[Center][img]https://i.imgur.com/iN4aAHz.png[/img][hr][hr][b][colour=6f4a50]Event:[/colour][/b] A Night at the Tavern, Metropolis [b]|[/b] [b][colour=6f4a50]Location:[/colour][/b] Wánggǎng, ReTan[hr][hr][/center]

As the group prepared to depart, Maura found herself remaining behind. With a gentle wave, she bid farewell alongside Qadara, Xiulan, Wu Long, and the Inn’s owner and family as the others disappeared through the portal.

A tinge of curiosity flickered in her eyes as she turned her gaze towards Wu Long, who stood before them, his words lingering in the air. [colour=ed1c24]"I must rest to regain my strength,"[/colour] Wu Long stated with a solemn tone, his eyes scanning the gathered individuals. [colour=ed1c24]"You will watch over this body of mine."[/colour] Maura tilted her head, a mix of puzzlement and intrigue colouring her expression. [colour=C0C0C0]"Are you going to support them?"[/colour] she asked, seeking clarification.

The Exemplar lowered his head in a respectful nod before he made his way towards one of the inn's dorm rooms. [colour=ed1c24]"I have a plan, child,"[/colour] he replied cryptically. [colour=ed1c24]"My immediate appearance would only interfere."[/colour] With those enigmatic words, he disappeared into the room, leaving Maura and Xiulan to exchange bewildered glances.

Maura turned her attention to Xiulan, hoping for some clarity. [colour=C0C0C0]"That does mean yes, right?"[/colour] she inquired, her voice tinged with uncertainty. Xiulan, equally perplexed, furrowed her brow and offered a hesitant response. [colour=a2d39c]"I think so,"[/colour] she replied, her voice reflecting her confusion. [colour=a2d39c]"Perhaps he just needs to rest first."[/colour]

[hr]
Maura engaged in a deep discussion with Yin and Mr. Wei, the innkeepers who had been hesitant to reveal their plan at first. As she shared Ingrid's words, the family gradually opened up, explaining their intentions in more detail. Their plan involved setting fire to the inn, making it appear accidental or the result of external hostilities. In the aftermath, Mr. Wei would file a petition with the local magistrate's office, presenting the circumstances surrounding the fire and seeking compensation.

Upon submitting a formal petition, detailing the circumstances of the fire and requesting compensation, the local magistrate would undertake an investigation. The magistrate's office would carefully assess the extent of the damage and take appropriate action. Considering that Wanggang held a significant position as the jewel of the Retannese Empire, it was anticipated that the magistrate would allocate resources to assist the affected individuals.

The allocated resources could potentially include financial aid or materials to aid in the reconstruction of the tavern. This support aimed to rejuvenate the area, ensuring that it maintained the necessary level of prestige and prominence. The magistrate's involvement would help uphold the reputation of Wanggang as a thriving and prosperous location within the empire.

Maura listened attentively as they outlined their reasoning. Being caught using magic had placed them in a precarious situation, one that resonated with Xiulan's own experiences. To ensure their safety and that of young Yong, who possessed the power gazer mana-type, they believed it was necessary to flee and start anew. Their hope was to use the insurance money to fund their escape, assuming new identities in a different location.

After a thorough discussion, Maura offered an alternative solution. She proposed that the family relocate to Longwang, where she planned to establish a bustling entrepôt. In this scenario, they would be compensated with an inn in Longwang as an investment in their future, and easily securing a more favourable rate for the property than they would receive as mere compensation. This arrangement would provide them with a legitimate means to relocate, eliminating the need for them to commit further crime and fraud, requiring them to go into hiding.

With the approaching events of the following day, Maura encouraged Mr. Wei and Yin to consider the various paths available to them throughout the night. They would need to reflect on their choices and determine the best course of action for their future.

[hr]
As the night grew late, the ambiance in the tavern shifted to a quiet calmness, punctuated by the occasional burst of laughter from the two girls. Maura had introduced Xiulan to the Game of Liar's Dice, and they found amusement in their friendly competition.

[colour=a2d39c]"If there is a mention of the governor of Longwan one more time..."[/colour] Xiulan chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief as the girls discussed. [colour=C0C0C0]"Wasn't it worth it just to see Captain Zhao's reaction? Although, we think my joke got lost in translation. If only that other translator had your skill, maybe he would have dared cracked a smile,"[/colour] Maura added with a playful grin.

Meanwhile, Qadira, exhausted from the day's events, had curled up nearby and let out a contented yawn. [colour=a2d39c]“Do you think the others will be okay?”[/colour] Sensing Xiulan's concern, Maura paused for a moment and sighed. [colour=C0C0C0]"They are strong, much stronger than me. If anything, we might only get in their way,"[/colour] she admitted, her tone tinged with a hint of self-doubt.

Xiulan shook her head vigorously. [colour=a2d39c]"No, Maura. You're wrong. Not many people would have faced that Nikanese lady like you did. You have spirit,"[/colour] she affirmed, her voice filled with admiration. Maura smiled warmly and squeezed Xiulan's hand in gratitude.

[colour=C0C0C0]"We were absolutely terrified, and to be honest, still am,"[/colour] Maura confessed. [colour=C0C0C0]"It's naive, but we had this vision of it all being like a children's book, you know? The hero overcomes great evil, makes the world a better place, and ends up with a princess."[/colour] She smirked mischievously. [colour=C0C0C0]"Well, we're at least a third of the way there,"[/colour] she added, winking at Xiulan.

Xiulan dismissed the comment about being a princess, her expression turning more serious. [colour=a2d39c]"They hid the fact that I am a true Jiang. It only fuels my resentment toward the Twin Emperors. To possess this magic, the ability to do good, and yet be unable to use it..."[/colour] Her voice trailed off, filled with frustration.

Maura contemplated Xiulan's words. [colour=C0C0C0]"To have everything and be unable to use it, or to have nothing and yearn to be able to do more... Who has it worse?"[/colour] she pondered, her voice tinged with a mix of empathy and curiosity.

[hr]
As time passed, a growing sense of unease enveloped Maura and Xiulan. [colour=C0C0C0]"Wu Long still hasn't returned from his rest,"[/colour] Maura finally voiced her concern, her tone marked with a hint of determination. [colour=C0C0C0]"We should go and check on him."[/colour]

Navigating the inn with caution, the two girls proceeded towards Wu Long's room, their footsteps muffled against the worn wooden floor. With hesitant hands, they gingerly pushed open the door, revealing a room shrouded in darkness. The air hung heavy with silence, broken only by the faint sound of their breathing.

[colour=C0C0C0]"Wu Long..."[/colour] Maura's voice echoed softly, her words carrying a mixture of apprehension and respect. [colour=a2d39c]"We apologize for the intrusion,"[/colour] Xiulan added, her tone more formal as she addressed the revered Exemplar. But their words received no response, the room remaining eerily still.

Peering into the dimly lit space, they could discern the silhouette of Wu Long's motionless body on the bed. A gasp escaped Xiulan's lips, her voice filled with disbelief. [colour=a2d39c]"Is he... is he dead?"[/colour]

Maura's instincts kicked in immediately as she sprang into action, her mind focused on assessing the situation and taking swift measures. She drew upon her magic, the energy coursing through her veins, as she meticulously scanned the area for any potential [b]Dangers[/b] lurking nearby. Turning to Xiulan, she urged her to be ready to seek assistance if necessary, hoping they wouldn't need to activate that contingency plan of bringing others in [b]Response[/b].

Approaching Wu Long's motionless body with a sense of purpose, Maura moved with the precision of a trained medic. She carefully inspected his [b]Airways[/b], gently lifting his chin to ensure they remained clear. Placing her ear against his lips, she listened intently for any signs of [b]Breathing[/b], her eyes trained on his chest to observe if it rose and fell with each breath. To her immense relief, she detected the subtle rise and fall of his chest, indicating that he was indeed breathing on his own.

A sigh of relief escaped Maura's lips as she realized there was no immediate need for chest [b]Compressions[/b]. Her initial assessment had yielded positive results, and a sense of hope surged within her.

She turned to Xiulan, her voice filled with a mixture of determination and concern, [colour=C0C0C0]"Help me position him on his side. It's important to prevent any potential choking."[/colour] Xiulan, still bewildered by the situation, looked to Maura for answers, [colour=a2d39c]"What... what's happening?"[/colour]

Maura's frown deepened as she responded, her voice tinged with worry, [colour=C0C0C0]"We're not entirely sure, but he is breathing, even though it may not appear that way."[/colour] With Xiulan's assistance, they carefully manoeuvred Wu Long into the recovery position, ensuring his airways were clear.

Maura's hands moved over Wu Long's body, utilizing her binding magic to conduct a thorough examination. Despite her efforts, there was no response from Wu Long's dormant state. She spoke with a sense of solemn realization, [colour=C0C0C0]"The Exemplar is in a state of deep sleep or coma. His bodily functions are operating at a significantly reduced rate, similar to an animal hibernating. However, there is no brain activity whatsoever. It's as if he's in a vegetative state."[/colour]

Xiulan's eyes filled with distress as she looked down at Wu Long's motionless form. Her voice trembled as she protested, [colour=a2d39c]"He... he can't be dead. We need him."[/colour]

Maura looked up at Xiulan, her eyes filled with determination and a glimmer of hope. She then turned her attention back to Wu Long, contemplating a potential solution. [colour=C0C0C0]"There might be a way. It would be easier if Rikard were here. By passing an electric current through his brain, we could induce a seizure, which should significantly increase brain activity and potentially wake him up. We'll need your help to make it happen."[/colour]

With Maura taking charge of preparing the necessary anaesthesia, the girls held hands as Xiulan provided her vast reserves of energy to support Maura throughout the procedure. They began the process, their combined efforts aimed at generating the electric current. The electricity crackled and arced from Maura's hand, coursing through Wu Long's head and into his brain. Despite their efforts, Wu Long's lifeless body remained mostly still, offering little response.

Maura could sense a surge of activity within Wu Long's brain as neurons fired, but almost instantly, she felt his manas fiercely resisting their intervention. [colour=C0C0C0]"His manas are fighting against us! We need more power."[/colour] Xiulan squeezed Maura's hand tighter, channelling as much energy as she could muster, but their attempts proved futile as Wu Long's manas absorbed the shock, extinguishing the glimmer of hope they had.

Maura released a heavy sigh, her voice filled with disappointment and concern. [colour=C0C0C0]"His manas are too strong. They’re absorbing the shock, preventing any significant impact on his condition."[/colour]

The two girls stood before Wu Long's motionless body, their options dwindling as they struggled to find a solution. Maura's mind raced, trying to find any glimmer of hope in the midst of their despair. Xiulan's question cast a gloomy shadow over their thoughts. [colour=a2d39c]"Do your children's books have a solution for this?"[/colour] she asked, her voice tinged with sadness.

Maura let out a sigh, her brows furrowing in deep thought. [colour=C0C0C0]"Well, there is one story about a Kerreman countess named Margerethe and the Seven Hegelans. In that tale, she was poisoned and fell into a deep slumber. The Handsome Prince woke her with a kiss, and they lived happily ever after,"[/colour] she explained, pausing for a moment before turning to Xiulan. [colour=C0C0C0]"Do you... fancy giving him a kiss to bring him back to life?"[/colour]

Xiulan's eyes widened in surprise, her words stumbling as she tried to respond. [colour=a2d39c]"M-Maura, I think... I think we should do something. But... I don't know if I can... uh... perform the... kiss."[/colour]

Maura's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, realizing the misunderstanding. [colour=C0C0C0]"Oh, no, Xiulan! It's not a romantic kiss at all! It's simply a way to resuscitate him. We have to save him!"[/colour]

Xiulan blushed deeply, her gaze shifting downward. Her voice quivered with hesitation. [colour=a2d39c]"Oh, I-I see. It's just... in the story, there is a romantic twist to it, and... well, I didn't want to assume..."[/colour]

Maura couldn't contain her amusement and let out a giggle. [colour=C0C0C0]"No, no, it's not like that at all. It would be just a life-saving technique. Here, kiss the back of his hand. That should work."[/colour] She gently raised Wu Long's hand and offered it to Xiulan. The princess leaned in awkwardly and pressed her lips against the back of his hand, both of them anxiously waiting for some sign of life.

[colour=a2d39c]"Maura, it didn't do anything. It was only a children's tale,"[/colour] Xiulan said disappointedly. Maura glanced at Wu Long, deep in thought. [colour=C0C0C0]"Perhaps it needs to be on the lips,"[/colour] she mused.

[colour=a2d39c]"No, Maura. If you want him to be kissed, do it yourself,"[/colour] Xiulan replied, her annoyance evident. Maura paused, a mischievous smile spreading across her face. [colour=C0C0C0]"You're right. Perhaps we should do it,"[/colour] she said, her eyes gleaming with determination.

[colour=a2d39c]“You’re a Governor, a Trade-Princess doesn’t count”[/colour], Xiulan reminded, Maura countered. [colour=C0C0C0]“Governor of Longwang, the Island of the Dragon King. That would put me higher authority than just a regular dragon, right?”[/colour]

Xiulan's eyes widened in shock. [colour=a2d39c]"No, no, Maura, don't..."[/colour]

But Maura had already climbed onto the bed, positioning herself over Wu Long. [colour=C0C0C0]"Alright, Wu Long, listen to me. The Governor of Longwan demands that you awaken!"[/colour] With that, she leaned in and pressed a kiss to his lips, hoping for a miraculous response.

Xiulan cringed, her face contorting in disbelief as she watched the scene unfold. Maura pulled back, her expression unamused. [colour=C0C0C0]"That felt like we just kissed my father,"[/colour] she remarked, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

Xiulan couldn't help but retort, [colour=a2d39c]"Imagine allowing the Exemplar to have dignity in death."[/colour]

Maura's blush deepened, realizing the implications of her actions. [colour=C0C0C0]"He is so lucky to receive not one, but two kisses from princesses,"[/colour] she muttered, a mix of embarrassment and amusement in her voice.

[colour=ed1c24]"Rumours of my death have been greatly exaggerated,"[/colour] Wu Long stated with a slight smile. Maura and Xiulan let out surprised gasps, their eyes widening at his sudden awakening. He gestured to his lips, then to the back of his hand, as if testing his senses, before sitting up.

[colour=ed1c24]"I thank you both for taking such great care in watching over me,"[/colour] Wu Long expressed his gratitude, seemingly unaffected by the previous events. He stood up and made his way to the door, his demeanour enigmatic. [colour=ed1c24]"We will reconvene when the time is right,"[/colour] he said, his words carrying an air of certainty.

Maura and Xiulan exchanged puzzled glances as they watched him leave the room. They were left with a mixture of awe and confusion, unsure of what had just transpired.

[hr]
As Maura settled into bed, exhaustion weighing heavily on her, she hoped for a peaceful night's sleep. One could easily understand if her lack of rest could be attributed to the series of extraordinary events she had recently experienced. From the daring adventure within the forbidden city to the perilous brushes with death, not once but twice, alongside her friends. Add to that the encounters with Ash, the enigmatic Black Guard, and the harrowing ordeal of Wu Long's near-death experience. And let's not forget the anxiety-inducing fact that her beloved had ventured through a mysterious portal, leading to unknown and undoubtedly treacherous realms. However, her rest was repeatedly disrupted by a persistent and bothersome chicken.

[colour=white]“Squawk!”[/colour]

Driven to the point of frustration, Maura finally succumbed to the temptation of dealing with the chicken. She ventured outside into the cool night air, determined to silence the noisy creature. The strange looking chicken was causing mayhem, and yet, rather than resorting to violence, she decided on a more compassionate approach. Utilizing her binding magic, she closed the chicken's beak, hoping to restore tranquillity to the inn.

To her surprise, the chicken seemed to wait for the opportune moment to continue its clucking. As Maura went outside once more, she couldn't help but notice that the chicken had grown even larger since their last encounter. Rubbing her eyes in disbelief, she dismissed it as a trick of the night, attributing the unusual size to her weary mind. She gently lifted the chicken and placed it outside the inn's gate, urging it to find a more suitable place to make its noise down the street. [colour=C0C0C0]“Go and make yourself into a tasty Shāo jī”[/colour]

As she made her way back inside, a sense of relief washed over Maura. However, her attention was drawn to the coop, where she spotted a single egg. It was a curious sight, and she carefully relocated the egg to a cosy spot in the straw-filled area of the coop. Satisfied with her efforts, she finally returned to bed, hoping that the disturbances were at an end.

As the night progressed, the chicken's clucking ceased, and Maura was finally able to drift off into a much-needed slumber, her mind momentarily free from the chaos and challenges that had plagued her in recent days.

The chicken had clucked off.

[hr]
As the night pressed on, the faint rumbling of wagons grew louder with the early morning light beginning to cast its gentle glow over the horizon. Fatigued and still mentally immersed in slumber, Maura wearily ventured out to greet the retainers who had arrived with carriages laden with a selection of appropriate attire befitting the occasion of dining in the presence of the Twin Emperors. After fulfilling the necessary paperwork and formalities, she eagerly made her way back to her room, yearning for a moment of respite and tranquility.

[colour=C0C0C0] “Xiulan, they have brought us clothes!”[/colour] On the lack of any response, she couldn't help but mutter in exasperation about being the one constantly interrupted from her slumber, all the while motioning dismissively towards Xiulan's room in the hope of finding solace and peace at last.

Finally.

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