[/color][/b] Hugo's task [b]|[/b] [b][color=7ea7d8]Location:[/color][/b]Tethered Refuge, Torragonese High Desert.[hr][hr][/center]
As Ayla is at the stables, she finds the children eagerly coming to meet the group again, though the tales of excitement are more muted than their initial arrival. It is no surprise that Laëlle, the tall Miattanese girl, was in the crowd too.  She approaches her with her arms wide to take her within for an embrace, then pushing her back gently with her hands placed upon her shoulders. [color=7ea7d8]"Now, what is your name?"[/color], the other girl with an embarrassed blush, [color=6ecff6]“Laelle... It is Laelle”[/color], [color=7ea7d8]"Laelle! That is better, be proud of who you are."[/color] as Ayla takes her in once again.

Zarina chuckled at the sight. Daoud the camel had to be tended to so she handled that while witnessing Ayla’s infinite affection be poured onto the poor kid, [color=C78A2C]”She’s always like that,”[/color] she reassured the Laella, [color=C78A2C]”just go with it. I promise this lion doesn’t bite.”[/color] she then shakes her head and snorts, letting the two get to know each other.

Ayla smiles widely as she playfully shushes towards Zarina, [color=7ea7d8]"Alchemist once told me that every time you hug someone, your body naturally produces a happy chemical. A free happy drug.”[/color]. She gives Laelle a grin, taking the girl by the arm as she moves towards the door of the Refúgio. [color=7ea7d8]”A little Rolieiro told me that you are a sonic mage…”[/color], Laelle looks puzzled, [color=6ecff6]“We don’t tend to get birds, it was I who said...”[/color], Ayla simply smiles, conscripting the girl, [color=7ea7d8]"Then you must play, we get your instrument"[/color].

[center][youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhQzpkTZdLw[/youtube][/center]

Around the Naranja tree, the pair of them play for the small gathered audience of those who returned and those already in residence. They were offered refreshments in between playing their duets, free flowing and full of musical improvisation.

[color=7ea7d8]"By the Pentad, that was needed."[/color] Ayla leans back as she hears the relaxing sound of dripping water around the pool, chilling after the jam session with her new friend Laelle. [color=6ecff6]“I never played like that before”[/color], Laella smiling with her guitar, fingers lingering as they continue to idly pluck upon it, [color=6ecff6]“I would love to travel the world playing like this, in every town and village, the new Leon Solaire!”[/color]. Ayla gasps loudly in a playful manner, getting a cushion and throwing it towards Laelle, [color=7ea7d8]"Is being the next Ayla not good enough for you?"[/color]. Laelle squeals out as she was hit by the cushion, throwing it back [color=6ecff6]”But he plays the lute! Besides… he is far more famous than you.”[/color], sticking her tongue out teasingly towards the other. Ayla smirks, [color=7ea7d8]"By chance, he attends my academy, and a thought occurred by introducing you to him… perhaps that was in error."[/color], [color=6ecff6]“No! Ayla, you are the coolest, please introduce me to him!”[/color]...

After curfew is called, Ayla travels with Jocasta, Marceline and the others to attend the meeting. She is now mentally refreshed and prepared for her presentation before Amanda, de facto leader of the Tethered at the Refúgio.

[hr][color=7ea7d8][b]Next:[/b][/color] It is time to meet Amanda (for real)...
[hr][hider=TL;DR Summary]
Friendship building with Laelle.
Music jam in middle of Refuge.
Laelle simps Leon.
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